The Fairmont Dallas is pleased to announce a partnership with gallery owner Bryan Embry and the opening of Ross Akard Gallery, the Arts District’s first art gallery in over three decades.

A Dallas native, Embry began exploring art while attending Trinity Christian Academy, where his mentors encouraged him to continue his studies at the prestigious Pratt Art Institute in Brooklyn. Embry excelled at Pratt, but decided to follow a career path in finance.

Following several successful years with Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor, Embry’s passion was reignited after several purposeful conversations with local gallery owner, Paul Adelson, who guided Embry through the process of forming his own company, specializing in artist representation and sales.

A true product of the community, from inception to completion, the gallery has come together through donations and concessions on products, services, time and art from gracious people all across the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Charles Womack of Womack-Hampton, Molly DeVoss of MDVC Creative Inc. and Salah Boukadoum of Soap Hope are included on the list of businesses that contribute to the gallery’s connection to the community.

The work, ranging from paintings to sculptures, will be displayed on two permanent walls and three rotating walls, creating a transitional space. Womack, architect of the landmark Rolex building on North Central Expressway, capitalized on the prime location, 20-foot-ceilings and pedestrian visibility offered by the space. His use of moveable walls exposes the art from unexpected angles.

The relationship between Embry and the historic downtown hotel began with a chance meeting between Embry and The Fairmont’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Shannah Milstead, at a North Texas for Business, Culture and the Arts event.

“Bryan’s passion about art was immediately apparent to me and very contagious,” said Milstead. “The opportunity to bring an art gallery to the Arts District is gratifying to me on a professional level because it is a progressive move for the hotel, but also on a personal level due to my commitment to creating awareness about the importance of arts and culture in Dallas.”

The Fairmont’s enduring connection to the community and the kinetic and vibrant gallery space make it the ideal location for Embry’s vision to manifest itself.

Read the entire press relase here.