Gallery Action

New Dallas gallery dreams big in Deep Ellum vintage brick building

Deep Ellum Art Co. is opening in a vintage building.

Courtesy photo

A new gallery is opening in Deep Ellum with the goal of celebrating the artists and the eclectic vibe of the neighborhood. That's great, but even better, it will feature a built-in bar. Called Deep Ellum Art Co., or simply Art Co. — for the signature sign that has hung over its front door — it's founded by entrepreneur John LaRue, who also owns So-Cal Tacos in Grapevine.

Located at 3200 Commerce St., the facility was built in 1949 and was once a printing press repair shop, and before that an auto parts and service center for a local dealership in the '50s. The sign on the building used to say Smart Co., but someone made off with the first two letters, leaving "Art Co." as an inspiration.

The building has 5,000 square feet with 10,000 surrounding square feet of treed outdoor space.

LaRue says that Deep Ellum Art Co. will represent a full spectrum of the arts including "music, culinary, sculpture, 2D, 3D, digital and more." The facility will combine an indoor-outdoor art gallery, stage for live music, and nearly 60-foot bar with 31 taps, 24 beers, and seven cocktails.

The building is at the corner of Murray Street — until recently on the outer, less-explored edge of Deep Ellum. However, the center of gravity is about to shift with the addition of the Case Building Apartments, a residential high-rise being built nearby.

In anticipation of its September opening, Deep Ellum Art Co. has several commissioned pieces up already and a first group gallery show that takes place September 1-3. Exterior panels, being created now, will will feature works by more than 20 artists.

LaRue has appointed Amber Crimmings as artistic director, and they have big plans, including an outdoor artist market and an artist mentor program.

"It's our goal to create a space that showcases local artists, a place where they can come together and work as a community and grow in their craft," he says.

The schedule includes:

September 1–2: Forgotten Space (Grateful Dead Tribute)
September 2: Inhabitants group art show
September 3: Arkansauce
September 5: Zach Witness’ Electric Revival Album Release Party
September 9: Art Yard Artist Market
September 14: "Get Inky" Printmakers Group Show
September 22: Thaddeus Ford immersive cultural experience
October 4-15: Skinny Cooks Residency (every Wednesday)
October 7: Friday's Foolery and Lunar Eclectic with MOJO
October 13: Henry and The Invisibles Intergalactic Space Disco Starparty with DJ Mikey Rodge
October 14: Class Reunion with Nervana, Green Dazed, and Sedated

Downtown Dallas news

Dallas Arts District picks Dallas College leader as executive director

Photo by Jaren Collins

Ahava Silkey-Jones

The Dallas Arts District has found its next leader: Ahava Silkey-Jones has been named executive director of the nonprofit that supports and promotes the downtown Dallas cultural district. She succeeds longtime executive director Lily Weiss, who retired earlier this year after more than a decade in the role.

Silkey-Jones joins the Dallas Arts District from Dallas College, where she served as vice provost of the School of Creative Arts, Entertainment and Design, a release notes. During her tenure, she led academic strategy, programming, and industry partnerships across seven campuses.

She brings more than 15 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, arts administration, and civic engagement.

"The Dallas Arts District is one of America's great cultural neighborhoods — a place where creativity inspires community, strengthens the economy and enriches everyday life," Silkey-Jones says in the release. "We have an incredible opportunity to elevate the District's national and global profile while creating an even more welcoming, connected and vibrant place for everyone who lives, works and visits here."

The leadership change comes after a busy year for the 118-acre district, which encompasses 19 cultural institutions and is billed as the nation's largest contiguous urban arts district. The district recently adopted a strategic plan centered on advocacy, placemaking, public safety, infrastructure, programming, and long-term growth, they say.

The area also took on a higher profile during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting the RedBall Dallas public art installation and four major festivals that brought hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors downtown, they say.

Board chair Warren Tranquada, who is also president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, says Silkey-Jones has built a career around creating partnerships among the arts, education, and community organizations.

"This organization's role in shaping downtown's quality of life, economic vitality and global identity has never been more important," Tranquada says. "Ahava has spent her career bringing people together across sectors to create lasting community impact."

Silkey-Jones has received several recent honors, including the 2025 Obelisk Award from the Business Council for the Arts and recognition as one of Women We Admire's Top Women Leaders. She holds degrees from Harvard University, Roosevelt University, and DePaul University and serves on several local and national arts and education boards.

Former board chair Jill Magnuson, who stepped in as interim executive director following Weiss' retirement, will return to serving as a volunteer leader.

“Jill's leadership during this transition was invaluable,” Tranquada says. “She provided stability while also helping establish a clear vision for the future. Her work has left the organization stronger, and we are grateful she will continue supporting the Dallas Arts District as a volunteer leader.”

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