Irving Arts Center receives 2008 neighborsgo Choice Award for Best Theater Venue

Irving Arts Center

3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

By Sterling Robertson

neighborsgo Irving editor

 

The IrvingArtsCenter looks like a reserved building filled with artwork and places to put on live performances, but in reality it is much more.

The magic of theater and the peaceful ambiance of art galleries are gifts for any city. And what a gift Irving has in the IrvingArtsCenter.

Sitting quietly on

MacArthur Boulevard

, the center is really a beehive of activity for residents of all ages. There are two outstanding theaters, four art galleries and a sculpture garden with a reflecting pool all waiting to be explored.

Construction of the IAC was completed in 1990, thanks to the hard work of the Irving Arts Board, which was, as reported by the public relations department of the center, “charged with the responsibility of encouraging and supporting community arts activities.”

When the center was completed, it boasted 91,500 square feet of space for live performances and visual arts. Live performances, including a visit by famed author Sandra Cisneros, can be seen in either the 707-seat Carpenter Performance Hall or the 253-seat Dupree Theater.

And it’s not all adult-oriented culture.

The IAC has welcomed appearances by Winnie the Pooh and other live acts, and there are the always-popular KidsArts programs, where kiddos can get messy with finger paints or learn about mixed-media art and all the other ways they can express their artistic side.

In 2007, the IAC was named as an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. There are only 159 affiliates nationwide that have earned this honor, and the center now has the chance to receive artifacts from the Smithsonian’s collection to show off in Irving. Right now, visitors can get an idea of what this means by viewing sculptures by Reuben Nakian on loan from the Smithsonian.

The IrvingArtsCenter literally has something for everyone, so make plans to get some culture, view spectacular sculpture and the art galleries and take in a show or two throughout the year. And don’t miss the next Spring Fling. To learn more about that, be sure to visit neighborsgo.com/stories/12577.