Day Trips
Fri., June 16, 1995
Built in the shape of a cross and made of bright, ivory stone, the building presents an imposing sight at Dallas' Fair Park Grand Avenue entrance. To the west, the Dallas skyline looms on the horizon as a reminder of the various people the museum serves. The museum opened on November 13, 1993.
Much thought and symbolism went into the building's design and construction. Visitors enter through a rotunda capped by a 60-foot dome. Large windows give the space an open and airy feeling. The shape of the windows represents abstract West African art and replicates entrances to 12th-century Ethiopian Orthodox churches. Natural materials and design motifs are used throughout the museum in a manner reminiscent of pre-industrialized African cultures.
Vaulted galleries radiate from the second floor of the rotunda. Each gallery contains an exhibit depicting a different aspect of African and African-American art history. The museum staff has made a concerted effort to present a combination of African arts with African-American artists. These juxtapositions result in an international feel.
One of the museum's most interesting collections is the Billy R. Allen Folk Art Collection. Works in many different mediums from around the United States make this one of the finest collections of African-American folk art in the nation. Pieces in the collection range from brightly colored paintings on wood to heavy metal sculptures. While the art often shows the artist's lack of formal training, it still captures the feelings and moods of the artist. The collection is both whimsical and serious.
The museum began developing the folk art collection and resource center in 1986. Often the artworks are in the form of usable items such as ceramics, woodwork, or weavings. Many of the pieces were created solely for the artist's enjoyment or vision. Many of the art pieces are colorful, simple, and full of emotion.
The museum's annual Southwest Black Art Exhibition features the artwork of emerging African-American artists. The exhibition is a unique opportunity (this year's edition is showing through July 9) to see the works of talented young artists.
The African-American museum is off the walk where Big Tex looks over the State Fair of Texas in the fall. The museum is open Tuesday-Thursday, noon-5pm; Friday, noon-9pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; and Sunday, noon-5pm. Call 214/565-9026 for more information.
Visitors often do not realize that Fair Park is more than just the site of the State Fair. Fair Park has seven world-class museums, including the Dallas Aquarium, the Museum of Natural History, and The Science Place; most are free or at a nominal fee.
East of downtown off IH30, Fair Park was recently included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The Centennial buildings are considered the world's last remaining examples of art deco architecture.
Built in 1936 on the 100th anniversary of Texas' independence from Mexico, the
exhibition halls were intended to last five years, but have been used 60 years.
The buildings may soon be torn down. For information on Fair Park, call
214/890-2911. Coming up this weekend...
Multicultural Trail Ride from Goliad State Park 130 miles to the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Park presents history programs illustrating the contributions of African-American and Hispanic cowhands to Texas, June 11-19. The former plantation in West Columbia will host a Juneteenth celebration, June 19. 512/645-3405.
Berges Fest in Boerne celebrates the town's German heritage, June 16-17. 512/249-8000.
Peach JAMboree and Rodeo in Stonewall highlights peaches and all the fruits grown in the area, June 16-17. 210/644-2735.
Coming up...
"Summer Escapes" programs at REI Sporting Goods offers a weekly snapshot of travel locations through July on Thursdays at 7pm. June 15: Idaho Wilderness; June 22: Glacier National Park; and June 29: U.S.'s Highest Peaks. 474-2393.
The Bat Cave at Moody Gardens in Galveston is the newest edition to the theme park and the largest bat exhibit in the Southwest. Over 60 bats from around the world live in the reversed light-cycle exhibition center to ensure bats are active during visiting hours. 800/582-4673. - Gerald E. McLeod
