Dallas, TX
‘We are here in Texas’: Dallas Asian American Art Collective puts on its first show
A photography print of a man inside a minaret tower. A ceramic chalice. A tissue paper collage illustration from a children’s book. A short film about a trip to Europe with friends.
Each of these pieces of artwork was created by Asian American artists from North Texas and featured in the Dallas Asian American Art Collective’ first annual art show over the weekend.
The co-curators Leili Arai Tavallaei, Jackie Tao Law and Christina J. Hahn, who are all Dallas-based artists, partnered with The Cedars Union where they put on the show.
Tavallaei said the collective wanted to reflect the diversity of emerging and established AAPI artists in North Texas. The co-curator is a printmaker, mixed-media painter and animator whose work explores her mixed race identity as someone with parents who are Persian Iranian and Hāfu, mixed Japanese identity.
“A lot of people, when they hear of Asian artists, they usually think of international Asian artists that have made it big across the pond,” she said. “We here want to kind of make a statement that we are, in fact, here in the States. We are here in Texas.”
Law said that distinction of being an Asian American artist matters because being part of the diaspora is an entirely different experience from being Asian.
“You end up having this blend of maybe your home culture and then being from wherever you immigrated to,” said Law, who is a first-generation Hakka Chinese visual artist.
Here are some of the artists who displayed work at the show:
Growing up way out east in Tyler, Mallari said his family would travel two hours one-way to get groceries from the Hong Kong Market Place in Dallas. It was part of his family’s Sunday ritual: get a haircut, buy groceries and head home.
Mallari said there’s a “small but mighty” Filipino community in Tyler, but for a long time there wasn’t a space to pick up basic ingredients to make food from his culture.
“When I was a kid, I was annoyed that we would have to be there. But as I got older, I appreciated how important that was, how some of my favorite foods we wouldn’t have been able to make it or they wouldn’t have been my favorite foods had we not gone there.”
The second-generation Filipino American filmmaker describes “To Here and Back” as a visual tone poem that reflects the immigrant story.
“I think it’s about coming back to a place and seeing how time has changed it even though it’s kind of stayed the same in your head,” he said.
Berglund said this last year she focused on “trying to be more Chinese” and returning to her roots. A big part of that has been drawing scenes from everyday life in China, including sketches of three delivery drivers, a night market full of delicious snacks or people waiting in line with thick parkas.
“I was just there about a year ago during the winter when everyone was in the big, puffy jackets which is not something you see in Texas,” she said.
Originally from Beijing, the artist – who works as a web architect by day – now lives in Plano with her family. She sometimes makes sketches from photos and online reference art, which reminds her of how different the scenery is back in China.
“I remember the hutongs, which are the little alleys. I remember wearing my red scarf as a little kid and the yellow hats in elementary,” she said. “Seeing those things in drawings brings back a lot of memories.”
Choi is a medical student in North Texas by day and artist by night. His colorful, abstract paintings don’t immediately seem to reference language but that’s the inspiration for his work.
He said he incorporates Chinese typography into his pieces as a system that connects Korean and Japanese, the two languages that he speaks.
The artist said he wanted to explore questions like: “How do we represent the world through language? What are some ways that you can kind of twist or distort or play with the form of language to represent the world?”
Choi said language has been an important way to connect with loved ones.
“It’s how I feel connected to my family abroad. Whenever I go back to that language context, it feels like coming home in a way,” he said. I feel like so much of Korean culture is bound up in the way language is constructed, in the way you relate to people and honorifics.”
Arts Access is an arts journalism collaboration powered by The Dallas Morning News and KERA.
This community-funded journalism initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, Communities Foundation of Texas, The University of Texas at Dallas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef and The Meadows Foundation. The News and KERA retain full editorial control of Arts Access’ journalism.
DALLAS – Authorities are investigating whether a vigilante is shooting coyotes in a Dallas neighborhood.
Dallas Animal Services says it’s investigating three coyote deaths since August. Two of them were shot.
