by Stephanie Kern

The first art show begins March 10.

Hal Samples

Travis Bush, visionary behind Upstairs @ Pearl

DALLAS — With happy hour specials and live jazz music, Pearl at Commerce has created a relaxing and inviting lounge-style atmosphere, great for going out with co-workers after a stressful day at the office. Now, Upstairs @ Pearl offers a new space to see artwork displayed by local artists, starting March 10.

Travis Bush, a local artist and PegNews regular, realized the potential of the large space above the popular blues bar and developed an art and custom toy show in the space, sparking interest with local artists. Upstairs @ Pearl is unlike galleries in that artists do not have to pay a fee to display their artwork; they only pay a small commission of sales to the bar downstairs. This benefits the artists as well as the bartenders, creating an overall enjoyable experience for patrons. “People can relax and listen to the plethora of eclectic music they have playing downstairs,” Bush said.

In March, local artists Scott Dorn, Scott Fletcher, Jennifer Gregory Ports, and Randall Mosman will be displaying their artwork in the new space. The show then changes in April to local artists Chad Evans, Mike Salcido, Gwendolyn Coney, Scott Denman, Richard Ross, and Kimberly Bradshaw Meadows.

February show called Downtown Custom

Meadows, an art teacher and mother, discovered the space on Upstairs @ Pearl’s Facebook page. She was impressed with Pearl’s music selection and said she appreciates the new space. “There are so many talented people in the DFW area, and I hope more take the opportunity set before them to share their creativity with others via this venue,” she said.

Future plans for the new venue include more artwork from local artists as well as another custom toy show in May. Although some of the artists have participated in many an art show, others will be displaying their artwork for the first time. Bush hopes to give local artists the encouragement they need to become successful without the criticisms of judging their work.

“There is a disconnect between local artists and big time artists,” Bush said. “I want an avenue of connecting artists and their friends.”