Creative

The Cedars Union Gets $500K Grant, Names Former Dallas Zoo and DMA Exec as Executive Director

by | Feb 13, 2025
The Cedars Union, a hub for emerging and mid-career artists in North Texas, is setting its sights on the next level of growth with the appointment of Emma Vernon as executive director. The North Texas nonprofit artist incubator’s upcoming cohort, launching this month, will be its largest ever, chosen from the most competitive applicant pool since its founding in 2015.
MORE
New Looks Unveiled as Fort Worth Approves Land for National Juneteenth Museum
by | Feb 12, 2025
New architectural renderings by the Copenhagen-based Bjarke Ingels Group "reflects the resilience and richness of African American culture and aims to foster education, growth, and connection within the community," the museum said.
MORE
The Last Word: On Lyda Hill Philanthropies Partnering To Produce Women-in-STEM Movies and TV Shows
by | Feb 11, 2025
Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—an ideal day for a Dallas nonprofit to align with a Hollywood movie star to celebrate women in STEM in film and television. According to the Dallas Morning News, Dallas-based Lyda Hill Philanthropies is partnering with Reese Witherspoon’s media company Hello Sunshine to produce and distribute movies and TV shows that champion women's achievements in STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics). 
MORE
‘World’s First’ Holographic 3D Ad Network Launched at Grapevine Mills and Other Malls Across U.S.
by | Feb 5, 2025
Appearing in lifelike, life-size 3D realism on your next Grapevine Mills mall visit: an interactive encounter with characters like Sonic the Hedgehog, comedian Howie Mandel, a velociraptor, and more.
MORE

‘Only Murders In The Building’ Escape Room Experience Coming to Grapevine Mills

by | Jan 30, 2025
Ready to channel your inner Oliver, Charles, and Mabel from Hulu's "Only Murders in the Building"? You'll get the chance starting Feb. 8 when Nashville-based The Escape Game debuts its escape room experience in North Texas.
MORE
The Last Word: Restaurateur Kenny Bowers on His Art Show Benefitting St. Jude Children’s Hospital
by | Jan 29, 2025
Bowers—whose restaurant group operates popular local restaurants including Kenny's Wood Fired Grill, Kenny’s Burger Joint, Kenny’s Italian Kitchen, and Kenny's Authentic East Coast Pizza—took off his chef's hat during the pandemic and began creating art. On Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., he'll be hosting a benefit art show with 100% of the proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
MORE
The Last Word: Azzurro Living’s Brandon Kershner on His 2025 Outdoor Furniture Collection
by | Jan 28, 2025
Azzurro Living—a "luxury-driven" outdoor furniture company in the Dallas Design District—aims to push the boundaries of craftsmanship for outdoor-indoor lifestyles. "We founded Azzurro Living on our love for design and saw an opportunity to bring something truly exciting to the outdoor furniture space," Partner and VP of Design Brandon Kershner said in a statement.
MORE
Ted Danson-Hosted TV Show To Focus on a Small DFW City’s Harnessing of Tech & Innovation
by | Jan 22, 2025
"Advancements with Ted Danson" airs nationwide, reaching around 450 million households via Bloomberg TV and distributed on Amazon Prime Video. Its spotlight on Ferris, 20 miles south of Dallas, will showcase how technology and innovation are being used to transform and empower local government and public administration.
MORE

The Last Word: On The Spark Makerspace at the University of North Texas

by | Jan 16, 2025
At the University of North Texas' Willis Library in Denton, you can find lots of books. But something else is getting checked out: The Spark, one of three makerspaces operated by the university. Open to all UNT students, faculty, and staff, The Spark offers a long list of high-tech tools that can be accessed after training—including 3D printers, laser cutters, a computer numerical control mill, sewing and embroidery machines, tools for science and pottery projects, and more. Audio-visual gear and power tools at The Spark can be borrowed as well.
MORE
The Last Word: James Loomstein on ‘Why Digital Marketing Tactics Won’t Save Your Startup’
by | Jan 14, 2025
Digital marketing veteran James Loomstein shares why startups need to focus on core business problems, not quick-fix marketing tactics. Here are key insights from 10 years teaching at SMU Cox.
MORE
The Last Word: Richard Upchurch on the Inspiration Behind His Brand New Noise ‘Sound Gadgets’
by | Jan 9, 2025
Upchurch is the inventor and mastermind behind the irresistible wooden "sound toys" available from Dallas-based Brand New Noise. Mixing physical knobs and inviting touchability with electronic circuits, his boxy devices range from Moon Lander "tongue drum" recorders with delay effect to Reverse the Curse (shown above), a lo-fi audio recording gadget with pitch control, delay effects, reverse audio switch, and continuous loop switch.
MORE
Action & Indie Film Distributor Well Go USA Entertainment Relocates HQ to Allen
by | Jan 8, 2025
Launched in 1989 after its founders moved to North Texas, the family-owned theatrical and home entertainment distribution company has evolved alongside the film industry. It moved beyond DVDs and Blu-Ray discs to launch its proprietary streaming service, Hi-YAH!, which is dedicated to Asian action cinema—and also engages audiences through theatrical runs and film festivals.
MORE

The Last Word: North Texas’ Ashley Chan on Her Jeopardy! Winning Streak

by | Dec 18, 2024
The Lewisville resident and Dala Communications publicist is making her mark on "Jeopardy," one of television's most iconic game shows. So far, Chan has racked up four consecutive wins and $67,400 in total winnings, with her most recent victory coming down to a nail-biting $300 margin. Her correct answer of "Who is Blanche DuBois?," in Final Jeopardy sealed the deal in what was her closest game yet.
MORE
Titanic Exhibition Returns to Dallas With Artifacts, Ship Re-Creations, and More
by | Dec 18, 2024
The largest and most immersive touring Titanic experience, Titanic: The Exhibition is a narrative journey that focuses on the fates of the passengers and crew aboard the sinking ship with stories, artifacts, and ship re-creations. Here's a preview look at what visitors will see.
MORE
DIFF Becomes Academy Award-Qualifying Festival, Expands 2025 Screenings
by | Dec 16, 2024
Submissions are now open for the 19th annual Dallas International Film Festival, with more than 125 films slated to be screened from April 25 to May 1. For the first time ever, DIFF-winning animated, documentary, and narrative short films may be qualified to enter the Academy Awards.
MORE
Corgan Expands ‘The Shop’ Near Its Dallas HQ To Create Architectural Models, Mock-Ups, and More
by | Dec 11, 2024
The Shop—located near Corgan's West End headquarters—features state-of-the-art tools including laser cutters, advanced 3D printers, and professional woodworking equipment, encouraging architects to get hands-on with their designs.
MORE