THE END OF AN ERA
FOR 500X
It was a real blow to the Dallas art community when the news came out that 500X lost its lease to the exhibition and meeting space that they’ve had for 42 years. The historically long-running artists’ co-op has impacted the art community in incalculable ways. Their eviction illustrates the fragility the Dallas art scene seems to continue to face. Neighborhoods that once attracted creativity have new people moving in who seem unaware or unwelcoming of the creative heritage of the spaces. City regulations have also pressured creative spaces and have even closed some.
500X was incorporated in 1977 and opened its doors in February 1978. The co-op was born through the collaboration of Richard Childers, Will Hipps, and 20 artists on their roster. They took an old tire warehouse and converted it into a place to show art. Without those artists’ original investments, 500 Exposition would not be a desirable property today. Artists historically have seen opportunities in a community and created real value. It is unfortunate that some companies can’t see that the reason people wanted to move to a place is that the artists were there first making the community cool.
The co-op lasted so long because the artists changed out periodically. Some stay a year and others maybe a decade. Former members teach at our local universities, are represented by galleries here and abroad, and are showing in some of the best group shows. My former professor, Vincent Falsetta taught at the University of North Texas. Another one of my former professors, Greg Metz teaches at the University of Texas at Dallas. Between friends, I went to grad school with, and other former members I know, there is a great deal who have gone off to make a big impact across the country.
500x was our laboratory. For members and nonmembers that proposed shows, the gallery was a space where artists could test out ideas and see their work in a space with honest critical feedback. Having an MFA show at 500x was a real treat and I have seen several there over the years. Performance art had a place to engage a captive audience with some even willing to participate in the performance. I have seen shows that were utter failures at 500X, but I am glad the artists had that chance to try out their ideas. I have also seen several artists get picked up by galleries after showing with or being a member of 500X. It has been a springboard for so many artists’ careers.
If you haven’t been to the site, 500 Exposition is an industrial building converted into apartments. The rusted metal door on the front of the building is large and imposing. You spill your way into an area that opens up to a great display gallery and then moves up a few stairs for some more exhibition space. The areas on the first floor are darker spaces, but if you take one of the two stairways up to the second level, the gallery is huge with great light and wall space. You hardly notice the apartment doors. It has been remodeled to have a few project spaces as well. Two are located downstairs and one upstairs. Now, all that space will lose the vibrant creative energy that energized the area between Deep Ellum and Fair Park.
By now most of the art community in Dallas has read and heard what happened leading up to the eviction. 500X gives their account of what and when events occurred on their website. The group was nearly evicted in December for the Queer Me Now show, and the management demanded that they remove the show. When 500X published an open call for an LBGTQIA exhibition, they soon received an eviction notice. The doors will be closed at this location on Monday, April 13th. 500X co-op is not gone, because the core is the group of artists and not the building. I’m hopeful they will relocate and have a home sometime in the near future.
featured image: A solo exhibition by Narong Tintamusik Upstairs Main Gallery