This October, Fort Worth’s Near Southside will hum with creativity as The Pool Gallery hosts the inaugural “A Good Gathering,” a month-long series that brings together 29 artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders to explore how art, culture, and connection can build stronger communities, according to a release.
Produced by A Good Man’s Education in partnership with the artist-run 501(c)3 Art Tooth, the series reflects the vision of founder Dev’n Goodman.
“Each pathway highlights a key pillar of what makes a great community,” said Goodman. “Entrepreneurs bring us together through shared interests, culture allows us to be seen in ways we never expected, and art speaks to us at our core as we work to create a community that welcomes everyone.”
The Pool Gallery serves as the hub for the month-long project, described by organizers as a “third space,” borrowing sociologist Ray Oldenburg’s term for the gathering spots outside of home and work that foster connection. Within its walls, the program unfolds across four pathways.
The Art Pathway celebrates the joy of creative expression. The Entrepreneur Pathway introduces attendees to innovators shaping local engagement. The Cultural Pathway, curated with the Fort Worth Film Club, brings a slate of films and discussions. And the Community Pathway ties it all together with hands-on workshops and activities designed for all ages.
The exhibition highlights both established and emerging artists, including Anna Joy Pham, Brian Dickson Jr., and Tatyana Alanis, alongside newer voices such as Andria Matlock and the collaborative collective Sparkle Loom. Their work reflects a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences, underscoring the many ways people find connection through art.
The series kicks off on Oct. 1 with a private preview for press and collectors, followed by a public Opening Reception on Oct. 3, a community celebration with live music, food and drinks, and the opportunity to meet artists and explore the exhibition. Throughout the month, programming expands the scope of the gathering. Bumblebee Yoga, Body Jam Studios, and InLight Massage Therapy will lead sessions on wellness and mindfulness.
Art educator Natalia Margarite of Creative Muse Arting will host hands-on workshops. Film screenings curated by Dr. Marcellis Perkins will add cultural depth, including a discussion of “All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt” with Kaci Merriwether-Hawkins, founder of Black Girls in Art Spaces, and Dr. Stacie McCormick, professor and author.
“I’m excited to be part of this show, as it marks the first official collaboration between A Good Man’s Education and Art Tooth,” said Shasta Haubrich, executive director of Art Tooth. “Together, we’re building on years of working individually with the creative community. Bringing together more than two dozen artists — including many we’ve each admired and collaborated with — is a powerful way to celebrate Fort Worth and its art scene.”