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Art Thrives At South Dallas’ St. Philip’s Arts Community Experience (SPACE) Event

SweetCharity sweetie Gillea Allison took pen in hand and camera in the other hand  Saturday night to cover the St. Philip’s Arts in the Community Experience. She mingled with the likes of Shannon Wynne, Dr. Malik Zulu Shabazz, the “new” Black Panthers, Erykah Badu, and Dr. Terry Flowers. Good golly, Ms. Gillea!

Saturday’s “Feel and Fill” event at the St. Philip’s Arts in the Community Experience (SPACE) was not your typical gallery inaugural. Sure, there was the standard wine and cheese spread. Beret-clad art spectators were present. The art was great. But the SPACE isn’t your run-of-the-mill art studio. When was the last time you attended a gala where Dr. Malik Zulu Shabazz, chairman of the New Black Panther Party, showed up? That’s what I thought. Jump for the details.

Photo credit: Gillea Allison

First some background: The SPACE was donated to the St. Philip’s School and Community Center by Dallas restaurateur Shannon Wynne. Wynne donated the building for 10 years, rent-free, but with one condition: that it is put to use and constantly remain active. The SPACE now offers a seniors art program, made possible by Kay Dalton and Miki Bone, as well as dance classes, children’s art, theater, and photography workshops. The evening’s series of events proved that St. Philip’s headmaster Dr. Terry Flowers (pictured left with Shannon) is fulfilling Wynne’s wish; we didn’t know what to expect next. The SPACE is a happening spot, indeed.

Photo credit: Gillea Allison

Local artists (whose work was featured in a silent auction) helped patrons brush up on their painting skills. Businessman-turned-Texas-gubernatorial candidate, Farouk Shami, donated $5,000 to St. Philip’s and rallied support for his “green-job agenda.” St. Philip’s Advisory Board member, Clarice Tinsley (pictured), painted a piece that channeled the “peace and love” mantra of the evening. There was an energy-filled performance by the African Dance & Drum students that got everyone on their feet.

Photo credit: Gillea Allison

The two children of St. Philip’s celeb advocate, Grammy-award winner Erykah Badu (pictured), attend the school and Erykah talked up the new center. When asked how she will contribute to the SPACE specifically (voice lessons, maybe?), she said she’d do anything Dr. Flowers asked—even if it means sweeping the floors. Now that’s dedication.

But no gala is complete without the Black Panthers. We noticed two in the parking lot earlier on. With Erykah’s entrance came another. But when Dr. Shabazz made his grand entrance, an entourage of New Black Panther Party members followed. Turns out, the New Black Panther Party (formed in Dallas in 1989) was in town for a 20-year anniversary summit, and Dr. Shabazz stopped by to show his support for his close friend Erykah. Anything for the kids, people.

The silent auction raised $10,000, which will help cover the air conditioning and heating costs for the SPACE. For more information on how to donate, get involved, or to rent out the SPACE for your next event, please contact Anurita Mittra at amittra@stphilips.com or 214-421-5221.

SweetCharity-correspondent side note: During this season of giving, please remember that in addition to St. Philip’s School and Community Center, there are hundreds of public, charter, and inner-city private schools that would benefit from your generosity. Please keep these children’s future top of mind during the holidays.