Archive
Fall 2024 - Spring 2025
Man, It’s So Hot In Here
August 31, 2025
ABOUT THE SHOW
From 2024: The Eclectika's second season is here! We are kicking off the new season with a big salon styled, non-juried open call show at the end of the hot Summer month of August titled 'Man, It's So Hot in Here'. There is no theme for the show, just bring your best work! Each artist can submit up to 2 works, $10 per piece paid in exact cash at time of drop off, and each piece must not exceed 20 inches on all sides. Some sculptural work can be accepted, however artists will need to provide their own pedestal.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Alejandra Gamez , Alessandra Khraish, Alex Stock, Alex-eon Cox, Amanda Ramsey, America Luna, Audrey Jeanes, Brigid Fox, Claire Kennedy, Daniel Banker Tennyson, Daniel Martinez, Desiree Abbitt, Eric Everen, Hilda Avila, Jadyn Freeman, Jenna Wesson, Julia Segovia, Lilac Gianna, Matthew Jones, Melanie Gomez, Monica Barrera, Mylon Walker, Nikki Mallare, Olivia Varnell, Ricky Ayala, Sarai Rivera, Taylor Wright, Tori Podany
The 2024 Eclectika Invitational
September 21 - 22, 2024
'The Eclectika Invitational 2024' is a group exhibition of 13 DFW artists selected by Gallery Director Derrick Hamm. The show offers an exciting collection of diverse works created by up-and-coming talents from across the metroplex.
The artists invited to exhibit their work are:
V.Y. Dang, Maria Esswein, Christina Bridges Glover, Michael Gute, Bryan Holguin, Archit Karkare, Francisco J Marquez, Abigail V. Mata, Mateus Moura, Dorian Parkhurst, Jesus Trujillo, Olivia Varnell, Christina Vasquez
Out of the Dollhouse: Into the Fire
October 19 - 20, 2024
ABOUT THE SHOW
Out of the Dollhouse: Into the Fire is a four-person, all female exhibition by the Denton-based artist collective Out of the Dollhouse. The show conveys their experiences with subjects such as femininity, environmentalism, financial burden, healthcare, and modern dating by using a variety of media to contrast these young-adult experiences with nostalgia and childlike material experimentation. The visual and sensory aspects of girlhood that their work reflects, juxtaposed against traditionally taboo topics, directly exposes the trial-by-fire experience of growing up as a woman. This exhibition will feature work by Ainsley Mauline, Laine Miller, Rae Flores, and Reagan Kathleen.
The Something Out of Nothing
Curated by Mcat Davis
November 16 - 17, 2024
ABOUT THE SHOW
Statement from the Curator:
“Identifying splendor and beauty amidst daily mundanity has become a staple of Davis’ personal practice, so it seemed fitting to curate a show centered on this principle. Each artist included in “The Something out of Nothing” approaches familiarity and domesticity through craft and abstraction that transforms the often ignored. Through the lens of mediums such as sculpture, photography, and painting, the work highlights the nuance and wonder that can present itself in the inbetween, the seemingly dull, and the ephemeral. Davis chose work of colleagues and friends that reframes the experiences of every day.”
About the Curator:
Mcat Davis is an interdisciplinary artist and an educator in Denton,TX at the College of Visual Arts and Design at the University of North Texas. Originally from Dallas, Davis earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Mississippi in 2018, where she focused her studies on drawing and painting. Upon returning to DFW, she began showing work locally through spaces such as Craighead Green Gallery and the Bathhouse Cultural Center. Davis moved north to Denton to attend Graduate School where she earned her Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas in 2024. Since relocating to Denton, Davis has continued to show her work regionally, teach classes through UNT, and enjoys curating group shows around the metroplex. Her own work currently explores possibility and potential of imagined worlds and spaces through painting.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Joshua Bryant, Magaly Cantu, Mcat Davis, Noah Garcia, Madeline Herrera, Susan Seaborn, Anna Smith, Bailey Weiss
Blush of Power
Curated by Lauren E. Allen
December 14 - 15, 2024
ABOUT THE SHOW
Statement from the curator:
Pink is a color of ownership, assigned to the gender construct of female. There is performance in pink as it is showcased in the identity of princess and girly girls. Pink is a color that becomes repulsive or cherished. Pink is inherently innocent with the ability to be corrupted, if pushed too far it can become the scarlet red associated with sex and depravity. Though pink is assigned, it can be recontextualized, it can be owned and it can be displayed. Blush of Power consists of three painters all using pink within different contexts of femininity. Pink is no longer subdued but raw, emotional and unconstrained in their desire to explore and affirm the ownership of pink and its relationship to the feminine identity. As this exhibition came to fruition themes of the abject, the body and the divine became apparent. Through the vast beautiful nature that can be the femme identity I am honored to share this collection of work. I hope this exhibition encourages viewers to explore their own gender identity, femininity and their relationship to the color pink.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Rae Flores, Lauren Fleniken, Shannon N. West
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Currently residing in Denton Texas, Lauren E. Allen graduated from the University of North Texas in 2024 with a Masters of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a concentration in photography and Cum Laude from Texas Woman’s University in 2014 with a concentration in photography.Lauren’s work is an exploration of the psychological aspects that influence our ideas of self.
