Upcoming Events
NTX Giving Day with Sheli Petersen, Artist & Author of “Rascally Ravens of Greystone Farm”
Join us in a double whammy celebration for North Texas Giving Day! In addition to creating community zines, we will also be celebrating the opening reception for our new exhibition by Sheli Petersen, Rascally Ravens. This show features illustrator and educator Sheri Petersen, TWU Professor of Graphic Design and Illustration, and the intriguing process for her newest picture book. Together with her mother, Patricia, they have created a beautiful book based upon their direct observation of ravens in the wild.
Come check out video, sketches, and get an inside view of the process of creating Rascally Ravens, create a zine with us, and enjoy a cash bar and some light refreshments. North Texas Giving Day is an opportunity for nonprofits to celebrate the work that they do in the community, and we want you to come and be a part of it!
You can donate directly to our North Texas Giving Day page here.
Southwestern Watercolor Society Exhibition Opening Reception
We’re celebrating the opening of the Southwestern Watercolor Society’s 62nd Annual Member Exhibition in Meadows Gallery. Please join us in honoring this dazzling array of paintings from expert watercolor artists.
PETAL Project Pop-up Exhibit and Artist Talk with Jordan Funk
Join The PETAL Project for a pop-up exhibit and artist talk with Denton-based photographic artist Jordan Funk. Jordan's work explores themes of identity, memory, and topography, combining Polaroid photography with landscape sediments.
Jordan will talk about her artistic process, aesthetic philosophy, and share some of her past work and on-going projects.
In her practice, she challenges the habit of taking photographs at face value, creating space for conversations about our individuality and the ways that making our way through existence erodes us away into continually new interpretations of ourselves.
Presented by:
The PETAL Project | Denton Zine & Art Party | Greater Denton Arts Council
Free, All-Ages
Light refreshments provided
Needle Felting Workshop: Spooky Pumpkins!
Get into the spirit of spooky season with this free, hands-on crafting workshop at GDAC! Learn the basics of needle felting and create your very own festive pumpkin to take home. This workshop will be led by artist Lera Watts. No experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided.
Space is limited — sign up here to reserve your spot: https://form.jotform.com/GDAC/needle-felting-workshop-pumpkins
Sew Gold
Come out for an open skill-sharing creative gathering providing a casual, supportive atmosphere for those interested in fiber art. Feel free to drop in and out of workshop sessions at your leisure.
To learn more about Sew Gold, visit their website.
Meetings are held at GDAC at least once a month.
Graffiti Workshop with Eder Tron
GDAC is thrilled to kick off the Halloween season with our new theme this year: Tag or Treat! We’re celebrating our love of graffiti and street art with our friend Eder Tron, artist and confounder of the Dallas Fabrication Yard, who you might remember from last year as the genius behind our Island of Misfit Toys mural. Once again, we’ll have a public graffiti wall outside the building, open for all ages to come spray paint! What kind of spook-tacular graffiti will you do? We can’t wait to find out!
Free admission. More details to follow soon!
Electric!
Experience the glow of Electric! — a one-night-only light art exhibition! Back for its second year, this event showcases artworks by students from UNT College of Visual Arts and Design, in partnership with Professor Alicia Eggert’s Art in Public class and Professor Chris Meerdo’s New Media Senior Studio class.
GDAC will be transformed inside and out with glowing sculptures, interactive installations, and projection art. Alongside the art, enjoy craft drinks from Union Bear, food trucks, and live music by DJ Freakhorse.
Entry is FREE and all ages are welcome. Don’t miss out on this electrifying experience!
1980s Murder Mystery Dinner
Step back into the raddest decade ever for an evening of food, fun, and suspense! Join us for a buffet-style dinner, drinks from Denton County Brewing Co., and a killer live show by The Murder Mystery Company.
It's the 80s again, and all the big names are in town for a concert—until backstage secrets spill into the spotlight with like, totally tragic results! This isn't an episode of Miami Vice — this is like… murder. Now it's up to you to crack the case in true 80s style.
So tease your hair, pile on the neon, and channel your inner "Smooth Operator," because you're not just here to party, you're here to solve a crime!
