Last weekend over 500 people in Dallas sat in a room together for TEDxSMU and listened to some bright minds. Speaking on behalf of the entire room: It was inspiring.

Throughout the day people we would break for lunch and coffee and you would find yourself in conversations with like-minded individuals who know there is something we can do to change the world if we would just get off our ass and do it. That was my takeaway from last Saturday. It was actually a quote from Jody Williams referenced by speaker Turk Pipton of The Nobelity Project. She said:

“There’s nothing magical about change. If someone wants to change the world, it takes getting up off your ass and caring enough to take the first step to contribute to change on an issue you care about.”

Ever wanted to take a look into an artist’s studio? This weekend is your chance to take a look inside 47 of them! The White Rock Lake Artists Studio Tour is in its 17th year and like every year it’s free. The self-guided/self-paced tour features 47 professional artists and 5 art centers in the White Rock neighborhood.

Every Wednesday night this month, the Belmont Hotel, in conjunction with Corgan Media Lab, will be showing movies under the stars. Bring your blanket and enjoy a flick with the most beautiful view of Dallas as your backdrop.

Take a 2-day art course/tour at SMU’s Meadows Museum Auditorium with the Vice Chair of the City of Dallas Cultural Affairs Commission, Gail Sachson.

“Breathe new life into your art career or learn how to plug into the Dallas art scene for the first time through this intimate guide to local resources for artists, collectors, docents, art students and enthusiasts.”

Shop local and shop for a cause Thursday and Friday at the 1st annual Tseelana Market.

The Market is benefiting The Wilson Foundation, a local not-for-profit organization providing education and health support for AIDS victims in rural South Africa.

The word “Tseelana” (pronounced “Say-lana”) means “to help each other” in Northern Sotho, the language spoken by the people The Wilson Foundation serves in South Africa.

Participating artists will donate a percentage of each sale back to The Wilson Foundation, and together will raise money for children in South Africa who desperately need help.

Some of the local artists include: painter Brenda Bogart, candles by Eleanor (Ellie) Hamm, jewelry by Beyond Baroque, S King Collection, London Schmid, and much more. There will also be handmade bracelets, wire baskets and other items by South African artisans.

The Tseelana Market is free and open to the public!

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture will be opening their doors on Wednesday, October 7th to show Dallas what they’re all about! Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and a presentation about the Institute.

RSVP by calling Caitlin at 214.981.8822 or email her at [email protected].

The City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs has partnered with the Dallas theatre community and Theatre Communications Group (TCG) to offer a Free Night of Theater! This is a national program raises the awareness of and attracts new audiences to live theatrical performances.

Reserve your tickets starting Monday at 12pm (seriously, don’t wait) and enjoy a FREE night of theater in Dallas.

The Angelika will be showing FREE Hitchcock movies every Thursday on the pavilion at Mockingbird station. Some seats will be available, but chairs, blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged. Film starts at 8pm and you don’t want to miss the Oct 8th showing of Rear Window. Did you know Hitchcock makes a cameo appearance in 39 of his 52 major films?

Every Monday, Lower Greenville is home to some of the best and brightest musical talent in the city of Dallas; but it’s not coming from one of the countless bars that line its streets, and the songs aren’t sung by some indie, pop-rock, jam band. No- these songs are sung by a group that the Dallas Observer has called the “Best Belters” in the city. This is Mama’s Party.

Kirk Savage, professor of art history at the University of Pittsburgh and author of the new book, Monument Wars: Washington, D.C., the National Mall, and the Transformation of the Memorial Landscape, will deliver a free lecture co-sponsored by the Dallas Holocaust Museum, the Art History Department at Southern Methodist University and The Sixth Floor Museum.