‘Communication’ by Givemore Mashaya is part of the ZimSculpt exhibition at the Dallas Arboretum. Photo: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

ZimSculpt, the internationally acclaimed exhibition featuring a collection of hand-selected, modern Zimbabwean stone sculptures, is back for another summer run at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

The show, which was first on view at the Garden back in 2017, features the work of several contemporary Zimbabwean artists with more than 100 hand-selected sculptures displayed throughout the garden. These contemporary pieces, created by the Shona people of Zimbabwe, are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall

To kick off the Summer of Sculpture installation, the Garden is hosting its first  Black Heritage Celebration--an event highlighting the work of Black fashion designers, artists, entertainers and vendors.

“The Black Heritage Celebration Day is packed with cooking demonstrations, music, dance and a vendor fair of more than 20 Black-owned businesses showcasing and selling their handiwork,” said Linda Todd, Dallas Arboretum Board Member and Black Heritage Celebration committee chair. “Be sure to check out the African-inspired food and jewelry and show your support of these businesses.”

The Black Heritage Celebration will feature a vendor fair of more than 20 Black-owned businesses showcasing and selling their handiwork. Photo: Gyasi Designs

Schedule of events:

• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Black Owned Businesses Vendor Fair which includes jewelry, clothing, food and more.  (A Tasteful Place, Entry Plaza and Paseo de Flores)
• 9:30 a.m.–Noon – Various performances by local groups including Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Carter High School Alumni Chorus and Dallas Black Dance Theatre ENCORE, St. Luke Community United Methodist Church (Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn and DeGolyer Pergola)
• Noon – Cooking Demonstration with local teen sensation, Kevin the Pie Dude, demonstrating how to make a Key Lime pie. He also sells pies; quantities limited. (A Tasteful Place)
• 1 p.m. – Crown Jewel Fashion Experience showcases Black designers under the direction of Anita Hawkins, hosted by LeTitia Owens along with Willie Johnson, model fashion guru. (Jonsson Color Garden)
• 2-4 p.m. – Don Diego Band plays jazz and R&B (Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn)

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase any of the sculptures from the ZimSculpt exhibition, as well as the ones created by the onsite artists in The Marketplace. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the sculptures and items in The Marketplace supports the Dallas Arboretum.

Tickets must be pre-purchased online or by calling 214-515-6615. Wearing a face covering is required for all guests 5 years of age while visiting the Dallas Arboretum, unless medically unable to do so.

Got a tip? Email Therese Powell at tpowell@kera.org. You can follow her on Twitter @TheresePowell13

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