East Dallas Arts District unites community, inspires creativity

By Mia Terraciano-Spence

North Texas Giving Day season kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 27 and culminates on Thursday, Sept. 17. Communities Foundation of Texas and White Rock Lake Weekly are continuing to highlight nonprofits that serve the White Rock Lake area. North Texas Giving Day is a chance to invest in the people and places that shape the community. For the East Dallas Arts District (EDAD), it’s an investment in the artists, creative spaces, and the cultural identity of the neighborhood that contributes to building a thriving community.

In 2022, East Dallas was already home to artists, studios, and creative businesses, but lacked a unified support system. Andrea Lamarsaude, owner of Art on Main, saw an opportunity to bring that talent together. From there, she began organizing with creatives to formally establish the East Dallas Arts District.

Based in the heart of East and Old East Dallas, the District now serves as a hub for local artists, musicians, and performers, fostering a unified and vibrant cultural community.

This organization is unique in its hyper-local focus. The East Dallas Arts District is deeply rooted in the neighborhood and powered by the people who live and create there.

Through gatherings like open studios, neighborhood mural creations, live performances and creative workshops, EDAD unites the community, inspires creativity and celebrates the diverse artists of East Dallas.

The District connects locals with free or low-cost arts programming for all ages. Through EDAD, East Dallas residents can enjoy pottery classes, workshops in the performing arts and interactive programs for children. These opportunities ensure that art isn’t reserved for a select group, but woven into everyday life across East Dallas.

The East Dallas Arts District has many ongoing projects, like the Little Local Art Galleries, which bring small, rotating exhibitions into public gathering places. Initiatives like this reflect a core belief of the District — art shouldn’t be kept behind closed doors, but incorporated into the neighborhood and everyday life.

All these efforts culminate at Art Walk EAST, the District’s signature event. Free for all guests, Art Walk EAST features live music, interactive art activities, studio tours, artist meet-and-greets and options from local restaurants. More than 80 artists and musicians will be showcased at this year’s Art Walk. By creating a communal artistic experience, the event makes the arts accessible and celebrated in East Dallas.

These efforts support East Dallas artists while also boosting the local economy, create important connections, and enhance the beauty of the neighborhood.

For a new, grassroots organization like EDAD, North Texas Giving Day can be an essential stepping stone toward long-term growth, establishing neighborhood-level vitality in North Texas.

East Dallas Arts District is asking the community to come together this North Texas Giving Day and make art “more visible, accessible and woven into the heart of our neighborhoods.”

 Whether it’s $10 or $100, a donation to East Dallas Arts District could help:

Cover event logistics to keep the Art Walk (pictured) free for all guests

Create and print maps, banners, and signage to guide visitors through the studios and venues

Provide artist support, like supplies and studio maintenance

Host live performances, pop-up exhibits, and hands-on activities

According to Board President Andrea Lamarsaude, North Texas Giving Day allows the East Dallas Arts District “to elevate local artists, strengthen neighborhood identity and expand access to arts experiences across East Dallas.”

For North Texas Giving Day 2026, the District is focused on growing participation, engaging new donors, and increasing its fundraising total.

Help the East Dallas Arts District meet its goal and see East Dallas art thrive at northtexasgivingday.org.