Utilizing abstracted photographic imagery and fiber, viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own conscious and unconscious identity. Their work has been included in exhibitions at the Rocky Mountain School for Art and Design’s Rotunda Gallery (Denver, Co) Decode Gallery (Tucson, AZ) and Strata Gallery (Santa Fe, NM) among others. With solo exhibitions at The Jung Center (Houston, TX) and Cora Stafford Gallery (Denton, TX).
10×10×100 2025
January 25, 2025
ABOUT THE SHOW
‘10X10X140’ is a large group exhibition featuring OVER 100 small works from 40+ artists working in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The show features a wide arrange of mediums and styles; from painting to photography, abstract to realism. Most of the works on view are available for less than $100. ‘10x10x140’ is an excellent opportunity to start or expand your art collection and support working artists!
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Hilda Avila, Alexandra Barnett, Monica Barrera, Haleigh Brown, Jessica Brown, Randall Day, Jeff Felderhoff, Brigid Fox, Luis Fraga, Alejandra Gamez, Lilac Gianna, Anonymous Heir, Abi Hernandez, Amanda Hester, Jacqueline Hill, Ben Hutchison, Mark Jimenez, Jesse Jones, Randy Jones, Talbot Kenney, Ashlan King, Destin LaGrone, Rebekah Lanier, Camden Lee-Bailey, Linda Lentz, Daniel Martinez , Holli Michener, JB Mlambo, Opal, Lee Orr, Anh Thu Pham-Vu, Chris Rahmeh, Maria Camila Rodriguez-Daza, Pari Sarangdevot, Sophie Saumier, Michael Scogin, Jacqueline Smith, Alex Stock, Daniel Banker Tennyson, Vahid Valikhani, Grace Wilkinson, Taylor Wright
GOLDENHOUR
Curated by Ryan Semegran
March 1 - 2, 2025
ABOUT THE SHOW
As Ryan Semegran’s first solo curatorial project, GOLDENHOUR will consist of six Texas based artists, Chance Al-Hajji, Joyce Alexander, McConnell Brown, Abby Holden, Bryann Richardson, and Kassidy Stines. The selections from their portfolios merge the imagery of youth and mythos with a crass and fried introspective lens from a somewhat adult perspective. Each piece captures a moment in time in the artists’ lives, whether a fleeting memory or a moment that carries a lot of weight, through varying mediums. GOLDENHOUR’s curatorial style will be heavily influenced by Semegran’s background in installation art and utilize wall space, floor space, and unusual pedestals provided for the show.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Chance Al-Hajji, Joyce Alexander, McConnell Brown, Abby Holden, Bryann Richardson, Kassidy Stines
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Ryan Semegran (b. 2000 Austin, TX) is an interdisciplinary performance artist and sculptor based in Dallas, Texas. They are currently working to receive their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a focus in Sculpture from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. . Semegran’s work focuses on themes of identity, religious guilt, and self introspection through immersive installation based performances. They are very interested in the idea of the body as a medium and has performed for spaces such as The Arts Fort Worth, Dallas Contemporary, The Other Art Fair, and Satellite Art Show NYC.
GOLDENHOUR would be Ryan’s first solo curatorial project, however they have experience in collaborating with other curators and consulting for group shows such as the Dallas Contemporary’s Inaugural Staff Exhibition and Be Home in 10, the Anti Avant Garde Avant Garde’s first group show at the Arts Fort Worth. Professionally, Semegran has been a docent for the Dallas Contemporary for four years. This has given them the opportunity to art handle, organize workshops, and plan programming.
When I Learned To See Color
Curated by Dejion Duncan
March 15 - 16, 2025
ABOUT THE SHOW
“Art is an excerise of empathy.”
