New exhibit lets visitors experience art by touch

By Andrea Lamarsaude

Art on Main is presenting The Mundane, Uneventful, & Ordinary Life of Miss Jones, a solo exhibition by Dallas-based artist Dakari Butler, on view July 16 through August 1.

An opening reception is on Saturday, July 18, from 6–9 p.m., with a closing reception on Saturday, August 1, from 2-5 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

In this playful and immersive exhibition, Butler introduces audiences to Miss Jones, a sentient bowling pin whose life revolves around the familiar routines that shape our own daily existence. Through a series of meticulously crafted mixed-media fiber works and interactive installations, visitors follow Miss Jones as she gets ready for work, drives home, prepares dinner, reflects in her diary and winds down at the end of the day.

Rather than asking viewers to admire artwork from a distance, Butler challenges traditional gallery expectations by inviting participation. Throughout the exhibition, guests are encouraged to open drawers, explore personal belongings and interact with objects from Miss Jones’ world, including her makeup bag, jewelry box, pill organizer, diary and kitchen accessories. The result is a multisensory experience that engages touch, sound, memory and curiosity.

Working with fabric manipulation, embroidery floss, polyurethane foam, found objects and tactile materials, Butler creates work that blurs the line between sculpture, installation, fiber art and storytelling. 

Her practice explores the emotional resonance of ordinary objects while encouraging visitors to become active participants rather than passive observers.

Humorous, immersive and unexpectedly relatable, The Mundane, Uneventful, & Ordinary Life of Miss Jones reminds us that even the smallest moments of everyday life can hold meaning, connection, and joy.

Art on Main is located at 4433 Main St. in Dallas. Admission is free. 

Visit artonmaindallas.com for more information.