The Nasher Sculpture Center’s Great Create Brings Out the Artist in Every Dallas Family

During what I like to affectionately deem this season as the “fall frenzy,” there’s no shortage of events to attend — philanthropic or not. But you know it’s a good event when your kids not only remember it from last year, but squeal with joy when you tell them it’s coming up again. Even better? When your husband says it sounds like a fun way to spend his birthday. That’s a double stamp of approval in my book. In Dallas, Nasher Sculpture Center’s The Great Create clearly is doing something right for both kids and adults.

The Great Create raises funds each year to support the Nasher Sculpture Center’s education programs, including workshops, tours, school partnerships, and more.

“Young people get the chance to explore new materials, techniques, and ideas they might not otherwise experience,” says Nasher Director of Learning and Engagement Anna Smith. “It’s a special day where kids build confidence and create meaningful connections through art, all while supporting creative learning for our entire community. Every ticket helps expand access to high-quality arts education at the Nasher.”

Chaired by Tori and Ross Mulford and presented by Interabang Books, the event was hosted in its own backyard on a recent fall weekend afternoon, with more than 500 people coming to celebrate one of Dallas’ most iconic institutions. This year’s The Great Create was once again the ultimate arts and crafts playground for kids. There’s no other way to describe its magnitude, breadth, and fun.

“The Great Create is an exceptional fundraiser that’s become a family tradition,” says Tori. “It’s an easy way for people to get involved in the arts community and meet producing artists.”

An exceptional fundraiser and family tradition may be underselling it. It was an incredible afternoon of inspiration for all ages. When you walked in, you were immediately surrounded by art of every type. With Backyard Music Classes by Audrey Schott and performances by the incredibly talented students of Booker T. Washington, it wasn’t just hands-on arts and crafts, either. Schott had both kids and adults alike on the dance floor with a wide range of renditions of songs from “Shake It Off” to “Run Baby Run.”

Yes, there were even culinary delights, too, for those who view ice cream (thanks, Melt Ice Creams), a dirty soda bar, and quesadillas as art. Plus, plenty of adult libations. Bruce Wolpert of Picture This Green Screen & Event Photography was on hand to capture all the memories for families.

But, true to its name, The Great Create is all about what you (and your littles) can create in just a few hours. With 11 stations, the options were endless. The artists (and their helpers) couldn’t have been kinder. The messier, the better for these emerging artists as they ran around the Nasher on a beautiful fall afternoon and engaged with all forms of art mediums — from paints to clay to yarn and more.

Kids clamored for a chance to draw with their toes, thanks to Jessica Hilvitz‘s Toe Jam activation. Markers between toes without any rules? Genius. In addition, Liz Trospher‘s Hello?! Hello?! project had kids lining up to make old-school cup telephones that had adults nostalgic for the good ol’ days. It was a beautiful sight to see generations of artists encouraging one another.

This year’s artists and their projects included: Flynn Flanagan with Color Kaleidoscope; Niki Dionne with Twist, Loop & Create; Virginia Montgomery and Britt Moseley with The Caterpillar Craft & Comedy Corner; Xxavier Edward Carter with Wild & Wonderful Collage; Lilly Watson with Camp Crafty with Creature Creation Station; Brenda Bogart and Stephanie Stephenson with Build a Bird; Matt Kleberg with Mystery Make; Mackenzie Brittingham with Welcome to the Textile Garden; Jessica Hilvitz with Toe Jam; Kevin Todora with BURGER; and Liz Trospher with Hello?! Hello?!

Here’s to another year of creating, learning, growing, and supporting the Nasher Sculpture Center.

PC Seen: Tori and Ross Mulford, Jessica Nowitzki, Jennifer and Peter Altabef, Vicki and Bob Chapman, Katherine and Eric Reeves, Melissa Ireland, Christina and Sal Jafar II, Maggie and Frank McMordie IV, Lauren and François Bellemare, Lacy and Clayton Sands.

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