Photography by Lauren Allen
Photography by Lauren Allen
If you walked around Deep Ellum during the past month, you might have noticed something new hanging from the streetlight poles on Main Street, Elm Street and Exposition Avenue.
More than 180 new banners were installed on the streetlight poles in late March. Eight artists, all with local ties, were selected to participate in this project by a committee of locals, employees, owners and arts experts. Individually, they crafted 10 unique banners that depict the “new growth” theme. Many of them include pictures of flowers and trees, but they also show roots and musical instruments to evoke Deep Ellum’s history.
History of Deep Ellum
After the Civil War, former slaves settled around Deep Ellum, which is how the residents pronounced “Deep Elm,” and by the early 20th century, the community served African Americans. The fraternal organization the Black Knights of Pythias built their grand temple in Deep Ellum, and it included offices for Black doctors, dentists and lawyers, according to the Texas State Historical Association’s website. Then-Black newspaper the Dallas Express was also published in the temple at one point.
In the 1920s, Deep Ellum became known for shopping and entertainment; nightclubs, domino parlors and cafes opened. Jazz and blues musicians, such as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Huddie “Leadbelly” Ledbetter and Sam “Lightnin’” Hopkins, played in our neighborhood.
Changes in culture and industrialization caused a downturn in the 1940s and 1950s, but by the 1980s, Deep Ellum rebranded as the Dallas punk scene, and art galleries and nightclubs set up shop.
‘Beauty comes from diversity’
The theme for the banners aims to resonate with the ever-changing nature of Deep Ellum. The artists made references to our neighborhood’s culture in their work, according to their statements.
“The composition of this painting (digitally refined) brings together poppies, daisies, bluebonnets and phoenix peppers, each distinct in form and meaning, yet thriving together,” banner artist Molly Frisby says. “This piece embraces the idea that beauty comes from diversity, and growth happens when different elements coexist and evolve — much like Deep Ellum. The contrast between organic shapes and structured neon lights and the mural-esque texture reflects the dichotomy of Deep Ellum and how it continues to change while staying rooted in its artistic legacy.”
‘Ode to the artists, musicians and dreamers’
Amy Sherman — whose banner features an acoustic blues guitar and musical motifs — says, “This design is a tribute to Deep Ellum’s legacy and its ongoing evolution. It is an ode to the artists, musicians and dreamers who keep its creative roots alive, ensuring that new generations continue to thrive within its ever-growing branches.”
Edgy yet delicate
Benjamin Wright Coleman, who depicted a woman surrounded by flowers in his banner, says, “In my pieces, I am attempting to display the edgy roughness that I associate with Deep Ellum (the part of it that I love the most) and juxtapose that with the delicate.”
‘Day & Night’
Marcos Alvarado created three of the 10 banners. The first one, a watering can sprinkling a heart with flowers blooming through it, represents self-care. The second, two plant-covered figures watering each other, shows the importance of community. Finally, the third banner depicts a tree with green leaves surrounded by blooms and sunshine on the top and a dying tree in the dark on the bottom half.
“Representing the harmony of opposites, this artwork highlights the necessity of balance in life,” Alvarado says. “The mirrored trees symbolize seasonal change — spring’s renewal versus winter’s dormancy — while also nodding to Deep Ellum’s vibrant nightlife. The piece reinforces the idea that light and darkness coexist, each essential to the other.”
‘She’s like a rainbow’
Lashonda Cooks’ “Bloom” banner shows a Black woman with flowers in her hair, each one with a different meaning.
“Bluestar for strength, determination and endurance; blazing star for joy, happiness and blissfulness; alyssum for worth beyond beauty; bluebells for kindness; and chrysanthemum for honesty,” Cooks says.
An artistic journey
Mikayla Magee’s banner is personal, a callback to her first time live painting in Deep Ellum, “symbolizing creative flow and ease.”
“This banner design represents both Deep Ellum and pivotal moments in my artistic journey with themes of growth and transformation,” Magee says.
Stop and see the art
Two more artists created Deep Ellum banners. Tyson Summers used his iconic Fritz the Deep Ellum Owl from his mural on the corner of Good Latimer Expressway and Commerce Street in a new piece of art. And Jeremie Fletcher’s banner evokes Deep Ellum’s musical history with a guitar, cello, drum, harmonica and microphone surrounded by birds, butterflies and flowers.
The banners are expected to stay up through the summer, so next time you’re strolling through Deep Ellum, look up.
