El’ Kevon Sullivan of Covan Treez at Deep Ellum Art Co. Photo Credit: Andrew Sherman
By Juan R. Govea
The process of planning and building the 5,000 square foot Deep Ellum Art. Co. from the ground up has taken owner John La Rue more than three years. The venue hosting artistic expression from local Dallas artists and musical acts from the city and out of town touring guests has become a hotspot, and has continued to attract local vendors and art connoisseurs since its opening on Sept. 1 of 2017. Located at 3200 Commerce St. in Dallas TX, the company averages 2-3 musical acts per day and averages 20 acts per week.
The response from local vendors and social media has been going more than particularly well, La Rue says. ”The art community has embraced it and people seem to be catching on, to say the least its been great.”
Perched with “Art. Co.” a top an unused and dormant building on Commerce St. La Rue has somewhat given life to a newly constructed venue that supports young talent, street artists and what has now become a hub for local artists to share works to local buyers.
Andrew (Andy) Crise at Deep Ellum art Co. Photo Credit: Andrew Sherman
Late last year the company hosted and supported a showcase in support of The Refuge Center for Women, which was geared toward the homeless in the Dallas community in an artistic expression on canvas and creative ply wood medium by artist Julie Law. The showcase featured Law’s work of the needy with proceeds to the center.
Popup gallery shows, album release parties and art events keep the company and its supporters on hand daily with a traditional gallery inside and street art gallery outside, the company opens every day at 4 p.m. and it’s all gung-ho from there.
The low cost events for art vendors and live music for the ears for those who peruse the works of artists has made more than a significant artistic impression in the art community in Deep Ellum, La Rue says, Curators help with the selling of 50-80 percent of local art.
Interested music goers can catch touring acts during the end of the week starting Wednesday’s and an Open Mic Night on Monday nights.
Most recently musicians of the Grateful Dead tribute/cover band Forgotten Space played a three night run ending on the midnight hour of this new year playing a New years eve celebration as their hiatus break and last show.
La Rue says the company hosts many private events such as weeding receptions and fashion shows besides the daily art coverage and musical acts while keeping scheduled performances during the week.
“Dedicated to the Creative and Native,” a slogan to live by in an artistic creative nature, Deep Ellum art Co. holds firm to the colorful awe inspiring likeness of Deep Ellum.
