Nice story in Quick the other day about the visual art renaissance currently underway in Deep Ellum. I’m sure she missed a few galleries (and sadly DEEP didn’t get a credit for their Art Walk) but it’s good to see somebody noticed we’re heading in the right direction.
Art still lives in Deep Ellum

09:04 AM CDT on Friday, May 18, 2007

The often-discussed “death of Deep Ellum” doesn’t apply to the art scene. Several new galleries have opened in the area in the past year or so, including the Public Trust (formerly Art Prostitute, which moved from Denton), Road Agent, the Pawn Gallery and Kettle Art.

The neighborhood held its first art walk in March, when many of the galleries kept their doors open late on the same night. A similar event is planned for the fall.

“It’s blossomed,” said Frank Campagna, who helped open Kettle on Elm Street in November 2005. “I hope they can all sustain. It’s hard to do.”

Here’s a look at some of the galleries, both new and established, that are open now.

Lesley Téllez

BARRY WHISTLER GALLERY
Details: Open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. 2909-B Canton St. 214-939-0242. barrywhistlergallery.com.

What’s on display: Established in 1985, the Barry Whistler Gallery focuses on Texas artists, showing contemporary paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and photography.

CONTINENTAL GALLERY
Details: Open by appointment only. 3311 Elm St., on the ground floor of the Continental Lofts. 972-342-4567.

What’s on display: A range of contemporary media and styles, including sculpture, painting and photography. The gallery aims to develop local talent.

KETTLE ART
Details: Open Thursday through Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m. 2714 Elm St. 214-573-7622. kettleart.com.

What’s on display: A diverse mix that includes anything from graffiti to video art. Kettle is run by artists, and it promotes the work of emerging and mid-career Texas artists.

MUTT GALLERY
Details: Open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday by appointment only. 2924 Main St., Suite 102. 214-658-9860. myspace.com/friendsofmutt.

What’s on display: Contemporary and abstract paintings, photos and sculpture, often from local artists. An open house is scheduled for tomorrow from 6 to 9 p.m.

PAWN GALLERY
Details: 2540 Elm St. myspace.com/pawngallery.

What’s on display: Anything from contemporary art to Russian Catholic iconography. Some shows could feature all-local artists; others could center on national and international artists.

THE PUBLIC TRUST
Details: Open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 2919-C Commerce St. 214-760-7170. trustthepublic.com.

What’s on display: The gallery, known as Art Prostitute until April, primarily shows drawings and paintings, which are often accompanied by large-scale, site-specific installations. The gallery shows emerging and established artists, and offers limited-edition prints for most exhibitions.

REVOLUTION GALLERY
Details: Open by appointment only. 3309 Elm St., inside the Continental Gin building (not to be confused with the Continental Lofts). 214-542-7103. myspace.com/revolution_gallery.

What’s on display: Usually abstract and pop art. Local artists are a mainstay here. Past show themes have included erotica exhibits.

ROAD AGENT
Details: Open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. 2909-A Canton St. 214-749-4049. road-agent.com.

What’s on display: Contemporary art from emerging and established artists in Texas, New York, London and L.A.

500X
Details: Open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. 500 Exposition Ave. 214-828-1111. 500x.org.

What’s on display: 500X is Texas’ oldest artist-run cooperative gallery. It was founded on the idea that artists should have exhibition space free of dealer restrictions and outside influences. It shows local, regional, national and international artists.