Thursday, August 29, 2013

Oak Cliff Murals

Oak Cliff is actually a district or neighborhood of Dallas, having been annexed by Dallas in 1903. Southwest of downtown Dallas, it is a neighborhood full of history and beauty. Early and mid-century homes abound as well as parks and some really nice golf courses (according to my hubby!) 

The last time we were in Oak Cliff (having gone to the Texas Theatre of course!) we decided to drive around a little in this historic area. To my surprise, there were many murals painted on the buildings -- this part of Oak Cliff is fast becoming known as an arts district and includes historical theaters, neighborhood restaurants, and locally owned shops (and watering holes if you know what I mean!).

You may remember my "letter F" post, 50 Novembers, where I went on and on wrote about the history of the Texas Theatre -- if not, here's a link if you'd like to check it out. 



This is just down the street from the Theatre and shows the different kinds of arts and entertainment in the area.  Oh! Is that the Texas Theatre I see?  Hehe, I hadn't notice that before! Even if it is blue!

You'll need to click on these to get some close-up detail!



This is a great area for people watching -- and dog walking!!




The other half of the mural



This was taken on the sidewalk walking toward the Texas Theatre.
It's fun just to drive on this street -- such colorful shops!



My other trips to this area have been just to the Texas Theatre, so it was really nice to be there in the afternoon and on such a gorgeous day.



This is the on the wall of the North Oak Cliff Library which was the first branch built in the Dallas Public Library system in 1914. This current branch replaced the original one and was built in 1986 -- a local artist painted the mural. That's Martin Luther King, Jr. on the far left, holding a history book. He is shown to link the civil rights struggles of both Mexican Americans and African Americans. 



This is the other side of the mural

The eagles depict the Mexican flag -- an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its talons -- and that's one of the leaders of Mexico holding a history book. 

There were more murals around town, but those will have to wait for another day!


Sharing Oak Cliff murals over at Miss Jenny's for Alphabe-Thursday where we are studying the letter O.

Also sharing at Smiling Sally's for Blue Monday and for her Fifth Blogiversary! I'm adding this post because of all the blue but there's a special one for Sally over on Magnolia's Attic -- you're invited to attend!!



♥♥

23 comments:

byTheArtBug said...

This is wonderful, wish I knew abt it before, we were in Dallas for almost three years but didn't know abt this place.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful murals and great photos for O ~ happy weekend to you ~ carol, xo

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

love the murals! you've captured them beautifully...

lesley said...

wow, very cool! i just love public art. i've never been to dallas, but if i ever find myself there i'll be sure to visit this area (with camera in hand!)

xoxo,
lesley

Rose Clearfield said...

Wow, the murals are amazing! I especially enjoyed the first one. Thanks for sharing them today.

Jen said...

Such gorgeous artwork. Beautiful colors. Sometimes we notice them but realize synergy are truly art.

Unknown said...

very nice...
Debbi
-yankeeburrow

BeadedTail said...

I enjoy looking at murals and marvel at all the meaning and talent that went into making them. Thanks for sharing your photos!

fredamans said...

Beautiful artwork!

Natashalh said...

Woah! So cool! I really like the crazy Aztec looking design over on the right in the library mural. It's crazy!

Lmkazmierczak said...

Magnificent murals♫ Thanks for sharing them!

Gattina said...

They are all very nice and artistic !

Duni said...

I love street art like this! Wish we had those instead of the ugly graffiti scribbles...
I especially like the one with the people out and about and the dog walker!
Thanks for sharing :)

Unknown said...

I've never been to Texas so thank you for the tour. Those murals are just beautiful. It is wonderful the area has become so cultural.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Great photos and post! It is always fun to take a walk through another's blog and get to see sites that are in other places. I lived in San Antonio, but have never been to Dallas.

Blessings & Aloha!
(I am almost caught up with my visits :o)

Splendid Little Stars said...

love the murals! These are great! I really enjoy this kind of public artwork. Thanks for sharing!

SmilingSally said...

I'm honored, Sarah, that you put up two blue posts today.

Thanks for joining in to celebrate Blue Monday’s 5th Blogiversary!

Little Wandering Wren said...

What a busy little Bee you've been doing two blogs today - and I've been to both.

I have never been to Dallas before although we almost moved to Texas several times and I used to be an avid watcher of Dallas - now that shows my age!

Wrenx

GranthamLynn said...

Wow how cool. I have never seen these. We don't get to Dallas often. When we do it is a mall or a specific restaurant. We need to venture out more. Thanks for sharing! I posted some Blues to keep you cool in this hot Texas weather. But today is cooler with rain! Praise The Lord! Come by and see me.
Have a great week,
Sherry

GranthamLynn said...

Wow how cool. I have never seen these. We don't get to Dallas often. When we do it is a mall or a specific restaurant. We need to venture out more. Thanks for sharing! I posted some Blues to keep you cool in this hot Texas weather. But today is cooler with rain! Praise The Lord! Come by and see me.
Have a great week,
Sherry

Jeanne said...

What beautiful murals to share. the art in Dallas is stunning... really.
xo, Jeanne

Memories for Life said...

Very cool! I love coming across outdoor art like this. Just makes the whole area so fun and beautiful!

Jenny said...

I have always been captivated by murals painted on the outside of buildings...

I could spend an entire day, or possibly two, roaming around this cool district of Dallas...

Thanks for linking to the letter "O"!

Outstanding job!

A+

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