The Museum’s 16^th Annual Moon Day Event to feature New Space Exhibition, Commissioned Apollo Program Artwork, Astronaut Talks and More

In celebration of the 55^th Anniversary of National Moon Day, the Frontiers of Flight Museum will host its 16^th Annual Moon Day event. Taking place Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this enriching and engaging day of space exploration will feature interactive activities, one-of-a-kind exhibits and space-themed presentations for the entire community to enjoy. Tickets for this highly anticipated signature event are on sale now on the Frontiers of Flight Museum’s website.

In 1969, history was made, and the world was changed when Apollo 11 became the first spaceflight to land humans on the Moon. This monumental milestone, known as National Moon Day, marked the beginning of endless possibilities for space exploration and has been commemorated by the Frontiers of Flight Museum since 2009.

“We are extremely proud to host our annual event to celebrate the past, present and future of space exploration, while inspiring the next generation of space explorers,” said Abigail Erickson-Torres, CEO of the Frontiers of Flight Museum.  “It is the perfect day to explore the history and progress of space and aviation, in a fun and welcoming environment.”

For the first time ever, attendees of the 16^th Annual Moon Day event will have an exclusive opportunity to view a unique exhibition called “Legends of Space Innovation: David Clark Company,” which will feature two rare prototype space suits and headsets designed and manufactured by the David Clark Company based in Worcester, MA.  On loan from the David Clark Company, the pieces are the newest addition to the Frontiers of Flight Museum and will be available for viewing through December 31, 2024.  Additionally, art and exploration will unite with the premier of a commissioned life-sized painting of 10 Apollo astronauts by Polish-born Maciej Maga, who has lived in Dallas nearly 20 years. The painting will be available for viewing through October 31, 2024.

This year’s event will also feature a special keynote presentation from Colonel Gregory H. Johnson, retired US Air Force officer, aerospace engineer, and NASA astronaut. He’ll share colorful and inspiring stories from his aviation and spaceflight experiences including his time as pilot of the STS-123 Endeavour. The STS-123 Endeavour crew performed a record five spacewalks and the mission was accomplished in 250 orbits of the Earth, traveling more than 6 million miles in 15 days, 18 hours and 10 minutes.

“The keynote presentation is a highlight for our guests as we have hosted several astronauts throughout the years,” said Rosalie Wade, Director of Education for the Frontiers of Flight Museum. “It is truly an honor to offer our visitors new one-of-a-kind components to our signature Moon Day event and to have Colonel Johnson share insight and wisdom from his astounding career.”

The Frontiers of Flight Museum’s 16^th Annual Moon Day is a public event that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and space-themed activities and displays for the young, young at heart and avid aviation aficionados. Additional highlights include a book signing by Jim Keyes, author of “Education is Freedom: The Future is in Your Hands,” as well as over 20 exhibitors, seven speakers, autograph signings, educational hands-on activities, food trucks and music. Guest speakers will also discuss a variety of topics ranging from “Pioneering the Path to the Moon” to “The Voyager Spacecraft: Humanity's Farthest Journey.”

While enjoying the many Moon Day festivities, families are encouraged to explore the rich diversity of aviation and flight history throughout the two-level 100,000-square-foot space. The Frontiers of the Flight Museum is home to more than 40 aircraft and space vehicles including the Apollo 7 command module, 16 galleries and displays and more than 35,000 historic artifacts.  Among the many exhilarating exhibitions are “Dreamers and Early Flyers,” “Lighter than Air,” “Modern Air Power” and “Golden Age.”  In addition, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts can earn badges and K-12 Educators can earn CPE credits while attending the Moon Day event.

Tickets to attend the 16^th Annual Moon Day event are $15 for children and $20 for adults and are free for children two years of age and younger. To purchase tickets, learn more and view the complete schedule of activities, please visit www.flightmuseum.com/events/moonday.

The Frontiers of Flight’s 16^th Annual Moon Day event is made possible through gracious sponsors: The Dan and Gena Hamilton Family Fund and PlainsCapital Bank.

About Frontiers of Flight Museum

The Frontiers of Flight Museum has over 40 space vehicles and aircraft from a replica of the Wright Flyer to the one-of-a-kind “Flying Pancake,” the Apollo 7 spacecraft, 16 galleries, and over 35,000 historical artifacts on display. The Museum is conveniently located just north of downtown at 6911 Lemmon Avenue on the southeast side of Dallas Love Field Airport, north of Mockingbird Lane. Housed in a modern 100,000-square-foot facility, the Museum provides a focal point to explore the history and progress of aviation and spaceflight as the human race continues to pursue going higher, faster, and farther.

 Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Regular Admission: Adults $15; Seniors (65+) $10; Youths/Students (3-17) $10 and children 2 and younger are free. For more information, including closings for private events and major holidays, visit www.flightmuseum.com or call 214-350-3600.

