Art on Display

Downtown Dallas hotel ups art quotient with next artist-in-residence

The Fairmont Dallas has brought on Dallas native Pamela Nelson as artist-in-residence. It's the latest art-centric move for the hotel that's adjacent to the Dallas Arts District.

Nelson is a well-traveled artist whose work has been displayed in places like the Dallas Museum of Art; the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.; and the National Arts Club in New York City. She was also appointed to the United States Commission of Fine Arts in Washington, D.C., by President George W. Bush in 2001, a post she completed in 2011.

"My hope is to explore photos and clippings from great entertainers that performed in the Venetian Room, which was the place to be in the 1970s in Dallas," Pamela Nelson said.

You've likely seen her work while out and about in Dallas, as she's responsible for, among others, Color Equations at NorthPark Center, a terrazzo floor medallion at DFW International Airport and tile murals adorning posts at DART's Dallas Zoo Station.

The Fairmont established its artist-in-residence program in 2010 as an opportunity to foster creativity in local, regional and national artists. Like those before her, Nelson will reside at the Fairmont for three months while working in a studio space at the hotel.

Guests and visitors can even watch Nelson while she works: The studio, located in the O level of the hotel's south tower, has a glass front.

The artists says she will spend her time at the hotel delving into the institution's past. "My hope is to explore photos and clippings from great entertainers that performed in the Venetian Room, which was the place to be in the 1970s in Dallas," Nelson said in a statement.

"I will concentrate on small studies using paper collage and historic documents from the hotel's archives. The collages may be reminiscent, in some ways, of quilts or embroidered textiles."

Nelson will be the artist-in-residence through August 31, a term that will end in her contributing a custom piece to the hotel's permanent art collection. She'll also have a solo exhibition in the hotel's contemporary gallery during her stay.

Pamela Nelson will spend the summer as artist-in-residence at the Fairmont Dallas hotel.

Courtesy photo

Pamela Nelson will spend the summer as artist-in-residence at the Fairmont Dallas hotel.

unspecified

Dance News

Dallas Black Dance Theatre makes interim artistic director permanent

Photo by Aleah Pilot

Richard A. Freeman Jr. became the new artistic director October 24, 2025.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has officially named Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as its new artistic director, ushering in a new era of leadership for the dance company as it approaches its 50th anniversary season.

Freeman, a longtime member of the DBDT family, has served as interim artistic director through the company’s recently completed 48th and current 49th seasons. His appointment, effective October 24, 2025, marks a natural progression for the former lead dancer, resident choreographer, and artistic project coordinator, whose career within DBDT spans more than a decade of creative and organizational leadership.

“Richard has been an integral part of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's artistic fabric for years, and his extraordinary leadership during his time as interim artistic director made this decision clear,” says Heidi K. Murray, a member of DBDT’s board of directors, in a release. “His dedication to artistic excellence, his deep understanding of our mission, and his vision for the future of contemporary modern dance make him the ideal person to lead DBDT into this exciting new chapter.”

DBDT founder Ann M. Williams echoed the sentiment, calling Freeman’s appointment a full-circle moment for both artist and company. “Richard embodies everything Dallas Black Dance Theatre stands for: artistry, excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting our community through dance,” she says in the release. “I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a gifted dancer into an inspiring leader and visionary artist. His dedication to preserving our legacy while boldly charting new artistic territory gives me tremendous confidence in DBDT’s future.”

During his tenure as interim artistic director, Freeman guided DBDT through seasons marked by artistic innovation and expanded community engagement, but also staff shake-ups and legal issues.

In October 2024, accusations of retaliation surfaced after 10 DBDT dancers, its entire main company, were fired following their decision to unionize in May and demand better working conditions. This led to an unprecedented "Do Not Work" order by the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Dallas City Council ultimately voted to withhold $248,000 in city funding due to labor violations, and DBDT later settled for $560,000 with the National Labor Relations Board.

In response, DBDT formed a 17-member advisory stakeholder task force co-chaired by Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., and Shawn Williams, vice president of public affairs at Allyn. The group has been working with DBDT leadership to review the organization’s policies and practices, propose changes that foster an accountable environment, and put in place safeguards to prevent future concerns related to talent.

In September 2025, executive director Zenetta Drew announced her retirement after nearly four decades with the company. A national search for her replacement will start in early 2026. Williams retired in 2014.

As artistic director, Freeman will oversee all aspects of DBDT’s artistic operations, from performances to educational initiatives, and continue to expand its reach throughout Dallas and beyond.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation established by the vision of Ann Williams,” Freeman says. “This company has a unique power to move, inspire, and unite communities through dance. I look forward to working with our talented dancers, staff, and board to create unforgettable artistic experiences and to nurture the next generation of dance artists.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Freeman began his training with the District of Columbia Youth Ensemble and the Washington Ballet before graduating from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University. His performance credits span acclaimed companies and productions, including Elisa Monte Dance, Houston Grand Opera, Porgy and Bess, and The Wiz.

Freeman’s choreographic works have been featured by leading institutions such as Texas Ballet Theater School, Texas Christian University, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He has also shared his expertise through master classes and workshops nationwide, reinforcing his commitment to DBDT’s educational mission.

Founded in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest and largest professional dance company in Dallas and one of the most acclaimed Black dance institutions in the U.S.

dallas black dance theatre dance