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E-mail This StoryAn eclectic look hit Plano this year when Stephanie Ward brought her Deep Ellum Gallery to historic downtown in February.
Ward, a Plano resident since 1986, set up shop on 18th Street in a 100-year-old Victorian-style home. She said the downtown Dallas scene started changing and she realized it was time to call it quits.
While enjoying her single life, a call came through which within a matter of months led to Ward becoming an adoptive single mother of brother and sister toddlers Casey and Crissah.
Although Ward said her freedom meant everything and traveling was a hobby, these children needed a mother and God chose her for the job.
The 18th Street spot Ward set up shop is conveniently between her children’s daycare and her home.
Jim Wear, Plano’s creative arts manager, said her gallery is worth a visit.
“She’s a very welcome addition,” Wear said. “There is a very strong set of artists in her gallery in terms of originality.”
He said a lot of artists in Plano do a lot of great things, but Stephanie, he said, brought the kind of “in your face” art work Plano has never seen.
“Her art and contrast have very bold patterns,” Wear said. “It is very sensual and passionate about causes and passionate about living life. There are a lot of different subject matters in the art.”
Ward changed her style to adhere to the taste of Plano. She said she is focusing more on figurative and folk art compared to the contemporary style she sold in her Deep Ellum gallery. She said her two best selling artists are Patrick Lewis and Eduardo Lasso.
Bob Morris, a regular art buyer from Ward’s Gallery, said he was excited when he found out a new gallery surfaced in Plano.
“I’ve started a new collection,” Morris said. “This is a new experience for me. Her art work is geared toward Civil Rights and black experiences.”
Morris said he has bought 10 art pieces since Ward came to Plano. Charles Bibbs, he said, is the artist he likes the most.
To go along with Ward’s original art work, Wear said her live jazz on Fridays creates a soothing atmosphere.
“There are always a wonderful set of folks,” Wear said. “There is nothing better than looking at art and enjoying other people’s company. It’s a welcome addition to the night life of downtown.”
Morris said he too participates in Jazz Fridays.
“It’s easy listening jazz and I love the closeness,’ Morris said. “I’ve enjoyed all the artists.”
Ward hand picks local bands with vocalist to fill her manor with light jazz.
“The acoustics in the house are great,” Ward said. The sound of the saxophones and people dancing is smooth against the wood floors in this old home.”
The transitioning of the gallery does not stop there. Ward also host wedding receptions, art exhibits with featured artists, princess birthday parties for little girls and coming a Christmas Bazaar just right around the corner.
Ward began the Christmas Bazaar in Deep Ellum, which she said was very successful.
The bazaar will take place from noon-6 p.m. Dec. 1. It will include 10 vendors who will display their unique and handmade gift items at the gallery.
Eduardo Lazo, an abstract painter from Mexico, will exhibit his new series of art work in a solo exhibit during the bazaar.
“The bazaar is a way to avoid being mauled at the mall,” Ward said.
For information on upcoming events visit www.stephaniewardgallery.com
Contact Stephanie Flemmons at sflemmons@acnpapers.com