Flying acrobats, stunts that defy the laws of physics, colorful costumes, fire breathers, stilt dancers and the ultimate pageantry and flare. Celebrating 30 years under the big top, UniverSoul Circus returns to Dallas with its show-stopping cultural extravaganza July 25-Aug. 11 at Red Bird Mall (3662 Camp Wisdom Rd, Dallas, Texas 75237). The interactive “Family Reunion Tour” will bring together big names from five continents all backed by the infectious beat of world music including sounds and dance styles spanning the African diaspora.

Reimagined with over a dozen culturally diverse performances under a sparkling new big top, UniverSoul features never-before-seen acts from Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic and Mongolia plus an 18-person flying trapeze act from China.

“Our special presentation of 'Cousins Around the World' celebrates a global community that connects us all in a more inclusive society," said UniverSoul founder and CEO Cedric Walker. "United in the spirit of family, we strongly believe that soul is not a color; it's an experience.”

Enjoyed by more than 25 million people from around the world, UniverSoul Circus’ highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater and music spans genres including pop, classic R&B, Latin, hip hop, jazz and gospel. Rated as one of the top live family acts in America along with Cirque du Soleil, UniverSoul’s fresh approach to family-friendly live entertainment has garnered it a coveted spot as one of Ticketmaster’s top 10 most requested family events.

At UniverSoul Circus, the audience is part of the show, and everyone gets to participate. Whether playing “Simon Says,” showing off their Swag Surf dance moves or singing in the “Soul Karaoke” spotlight, the patrons take the spotlight. Fresh the Clowns choose kids from the seats for the Big Top Kids Dance contest, and the entire tent gets to play as the beach balls bounce overhead.

“UniverSoul Circus is presented in a brand-new custom big top imported from Italy, enhanced with advanced state-of-the-art lighting, and a sound system that moves and grooves as if it were the show itself,” Walker added. 

New world-class artists this year include the enchanting Power of Love duo ballerina act from Mongolia who performs ballet on the shoulders and back of her male partner; the soul-stirring African Dream hoop divers from Addis Abba Ethiopia; and the beautiful Ethiopian female duo Morning Dove with their stunning aerial contortion acrobatic act.

Other new additions include a one-of-a-kind flying trapeze act with 18 people flying in air between three positions on multiple cues; an exciting, styled teeterboard act from Ethiopia; a tantalizing strong-man hand-balance duo called Double Vision from the Dominican Republic; and a dynamic twirling Cuban-Caribbean dance party and roller skating-themed spectacular. 

In addition, the fan favorites – Caribbean Street Carnival – will bring flair with 20-foot dancing puppets, fire-blowing stilt dancers, authentic folklore characters and dancers from almost every Caribbean Island. The kid-friendly, hip-hop dancing Fresh the Clowns will turn up the crowd with the hottest dance moves, while the extremely dangerous wheel of death stunt masters will have crowds on the edge of their seats as they flip, dive and jump on a fast-moving pendulum 60 feet in the air.

Other popular moments will include Sifiso Kamela, aka “Whistle Man,” from South Africa who will engage the audience with his hilarious boxing clown skit, the ringmaster/comedian Donald “N.O.” Long from New Orleans, plus UniverSoul’s original Zander “Zeke” Charles from Atlanta and its newest foxy dancer, Bella, from Trinidad.

Tickets are $25 and up at ticketmaster.com. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; noon, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Go to universoulcircus.com for more info, ticket prices, show times and schedules. Follow UniverSoul on Facebook @UniverSoulcircus, Twitter @UniverSoulCirc and Instagram @UniverSoulCircus.

About UniverSoul
UniverSoul is a highly interactive combination of circus arts, theater and music that spans genres including Pop, Classic R&B, Latin, Hip Hop, Jazz, and Gospel. It embraces and celebrates the unique and familiar aspects of pop culture globally by bringing them center stage with a cast of international performers. UniverSoul is rated as one of the top live family acts in America along with Cirque du Soleil. UniverSoul’s fresh approach to family friendly live entertainment has garnered it a coveted spot as one of Ticketmaster’s top ten most requested family events. UniverSoul was created 30 years ago as the brainchild of Atlanta concert and theater producer Cedric Walker. The UniverSoul Circus is a product of the storied legacy of Atlanta, Georgia, a multicultural entertainment hub for world renowned artists, stage, film, music producers and events.

Ascend Dallas will offer financial counseling services Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm at the WeCreation Center. Those interested should contact Lawanda via email (lstrhand@ascenddallas.org) to schedule their appointment. Individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses are welcome to attend! 

