Last updated: 6/23/2011
Denton, Texas
Address
The Center for the Visual Arts400 East HickoryDenton, TX 76201
phone: 940-382-2787
fax: 940-383-1467
e-mail: mchalfant@dentonarts.com
web: www.dentonarts.com

Admissions

Free

Museum Type(s)

Art

Staff

Margaret Chalfant
phone: 940-382-2787
John Riegelman
phone: 940-382-2787
e-mail:
Julie Scharnberg
phone: 940-382-2787
e-mail:
Description

The Greater Denton Arts Council supports the arts in Denton in several ways. First, we provide a place for art and performance to happen. The Council operates the Center for the Visual Arts which houses two public art galleries, arts and crafts rooms, a dance studio, and a large multi-purpose hall. In 1995 GDAC completed a renovation of the Campus Theatre which is now home for Denton's performing arts organizations. Second, GDAC provides financial support for new and established cultural programs. The Council has distributed more than half a million dollars over the past decade. Educational and cultural programs are offered at the Center for the Visual Arts. Exhibitions, classes, performances, and other events attract about 40,000 persons to the Center annually.

GDAC vision for the next five years is to take our services into the community at alternate locations, begin an endowment program to help fund the operation of the organization. Having just completed a $2million renovation of a performing arts center the council does not anticipate acquisition and renovation of a facility in the near future. As with most non-profit organizations funding is always a challenge. We would greatly benefit from new fund raising ideas especially in terms of endowment giving.

Mission

GDAC Mission Statement:
To provide leadership to support, promote, and encourage the arts in the Greater Denton Area.

History

The Greater Denton Arts Council was founded in the early 1970's with offices located in the closet of the local civic center. The primary focus at its inception was the visual arts and theatre. During the 1980's a capital campaign was organized to renovate two facilitiesùone for the visual arts and one for the performing arts. The campaign was a success but only one of the facilities came to fruition. The Center for the Visual Arts was opened in 1985 with one gallery and a large multi-purpose hall that doubled as a performing art space. In the early 1990's a second gallery was added as well as a large area for classes and workshops. A second capital campaign was organized and the Campus Theatre was renovated for performing arts in Denton.

The Greater Denton Arts Council is an umbrella for the arts in Denton, providing administrative assistance when needed as well as grants for seasonal support for the non profit arts groups in the area. GDAC operates the Center for the Visual Arts which house two arts galleries and several areas for arts instruction. The galleries house approximately 20 exhibitions annually. Exhibitions are diverse and range in spectrum from local art to touring exhibitions, contemporary art to historical themes.

GDAC has a strong educational program working with the school districts in the immediate area. Performing and visual art opportunities include artist in residence programs, gallery tours designed to compliment curriculum, and providing artistic opportunities offsite at such places as the Murchison Performing Arts Center at the University of North Texas.

GDAC has a membership base of 1000 members, of those members 20 are non-profit arts organizations which benefit by way of facility usage or administrative help.

Artifact Collections

GDAC has not focused on a permanent collection acquisition program. We have a small collection of 40 pieces predominately Texas artists. The Medows Foundation did donate 3 garden sculptures by Italian artists when the facility was opened.

Educational Programs

One annual exhibition, materials: Hard & Soft, a national contemporary craft exhibition lends itself to excellent tour programs for all levels of education. Within a given tour, historical, aesthetic, cultural, etc components are included. We offer art camps of an art history nature twice annually. Teacher workshops are offered in individual medium development or teaching skill development. Exhibitions are always organized with education as a primary focus. Other programs outside of the immediate center include artists in residence in local schools and providing art experiences outside of the classroom. A docent program is part of our everyday operations.

Publications

A newsletter is published quarterly, an annual report is produced at the end of a program year usually in June for study by the Board of Directors--in-house document.

Services
Gift Shop
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

03/07 The Mariners' Museum and Park

Newport News, Virginia

Museum Vendors

02/18 Tessellate

New York City, New York

10/30 Museum Fabrication Group, LLC

Denton, Texas

03/07 ConservArt Inc.

Boca Raton, Florida