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September 12, 2009              Deep Ellum Station                   Dallas, TX    

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Photos contributed by:

Snow White

Eddie Walker
 

Jenice Johnson

Nicole Rodriguez

a report of DART's Green Line Opening by Lizette Sinclair

Saturday, September 12th, I woke to dismal weather. The slate colored sky didn’t seem very promising. However, there was an art show to attend and people to dazzle. Dallas’ own Dart was opening their new rail line in Deep Ellum and of course, ArtLoveMagic was there to help initiate this important event.

The symmetry of the white tents, all lined parallel with the new rail, along with the kaleidoscope of colors contrasted nicely with the rain. It was like watching a portrait from Dali come alive. I moved along, tent to tent, my jeans soaking up the rain to my knees gave me that determined will that no matter what, the words of this event were going to come to life.

My first stop was with ArtLoveMagic’s founder, Michael Lagocki. He sat posed, hand to canvas, and canvas to still-life realization while the rain drops methodically fell all around him. As he brought the Traveling Man to life, the onlookers stood in stasis, watching him release his talent upon the rain soaked paper. They weren’t even aware of the rain at that

point. They were lost in the magic of art.

Michael stated, “I’m amazed and elated at the perseverance of the people and of ArtLoveMagic.”

Michael Lagocki illustrating at Dart's Super Saturday Green Line Opening.  Photo by Nicole Rodriguez

My second stop was at the tent of the extremely talented photographer, Hal Samples. Hal was actually celebrating his 3rd year in Deep Ellum. I watched as he took pictures of those who walked by. Their faces brightened under the canopy of rain. Hal’s work has taken him to Rio De Janeiro, London, New York City and California. His work is mesmerizing because it speaks to you on a human level. His photographs of the homeless in the inner cities grips your sense of reality.

Hal said, “Everybody is equally important. I want to show the other side of ourselves.” Indeed he does. His realism style photography is something one must see.

  
Photos by Hal Samples

My next stop found me gazing at the interactive painting by Melody Hay. Her signature teal, along with her existential trees always invite you right in the painting as though you’re part of it. Her use of vibrant colors and the onset of rooted or non-rooted trees, bare or not, are a philosophical discussion waiting to burst forth. We shall put her to the test next time. Why are some grounded? A definite question to ask.
 

Now, this next trio that I had the pleasure of meeting, was, excuse me for the lack of a better term, but a total trip! These guys were three of the mural painters that now adorn the façade of some of the buildings in Deep Ellum. I’d like to introduce them, as they are all artists and muralists. We have Joe Skilz, Izk and Al. Now Al was content to go by just Al, but I’d like to make sure he gets his due credit, so Al is actually Al Jamerson... henceforth referred to as just “Al” Alright, enough of the legal-like bore. Their work is an		Photo by Isaac Davies
urbanized social commentary. Something that we can all relate to. They’re the “in your face,” “here it is,” and “don’t forget it,” style artists. When you travel to Deep Ellum, and you see the murals across from the Dart Rail, here’s what you’ll find. Joe Skilz’s Spray-Can Rocket…Art meets music! Izk’s (Isaac Davies) Aztec Warrior…Sue(o! Al Jamerson’s Dallas Skyline teeters on the Trapeze! All murals offer different artistic aspects and expectations, while keeping you engaged in the trilogy of the stories they tell. Oh and I must add that per Al, all artwork is for sale! I made my way to the BIG tent. I knew something exciting had to be going on under that one. I was treated to the voice of youth, engaged in a powerful extension of poetry and since poetry is my first love, they had my complete attention. First up was 15 year old, Chris Lansford shared his poem, It Is Time. His poppin’ stanzas gave rhyme and rhythm a run for their money. His articulation was excellent as he belted his heart out. His poem was such a powerful adaptation of life and humanity. Next up was the insatiable 21 year old Maggie Smith as she shared her poem, Let It Go. I’ve heard some voices that commanded the audience, but this young lady commands your soul as well. Her in depth introspection was dead on. Let me be the first to say that you will see more from this young woman…indeed, more! The last poet up was 13 year old, Kylun Rodriguez, sharing his poem, Raining. I was especially impressed with his ability to capture the essence of the day. His keen sense of observation made this poem one to remember. Definite kudos to these young hipsters and to their amazing capability to command the written word. Now for the finale. I had no idea it would be as spectacular as it was. ArtLoveMagic’s own David Rodriguez and the Dallas’ own DJ Dillinger put on a show. No, let me rephrase that. They PUT ON A KICK-ASS SHOW! DJ Dillinger, with his awesome musical parade, played while David dazzled us with his talent. Just imagine a painter, in sync with the rhythm of music, giving birth to a painting that did not exist just a few seconds before. David’s hand flew over the canvas, as his lavender goddess was born, drenching the city of Dallas with her unique beauty. The faster the music became, the faster David painted and I’ll tell you, when it was over, you had this fantasy-meets-reality painting. It was the pinnacle for the day, to say the least. Once again, ArtLoveMagic has shown that it’s dedication to the entire genre of art is something that is precious as it is important. I’ve never met a dull day when they were involved. The people are genuine. This isn’t your mothers rainy day coloring session.  ~T.L. Morrison

www.artlovemagic.com