The exercise of empathy is engrained in the creative practice that is art. Through it we're able to see beyond ourselves to connect in ways far beyond what words could do alone. The world and the individuals that inhabit it are made up of many colors. These colors don't just translate to borders or unique cultural practices but also specific emotional quirks that we all possess. People aren't monochromatic, we're all made up of many colors that make us who we are and the beauty in that is what makes it a worthwhile world to live in.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Aarron Anderson, Alys Foster, Bria Gladney, D’shayla Willis, Emerald Maria, Ghostdrank, Jada Walker, Konah, Lenadro M., M. Mason, Margaret Ude, Mya K, Patrick Graham, Rene Fisher, Taylor Fitzpatrick, Tyra Marie
Texas Landscape Photography Show
Juror: Vahid Valikhani
April 26 - 27, 2025
ABOUT THE SHOW
This photography show will celebrate both the inherent beauty of the Texan landscape and its role as a site of narrative, where culture, history, and environmental transformation converge. As Deborah Bright aptly noted, “Every representation of landscape is also a record of human values and actions imposed on the land over time” (Bright, 1985). In line with Bright’s insight, we invite photographers to submit works that depict aesthetically pleasing landscapes while simultaneously revealing the cultural values, ideologies, and histories embedded within them.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Austin Van Zandt, Lauren E. Allen, Amber Escalante, Caitlin Hureau, Jordan Funk, Daniel Hernandez, Jacey Harbin, Salem Jackuback, Marilyn Pierce, Breanne Schwarz, Holly Myers, Rachel Oaks, Antonio Reynolds
ABOUT THE CURATORS
Vahid Valikhani is a Dallas-based artist and researcher whose work examines the intersections of identity, power, and human impact on the environment. His research incorporates archival materials such as film and photography to explore shifting cultural identities and the marginalization of disenfranchised communities, including his own. Valikhani holds a Master of Arts in Film Studies from the University of South Florida, a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Art University of Isfahan. His work has been exhibited internationally in Germany, Italy, Iran, and the United States.
HISTORICAL NOTE
This is the Eclectika’s first juried exhibition
North Texas Neon
Curated by Lucas Gustafson
May 31- June 1 , 2025
ABOUT THE SHOW
From 2025: We are excited to announce our upcoming exhibition, 'North Texas Neon' curated by Lucas Gustafson! This exhibition feature a collection of neon bending and illuminated works by artists Madeline Almeida, DéJanae Lee, Juan Martinez, Stephanie Romero, and Jeremy Scidmore. The opening reception will be held Saturday May 31 from 6-10pm. An open viewing will be held Sunday, June 1 from 1-4pm.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Madeline Almeida, DéJanae Lee, Juan Martinez, Stephanie Romero, Jeremy Scidmore
Girlypop Diaries
Curated by Maria Esswein
March 30 – April 4, 2025
ABOUT THE SHOW
Girlypop Diaries is a collaborative installation combining painting, sculpture, and collections that celebrate the power of all things girly. Using materials like glitter, stickers, spray paint, and collectibles, the work pays homage to the aesthetic of the early 2000’s with influences of early internet pop culture. Repetitive symbols like hearts, stars, and flowers recall grade school notebook scrawlings and low quality digital edits. Each painting and sculpture has been marked, edited, deleted, and scribbled on by every artist in the exhibition, transforming them into an assemblage of creative styles, interests, and relationships. The artists’ visual influences include imagery from the technology present in our childhoods. Things like the Nintendo DS, Webkinz, Animal Crossing, iMing, emoticons, and Club Penguin become topics of exploration and play. This collaborative exhibition intends to reclaim a collective sense of joy and escapism that gives us a sense of identity and connection with others, recognizing girly pop as not only an aesthetic but a state of mind. This body of work aims to highlight these exciting and awkward years of our lives, transforming these themes into something relevant to our current day-to-day life.
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Grace Wilkinson, Ann Vo, Jesus Trujillo, Francisco J Marquez, Claire Kennedy, Maria Esswein
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Maria Esswein (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. She received her Masters of Fine Arts in Intermedia at the University of Texas at Arlington (2023) and her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Southeast Missouri State University (2020). Esswein’s works have been featured locally and nationally in solo, invitational, juried, and group exhibitions. Notable galleries have been The Gallery at UTA, Greater Denton Arts Council, Craighead Green Gallery, Catapult Creative House, and Arts Council of SEMO. Girlypop Diaries marks Esswein’s second curated exhibition in her career, preceded by an international exhibition She Is (2020) at Catapult Creative House, which was moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to her exhibition work, Esswein is an active member of her local art community, serving on the board of the Texas Sculpture Association and is an artist-in-residence (Cohort V) at The Cedars Union in Dallas, TX. She is currently an art professor at both The University of Texas at Arlington and Dallas College.