Each ticket includes a full-course dinner, two drink tickets for beer or wine (non-alcoholic drinks will be available as well), and a fully interactive murder mystery experience. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite 80s attire (you know you want to)!
Doors will open at 5:45 PM. From 6:00 to 7:00 PM, enjoy dinner, mix and mingle with fellow guests, and grab your drinks before the show begins at 7:00 PM. Guests must be 18 or older to attend.
Get ready to solve the crime of the decade—this is one night you won't want to miss!
Tickets are limited, and they’re going fast! Secure your spot today: https://80smmdinner.givesmart.com
Early Birds Baroque Ensemble: Maques and Monsters- Some spooky selections from the boo-roque era
We’re welcoming back UNT’s Early Birds Baroque Ensemble for another haunting concert with compositions inspired by Halloween! More details to follow soon.
Day of the Dead Coffin Race Watch Party & Trunk or Treat!
Don’t miss a moment of Denton’s iconic Day of the Dead Fest Coffin Races during our livestream here at GDAC. This free admission, all-ages event will have face-painting and a cash bar. We’ll close out the day with a low-rider trunk or treat! More details coming soon.
Day of the Dead DISD Student Art Exhibition Reception
Dia de los Muertos is a holiday with a rich artistic history, so what better way to honor its cultural significance and the departed souls than to host an art exhibition? High school students from Denton ISD will be displaying their Day of the Dead inspired artwork in Meadows Gallery during October and we’ll be celebrating their talents at the opening reception on Thursday evening, October 30th.
More details coming soon!
Arts & Autos: Art Car Cruise & Graffiti Party
Join us for our first ever art car cruise! We will have some AMAZING art cars driving all the way from Houston to dazzle Denton with their creations, as well as some of our city's very own unique 4 wheeled designs. The cars will begin at the Development Services Center, located at 401 N. Elm, cruise around the Denton square, and end at the Greater Denton Arts Council.
Once at GDAC, the cars and their artist owners will be on hand to answer questions about their creations and sell their artwork. We will also have a professional graffiti artist live painting a car AND we will have another car available for YOU to paint on as well!
There will be food, a DJ, a cash bar, and tons of creative fun. Don't miss out on this pre-party that is truly celebrating the "arts" in Arts and Autos!
We would love to also show off some local art cars on our art car cruise! Do you have a car that you have modified in some way to become a work of art on wheels? If not, you still have time to decorate your car to be a part of this year’s cruise! To enter your vehicle, click here and become part of the inaugural Denton Art Car Cruise!
Would you like to support our first ever art car cruise and help make it a smashing success? Please visit our GiveSmart page to donate any amount that you wish! Every dollar helps - thank you so much!
What is an Art Car?
An art car is a vehicle that has been transformed into a work of art through creative modification and decoration. Instead of just being a mode of transportation, it becomes a work of art on wheels. Artists customize cars with paint, sculpture, mixed media, and even lights or kinetic elements to express a theme, idea, or personal style.
Art cars can range from subtly painted designs to completely reimagined vehicles covered in found objects, mosaics, or sculptural additions. One of the largest art car parades is right here in Texas. Houston has been home to their art car parade for almost 40 years, and it has become a world wide phenomenon drawing thousands of spectators. We are very fortunate this year to have 9 cars from the Houston art car community driving down to be a part of our very first art car cruise!
Denton Music Cares & Artists Fundamentals Presents: To Brother Patrick, a Benefit Concert
Please join us for an evening of incredible music from Denton staple acts including the Fingerprints Band, Lady Cass & The Fellas, Morse Street Church Choir, Katina Stone-Butler, and more. All proceeds are in support of Patrick Johnson. Donate here.
Interfaith Ministries of Denton: For the Love of Lil' d
Interfaith Ministries is celebrating 33 years of community service and you can support their mission through the For the Love of Lil' d fundraiser. 33 local artists have donated stunning artworks to the auction, all proceeds supporting the Ministries.
Sew Gold
Come out for an open skill-sharing creative gathering providing a casual, supportive atmosphere for those interested in fiber art. Feel free to drop in and out of workshop sessions at your leisure.
