Fourteen student artists from Texas Woman’s arts program will launch an inaugural group exhibit featuring works that explore the intersection of art and nursing, with a focus on health care issues faced by the elderly.

The exhibit, “Vital Signs: Art, Health, and Aging,” opens May 9 and runs through May 31 at the Janette Kennedy Gallery in Dallas (Southside on Lamar, 1409 Botham Jean Blvd #105, Dallas, TX 75215). The exhibition is a collaborative project involving Dr. Aaron Loeb, assistant clinical professor at TWU’s Houston campus and Giovanni Valderas, a drawing and painting professor at TWU’s Denton campus.

The project will feature artwork created by TWU art students, each of whom will address an illness commonly affecting the aging population — such as heart disease, diabetes, or COPD —through their artwork. In collaboration with nursing students, the students will explore creative ways to visually chart the human experience, not only to represent the illness but also to convey hope.

“Through abstract artwork, the aim is to examine how the integration of artistic practices with nursing can help inform best practices for both fields,” Valderas said. “This exhibit will also highlight the value of an innovative learning environment where liberal arts and health sciences programs work together to deepen students' understanding of the intersections between art and science. Moreover, it aims to raise awareness within the broader community about the aging population, the illnesses they endure, and how we can promote a greater social responsibility through education.”

Exhibition Dates: May 9 – May 31, 2025

Reception: Sunday, May 31, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: The Janette Kennedy Gallery, 1409 Botham Jean Blvd #105, Dallas, 75215

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday

Carbon Companies and Greenway Investment Company, Dallas-based privately owned real estate firms, secured a loan for approximately $125 million to finalize the large-scale, luxury multifamily development, The Links on PGA Parkway, in Frisco, Texas. The loan, arranged by the Carbon Companies team, will be used to complete the final phases of the four-phase, 38-acre development. 

The Links on PGA Parkway is located at 15950 Paramount Way in Frisco, off of PGA Pkwy and Dallas North Tollway. The first two phases of the development, which opened in December 2021 and October 2023, introduced 690 units and a two-acre city park. With financing secured for the final two phases, an additional 620 podium-style units will be constructed with 815 underground parking spots. Each building will be complete with its own state-of-the-art wellness facilities and resort-style amenities. The Links on PGA Parkway will offer a total of 1,310 residential units after all phases of the development are complete. 

“We are grateful to all of our partners for working together to secure the loan to deliver the final phases of The Links on PGA Parkway,” says Ed Garahan, CEO of Carbon Companies. “We are proud of this development and look forward to offering luxury housing to more residents in Frisco.” 

The first two phases of the community feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with modern finishes and appliances, stylish interiors, top-tier amenities, and spacious common areas. The state-of-the-art amenities include two resort-style pools with outdoor lounges, two clubhouses, two fitness centers, a grab-and-go market offering grocery essentials, an advanced golf simulator, and complimentary yoga classes and golf lessons from local golf professionals. 

Located in the heart of the Frisco Urban Village, The Links on PGA Parkway is at the center of a rapidly growing and desirable area. Ideally situated near the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa – home to two 18-hole championship golf courses – PGA of America Headquarters, The Star, Stonebriar Centre, and Baylor Scott & White’s Health Complex, the residential community offers unparalleled comfort and convenience. With an array of dining and entertainment options nearby and easy access to the Dallas North Tollway, residents can enjoy luxury and accessibility. 

There are also several highly-anticipated, unique developments in the pipeline nearby, including Universal Kids Resort set to open in 2026, and the Fields West village which will feature premier retail, dining, entertainment, office spaces, and residences. Just across the street, Firefly Park is set to transform 160 acres into a vibrant destination, complete with a 45-acre park, scenic biking and walking trails, water features, luxury townhomes, multifamily residences, and an upscale hotel, all slated for completion in 2027. Adding to the area’s appeal, the City of Frisco and Prosper Independent School District plan to partner to develop the over $300 million, state-of-the-art “ Frisco Center for the Arts” performance hall, to be located at the northwest corner of the Dallas North Tollway and PGA Parkway. 

With the completion of the Dallas North Tollway expansion and easy access to top attractions in the area, The Links on PGA Parkway offers an unbeatable location. Once its third and fourth phases are completed in 2027, this luxury multifamily development will be home to nearly 2,000 residents in the Frisco Urban Village.

Children thrive when they have regular interactions with responsive, caring adults, yet neglect is the most reported form of child maltreatment that can have long-term effects on children’s health and development. Child abuse is an ugly reality of society, and awareness and prevention are crucial in making a difference and making the world a better place for children of all ages.

Child abuse is not limited to young children. Older children and adolescents can also experience abuse, whether it comes from their parents or within a romantic relationship. It also occurs across all socioeconomic levels, ethnic and culture lines and religion and education levels.

