Your Show of Shows

Gallery picks of the month: An artistic requiem and cuddly canvases

Is livening your living room or expanding your consciousness on October’s to-do list? We have must-see shows that will make you pause and make you think.

This month, discover where large-scale installations go when they leave the museum, revel in a stylish painter’s fashionable presentation and embrace the systems that run throughout our lives.

“Requiem for a Fallen Structure” by Gabriel Dawe, “Accused” by Sarah Ball and “Recent Paintings” by Vincent Falsetta at Conduit Gallery
Reception: October 11, 6-8 pm
Exhibition dates: October 11-November 15

When site-specific installations come down, what happens to the raw materials? If you’re artist Gabriel Dawe, you bring together the remains of the work to create a “Requiem for a Fallen Structure.”

The Dallas-based thread artist has displayed his “Plexus” series everywhere from Museum Rijswijk in the Netherlands to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas, but some of his site-specific works simply can’t stay in their original habitats.

“This show is about the life of the thread after those temporary installations come down,” says Conduit director Danette Dufilho. “We’ve grouped post-study drawings paired with the actual bundled thread. Where his installations are airy and light, when they come down they become relics.”

With something for every aesthetic, Dawe’s bundles and drawings are complemented by small canvases inspired by vintage mug shots of prostitutes, gamblers and smugglers crafted by Welsh artist Sarah Ball. University of North Texas professor Vincent Falsetta’s seismic abstract works complete a very satisfying exhibition.

“SMFW14” by Samantha McCurdy  at RE Gallery
Reception: October 18, 6-9 pm  
Exhibition dates: October 18-November 15

A fresh discovery in last year’s Dallas Art Fair was Samantha McCurdy’s whimsical pastel works cozying up to each other in the RE Gallery booth. McCurdy has perfected her “Snug” series just in time for her first one-woman show, and she’s given it a fashionable twist.

Approaching her exhibit as she would a runway presentation, this artist/stylist created a music video and look book to complement her creations, and her opening will feature a DJ set by Gina Garza as well as signature cocktails in the same lush hues as her canvases.

“I’ve been working in fashion since I was 16, and I really wanted to make an art show just like a fashion show,” says McCurdy. “Designers will have these amazing DJs do a musical score for their runway and work with contemporary artists to build sets for their run. I live very externally, and I want my paintings to experience the same atmosphere — it’s not fair they have to sit on the wall and not come to the party!”

Originally inspired by the exaggerated shapes created by her art’s being stored improperly, McCurdy’s canvases are created in mix-and-match candy-colored hues. Designed to literally “flirt and cuddle” with each other, they’re built with the same dimensions so that the buyer can pick their favorites to snuggle on the wall together.

“It’s like someone saying, ‘I want the shoes from look 4 and the jacket from look 15.’ I’m giving the people who vibe my work the opportunity to choose the pieces they want and create their own outfit.”

“Systema” by various artists  at Zhulong Gallery
Reception: October 25, 6-9 pm  
Exhibition dates: October 25-November 29

Systems in all their iterations — economic, informational, environmental and communicative — drive our daily life in more ways than we realize. This is the premise behind Zhulong’s latest ambitious exhibition from gallery director Aja Martin.

“Systems are really interesting,” she explains. “You have an idea, and the more you pursue it, the more it comes to life. [When curating the show] I started to see how things like poetry become a system; it’s a wide yet specific concept. It’s really about work that presents our contemporary experience with systems in our everyday environment.”

But it’s up to you to make the connection between “Systema’s” installations, coding work, photography, video and new media. From Patricia Reed’s multi-handed, modified industrial clock to Tega Brain’s projection “Kilowatt Hours” projection made from a hacked energy meter, each piece deserves more than a lingering look.

Says Martin, “They all work together in one larger system, and I leave that part open to the viewer. It’s still visually interesting enough that someone without an art background can find [these pieces] intriguing.”

Gabriel Dawe, Post Study Plexus No. 15, Louisiana State University, at Conduit Gallery.

Photo by Kevin Todora

Gabriel Dawe, Post Study Plexus No. 15, Louisiana State University, at Conduit Gallery.

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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.

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