Authorities don’t know who is doing it, but people who live in the area are rattled.
Emily Levin is still left disturbed by the dead coyote found in her front yard last week.
“Wednesday, this dead coyote appeared in our front yard on the border between our yard and our neighbor’s yard,” she recalled.
Levin says a city wildlife investigator immediately came out to her Lochwood neighborhood and revealed the coyote had been shot.
“And I asked her if she knew if it had been shot in our front yard or it had walked. And she said it was hard to tell, which is not reassuring,” Levin said.
DAS tells FOX 4 it’s been investigating a possible trend since August.
Three coyotes have been found dead in Lochwood. Two were shot. The third was disposed of before the city arrived on scene.
“Like, don’t go shooting a gun in a neighborhood!” Levin said.
The neighborhood has been shaken for weeks.
Just a few streets over from Levin, a homeowner sent FOX 4 surveillance video from late October where you can hear gunfire. You can hear glass shattering at the end.
One bullet went through a home’s front window near Easton Road and East Lake Highlands Drive. No one was hurt.
More recently, the same homeowner said he heard gunshots again Sunday afternoon. Dallas police say they responded, but no one was injured.
It’s unknown if these incidents are related to the coyote shootings.
However, the Dallas County game warden confirmed they are investigating and are asking for all surveillance video to be handed over.
Levin has a warning to anyone disrupting the peace in her neighborhood.
“Don’t bring that to our neighborhood. It’s too nice of a place for that,” she said.
The Dallas County game warden couldn’t reveal too much information on the investigation but wanted to remind people the coyotes in urban areas are being monitored.
At this point, no coyotes in the Lochwood area have posed a threat to humans.
Gather your family, grab some hot cocoa, and explore the best Christmas light displays across DFW. This list includes free attractions and festive events with admission fees:
Christmas Lights Show:
Dallas Zoo Lights
A holiday tradition is back: Dallas Zoo Lights returns
The Dallas Zoo is now exploding with lights, lanterns, and new immersive experiences. FOX 4’s Shannon Murray gives us an inside look at the festivities:
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Where: Dallas Zoo
What: Enjoy illuminated zoo animals, creative displays, and larger-than-life decorations. Perfect for kids and families.
Cost: Tickets start at $16.
Holiday at the Arboretum
12 Days of Christmas event returns to Dallas Arboretum
This year, Dallas Arboretum is celebrating ’10 years’ of it’s celebrated ’12 Days of Christmas’ event. The tradition for many North Texas families returns tonight.
When: Nov. 13 – Jan. 5
Where: Dallas Arboretum
What: Thousands of lights and elaborate decorations set the scene for this cherished Dallas holiday tradition. Activities and food add to the festive atmosphere.
Cost: Tickets range from $13 to $37, depending on age and time of visit.
Lightscape
When: Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Where: Fort Worth Botanic Garden
What: Millions of lights transform the gardens into a magical, glowing winter wonderland. Seasonal treats and warm beverages are available for purchase.
Cost: Tickets range from $12 to $30.
Tianyu Lights Festival
Magical Forest Tianyu Lights Festival in Grand Prairie
Vibrant colors everywhere you look at the Tianyu Lights Festival… The spectacular festival has opened in North Texas and will close January 19th.
When: Nov. 8 – Jan. 19
Where: Grand Prairie, Texas
What: Stroll through a magical forest filled with vibrant, handcrafted light displays. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Cost: Admission ranges from $16 to $33, depending on the day. Parking costs $10 online or $15 onsite.
https://tianyuculture.us/dallas/
Drive-thru Christmas lights:
Burkman Holiday Home (Featured on The Great Christmas Light Fight)
Where: 3809 Hazelhurst Drive, Frisco
Cost: Free.
Deerfield Christmas Lights
Where: West Plano, between Preston Road and Coit Road.
Cost: Free.
Highland Park
Where: Enter the neighborhood at Armstrong Parkway and Preston Road.
Cost: Free. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available for $175.
