Hello from Ellum Thicket a Solo Exhibition

500X Gallery is proud to present HELLO FROM ELLUM THICKET, a solo exhibition by Dallas based artist Jamila Mendez.

HELLO FROM ELLUM THICKET delves into the changing landscape of a middle class historically black neighborhood in Dallas, mostly known by the name Northpark.  This exhibition focuses on a time period during Jamila’s childhood there and the beginning of the gentrification that might change the neighborhood forever. For decades, there have been constant attempts at rebranding the neighborhood (for gentrification purposes) from Ellum Thicket to Elm Thicket to Northpark to Inwood Park. The art work walks away from just looking at structures by taking a closer look at the humanity of the families and legacies there. Jamila explores the history of black families, through a personal lens, who were once relegated to the redlined area which turned into one of the best centrally located neighborhoods in Dallas. The fight continues, as we speak, with the proposed rezoning changes.

HELLO FROM ELLUM THICKET is on view at 500X Gallery from August 27th to September 18th, 2022. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, August 27th from 7-10 pm.

The gallery is open from 12-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The address for the gallery is 516 Fabrication Street, Dallas, 75212.

There will be an artist talk at the gallery, “Jamila’s Ellum Thicket” with Jennifer Monet Cowley, on Sunday, September 11th from 2 - 3:30 pm.