Florals for Spring

Fresh new NorthPark Center exhibit blooms with creativity and beauty

This spring, NorthPark Center brings the outdoors inside in a truly exquisite way with Fleurs de Villes Artiste.

On view March 20-24 for the first time in Texas, this free exhibition features a curated collection of 15 one-of-a-kind fresh floral mannequins, all created by North Texas' most talented floral designers with themes chosen by the region’s vibrant arts and cultural organizations. Each floral display distinctively showcases the featured institution, encompassing the disciplines of dance, music, theater, visual arts, and more.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Fleurs de Villes combines the love of flowers, local design talent, and bespoke displays for experiential events like none other. Its name translates to "flowers of the cities," guaranteeing that Dallas' display will be wholly unique to its hometown talent.

“For many years, we have been asked about our plans to come to Texas, so we are thrilled to make our entry at NorthPark Center, North Texas’ top shopping destination," says Karen Marshall, co-founder of Fleurs de Villes. "Our theme Artiste is a perfect pairing with this iconic institution, so well known for its commitment to the performing and visual arts, community engagement, and spectacular seasonal landscaping.”

“Dynamic and beautiful landscaping has always been an integral part of the visitor experience at NorthPark Center, alongside the many museum-quality artworks on view for all to enjoy,” says Nancy A. Nasher, owner of NorthPark. “Fleurs de Villes Artiste perfectly encapsulates the harmonious alignment of landscaping and art, highlighting 15 world-renowned arts and cultural organizations in our region. We are thrilled to be the exclusive Texas location for this newly created concept that will draw visitors from near and far.”

Expect stunning floral mannequins from important art institutions including the Dallas Museum of Art, paired with House of CLRK by Emily Clarke; the Nasher Sculpture Center, paired with Urban Flower Grange Hall; and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, paired with Dr Delphinium Designs + Events.

Also keep an eye out for a display celebrating the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, crafted by Blushington Blooms, and a colorful Jalisco dress representing the spirit and culture of Mexico by Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico and Concepto. See the full list of participating florists and their corresponding arts and cultural organizations here.

Photo courtesy of NorthPark Center

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden by Blushington Blooms.

Special events surrounding the exhibition include a meet-and-greet with the floral artists on Saturday, March 23, at 10 am, with an afternoon of cultural performances following at noon. Learn more here.

In addition to Dallas, the Fleurs de Villes Artiste 2024 global tour will travel through the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, stopping in cities including Miami, Quebec City, Costa Mesa, Chicago, Toronto, Atlanta, Edinburgh, Vancouver, Boston, and New York.

Fleurs de Villes Artiste is located on level one between Neiman Marcus and NorthCourt and is free and open to the public. Due to the delicate nature of fresh flowers, it is only on view until March 24, so get there before they wilt!

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RIP Mark

Colorful Dallas musician and DJ Mark Ridlen passes away at 65

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Mark Ridlen RIP

A bright and colorful light in Dallas' music scene went out: Mark Ridlen, DJ and musician, passed away on November 17, following a bout with cancer; he was 65.

From his appearance in Ron Howard’s 1978 directorial debut, Cotton Candy, to his groups Quad Pi, Lithium X-mas, and a plethora of side projects with scores of DFW musicians, to his full-time job as a professional DJ under the moniker "DJ Mr. Rid," Ridlen had been a steady staple on the local creative scene.

He surfed pretty much every musical wave: from Dallas' epochal dance music scene in the early 80s, to punk rock to his role as one of Dallas' top DJs — the guy you called when you wanted your event to be cool and fun.

Ridlen had been quietly battling kidney and lung cancer for the past three years. Over the summer, he had his second kidney removed, which meant he was on dialysis treatment a couple times a week.

He remained upbeat, but according to friends of the family, two more tumors were recently found in his brain. His family and friends decided to forego further treatment and were by his side when he died.

He remained in demand until his passing. In May, he DJed a party at the Kessler Theater, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Starck Club, the legendary '80s dance music club designed by Philippe Starck, which had a huge influence on Dallas, and which Ridlen was part of.

He was invited to DJ at the Starck Club when it opened in 1984 and remained in that role until the club closed in 1989.

Reid mark ridlen Mark Ridlen (right) with close friend Reid RobiinsonFacebook

From there, he migrated to Expo Park, the underground neighborhood across from Fair Park where art and music ruled. His stints at XPO Lounge, Double Wide, and other neighborhood venues made him a staple in the community.

At the same time, he was a member of Lithium Xmas, a psychedelic art-rock band which he formed with acclaimed musicians Chris Merlick and Greg Synodis.

He was also a pop culture savant with a comprehensive knowledge of music, who balanced a low-key charm with a vibrant sense of style, whether it was a vivid pop-art tunic or a flashy sequinned jacket, he did it all with originality and panache.

In late August, a large circle of musicians and friends rallied to participate in a benefit for Ridlen, to help pay for his medical costs — a sweet indication of the high regard in which he was held.

“I do want people to know that I am not being slowed down by cancer,” Ridlen said at the time. “I'm ready to continue working. I have more-or-less a clean bill of health for the moment, and hopefully that doesn't change.”

Survivors include his mother Nancy and his brother David. A memorial service is in the works with details still to be announced.

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