East Dock. Photo courtesy of Proxy Properties.
Oak Cliff Art Walk Volume 6 is this year’s rendition of the annual, local art exhibition, taking place Oct. 23-24. Their slogan, “Where everybody is a somebody,” reflects their commitment to the Dallas artist community. According to their website, “The Oak Cliff Art Walk is committed to lowering barriers to success in the arts…creat[ing] opportunities for visibility, connection, and collaboration between artists, organizations, and the broader community.” The organization doesn’t charge for submissions, and artists will retain all the money from their sales — at prices they set.
This year, the two-day exhibition will take place at East Dock, a historic 1915 warehouse originally built as an ice house and later used as an airplane manufacturing facility and a book factory. It sat unused for over a decade and is now being revitalized as a space for local businesses and organizations.
The Art Walk is looking for a broad range of artists, artwork, mediums, perspectives, skills and ages in order to reflect the unique perspectives of the community. The exhibition is not theme-based, but they stated that as an organization grounded in the Dallas community, they do value work that offers a perspective on the experience of living in the city. Not to be taken so literally as a landmark or postcard-inspired setting, the Art Walk invites interpretations of the everyday moments that shape each artist’s relationship with Dallas. They also explained in the submission guidelines that they “encourage all styles and subjects, so don’t feel constrained or overthink this aspect when selecting your work.” They did specify that no performance art would be allowed.
Fatima Mendoza sits with a series of prints before displaying them at the 2023 Oak Cliff Art Walk. Photo by Emma Ruby.
Submissions opened on July 11 and will close on Aug. 31; no late submissions will be accepted. Unfinished work can be submitted, as long as it will be completed by Oct. 5. Those whose artwork is accepted can experience an Artist Mixer on Oct. 22. More information about artists’ submission guidelines can be found here. To submit your artwork, use this form.
“We believe art can help people connect more deeply to the history, culture, and character of their neighborhood. By bringing together artists, local businesses, organizations, and residents, we hope to foster relationships that strengthen community and create a greater sense of belonging,” their website reads. “We all need to touch grass a little more and get to know our neighbors!”
Updated Thursday, April 16 at 9:43 a.m.
