We’re smack dab in the middle of summer and the heat is on! Escape the soaring temps and wilting humidity with some cool art. Slip inside a frosty theater to see a play or some live music. Or head to Texas’ official retreat from the heat – an area museum or gallery and take in some fabulous art while you count the days until fall. Put on some sunscreen and get out your big floppy hat and forget about the heat with one of these events the Art&Seek team has picked especially for you.

Wednesday

Stop by the Dallas Museum of Art at noon for a lunchtime gallery talk. Bring your grub and learn about Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth hosts an impressive survey of work by mixed media artist, Doug Aitken. Don’t wait to see “Electric Earth.”

Thursday

LEGOLAND Discovery Center hits the road for the summer and the first stop is Dallas’ Klyde Warren Park. Be the first in line to help create a massive Ninjago-theme LEGO mosaic.

In the Neil Simon comedy “Fools,” chronic stupidity has cursed a town for 200 years, and it’s up to one man to break the cycle. Trouble is, no one tells him that if he stays over 24 hours and fails to break the curse, he too becomes stupid. Head to Plano Children’s Theatre to see what happens.

Friday

Sopheap Pich fled Cambodia to the U.S. as a child. He returned as an adult and artist. Now he’s one of Cambodia’s most internationally recognized contemporary artist. He’ll be in Dallas tonight giving an artist talk at the Crow Collection of Asian Art.

The 8th annual Bastille on Bishop happens tonight in the historic Bishop Arts District. Celebrate Dallas’ original La Reunion settlement, the country of France and their traditions with food, wine, and entertainment.

Saturday

This year, iconic composer Philip Glass turns 80 and pianist/composer Josh Bradford turns 39. Bradford will celebrate the occasions with a special concert, 39 Glass Project, at Steinway Hall in Fort Worth, presented by Open Classical.

SCRAP Denton – the makerspace – hosts UNT Fashion Design teacher Karen Bravo for a series of classes on Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine.

Sunday

The Cedars neighborhood in Dallas hosts its first-ever running of the bulls event on Sunday. There won’t be animals running through the streets, but members of the Dallas Derby Devils will be in hot pursuit of race participants. Festivities kick off at Lee Harvey’s and end at Mac’s Southside and Industry Alley Bar.

The Nicholson Memorial Library System will hold an adult spelling bee competition and there will be prizes! The Intrinsic Smokehouse and Brewery in Garland is the venue for the competition. Don’t miss it.

Monday

Art&Seek Spotlight Artist and renown glassblower Jim Bowman is exhibiting sculptures with his partner and wife Mary Lynn. See the Bowman Glass Studio exhibition at the Creative Arts Center of Dallas through July 29.

Second Thought Theatre presents the world premiere of “The Necessities.” See the new work by SMU professor Blake Hackler at Bryant Hall – on the Kalita Humphreys Campus in Dallas.

Tuesday

Shakespeare Dallas is putting a West Texas twist on a Cervantes’ classic. Pack your picnic basket and head to the amphitheater at Samuell-Grand Park for and see “Quixote.” 

It’s free week at the Granada Theater and that means you have no excuse for not supporting some of the local bands performing all week. Go tonight when KXT  Presents Valise, Northern National, and Jacob Metcalf.

For more on these and other events, explore the Art&Seek calendar.