Karr Family Light Show
Where: 5901 Pacers Lane, Fort Worth (6–10 p.m.)
Cost: Free.
Lights on Trail Creek
Where: 4941 Trail Creek Drive, Fort Worth. Tune your radio to 99.9 FM for synchronized music.
Cost: Free.
Interlochen Christmas Lights
Where: Start at Randol Mill Road and Westwood Drive in North Arlington.
Cost: Free.
Southwestern Boulevard
Where: University Park, between Central Expressway and the Dallas North Tollway.
Cost: Free.
Timberhollow Circle
Where: A cul-de-sac in Lake Highlands with a “12 Days of Christmas” display. Surrounding homes are also decorated.
Cost: Free.
Vitruvian Park
Where: Vitruvian Park in Addison (Nov. 23 – Jan. 1)
Cost: Free.
https://visitaddison.com/events/vitruvian-park/
New Law – Legalize Marijuana. Wooden judge hammer. Cannabis legalization as medical drug. CBD … [+]
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the City of Dallas and local officials, targeting a ballot measure that decriminalizes marijuana-related offenses and bars police from enforcing state drug laws.
The announcement of this legal action, made last week, is related to Proposition R, also known as the “Dallas Freedom Act,” which was passed in November with nearly 67% approval.
The measure decriminalizes possession of less than four ounces of marijuana and restricts the Dallas Police Department from making arrests or issuing citations for such offenses, except in cases involving larger felony investigations. It also bars officers from using the odor of marijuana as probable cause for searches or seizures.
As of today, in Texas, possession of up to 2 ounces of marijuana is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. Possession of more than 2 ounces but less than 4 ounces is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $4,000.
The state contends that Proposition R is preempted by Texas state law, including the Health and Safety Code – which criminalizes the possession of marijuana – and the Local Government Code – which obligates municipalities to enforce state drug laws fully. The lawsuit alleges that the charter amendment is unconstitutional under the Texas Constitution to the extent that local laws may not conflict with state statutes.
The lawsuit also argues that Proposition R bars Dallas police from enforcing misdemeanor marijuana possession laws, utilizing the odor of marijuana as probable cause, or expending city funds to test marijuana substances with exceptions in those narrowly defined cases where the alleged offense is a violent or high-priority narcotics felony.
Therefore, the state asked the court to nullify Proposition R, arguing Dallas exceeded its legal authority. It also asks the court to stop city officials and police from enforcing the measure and to ensure state drug laws are followed.
Earlier this year, Texas AGl Paxton also sued the cities of Austin, San Marcos, Killeen, Elgin, and Denton for adopting amnesty and non-prosecution policies that he claims violate state laws on marijuana possession and distribution.
Marijuana in Texas
Texas has not yet legalized marijuana for recreational use but has a medical marijuana program in place under the Texas Compassionate Use Act, which passed in 2015. It also legalized the production and sale of industrial hemp and CBD products in 2019, following the Farm Bill of 2018, which legalized hemp, defined as marijuana having no more than 0.3% THC, by separating it from marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.
Currently, 24 U.S. states have legalized recreational use of marijuana, and 38 states for medical use.
In the November presidential election, several marijuana-related ballot measures were proposed, but most failed.
In Florida, nearly 56% voted “yes” to Amendment 3, which allowed adult-use marijuana; however, it did not meet the required 60% threshold to amend the state constitution.
Similar ballot measures in North Dakota and South Dakota each failed to achieve majority support.
Arkansas voters could have expanded the state’s medical marijuana program, but the state’s Supreme Court ruled – prior to this election – that the votes could not be counted.
The marijuana legalization measure that passed was in Nebraska alone, making it the 39th state to legalize marijuana for medical purposes, though its validity is still being challenged in court.
Meanwhile, in Texas, a lawmaker has recently filed a bill to legalize and establish a regulated market for the production and sale of recreational marijuana. However, past marijuana bills have stalled in the conservative Texas legislature, setting up the next session as potentially crucial for marijuana policy reform in the state.
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