To learn more about Sew Gold, visit their website.
Meetings are held at GDAC at least once a month.
Open Mic Night: “What matters?”
Save the Date!
Artists Enclave of Denton County and the Greater Denton Arts Council will present Cups & Chords, the latest installment of their ongoing popular open mic series at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center.
This time, we invite participants to consider the question “What Matters?” and to answer through the work they perform. Denton’s own A Rhythm of Poets will be our featured guests.
The open mic event is open to the public. Artists in any medium from Denton County and beyond are welcome to participate.
Sew Gold
Come out for an open skill-sharing creative gathering providing a casual, supportive atmosphere for those interested in fiber art. Feel free to drop in and out of workshop sessions at your leisure.
To learn more about Sew Gold, visit their website.
Meetings are held at GDAC at least once a month.
Ballet Folklórico Raices de Oro Registration Session #2
Ballet Folklórico Raices de Oro registration is now open for children ages 8 to 12! Led by instructor Patsy Sosa-Sanchez, this workshop series will teach students the history of Ballet Folklórico, two bailables, and the basics of zapateados and faldeados. Students will showcase their dances in a final presentation at the workshop’s end!
Costs include a $25.00 registration fee. Interested participants can sign up for all of the 16 total dance sessions for $150.00 or pay $20.00 per session.
Registration will be held here at GDAC on Saturday 8/9 from 9:30 - 11AM and Thursday 8/14 from 6 - 7:30PM. For more information, contact Patsy at bfalumnadancers@gmail.com.
Ballet Folklórico Raices de Oro Registration
Ballet Folklórico Raices de Oro registration is now open for children ages 8 to 12! Led by instructor Patsy Sosa-Sanchez, this workshop series will teach students the history of Ballet Folklórico, two bailables, and the basics of zapateados and faldeados. Students will showcase their dances in a final presentation at the workshop’s end!
Costs include a $25.00 registration fee. Interested participants can sign up for all of the 16 total dance sessions for $150.00 or pay $20.00 per session.
Registration will be held here at GDAC on Saturday 8/9 from 9:30 - 11AM and Thursday 8/14 from 6 - 7:30PM. For more information, contact Patsy at bfalumnadancers@gmail.com.
Generations in Conversation Artist Talk
The artist talk for exhibition Generations in Conversation is here! Join us for an enriching conversation as we explore the deep and interrelated topics highlighted in this year's show.
Hear from artists over 60 and under 30 as we explore themes such as living between borders, the metaphor of ghosts and the body, science and art's relationship to the environment, revisiting childhood fantasy and magic, queer identity and relationships, and more.
This year's featured artists in our talk will be:
Phil Samson - @phil.samsonart
Kelly Stribling-Sutherland - @kelly_primitives
Ham Berman - @hamburger4art
Maria Esswein - @a_glass_of_esswine
Selena Mize - @selenammize
Dan Wiley - @eatinginsectng
Jesus Trujillo - @@imjoniibass
Small bites and light refreshments will be served! See you there.
Crafts & Drafts - Metalsmithing workshop: Stacking Ring & Textured Earrings
Learn the basic working properties of non-ferrous metals used in artisan jewelry fabrication with brass and sterling silver. Create your own set of stacking rings and a pair of textured earrings!
Local artist and metalsmith, Kristen Kendrick Bigley of KKB Metal Studio, will guide you through the steps to properly size and solder a set of stacking rings out of brass and sterling silver. There will also be materials and tools available to create simple brass textured earrings, paired with silver ear wires.
Please dress comfortably and bring readers if you need additional magnification for detailed work. Workshop will be held at Denton County Brewing Co. Get tickets here! Can’t make it to the Crafts & Drafts night but still want to support the Art-o-Mat fundraiser? No problem, donate through our GoFundMe page!
For information about the KKB Metal Studio visit www.kkbmetalstudio.com.
Generations in Conversation Opening Reception
Back again is Generations in Conversation, a GDAC signature exhibition! The artists, who are either 30 years old and younger or 60 years old and older, are using their work to bridge the distance between two generations often seen in opposition to each other socially, culturally, and sometimes politically.