WeCreation Center

3016 Colonial Ave, Dallas, TX 75215

The signature Pantheon doors were flung open and Dallas was transported to Goodwood, the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in West Sussex, England, through Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas, an Avondale Dealerships showroom graced with discerning guests last month. They took in the brand’s newly reimagined showroom at 5300 Lemmon Avenue in Dallas.

Reflecting the latest visual identity of the brand, the showroom exudes sophistication, contemporary luxury, and creativity, while incorporating innovative digital technology with an inviting and relaxing interior design. Located in a prominent location in the heart of Dallas, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas now offers clients an immersive experience from the moment they step foot into the building: the front door is modelled on Rolls-Royce’s famous Pantheon grille and provides a discreet, tantalizing glimpse of what lies within. The doorway is topped by the marque’s iconic figurine, the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The celebration provided a unique opportunity to connect guests with the brand. Martin Fritsches, president & CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA acknowledged the work of the premier team from Avondale Dealerships, including Kenneth L. Schnitzer, chairman of Avondale Dealerships; Hesham Elgaghil, president of Avondale Dealerships; and Kevin Chew, general manager of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas.

Avondale Dealerships also celebrated the brand’s partnership with Children’s Cancer Fund. Jennifer Arthur, executive director of the non-profit organization, was on-hand for the reception and the official opening of the new showroom. Avondale is pleased to support the work of Children’s Cancer Fund through its annual gala, which in April 2024 raised a record-breaking $2 million to champion children in their fight against cancer through strategic investments in research and care.

Other notable celebrity guests included Lee Bailey, a philanthropist and devotee of the Rolls-Royce brand; as well as Heidi Dillon, socialite and CEO of Distill Ventures; actress and philanthropist LeeAnne Locken; Chuck Steelman, chief customer and experience officer for Stanley Korshak; high-profile models Carlotta Lennox and Thomas Mullins; influencer Queyoun Makor; and luxury national journalist Kristin Shaw. Rolls-Royce collector Fred Cornwall generously lent incredible vintage Rolls-Royce vehicles from his personal collection for display, including a spectacular 1926 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Piccadilly Roadster.

Opening its doors to a hub of creativity and craft, on top of housing unrivalled motoring masterpieces, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas provides an experience tailored to the bespoke needs of the dealership’s most discerning clientele with meticulous attention to detail.  

“The design, ambiance, hospitality and professionalism is what makes the new Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas a welcoming slice of England in the United States,” said Martin Fritsches, President & CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, as he addressed the gathered crowd. 

The new showroom exudes sophistication, contemporary luxury, and creativity, yet still recognizing the importance of heritage for the marque, with quotes from the founding fathers of the brand throughout the showroom. Each Rolls-Royce is unapologetically luxurious, synonymous with beauty and elegance, and a true design icon. Fittingly, each model rightfully enjoys its own dedicated space, framed, and is presented according to its distinctive personality and characteristics. Galleria digital screens further allow a channel of personality to surround each vehicle on display, including Spectre, the most intelligent and powerful Rolls-Royce the marque has ever envisioned; Cullinan, the first all-terrain SUV from Rolls-Royce; and other models for guests to explore.

At the heart of the showroom lies The Bespoke Commissioning Atelier, a sanctuary for clients seeking personalized experiences. Here, discerning patrons can explore myriad options to tailor their Rolls-Royce motor cars to their unique preferences and personalities, ensuring that each vehicle is a true reflection of its owner’s individuality. Housing some of the marque’s most exquisite examples of craftsmanship, this relaxed cocoon allows guests to select personalized surface finishes, wood veneers, leathers, embroidery threads and fabrics in a variety of vivacious hues. The surface-finish samples are presented in the familiar Rolls-Royce speed form shape, making it easy to imagine the almost endless two-tone color combinations; the leathers are rolled on wands with handles from Rolls-Royce’s famous umbrellas, while the veneers are shaped like the cross-section of an aero foil, recalling The Honorable Charles Rolls’ passion for aviation. This sensory-inspired room helps clients to envision their dream commission coming to life.

The new Rolls-Royce of Dallas showroom provides the optimum environment for an inspiring, engaging, and captivating experience for guests. The charm of Goodwood is felt in every space, including the Speakeasy, where guests relax and enjoy refreshments. A comfortable lounge offers a place to luxuriate and enjoy the distinct heritage of the brand along with friends or colleagues. The Cabinet of Curiosities, located in the lounge area, features intriguing pieces that inspire and spark conversations.

“It is our honor and pleasure at Avondale to open the doors to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas. As our guests stepped into our gateway to Goodwood, we felt privileged to provide a sense of history, bespoke craftsmanship, respect for detail, and unbridled innovation that is uniquely Rolls-Royce,” noted Hesham Elgaghil, president of Avondale Dealerships. “This reimagined showroom empowers all of us at Avondale to invite our guests into the Rolls-Royce brand of meticulous craftsmanship and unrivaled history through each and every personalized journey.”