An important advocate for children in the Metroplex East region is Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). CASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service agency focused on protecting children, restoring childhood and helping child victims of abuse and neglect achieve their full potential. CASA volunteers are voices for abused and neglected children in court and their ultimate goal is to help ensure that all of the children in protective care find safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. 

To find local volunteer opportunities in Dallas, please visit https://www.dallascasa.org/about-dallas-casa/. For volunteer opportunities outside of Dallas, please visit https://texascasa.org/how-to-help/. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, please call 1-800-252-5400. 

Everyone knows that Mom is a classic, and the best place to celebrate her big day is at The Statler, the iconic mid-century hotel in downtown Dallas. The Statler is hosting a lavish Mother’s Day experience on Sunday, May 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. The elegant brunch buffet will be held in the hotel’s first floor dining space.

The menu showcases brunch items including peach cobbler French toast and buttermilk-brined chicken & waffles, as well as entrees such as a carving station featuring rosemary and garlic roasted strip loin of beef, chipotle honey glazed salmon and more. A full array of salads, sides and a chef’s selection of sweets for dessert round out the menu. Non-alcoholic beverages are included.

The brunch will be available for $75 including tax and gratuity for guests 13 and older, and $30 for kids ages 6-12. Reservations are recommended at Eventbrite.com.

Families are encouraged to extend their celebration of mom with a weekend stay at The Statler. Reservations can be made by visiting TheStatlerDallas.com.

MOTHER’S DAY MENU

Breakfast Pastries

• Assorted Muffins, Danish, Buttery Croissants
• Sweet Butter, Lemon Curd, Seasonal Preserves

Parfait Station

• Coconut Chia Pudding, Vanilla Greek Yogurt, Fresh Berries, Roasted Pistachios, Toasted Coconut, Granola, Dark Chocolate Shavings, Honey Drizzle
• Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Ricotta Honey Dip

Brunch Items

• Peach Cobbler French Toast with Vanilla Bean Mascarpone
• Scrambled Eggs, Creme Fraiche, Chives
• Chicken & Waffles – Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken, Spicy Honey Glaze, Maple Syrup, Whipped Butter

Salads

• Romaine & Baby Spinach, Roasted Corn, Black Beans, Roasted Red Peppers, Grape Tomatoes, Queso Fresco, Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette, Avocado Ranch
• Heirloom Tomato & Cucumber Salad – Pickled Red Onion, Fresh Basil, Balsamic and Olive Oil drizzle

Entrees

• Carne Asada - Grilled Marinated Flank Steak, Peppers and Onions, Guajillo Salsa Roja
• Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast – Bourbon Maple Reduction
• Chipotle-Honey Glazed Salmon
• Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas, Salsa Verde

Sides

• Smoked Gouda and Chive Mashed Potatoes
• Green Beans with Shallots and Toasted Almonds

Carving Station

• Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Strip Loin of Beef, Red Wine Reduction, Creamy Horseradish  

Chef’s Dessert Table

$75 per person; $30 for kids 6-12

Reservations can be made at Eventbrite.com.

Location:

The Statler

1914 Commerce St.

Dallas, TX 75201

TheStatlerDallas.com

By Angelo Piersanti

Nestled in a cozy classroom of Shelton’s Upper School, a vibrant community of writers gathers every Friday morning, united by their passion for creative writing. The Creative Writing Club, open to all students in grades 9-12, offers a supportive and stimulating environment where members can hone their craft, explore new ideas and connect with like-minded peers. 

The club was founded in 2021 by Jen Jen Dayton, currently a senior and President of the Creative Writing Club. Under the guidance of faculty advisor Sophia Van Den Handel, the club provides a platform for students to share their writing, receive constructive feedback and learn from one another. 

At the beginning of the school year, students completed a survey about their writing goals and participated in various get-to-know-you activities. These included a story-pass, a collaborative activity in which students take turns adding to a narrative. As they built on each other's work, they learned about each other’s interest areas and writing styles. 

Meetings typically begin with a writing prompt designed to spark the imagination. Prompts range from free-writing challenges to structured exercises. The serious melds with the spontaneous and whimsical, as bits of conversation, current events or thematic connections provide the day’s inspiration. Students practice many genres, from Haikus and sonnets to horror stories, screenplays, and micro-fiction.

Following the writing exercise, club members participate in group discussions and exchange writing advice. These discussions not only deepen members' understanding of the writing process but also foster a sense of camaraderie and common purpose. The club's crowning achievement is the publication of a literary magazine, shaped entirely by its members. They design the cover, select writing pieces and pair them with unique artwork.

For members of the Upper School Creative Writing Club, the experience goes beyond improving their writing skills – it's about becoming part of a cohort of writers that values creativity, self-expression and mutual support. As Shelton looks forward to the release of their new magazine later this semester, here is a link to last year’s edition.