We invite you to the official opening reception to enjoy this thoughtful, diverse selection of work. The artist talk is postponed at this time.
Generations will be on display from July 19 to September 20.
Intersections, Voices in Feminist Art Opening Reception
We are absolutely thrilled to announce the opening of "Intersections, Voices in Feminist Art" exhibition, which features five installation artworks by Aubree Dale, Christine Irving & Suzi Manrique, Karla Ramirez-Santin and Robyn Rozelle.
Accompanying the installation exhibit in the hallway outside of the gallery, next to our library, hang four self-portraits by TWU students from professor Dr. Agatha Beins's "Art, Activism and Social Justice" course who reflect on and explore facets of identity and self.
These works explore a wide range of topics including the body, social media, motherhood, homemaking, safe spaces, disability and accessibility.
Join us for an enriching artist panel discussion about the work and its themes during the opening reception, on Thursday, July 17th.
Panel Talk: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Receptions: 5 - 8 PM
Installation Artists:
@aubree._.dale @ifyouknewsuziq @art_by_kfrs @raabynraazelle & Christine Irving
Portraiture Artists:
Micha Damon, Katie Jordan, Taylor Hilley-Carroll, and Agnes K. Browning
Intersections will be on display from July 5 to August 30th.
Summer Camp Week 5: Music
Embark on a musical journey at GDAC’s Music Camp! Our experienced music instructors will guide campers through a week of introductory courses to learn the basics of guitar and drums. This camp is designed for beginners with little to no prior experience with these instruments.
RESCHEDULED! Crafts & drafts - An Art-o-Mat Fundraiser: Suminagahsi
This event has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date!
Join us for the for a night out at Denton County Brewing Company to help raise funds for Denton's own Art-o-mat art vending machine. We began a go fund me page a few months ago for this project, and many amazing supporters donated to the cause. This is the second of 3 workshops that will be held at DCBC to help get us across the finish line!
The evening will include learning the craft of Suminagashi, or Japanese floating ink. Participants will learn the history and cultural significance of this art form and practice techniques that include layering colors, guiding patterns, and capturing their marbled creations on various papers. Tickets include all supplies needed for the workshop as well as 2 drink tickets. Come have a night of creativity and laughter and help support an awesome cause for Denton arts!
Grab your tickets here! To learn more about Art-o-Mat machines, visit the locator website to find them across the country. Can’t make it to the Crafts & Drafts night but still want to support the fundraiser? No problem, donate through our GoFundMe page!
Summer Camp Week 4: Into the Miniverse
Step into a world of miniature art at GDAC’s Into the Miniverse Camp, where size doesn't limit creativity! Throughout the week, campers will develop their skills in sculpture, painting, drawing, and mixed media, all on a miniature scale.
Sew Gold
Come out for an open skill-sharing creative gathering providing a casual, supportive atmosphere for those interested in fiber art. Feel free to drop in and out of workshop sessions at your leisure.
To learn more about Sew Gold, visit their website.
Meetings are held at GDAC at least once a month.
Closed for Fourth of July
GDAC will be closed for the Fourth of July, starting with early closure of PAAC on Thursday 7/3 at 5pm. Normal business hours will resume Saturday, July 5. See you then!
KUZU Revolution Record Convention
In partnership with iconic Recycled Books & Records, KUZU 92.9 FM will host their annual REVOLUTION RECORD CONVENTION at the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center in the heart of downtown Denton June 28, 2025.
This cost-free family-friendly event will feature local, regional, and national vendors offering collectible vinyl records, posters, memorabilia, and other music media. Live entertainment will include DJs, a panel discussion and special guest appearances.
Attendees can order personalized screen-printed gear from local merchant Pan Ector Industries, grab a drink from Union Bear Brewing, or snack on food from local food trucks.
For those who would like to browse before the crowds, Early Bird tickets for $10 provide one hour of exclusive entry from 10am-11am. Doors open free to the general public at 11:00am and the event will run until 5pm.
