The Denison Arts Council is more than just your typical art organization. The Denison Arts Council [DAC] is an integral part of the efforts to promote tourism and to make Denison a more well-rounded community and a destination city. In addition to hosting various art shows and events, the Denison Arts Council partners with the City of Denison to bring in visitors and tourists to experience a more complete version of the Denison lifestyle.
According to Cindy Salem, President of the Denison Arts Council, a successful city is one that has an active arts community. “People are often surprised to see the variety of art in Denison. It’s not just visual art. Dance, music, literary arts, photography are just a few of the many arts that the Denison Arts Council promotes and encourages. Denison and the Texoma region have so many talented artists. We provide opportunities for our local artists to show their work and promote other area art galleries when we host art exhibitions or shows.”
Denison also has unique museums that include the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site, the Red River Railroad Museum, Perrin AFB Historical Museum and the Frontier Village and Museum. Each of these provide a window into important eras of Denison history and are an affordable way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Several Denison Arts Council programs were created to beautify the city. Local artists cover up the unsightly trash receptacles through the Activate the Alleys program in the Arts District. The DAC sponsors murals, public art and the Denison Home and Loft Tours which lets visitors see what a downtown residential life could be like.
The Denison Arts Council hosts many events throughout the year including the Dia de Los Muertos Festival, and the North Texas Arts Festival. They also partner with the City of Denison to bring the Doc Holliday Festival to the community. Other shows this year have included the HEART Show, The Works of Steve O Black, Bandits and Bordellos, and The Women’s Show. Upcoming shows are Putting It Together/ Found Object and Collage, Mysterious and Macabre, and the Holiday Market. Denison was also one of only 9 cities in Texas to be featured in the Amazon Prime Series “Story of Art in America” Season 3.
Art has always been a big part of Denison’s history. It was one of Texas’ original Arts and Cultural districts and in 2009, Denison officially received the Texas Certified Cultural Arts District designation.
The DAC needs volunteers to bring their ideas and artistic talents to help continue to create amazing programs and events for the community. Salem encourages anyone to sign up to volunteer for the various opportunities. “No artistic ability is needed. Just a willingness to share some of your time. We have so many opportunities for the public to be a part of and to contribute to our art community.” Learn more and volunteer for the Denison Arts Council on Facebook or at DenisonArtsCouncil.org