Old‑School Art Returns to Dallas’ Deep Ellum
In the 1980s, Deep Ellum’s streets were alive with bold murals and raw creativity. Today the area has evolved from a once‑dangerous enclave into a vibrant cultural hub, yet its artistic spirit remains unmistakable. A new exhibit at the Kettle Art Gallery celebrates that legacy.
The Show
Title: “Deep Ellum OGs Return”
Opening Date: June 6
The exhibition features works by eight painters, sculptors, and street artists who once defined Dallas’ cultural scene:
- Clay Austin
- Frank Campagna
- Dwayne Carter
- Greg Contestabile
- Brad Ellis
- Bill Haveron
- Thor Johnson
- Brad Smith
It also pays tribute to the late Albert Sherbarth and Mosquito (Dave Hawley).
Curator’s Vision
Curator Brad Smith has known Campagna since 1990 and longed to reunite the original crew. Their first gathering took place in December, but a hectic year and the loss of fellow artist Bert intensified the urgency. The group’s inaugural collaboration was on the 1991 Club Clearview mural, “Evolution Moderne.”
With about thirty‑six pieces on display, the exhibit arrives as new galleries like Arc and Mesbelle sprout, signaling a creative renaissance in the neighborhood. The atmosphere harks back to punk nights when bands such as The Butthole Surfers, Dead Kennedys, and Hüsker Dü jammed in Campagna’s after‑hours studio.
Beyond the Paintings
Smith plans live music, including a performance by Paul Slavens, and is in talks with local “New Bohemians” about spontaneous shows. Artists will also begin fresh canvases on the spot, creating impromptu murals that reconnect with their roots.
