High atop the hill at Skillman and Northwest Highway, the Dallas Children’s Theater is a brilliantly happy place where creativity and children thrive. To celebrate its upcoming anniversary, plans were announced on Tuesday, October 22, at KPMG Plaza at Hall Arts about “a 35th Anniversary Public Art Project to raise $500,000 for the commission and installation” of a sculpture by California artist Christian Moeller at the theater. Here’s a report from field:
On Tuesday, October 22, the art community gathered at the sparkling new KPMG Plaza at Hall Arts to commemorate Dallas Children’s Theater’s (DCT) 35th anniversary kick-off campaign to bring an iconic sculpture to the DCT grounds. Craig Hall himself was present to welcome an enviously robust cadre of art enthusiasts to his magnificent new digs. Patricia B. Meadows and Sharon Martín were seen chatting with Anne Bothwell and Pauline Medrano while learning more about the raison d’être for the evening: an important piece of art designed by California-based Christian Moeller titled “Duet.” “Duet” resembles a happy hybrid of a giraffe and a snail. Moeller says “Duet” is best described as two towering creatures “waving” on a grand scale to greet guests.
Moeller, chosen after an exhaustive search by DCT’s Public Art Committee, says, “the figures are two objects of character we don’t tire of looking at; friendly guardians and companions during hours of contemplation and thought.”
After enjoying yummy eats accompanied by a selection of delicious Hall wines, the group gathered to listen to a lively presentation kicked off by art guru Gail Sachson. Sachson congratulated DCT on having the vision to bring an important piece of art to the theater’s campus. DCT’s site at Skillman and Northwest Highway is a gateway to Lake Highlands and the proposed sculpture, “Duet” with its two welcoming characters would not only cheer audience members, but would be a beacon for the entire area, currently void of inspiring, elegant visual art.
Following the festive program, including rollicking remarks from Honorary Chair Dale Hansen, guests departed with new-found knowledge of this awakening artistic opportunity, and more importantly, a delicious custom designed and baked cookie featuring the images of the darling “Duet'” Art + cookie = Party!
To help support the campaign, check here!
* Photo credit: Lawrence Jenkins ** Graphic provided by Dallas Children's Theater