ArtLoveMagic - The Story

Board Members

Michael Lagocki

David Rodriguez

Michelle McSpadden

Nicole Busby

Derek Miller

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ArtLoveMagic creates live interactive experiences that bring artists and performers together with their communities in brilliant ways.

Humble Beginnings

ArtLoveMagic was founded in January of 2007 by Michael Lagocki, Justin Nygren, and David Rodriguez. Our inspiration was the belief that a staggering amount of artistic talent in our area (Dallas/Fort Worth) was going unrecognized and/or underdeveloped. We knew from personal experiences that artists, writers, and musicians thrive when they work together in creative environments. We decided to throw a live art and performance event.

Our first event, REACH, in February of 2007 was a collective of about two dozen close friends performing on canvas and microphones. The key to the event was that it wasn't just about showing art- it was about creating it. Essentially we invited the audience into a "studio" environment. And we invited them to pick up a paintbrush as well.

It was far more successful than we imagined. Over 300 audience members streamed through the doors, and the passion from both the artists and the audience was overwhelming. Before the night had even ended, we had booked our next show. It was clear, we were on to something.

Finding our way

Very quickly, there was a large demand (from both artists and the audiences) for us to do more shows like REACH. Dozens of events followed, each one with a unique theme and a different lineup of artists and performers. Most creative people who gravitated toward ArtLoveMagic had friends who were artists or musicians as well. We grew, as we started, through relationships.

We also became more and more passionate about using these experiences not just to create and show art, but to teach it. Early on, it was clear that ArtLoveMagic was becoming an incredible hub of knowledge, and a culture where people got excited about sharing it. We began to put together kid's workshops, open mics, hospital visits, and museum talks. The "LOVE" that we put in the middle of our name from the beginning, really did become the center of the story. To find out more about our workshops click here.

To make this happen, the leadership had to grow as well. We formed a board, began training up other producers, and started to take on the look of a "real" community organization. What started as three people's dream, began to look a little like a movement.

Where we are

Today we are nearing our 100th unique event and have worked with countless artists and performers in the DFW area. We participate in most of the major local festivals and have worked with dozens of local business, schools, and organizations to bring live art and music to the city.

We are proud to say that we have an incredible leadership team, a supportive audience, and a path ahead that is very bright. We have just submitted the legal paperwork for our pursuit of 501c3 not-for-profit status.

As we begin our fifth year, we remain committed to benefiting our community by multiplying the strength of its most creative individuals. We are easy to get involved with and pride ourselves in creating excellent showing, performing, teaching, and networking opportunities for those who work with us.

Our events will always have two core philosophies: being highly creative, and intentionally positive. From there, anything is possible

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