“The Letter as Art in the Digital Age”

7:00pm: Interview with Dr. Dallie Clark, Lebrecht Endowed Chair for Scholarly and Civic Engagement, Collin College; moderated by David Fisher, Asst. Director for the Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs

7:45pm: screening of the movie THE NOTEBOOK 2004 (2hr 3min, PG-13) starring Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Gena Rowlands, and James Garner.

Venue: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Richardson

Dr. Dallie Clark has long been in love with letters and writing, but her love become more than a passing interest when she received a bundle of letters whose stories intrigued her. They were a gift from her mother who discovered them while browsing through an antique shop.

This nurtured passion really blossomed when she based her doctoral dissertation on the very connected world of art and letters, and how handwriting a letter and embellishing it, whether with drawings or added material, creates a very special experience for the recipient as well as the one who penned it.

Clark has now curated “The Letter as Art in the Digital Age” exhibit at Collin College (Jan 17-Feb 22 in the college’s THE ARTS gallery). The exhibit is designed to provide an interactive experience for visitors. www.collin.edu/department/artsgallery/

The movie for this fourth offering in Season 7 of AIR Time is THE NOTEBOOK (2hr 3min, PG-13) starring Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Gena Rowlands, and James Garner. This 2004 film tells of the beautiful love story between Allie (McAdams) and Noah (Gosling) and the role 365 letters played in the touching tale of lost love.

What is AIR Time? AIR Time is a guest artist interview series featuring North Texas artists and creative thinkers. AIR defines artist very broadly. Past artist interviews have included Kevin Carr and Jamie Fulton of Community Beer Company; Erin Hannigan, principal oboist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; the Paul Taylor Dance Company; voiceover artist and actor, Alan Ackles; and Tony Award-nominated sound designer, Tim O’Heir.

Following the interview (7:00-7:45pm), guests are invited to stay for the movie. Admission is FREE, but when reserving a seat online you must purchase a $5 food voucher which can then be used at the event. 

All AIR Time events are held at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Richardson, 100 S. Central Expressway, Richardson, TX  75080.

AIR (Arts Incubator of Richardson) is a 501c3 that is living its Mission and Vision while seeking funding to secure a space. AIR is a center for creativity, innovation and collaboration. Its Mission is to provide the Richardson community and beyond with a facility and resources for nurturing artists and innovative thinkers; and igniting a spirit of creativity that permeates the community. 

This project funded in part by Erik L. Wyse of WealthStar Advisors, and the City of Richardson through the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission.