HAPPENINGS

#IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit

NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, northparkcenter.com/events

We weren’t too surprised, sadly, to learn that less than 30 percent of the workforce in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is female. But we were stunned to learn that, according to a study done in 2016, there are very few public statues of women in major U.S. cities. The organizers of “If/Then” wondered: Could there be a correlation? Because, they thought, if she can see it, then she can be it. We are impressed — and your kids will be, too — by the striking exhibit that resulted from such musing. “If/Then” features more than 120 statues of women, each of whom is a STEM innovator. These ambassadors for the American Association for the Advancement of Science traveled to Dallas in October 2019 for individual full-body scans at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to create life-size likenesses made of acrylic gel using a 3D printer. (Each one took 10 hours to print.) The exhibit features interactive elements, too, including audio and video of each woman and QR codes linking to more information about their careers. From space flight engineers and shark researchers to roboticists, ocean explorers and game developers, the paths each woman pursued are as varied as their ages and backgrounds. Before you go, visit ifthenexhibit.org to print out a scavenger hunt. Walk among the statues at CenterPark Garden, between entrances to Macy’s and Nordstrom, and see all 14 of the Texans represented inside on level one of NorthPark, near Zara. Through Oct. 24

Minerva Cordero A mathematician and professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, Cordero grew up with limited resources in Puerto Rico and now has three degrees in mathematics. Her expertise is in the building blocks that create encryption mechanisms. The active mentor strives to move the needle on numbers of women with careers like those represented in the “If/Then” exhibit. She frequently gives workshops for parents of middle school girls on the value of a STEM education. “I firmly believe that if parents do not see their daughters as successful scientists or engineers, we will never bridge the gap in the nation’s workforce.”

Heather Chandler A video game producer with 24 years’ experience, Chandler has led teams at companies such as Epic Games, where she worked on the popular Fortnite franchise, among others.

Beata Edyta Mierzwa The University of California at San Diego postdoctoral researcher studies how cells divide, but the artist side of Mierzwa creates fashions covered in patterns made from photos of human cells.

Danielle Twum Originally from Ghana, West Africa, Twum has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Vassar College and a doctorate in cancer immunology from the University at Buffalo, where she studied breast cancer metastasis.

Naïf Art Show

Tower Gallery, 636 S. Main St., Grapevine, 817-410-3185, grapevinetexasusa.com/museums/tower-gallery

An anonymous Grapevine collector shares 110 paintings from his personal collection of “naïf” artworks from 11 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru and Spain. Perhaps better known as “outsider,” “primitive” or “naïve” art or even, incorrectly, as “folk art” — which includes works beyond paintings and develops from distinctive cultural traditions — the term “naïf” derives from “naivete,” the French word for innocence and ingenuity. The simplicity and flat perspective of the pieces give them a childlike charm most Americans know from works by Grandma Moses or Henri Rousseau — often referenced as the first famous naïf painter. The exhibit is sponsored by the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau. Through July 23.

Men of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth.

African American Museum, Fair Park, 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, 214-565-9026, aamdallas.org

This immersive exhibit profiles athletes, scholars, artists and others who have played a role in affecting the culture and history of the United States. Categories such as Fathering and Myth-Breakers offer different views of iconic figures such as Muhammad Ali and James Baldwin through photography, art, stories and historical materials. Through Sept. 12

Places People Still Talk About

Southlake Town Hall, 1400 Main St.

As time marches on, it’s nice to look back at places that have meaning to those who lived in Southlake when it was a small town. From grocery stores to the original location of Carroll High School to what is thought to be Texas’ first integrated cafe, some of these places remain only in memories and photographs. The Southlake Historical Society’s collection of images, gathered from locals’ scrapbooks and newspaper archives, is the group’s seventh Town Hall exhibit. Learn more at southlakehistory.org. July 12-Sept. 11

KABOOM

Independence Day oohs and aahs are back. Here’s a short list of some area shows. Check each event’s website for up-to-date information.

Southlake Stars & Stripes

6-10 p.m. July 3

Head to Southlake Town Square for an evening of entertainment, food and activities for all ages in the Family Park in front of City Hall and Frank Edgar Cornish, IV Park off Grand Avenue. Fireworks cap off the day around 9:30; visitsouthlaketexas.com/296/Southlake-Stars-Stripes.

Addison Kaboom Town!

9:30 p.m. July 3

Considered to be one of the top fireworks displays in the nation, the light show, which starts around
9:30 p.m., is visible for miles around; addisonkaboomtown.com. 

Arlington Independence Day

9:30 p.m. July 3

Take a lawn chair and tailgate in the parking lots at Globe Life Field or AT&T Stadium for the city’s free show; arlingtontx.gov/independence_day.

Flower Mound Independence Fest 

July 3-4

Festivities kick off with the children’s parade on Saturday and end with Sunday’s fireworks. Sunday’s events begin at 5 p.m. at Bakersfield Park, 1201 Duncan Lane; flower-mound.com/festival.

Fort Worth’s Fourth

6 p.m. July 4

Cowtown’s celebration on the Trinity River lights up the sky, ending a daylong festival that includes food, music and pre-fireworks river tubing. Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St.; fortworthsfourth.com. 

Grapevine July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

9:30 p.m. July 4

Fireworks over Lake Grapevine begin after dark, but early birds get the best spots at lakeside parks and other viewing areas. Parking fees may apply depending on location. Learn more at grapevinetexasusa.com.

Roanoke All American Fireworks & Festival

5 p.m. July 3

Music, food (including a pie-eating contest), games and more precede the fireworks.Roanoke Community Park, 201 Park Drive; roanoketexas.com/250/Roanokes-3rd-of-July.

Trophy Club Fireworks Celebration

6-10 p.m. July 4

Arrive early to find a space before the park lights go out for the fireworks display at 9:30. Entry is free; non-Trophy Club residents pay $10 for children’s activities. Independence Park East, 500 Parkview Drive; trophyclub.org/292/Fireworks-Celebration.

The Science of Guinness World Records

Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St., Dallas, perotmuseum.org

This exhibit displays classic Guinness records such as the world’s tallest man (there’s an opening in the shape of 8-foot Robert Wadlow) and the world’s largest rodent (check out the “mouse hole” for the 174-pound capybara). Learn the science and secrets of how record-holders achieved their feats of skill and strength. Interaction and education commingle throughout the fun, colorful exhibit, which will appeal to young and old. The Perot is now open daily. Through Sept. 6

Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve Adult Education

The spring rains made our yards and gardens look good, but as we head into the heat of summer, we’ll be looking for expert advice to keep them that way. The nature center partners with the Tarrant Regional Water District and area master gardeners for free virtual classes. July 20 Learn how to grow and maintain cacti and succulents. Aug. 10 From ground covers to shrubs, shade-tolerant plants are in the spotlight. Visit experiencesouthlaketexas.com/626/adult-outdoor-education to register.

Dallas Arboretum Dollar Days

8525 Garland Road, 214-515-6615, dallasarboretum.org

August typically isn’t the prime time for a visit to area botanical gardens, but discounted admission and shaded pathways make for an enjoyable walk in the park at the arboretum. Reward yourself with $2 root beer floats and hot dogs, $4 brownie sundaes and $1 sodas and frozen pops from the Terrace Cafe. Reservations for entrance required.

Fort Worth Zoo Safari Splash

1989 Colonial Parkway, 817-759-7555, fortworthzoo.org

Head west for a day at the zoo and pack swimsuits to cool off before or after at Safari Splash. The zoo’s water park features a water dump tower, four slides, animal-shaped water cannons and a play area just for toddlers. There also are shaded areas for lounging and a refreshment stand. July through August hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily; $5 with zoo admission.