Event details, including information on how to become a record vendor, are available at kuzu.fm/revolution.
Woodturners Exhibition Opening Reception
The Golden Triangle Woodturners present their biannual community show, this year titled Nature's Spin on Functionality. Join us in celebrating the master craftmanship from Denton’s finest woodworkers!
The exhibition will be on view from June 13 - August 9, 2025.
Summer Camp Week 3: Birds, Blossoms, & Bugs
Spread your creative wings and dive into a world of nature’s tiniest and most colorful wonders! Throughout the week, campers will embark on exciting art projects that celebrate these three themes through painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Juneteenth Poetry Slam
We invite you to the Juneteenth Poetry Slam, hosted by the Denton Juneteenth Committee! Tonight is all about the art of spoken word so please join us in honoring our communities writers. Preshow provided by Lady Cass and the Fellas.
Juneteenth Pop-up Art Exhibit Opening Celebration
Join us for the official opening reception of the Denton Juneteenth Celebration Art Exhibit in Festival Hall! We’ll be featuring artists Tyra Goodley and Jedaiah Love Vann as well as music from the one and only Fingerprints band.
For more events and workshops, visit the Denton Juneteenth website.
Juneteenth Pop-up Art Exhibit
On display in Festival Hall for Denton Juneteenth 2025 are artists Tyra Goodley and Jedaiah Love Vann. The exhibit will be up for a limited time only so we encourage you to view these artworks while they’re here!
Our thanks to the Denton Juneteenth Celebration Committee for celebrating with us at GDAC! Check our their website for a complete list of more Juneteenth events and workshops.
Summer Camp Week 2: Dance & Movement
Five fun days of moving and grooving! Learn the basics of different dance styles, including K-pop dance!
Sew Gold
Today’s Sew Gold has been moved from it’s usual time to 1 - 3PM.
Come out for an open skill-sharing creative gathering providing a casual, supportive atmosphere for those interested in fiber art. Feel free to drop in and out of workshop sessions at your leisure.
To learn more about Sew Gold, visit their website.
Meetings are held at GDAC at least once a month.
Chris Teal Trio: Analog Dreams
Musician Chris Teal performs compositions from his 2018 album "Analog Dreams" with a band featuring area professionals and students. Supported by a microgrant from the Greater Denton Arts Council and additional funding from the Institute for Creative Music, this concert will also include a discussion of social, cultural, and philosophical concepts that inspired the album and have developed into a personal musical philosophy.
Crafts & Drafts - An Art-o-mat Fundraiser
Join us for the for a night out at Denton County Brewing Company to help raise funds for Denton's own Art-o-mat art vending machine! We began a go fund me page a few months ago for this project, and many amazing supporters donated to the cause. This is one of 3 workshops that will be held at DCBC to help get us across the finish line!
The evening will include a cookie making class by the amazing Mandy Metts, who will lead participants through the steps to make an iconic "rat Kroger" cookie complete with royal icing. Included with your ticket are all supplies needed for the workshop as well as 2 drink tickets. Come have a night of creativity and laughter and help support an awesome cause for Denton arts!
Click here for tickets! To learn more about an Art-o-mat machine, visit: www.vendinglocator.com/blog/art-o-mat-locations
Summer Camp Week 1: Food Art Frenzy
Save your artistic appetite for this first week of camp where we’ll use painting, drawing, and sculpture to explore all types of flavorful creations.
First Friday Grupos Folkloricos
For our June First Friday, we’re welcoming the Grupo Folklorico Alumnas de Oro once again for their showcase of different grupos folkloricos from North Texas schools!
You’re invited to join us for this celebration of traditional folk dancing. Food will be available for purchase during the showcase and admission is free!
Denton Community Band: Movies, Musicals, Marches, & More
Returning to the PAAC for their summer concert is the Denton Community Band. Conducted by Carol Lynn Mizell, the band will be performing scores from Movies, Musicals, Marches, & More! Compositions include Overture to “Candide,” highlights from Wicked, March of the Royal Trumpets, among many others.
Admission is free, so please join us for an afternoon of music from our friends and neighbors here in Denton. See the concert flier here.