Design on Dragon 2010

Though rain showers dampened the Design District just hours before the event was set to kick off, the clouds parted and a beautiful, clear night emerged as Dallas’s most cultured clamored to Dragon Street for the annual Design on Dragon event. Eventgoers were greeted by the lovely voice of Ricky Derek as he crooned standards from the perfectly lit loading dock of Martin & Martin Design. My own little crew began the evening at Bell Invito/Nest where we oohed and ahhed over their oh-so-chic stationery offerings.

Our next stop was Ceylon et Cie, one of my new Design District favs, where we sipped bellinis and ogled their collection of excitingly eclectic furnishings. An eloquent and fluent Spanish rolled off the tongue of Nile Nussbaumer, daughter of rockstar designer Michelle Nussbaumer, as she requested a drink from a passing waiter and showed off a new line of bejeweled boxes designed by her mother. The dynamic duo filled us in on some of their upcoming projects, including some out of this world tapestry pieces that Nile is working on.

Nile Nussbaumer and Michelle Nussbaumer, Ceylon et Cie

Next up in our adventure was a trip over to Goodchilds where we nibbled on decadent desserts (cake balls, yum!) and learned about their custom faux book reproductions. (Another blog post on that one coming soon!)

The evening would not have been complete with out a quick trip through Anteks where we were welcomed by owner, Jason Lenox. Scardello served up cheese samplings and we took a chance to rest our feet, settling into one of their oh-so comfy leather sofas.

Anteks proprietor Jason Lenox with Matthew Taylor, Melanie Hussey, and Bonnie Jones

Our feet feeling refreshed, we popped into Artizen Fine Arts to check out a cool bee painting spotted by one of our crew, before heading over to Galerie Zuger where we witnessed Gallery Director, Robert Wilborn, making a sale. Spanish artist Alvar signed the back of his painting for the lucky new owners.

Todd Davis and Shari Corkran Young smile as artist Alvar signs their newly purchased painting, Galerie Zuger

Next up was a trip through the new showroom of Shortell Designs to see Stephanie Harrison and Joseph Shortell. An always smiling Stephanie showed my friends the ropes and regaled us with stories of how Shortell is working to help orphans in Mexico. If you haven’t had a chance to meet this cool Dragon Street design team, you must make time to check out their new place.

Stephanie Harrison and Joseph Shortell, Shortell Designs

A quick jot across the street and we popped into Mary Tomas Studio Gallery where I grabbed a quick shot of Mary Tomas and husband, Alberto, before they hurried off to entertain the many guests who filled the showroom. Before leaving, we stopped by to meet Julie Michel, an artist who was showing off her clothing line which features her art printed onto the fabrics. The girls and I fawned over the unique handbags which she and Mary had hand painted for the evening.

Mary Tomas and Alberto Tomas, Mary Tomas Studio Gallery

Julie Michel, Julie Michel Designs at Mary Tomas Studio Gallery

Next up was a visit to Dragon’s newest gallery: Cohn Drennan Contemporary. Cohn and Cathy Drenna were beyond hospitable, offering drinks and bites, and giving us a sneak peek inside their living space, located behind the gallery. We could have stayed and talked all night, but it was getting late and our feet were getting tired. We said our goodbyes and promised to make it out to next Saturday’s exhibit opening, Show tunes for the damned.

Cohn Drennan & Cathy Drennan, Cohn Drennan Contemporary

A quick detour into Waddill Group Architects where we said a quick to hello to Brandy Taylor (Marc Events) and John Hicks (East & Orient), then we were off to The Meddlesome Moth.

Now I’d call that a pretty great evening out in Lower Oak Lawn!

See more: Anteks, Artizen Fine Arts, Ceylon et Cie, Cohn Drennan Contemporary, Design on Dragon, Dragon Street, East & Orient, Galerie Zuger, Goodchilds, Marc Events, Martin & Martin, Mary Tomas, Shortell Designs, Waddill Group Architects