In the early 2010s, architecture professor-turned-gallerist Wanda Dye’s RE Gallery helped establish the Cedars as an artistic destination, showcasing emerging talent from Dallas and beyond.
When Dye decided to head back to Alabama to be closer to her family, she left a void in the scene, one she now hopes to fill with an adventurous new partnership with her friend and colleague, interior architect Stefania Morandi. Together, the duo has taken over the former Ephemeral Space on Haskell Avenue with their latest concept, Spazio Morandi.
Dye met Morandi when the Italian was creating interiors for the Trinity Groves development. Upon Dye’s return to Texas, the pair began working together on design projects for Studio Morandi, which led to the idea of creating an arts incubator encompassing everything they felt was missing in the scene.
“The idea was to have a sort of salon where we could have conversations about art and design. We wanted something a little more experimental that we really couldn’t do in my office,” says Morandi, who also manages a design practice. “It’s part gallery, part design gallery, and part cultural living room.”
Envisioned as less of a traditional gallery and more of a salon, Studio Morandi will feature exhibits and events, with an eye to keeping work affordable, from a $99 screen-printed tee to canvases that will sell for around $8,000.
Opening April 4 with the quirky, abstract work of painter Brad Tucker, the space is already booked into the fall with upcoming shows from Gary Farrelly, Erika Huddleston, Kelly Kroener and Pedro Velez.
“I like to show somebody and help them grow, as opposed to selling a $30,000 painting,” Dye explains. “It’s the academic in us to want to nurture and help both artists and collectors grow. We want to keep it really open – it’s a playful, flexible and fluid space.”
Spazio Morandi opens with a reception for Brad Tucker, April 4 from 6-8 p.m. at 203 B South Haskell Ave., Dallas. Exhibition hours will be Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Brad Tucker show open until May 1.