Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/674065
A Soapy Banquet of Feminism: One of spring's most unexpected views brilliantly mines surrealism, domesticity and underlying feminist constructs. Dallas talent Erin Stafford's solo installation, "Misbehaving," marks her Kirk Hopper Fine Art debut. It bows to notions of the banquet and the good housewife, while adding historical foodie references, all played out in sculptures and elaborate vignettes fashioned from the surprising medium of soap (through May 21). Painter's Progress: Holly Johnson Gallery — a space identified with classical, timeless contemporary painting — mounts a group show that addresses the art world's preferred media. "Manmade" includes works that range from physical tussles with pigment to coolly considered vapor- filled abstractions from seven national and Texas notables: David Aylsworth, Todd Chilton, Joseph Cohen, Geoff Hippenstiel, Warren Isensee, Dion Johnson and James Lumsden (through June 11). Circuit12 Contemporary also mines this topic, culling eight great painters from Texas and beyond for the group view "Cult of Color." Featured in the high-voltage lineup are Tomory Dodge, Stephen Ormandy, Lauren Silva, Art Peña, Timothy Bergstrom, Cody Hudson, Jacin Giordano, and Iva Gueorguieva (through May 7). Peña, most recently seen at Site131, co-curates. Meet Mr. Huckaby: Fresh from his Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery honors, Fort Worth-based Sedrick Huckaby presents "Three Forbidden F Words" at Valley House Gallery. Discover what those words are and relish the painter's robust figuration informed by spirit and substance (through May 7). Devon Time: Alan Barnes Fine Art showcases U.K.-based SMU grad James Tatum in an ode to the Cornish coasts and Devon moors — inspirations for this internationally exhibited painter, whose best canvases have an air of Turner about them (through May 27). On the Radar: Stay tuned for upcoming profiles on gallerist turned curator Cynthia Mulcahy, now artist and activist. Then we'll look inside Sedrick Huckaby's restoration and recontextualization of his grandmother's home, the place and the matriarch who appear in countless Huckaby canvases. The environment is profound, yet simple; the vibe, extraordinary. The purpose … to be continued. Catherine D. Anspon S ky-high models stomp about the Big Apple, pouty-chic femmes walk the streets of Paris, but when it comes to fashion, there's nowhere quite like Dallas — largely in part to the inimitable Neiman Marcus and its storied and stylish history. In 1938, Stanley Marcus, son of NM co-founder Herbert Marcus, furthered his store's and the city's sphere of influence by presenting the first Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion to eight fashion game- changers, among them French cosmetician Germaine Monteil and fashion and jewelry designer Nettie Rosenstein. Through the years, the award has been bestowed upon the industry's top talent, including Elsa Schiaparelli, Charles James, Cecil Beaton and Karl Lagerfeld. Come September, one more will make the list. Esteemed designer Carolina Herrera comes to town Friday, September 16, to receive the award and serve as the featured designer for The Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show and Luncheon at NM's downtown flagship. Having dressed some of the best —Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was a top client — Herrera will feel at home with our own Best Dressed. "Throughout the years," said Neva Hall, executive VP of Neiman Marcus, during the formal announcement last month, "we have given this award to designers and influencers who have made distinctive contributions to the world of fashion and style. Coco Chanel comes to mind, along with Grace Kelly, so [Herrera] is in really good company." The Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Fashion Show and Luncheon, 214.526.5868, crystalcharityball.org. Jane Rozelle Carolina Herrera, ALWAYS DRESSED BEST D esign darling Vicente Wolf will be in Dallas Tuesday, May 17, for cocktails and book signing at George Cameron Nash showroom in the Dallas Design Center. Wolf is consistently named to the Architectural Digest AD 100 list and has been named one of the 10 most influential designers in the U.S. by House Beautiful. He'll be signing his fourth and newest book, The Four Elements of Design (Rizzoli), a lush look at 12 unforgettable projects. The dapper and erudite Nash will be ready for the soigné Wolf … perhaps with full orchestra, as he once famously employed for a soirée at his showroom. Arrive at 6:30 pm for cocktails, talk and visuals, followed by book signing. Space is limited; reservations are required. Reservation inquiry, events@altonladaymedia.com. VICENTE WOLF APPEARANCE at George Cameron Nash VICENTE WOLF VICENTE WOLF VICENTE WOLF RACHAEL WISE VICENTE WOLF A bedroom encased in watery tones From Wolf's book: Earth hues in a living room Damien Hirst artwork in a chic vignette A spontaneous-looking arrangement of shapely white furniture Art Notes C anoe oars hang above the bar. Pepperidge Farm Goldfish take the place of a breadbasket. And, in lieu of a mint, Swedish Fish are brought with the bill. Montlake Cut, the newest eatery from Nick Badovi- nus (the handsome chef/restaurateur behind Neighborhood Services and Off Site Kitchen), is as charming as its namesake: the easternmost part of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which passes through Seattle to Puget Sound. Housed in the former Spoon digs at Preston Center, Montlake Cut is all about fresh seafood, as reflected in the natty nautical decor. On a busy Friday night, the vibe is casual — a comfortable neighborhood joint where Park Cities types gab over dishes you'd expect somewhere more pretentious. Go with friends: Ask for the four-top round table nearest the kitchen and share everything, including sliced yellowtail and ceviche from the raw-bar menu, baked Dungeness and parmesan dip, king-crab fried rice and fish and chips. There's a full selection of oysters from both coasts, as well as an alluring drink menu with a section dedicated to the preppiest cocktail of them all: the spritzer. Montlake Cut, 8220 Westchester Dr., 214.739.8220; mlcdallas.com. Christina Geyer Erin Stafford's Haute Cuisine from Bygone Eras (Berry), 2015, at Kirk Hopper Fine Art Geoff Hippenstiel's No Title (More Doing), 2014, at Holly Johnson Gallery COURTESY THE ARTIST AND KIRK HOPPER FINE ART COURTESY THE ARTIST AND HOLLY JOHNSON GALLERY Vicente Wolf Brava for Mrs. Herrera Montlake Cut YACHT CLUB Cover of Wolf's newest book