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About Avondale Dealerships: Avondale Dealerships is an innovative business led by a team with decades of success and experience in the automotive industry. Avondale is supported by members who have an incredible spirit for delivering an elevated client experience. This SPIRIT of Avondale runs deep and is channeled in multiple ways to care for the local community. Avondale Dealerships operates Mercedes-Benz of Grapevine, Porsche Grapevine, Sprinter Grapevine, Aston Martin Dallas, Bentley Dallas, Koenigsegg Dallas, McLaren Dallas, Maserati Dallas and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas. In addition, the company manages Avondale Collision & Repair, and Avondale Select, offering luxury daily rentals.

For more information, visit www.avondale.com. To subscribe to Avondale Group’s YouTube channel, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi9rXleS3RI7bz4x9ROwe3A

Seeking Texas-based women artists – from emerging to established – Texas Vignette today announced a call for entries for its sixth-annual Vignette Art Fair, which will take place Oct. 17-19, 2024, at Dallas Market Hall (2200 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207). The three-day juried event features works exclusively by Texas women artists in an effort to promote exceptional yet under-represented regional talent. Vivian Li, the Lupe Murchison Curator of Contemporary Art at the Dallas Museum of Art, will serve as curator for the 2024 Vignette Art Fair (see bio below). While the fair is free and open to the public Oct. 18-19, a VIP Benefit Preview will be held Oct. 17.

The call-for-entries opens Tuesday, July 2. The deadline is Aug. 2, and selected artists will be notified by Aug. 26. Submission fee is $36. For qualifications/rules, details and instructions, go to texasvignette.org.

The Vignette Art Fair is unique in that it is fully submission-based, curated in an exhibition-style setting, solely spotlights the work of women artists, and, most significantly, 100% of all sales go directly to the artists.

“Texas Vignette received a record number of artist entries last year, and we look forward to another great response this year with Vivian Li at the helm,” said Jessica Ingle, Texas Vignette founder and president. “Vivian has deep connections to the Texas art scene through her curatorial appointments with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Dallas Museum of Art and has long supported our mission to uplift dynamic female artists in a male dominated art world. We are thrilled to have her expertise for this year’s fair.”

Founded in 2017, Texas Vignette works to close the gender disparity gap as female artists are not represented nearly as often in museum exhibitions, acquisitions and galleries compared to their male counterparts. In fact, of the $196.6 billion spent at art auctions between 2008 and 2019, work produced by women accounted for only $4 billion, or around 2% of total sales.

"The Vignette Art Fair stands out for its transformative impact, not only in elevating female artists but also in cultivating a vibrant culture of collecting their work," said Vivian Li, curator of the 2024 Vignette Art Fair. "I am honored and excited to play a role in this year’s fair, eager to engage in enriching dialogues and weave together diverse perspectives and practices as part of a shared conversation across the state."

Participants must identify as a woman and be a current Texas resident. Submission requirements include an artist statement, bio, CV and a link to the artist’s website and/or Instagram handle.

Vignette Art Fair will be open with free admission Friday, Oct. 18, from noon-7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. In addition, a limited number of tickets will be available for purchase to the VIP Benefit Preview on Oct. 17, from 6-10 p.m. The evening will feature live performance works, meet-and-greets with the artists and curator, music, and an open bar.

For more information, go to texasvignette.org.

ABOUT TEXAS VIGNETTE. With a mission to promote, support and connect Texas women in the arts, Texas Vignette highlights talent that has been under-recognized and made ancillary by art institutions and establishments. In service of their mission, Texas Vignette presents an annual juried art fair exclusively featuring works by women artists from Texas in order to elevate exceptional yet under-represented regional talent. Vignette Art Fair is fully submissions-based and works with a different Texas woman curator for each Fair to select the included artists and determine the layout of the show. It is significant to note that the Vignette Art Fair is among the only art fair in the world that solely features the work of women artists and where 100% of all sales go directly to the artists.

ABOUT THE CURATOR. Dr. Vivian Li is the Lupe Murchison Curator of Contemporary Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. Since arriving at the DMA in 2019, she has realized ambitious collaborations with artists such as Mel Chin and Tiffany Chung, and organized Slip Zone: A New Look at Postwar Abstraction in the Americas and East Asia (co-curated) and the retrospective Matthew Wong: The Realm of Appearances. Prior to coming to the DMA, she worked at the Guggenheim Museum; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Worcester Art Museum. A specialist in postwar and contemporary art in Asia, she received her PhD from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She has edited and contributed to various publications, including the Oxford Art Journal, Art History, Yishu: Journal of Contemporary Chinese Art, and the anthology Postwar – A Global Art History, 1945-1965.