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New art space in downtown Dallas opens above Pearl at Commerce

by Stephanie Kern

The first art show begins March 10.

Hal Samples

Travis Bush, visionary behind Upstairs @ Pearl

DALLAS — With happy hour specials and live jazz music, Pearl at Commerce has created a relaxing and inviting lounge-style atmosphere, great for going out with co-workers after a stressful day at the office. Now, Upstairs @ Pearl offers a new space to see artwork displayed by local artists, starting March 10.

Travis Bush, a local artist and PegNews regular, realized the potential of the large space above the popular blues bar and developed an art and custom toy show in the space, sparking interest with local artists. Upstairs @ Pearl is unlike galleries in that artists do not have to pay a fee to display their artwork; they only pay a small commission of sales to the bar downstairs. This benefits the artists as well as the bartenders, creating an overall enjoyable experience for patrons. “People can relax and listen to the plethora of eclectic music they have playing downstairs,” Bush said.

In March, local artists Scott Dorn, Scott Fletcher, Jennifer Gregory Ports, and Randall Mosman will be displaying their artwork in the new space. The show then changes in April to local artists Chad Evans, Mike Salcido, Gwendolyn Coney, Scott Denman, Richard Ross, and Kimberly Bradshaw Meadows.

February show called Downtown Custom

Meadows, an art teacher and mother, discovered the space on Upstairs @ Pearl’s Facebook page. She was impressed with Pearl’s music selection and said she appreciates the new space. “There are so many talented people in the DFW area, and I hope more take the opportunity set before them to share their creativity with others via this venue,” she said.

Future plans for the new venue include more artwork from local artists as well as another custom toy show in May. Although some of the artists have participated in many an art show, others will be displaying their artwork for the first time. Bush hopes to give local artists the encouragement they need to become successful without the criticisms of judging their work.

“There is a disconnect between local artists and big time artists,” Bush said. “I want an avenue of connecting artists and their friends.”

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Rick Yost, says:

Well done Stephanie. And thank you Travis Bush. Pearl has been exhibiting local art and hosting art shows since our beginning. Now we're looking forward to Upstairs @ Pearl opening up to display even more of Dallas' artistic community.

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6 months ago
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Tracy Yost, says:

yeh, this is exactly what was in the business plan in 2006, but could never find anyone to "curate" it, until Travis came along :-) Looking forward to many more successful shows!

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6 months ago
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Jason Rice, says:

Well, there goes the neighborhood.

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6 months ago
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Travis Bush, says:

I would like to thank Peg News for taking the time to do this story and also Rick & Tracy Yost, for allowing me the opportunity.

I would like to clarify one thing. The comment “There is a disconnect between local artists and big time artists,”, isn't what I said. My comment was directed towards the relationship between the Arts District and local artists. What I want is the established artists and the beginners to be side by side and yes, for them to interconnect, which is what I know Stephanie meant to write. There are only so many galleries and so many opportunities for local artists to display their works. My hope is that Upstairs @ Pearl can and will provide that "jumping off point" for some and another option for others.

Thanks again to Stephanie for taking the time out to do a write up. It is most appreciated and I look forward to you paying us a visit here in the near future.

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5 months, 4 weeks ago
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(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

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5 months, 4 weeks ago

alexander troup, says:

Near the new Main Street Park too....Time to go Urban and head for the inner city.....Have fun folks...... Walking distance from everything ...Well many things....Come on down and choose..A/T,,,,

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5 months, 4 weeks ago
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Pavel Lishin, says:

Hey, that's great! I'm glad it's going to become a regular thing - there was some amazing art at the first one, and a HUGE turn-out.

Hoping to make it tonight. There's supposed to be a huge thunderstorm coming, but I see sunshine outside.

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5 months, 4 weeks ago
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Travis Bush, says:

Only some of the artwork will be up today due to unforeseen circumstances.

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5 months, 4 weeks ago
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James Scott, says:

This is awesome...great job guys!

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5 months, 4 weeks ago
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jtmbls, says:

What a great idea! It's been way too long since I have been out there.

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5 months, 3 weeks ago
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Scott Doyle, says:

T-Bush, did everything get moved in? Will have to check it out on Wednesday if so.

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5 months, 3 weeks ago
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Scott Doyle, says:

Answer Doyle!

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5 months, 3 weeks ago
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Travis Bush, says:

Eh...simmer down there, ski bunny! Yes, the monthly show is up. We have a few kinks to work out, but I am very pleased with the response and the art so far.