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Dallas Museum of Art Impressionist Exhibit

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The Impressionist Revolution: From Monet to Matisse is on view at the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) now until November 3. Dubbing the Impressionist artists as renegades, the exhibit celebrates the 150th anniversary of their first Paris exhibition in 1874.

Monet to Matisse

If some of the art looks familiar, it’s because the DMA has drawn on its own collection for the exhibit. And while the paintings may not be the most noteworthy, each of the major artists are represented. I had no idea the DMA had so many Impressionist paintings. There are some beautiful Renoirs and more than a handful of Monet and Degas. Four rooms are filled primarily with paintings. Visitors see the Impressionist movement’s beginning and how, as years passed, Impressionism spawned other styles such as Fauvism.

The exhibit includes works by Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot. While both women bucked convention to work as artists, they were confined to compositions acceptable for their gender. Cassatt is known for her mother and child paintings, and Morisot for her depictions of domestic life.

Impressionist Revolution is a wonderful exhibit for anyone wanting to learn more about art. I especially enjoyed the detailed wall panels that explain Impressionism and provide visitors with interesting factoids. For example: the innovation of paint in metal tubes allowed artists to leave their studios and paint en plein air (outdoors).

Art Beyond Sight

The DMA is an Art Beyond Sight partner. Scattered throughout the Impressionist Revolution gallery, are several tactile stations. The exhibited painting is described briefly in braille, with a tactile relief version. The DMA can also provide special tours arranged in advance for visually impaired visitors. What a fabulous way to increase art accessibility.

When You Go

DMA is located at 1717 North Harwood in Dallas. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is free, though there is a cost for visiting special exhibits like Impressionist Revolution. Onsite parking is available for $20.

The Kimbell and Dallas Museum of Art

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Beat the summer heat with an outing to one of the area’s free art museums — the Kimbell in Fort Worth and Dallas Museum of Art in Dallas.

Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell is now better than ever. The Renzo Piano Pavilion, added in November 2013, allows the museum to organize and more fully display its permanent collection. If European art is your thing, then you’ll enjoy wandering the Louis Kahn building (the main building). The museum’s eclectic collection contains a smattering of works from European artists from Bernini (terra cotta angels) to Rembrandt (Bust of a Young Jew). And its European collection includes Impressionist masters like Sisley, Monet, and Manet.

North Texas Ramblings Kimbell Art Museum in Fort WorthThe Kimbell gives guided tours of its permanent collection Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Visiting families can obtain an audio guide tailored to children ages 7 – 12.

The museums Buffet Restaurant is a great place for lunch. It uniquely offers a selection of soups, salads, quiche and dessert — the unique part — the cost is based on the plate size. Small plates are $9.50 and large are $12.

Details: The Kimbell is at 3333 Camp Bowie Blouvard, Fort Worth. The museum is closed Mondays. Onsite parking is free.

Dallas Museum of Art (DMA)

The DMA houses an extensive collection of over 24,000 pieces of art. In the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the innovative museum offers visitors an eclectic art experience far beyond just gazing at masterpieces. The innovative Center for Creative Connections (C3) lets you experience art from different perspectives. And it’s in the C3 gallery that you can make and take home your own piece of art. DMA supplies the materials; you the creativity.

Embracing technology, DMA has several self-guided tours accessible via your smart phone and the DMA mobi site. If you don’t have a smart phone, you can borrow an iPod Touch from guest services to take the web-enabled tour.

Details: DMA is located at 1717 North Harwood in Dallas. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thursdays (open until 9 p.m.). On the third Friday of each month, the museum offers special programming until midnight. Onsite parking is available for $10.