Summer Colors

Cherished art auction connects Dallasites with creative up-and-comers

Desmond Blair is an artist and a problem solver. Being born without hands has not stopped this talented young man from pursuing his painting with passion and ferocity.

As a child learning how to write, Desmond would practice in coloring books with his grandmother. That early exposure to color and graphics instilled in him a love of art that has become a driving force in his life. With a background in 3D and digital art, Desmond now works primarily in oils on canvas, with a focus on portraiture.

“Part of the reason I paint, and will continue to paint, and will continue to get better at painting, is to prove that just because somebody has a disability or is born different doesn’t mean they are limited in what they do,” he says.

“I know there will be somebody coming along behind me and will have to deal with the same things, and if the pathway is already kind of cleared. ... I think I can rest easier knowing I made somebody else’s life a little easier.”

Currently working as a project manager in the IT department of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Desmond credits a hospital fundraising event, Summer Colors Art Show, as one of the main reasons he has gotten serious about his painting in the past few years. In 2011 he was asked to donate a piece to the silent auction, and Desmond says it has become one of his favorite shows and a benchmark for his work.

Desmond is just one of the local artists being showcased this year at Summer Colors Art Show on July 30. Founded in 2009 by Jenny and Loren Koziol and Dupree and Jill Scovell, Summer Colors has grown from a small two-person show to an exciting silent auction featuring upward of 25 artists from around Dallas-Fort Worth, and it has raised nearly $50,000 for the hospital.

Entering its seventh year, Summer Colors offers the Dallas community a chance to support Texas Scottish Rite while being exposed to some of Dallas’ most exciting up-and-coming artists.

Co-founder and artist Jenny Grumbles Koziol says the main goals of Summer Colors are to introduce new friends to the hospital, raise funds and to give emerging artists a platform to share their work. “Plus it’s a good deal,” she adds. “Because it’s an auction, you can leave with some beautiful art at a great price!”

Event details:

Summer Colors Art Show
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Thursday, July 30, 6:30-8:30 pm
Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door
To purchase tickets: https://community.tsrhc.org/SummerColors

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has been caring for children since 1921. TSRHC treats children with orthopedic conditions, such as scoliosis, clubfoot, hand disorders, hip disorders and limb length differences, as well as certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders such as dyslexia. Please visit us online at TSRHC.org or Facebook.org/tsrhc, or call us at 214-559-5000 for additional information.

Desmond Blair works in IT at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, but he's also a talented artist who contributes works to the Summer Colors fundraiser.

Photo courtesy of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

Desmond Blair works in IT at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, but he's also a talented artist who contributes works to the Summer Colors fundraiser.

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A Familiar Face

Dallas Theater Center names Jaime Castañeda as new artistic director

Photo courtesy of Dallas Theater Center

Jaime Castañeda is the Tony-winning theater's new artistic director.

The Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center has found its next artistic director: Jaime Castañeda, who has a long history with both DTC and North Texas, will become the regional theater's sixth artistic director beginning July 2026. The 2026-27 season will be the first chosen by him.

Jonathan Norton, DTC’s resident playwright, is currently serving as interim artistic director and will continue to lead the remainder of the 2025-26 season, which culminates in the world premiere of his play Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem in May.

“DTC is committed to artistic excellence and community engagement, and we believe Jaime’s experience, creativity, bold vision, and proven leadership, coupled with his dedication to innovation, will guide DTC into an exciting new chapter in the life of the theater," says board chair Lynn Pride Richardson in a release.

In 2012, Castañeda directed DTC’s production of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity by Kristoffer Diaz. But he began his career more than 20 years ago in Dallas-Fort Worth by founding Firestarter Productions while still attending Texas Christian University. In addition to directing at DTC, other local theater credits include Kitchen Dog Theater, Amphibian Stage, and Circle Theatre. Castañeda is a recipient of the Princess Grace Award, the Drama League Directing Fellowship, and holds a BFA from Texas Christian University and an MFA in Directing from University of Texas at Austin.

Most recently, Castañeda directed at such leading theaters across the country as American Conservatory Theater, South Coast Repertory, Huntington Theatre Company, and La Jolla Playhouse, where he previously served as associate artistic director from 2014-2018. He was also artistic associate at Off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company from 2009-2014.

"Jaime brings a bold, visceral artistic vision, a deep commitment to new voices, and a collaborative leadership style that inspires artists and audiences alike,” says DTC executive director Kevin Moriarty. “With his Texas roots and national experience, I am thrilled to welcome him home as DTC’s new Enloe/Rose artistic director. I have known and admired his work since 2007, when he was already one of the most exciting emerging directors in North Texas, and I later saw him create unforgettable work for DTC on the Wyly stage and at leading theaters nationwide.”

As artistic director, Castañeda will lead the theater’s artistic vision, direct and produce plays and musicals, oversee DTC’s Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company, and partner with Moriarty, the staff, and the board of trustees to advance DTC’s mission, vision, and values.

Castañeda joins a distinguished line of artistic leadership at Dallas Theater Center, including founding artistic director Paul Baker, Adrian Hall, Ken Bryant, Richard Hamburger, and Moriarty, who served as artistic director from 2007-2022.

“We are extremely pleased with a successful national search that brings Jaime to Dallas Theater Center,” says DTC board member Chris Luna. “His energy is contagious and he understands Texas and Dallas. We look forward to collaborating with Jaime as he continues his innovative approach to regional theater.”

Castañeda was selected for the role following a national search led by Management Consultants for the Arts. The search committee was co-chaired by Luna and Richardson, and included Moriarty, Norton, Jennifer Altabef, Diane Brierley, Lauren Embrey, Sam Holland (Dean, SMU Meadows School of the Arts), Sharron Hunt, Randy Kender, Julie Kosnik, Deborah McMurray, Sam Megally, Liz Mikel (DTC Brierley Resident Acting Company member), Andy Smith, Lily Weiss (executive director, Dallas Arts District) and Donna Wilhelm.

“Growing up in Texas, Dallas Theater Center was one of the first places where I saw what professional theater and excellence looked like,” Castañeda says. “I’m thrilled to come back and build on the history of artists and leaders who have been a part of this organization. I’m eager to join Kevin, the board, and our staff to create lasting theatrical experiences for our audiences.”

Dallas Theater Center's current production of A Christmas Carol runs through December 27 at the Wyly Theatre.

dallas theater center jaime castañeda kevin moriarty theater