EXHIBITIONS
Crow Museum of Asian Art
2010 Flora St., Dallas, 214-979-6430, crowmuseum.org The Crow marks the new year, what it has dubbed the “year of light,” with a trio of exhibitions, including two shows highlighting the work of female artists. Admission is free, but donations are accepted; visit the website for more information. Through Sept. 5
Divine Spark Tokyo-born and Dallas-based Kana Harada’s first solo exhibition features new pieces created during the pandemic that aim to inspire hope and optimism through “an imaginative universe of awe, wonder and intimacy.” Harada is inspired by nature, and her watercolors, acrylics, cut foam and cut paper creations make her both a painter and a sculptor.
Born of Fire: Contemporary Japanese Women Ceramic Artists This showcase spotlights the work of living female ceramicists. On loan from the collection of Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz, there are more than 1,000 pieces by over 325 artists. Expect the unexpected, as these women have created pieces that are innovative in their technique and push the boundaries of working in clay.
Vishnu: Across Time and Space The focus is on the popular Hindu god, celebrated for his ability to restore cosmic balance in the universe. In Hindu art, Vishnu typically carries a weapon, either a chakra, represented by a disk or spoked wheel, or a mace. He also bears a lotus flower or bud and conch shell. Works from the Crow’s permanent collection show the variety of artistic representations of this beloved deity.
SPORTS
The American Rodeo
Top athletes from around the world receive invites to compete for the more than $2 million in prize money, but anyone can earn entry to this unique event happening at AT&T Stadium, better known as the home of the Dallas Cowboys football team. The qualifying round, aka the semifinals, is held in Fort Worth at the Cowtown Coliseum. Those who have advanced to the semis via sanctioned events compete over four days for a chance to participate in the big show, as well as earn additional prize money. Learn more and purchase tickets on The American Rodeo website, americanrodeo.com.
Semifinals, Feb. 25-March 5 Cowtown Coliseum, 121 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, cowtowncoliseum.com
Finals, March 6-7 AT&T Stadium, One AT&T Way, Arlington, attstadium.com
Cowtown Marathon, Dallas Marathon
Both races have moved to later spring dates due to COVID, but registration is open. The Cowtown is scheduled for May 8, with a reduced number of races all happening on a single day. Go to cowtownmarathon.org for information and to enter. The Dallas Marathon Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, is scheduled for April 30-May 2. Go to rundallas.com/events/bmw-dallas-marathon-festival to learn more and to register.
EXHIBITIONS
Frida Kahlo: Five Works
Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., 214-922-1200, dma.org
While not on the scale of the DMA’s 2017 exhibit of the acclaimed Mexican artist, “Five Works” still intrigues us, as it should all Frida fans. Made up of five paintings and a drawing from a private collection on loan courtesy of the Galería Arvil in Mexico City, the focused show explores the painter’s late-career foray into still-life paintings, her reflections on her personal adventures and the metaphoric imagery she uses in her work. Free, Feb. 28-June 20
Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora St., Dallas, 214-242-5100, nashersculpturecenter.org
Nasher Mixtape If you like your art exhibitions in bite-size pieces, check out the Nasher’s new show. Billed as a series of “tracks,” these micro-exhibits focus on works from the Nasher’s permanent collection. Just as many of us painstakingly curated different songs by multiple artists on a cassette tape back in the day, the Nasher has grouped works by theme: Into the Garden, For Bill Jordan, The Ends of Minimalism. Pieces from Joan Miró and Martin Puryear are included, along with new acquisitions and some works either making their Nasher debut or leaving the center’s storage vault for the first time in a long while. Through Sept. 26
ATTRACTIONS
Stickwork
Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., 817-463-4160, fwbg.org
This unusual exhibit features sculptor Patrick Dougherty working “live” through the month of February to create one of his fantastical structures in the Fuller Garden. Using his hands and simple tools, Dougherty, who’s in his 70s, and a team of local volunteers weave, twist and shape tree saplings into something unique. Dougherty’s past works have included large-scale tunnels, huts, cocoons, animal and human figures, mazes and more. They’re designed for interaction thanks to entryways and windows being part of each structure. Kids love the work, but so do adults. Dougherty, who hails from North Carolina, combines his background in art history and sculpture with carpentry skills and a love of nature. He has worked around the world — sticks are beloved universally — has won numerous awards and has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning. The finished piece will remain in the garden for as long as nature allows, typically a year. Viewing is included with the price of general admission; check the website for details.
Dallas Blooms
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, 214-515-6615, dallasarboretum.org
The theme of this year’s popular floral festival is “America the Beautiful,” with the focus each week on one of six regions in the U.S.: New England, Southwest, West, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South. Along with more than 500,000 tulips and other spring-blooming bulbs, azaleas and Japanese cherry trees, visitors can enjoy tasting and cooking classes; wine and beer pairings; live music and other entertainment for adults and children; book signings and speakers; and special Easter events. Reserve tickets for timed entry; check the website for information concerning health and safety procedures. Feb. 20-April 11