“Having a Ball” by Monica Cowsert (Photo: Chuck Kobdish)

The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce’s Arts and Culture Committee is coordinating art installations around East Dallas as a part of their “Canvas and Commerce” initiative.

Committee Chair Chuck Kobdish founded the committee during his final term as chairman of the chamber board last year, citing an inconsistency in the mission statement’s application as the catalyst.

“The mission statement of the Chamber of Commerce is to support cultural education and industrial interests of East Dallas,” Kobdish said. “We never really did much with culture. I figured if it was important enough to be mentioned in our mission, it’s important enough to have its own committee.”

“Canvas and Commerce” strives to give the public more access to art by installing pieces within local businesses, increasing cultural engagement within the community. 

“The goal is to get art into chamber member businesses who want to be supportive of the arts and culture here in East Dallas,” he said. “We try to be a matchmaker between businesses and artists.”

According to Kobdish, the committee hopes their dedication to East Dallas public art will earn the neighborhood a cultural district designation from the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Photography by April Barnes (Photo: Chuck Kobdish)

“We are not just chasing a designation for the sake of having one. We are building the kind of arts community that deserves to be recognized,” Kobdish said. “There are very few public art installations in East Dallas. We are working a lot with the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture to find prospects. It’s going to take a while, but people are motivated to do it.”

The committee’s first “Canvas and Commerce” installation, “MEET! East Dallas,” took place at Caddo Office Reimagined in March, which displayed nearly 100 pieces created by around 30 local artists. Following the success of this exhibition, they soon installed a photo gallery by April Barnes in the chamber’s Losa building, one of four different artist displays that will rotate quarterly throughout the year. 

“It has been quite well received. This is something that we should have been doing all along,” Kobdish said. “‘Canvas and Commerce’ is one of those ideas where everyone benefits. Artists gain exposure, businesses enhance their spaces and visitors discover the incredible talent that’s already here in East Dallas.”

“Trust the Process” by Katrina Rasmussen (Photo: Chuck Kobdish)

The works of Katrina Rasmussen are currently on display in the second “Canvas and Commerce” installation at Beans and Brews Coffeehouse, with pieces by Monica Cowsert to be installed soon.

“Every business we have approached has embraced the idea of showcasing local artists. It’s proof that East Dallas is eager to celebrate its creative talent,” Kobdish said.

Kobdish is now coordinating with Graham Bond, owner of novelty and wine store I Want That One, to install a third display within the coming weeks. During their conversations, Kobdish and Bond began considering a new idea to help both him and the artists profit from the installation.

Artwork by Monica Cowsert (Photo: Chuck Kobdish)

“My original idea for ‘Canvas and Commerce’ was for it to be free for the artists and the businesses. After I talked with Graham, I thought, ‘Who was the Chamber to deny someone the opportunity to make money?’” Kobdish said. “There would be an agreement between the artists and Graham where if he sells it, then he gets a cut and the artist gets a cut.”

In addition to supporting visual artists, the committee also works with performing artists throughout the area.

“Students from Dallas Piano Academy and Lake Highlands School of Music have performed at chamber and chamber member events, highlighting another aspect of the committee’s work,” Kobdish said.

As the committee continues to support local creatives like Angelina Rivera of Art on Main and Chip Van Pelt of Friends of Bathhouse through member organizations, Kobdish is excited for the journey ahead.

“East Dallas has always had tremendous artistic talent,” Kobdish said. “Our committee’s role is to connect the artists, the organizations, the businesses and the community in ways that benefit everyone.”