Frank Stella (American, born 1936) Washington Island Gadwall (Exotic Birds) 1980-81 Enamel, crayon and glitter on aluminum Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Collection

Contemporary Art in Dallas

Ya’ll…I love Dallas.  I’m from here.  My people are here. And I love to shop as much as the next gal….and one of the finest places to shop in Dallas is NorthPark Center.  But you know what I love best about NorthPark?  The unbelievably amazing collection of Modern and Contemporary Art on display for the public to enjoy!

According to the NorthPark Center Website:  “In the early 1960s, Dallas developer Raymond D. Nasher leased a 97-acre cotton field on the edge of town to build what would become the largest climate-controlled retail center in the world.  While cows grazed across the street, NorthPark Center took shape as a work of art with clean, modern lines and open space to display the developer’s fine art collection incorporated into the design.  On July 22, 1965, NorthPark Center officially opened  and since that day, NorthPark Center has defined retail in the Southwest.  In 1995 Raymond D. Nasher sold his stake in NorthPark Center to his daughter, Nancy A. Nasher, and her husband, David J. Haemisegger, who continue a bold legacy.”

The Nasher family has given such a GIFT to all of us in the amazing collection on display at NorthPark Center.  Typically, the Center is PACKED with shoppers.  But, early in the mornings, particularly when it’s cold, I walk at NorthPark.  I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to get good exercise, while enjoying fabulous works from Warhol, Moore, and Caro, to name a few.

Each work is beautifully displayed, surrounded by carefully maintained greenery, orchids, cacti and flowers, and you can find a plaque describing the artist, name of the work, and other interesting information nearby.

Here are some of my favorites:

Liam Gillick (British, 1964) Intermodal Elevation, 2015 Powder coated aluminum, Plexiglas Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Collection

Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997) Double Glass, 1976 Painted Bronze Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection

Barry Flanagan (Welsh, born 1941) Large Leaping Hare, 1982 Gilded bronze with painted tubular-steel base Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Collection

Andy Warhol (American, 1928-1987) Myths, 1981 Screen print with diamond dust on Lenox Museum Board, set of 10 Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Collection

Mark de Suvero (American, born Shanghai, China, 1933) Ad Astra, 2005 Painted steel Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Collection

Henry Moore (British, 1898-1986) Reclining Figure: Angles, 1979 Bronze Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas

Some pieces of art have been at NorthPark Center as long as I can remember, and others move around, or exchange place with pieces from the Nasher Sculpture Center in Downtown Dallas. 

Yes, Dallas is a wonderful place to shop.  And Dallas has much to offer beyond shopping!  But NorthPark Center offers a deeper experience, combining world-class art with fashion. 

“EVERY COMPANY HAS A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ENRICH THE LIVES OF ITS CUSTOMERS AND THE COMMUNITY. IT SHOULD SERVE AS A CATALYST TO LINK ART AND BUSINESS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL.”– RAYMOND D. NASHER

Slow down, y’all and enjoy!

And, if all that shopping leaves you feeling hungry, grab a copy of my Dallas Restaurant Guide!  I’ve hand-picked great spots for Tex-Mex, BBQ, Fine Dining…and even desserts!!!

Featured Image: Anthony Caro (British, 1924-2012).  River Song, 2011-2012.  Steel, rusted.  Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Collection