Irving City Spectrum, August 2024

Safety Reminders as School Year Begins

As the new school year begins this month, remember that using cellphones in active school zones is prohibited. Motorists are not allowed to talk, dial, listen or send text or email messages on hand-held mobile devices while driving in school zones.

The ban includes:

 Hand-held cellphones

 Personal digital assistants (PDAs)

 Other electronic communication devices

Violating this ordinance is a Class C misdemeanor. Motorists can legally use hands-

free devices to make calls in school zones for emergencies such as fire, police or ambulance.

The Irving Police Department also urges drivers to:

 Stay alert and reduce speed.

 Adhere to school zone speed limits.

 Stop for school buses when red lights are flashing, or the stop-arm sign is visible.

For more information, call the police nonemergency number at (972) 273-1010. 

Take a Survey & Help Influence Irving’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan

Residents can help the City of Irving’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) develop a Hazard Mitigation Action Plan by participating in an online survey. The survey is open through Aug. 23.

The purpose of the survey is to gain insight into public perceptions and opinions about natural hazards in the City of Irving and to collect information about the preferred methods and techniques for preventing and responding to natural hazards, such as severe weather.

Scan the QR Code to take the survey.

The questionnaire should be completed by an adult, preferably the head of the household. The survey should take less than 30 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. 

Summer at Irving Archives & Museum

SPECIAL EXHIBITIONS

Thrift Style | through Aug. 16

This exhibition offers a nostalgic journey into American resourcefulness during the Great Depression and World War II. With manufacturers introducing patterned sacks in the 1920s and '30s and the government rationing fabric during WWII, feed sacks became a symbol of both thrift and patriotism. The exhibit celebrates “upcycling” of these bags which mutually benefited 20th century consumers and businesses. With 41 works from patterns to garments, it serves as an example of past ingenuity that can inform today’s efforts towards sustainability.

Nature’s Blueprints: Biomimicry in Art and Design | Sept. 4 Through Jan. 7

In an age of complex environmental challenges, why not look to the ingenuity of nature for solutions? The forms, patterns and processes found in the natural world — refined by 3.8 billion years of evolution — can inspire the design of everything from clothing to skyscrapers. This approach to innovation, called biomimicry, is becoming increasingly popular. The exhibition brings together art and design with environmental science using artifacts and artworks, as well as interactive learning stations.

EVENT

Second Saturdays at IAM– Beat the Heat at IAM with a Free Movie Screening | Aug. 10 | 2 p.m. Free admission and activities for all every second Saturday at IAM. Escape the summer heat with a special screening of Bag It! This touching and often flat-outfunny film follows Jeb Berrier as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. The screening is held in conjunction with the Thrift Style exhibit, which explores themes of reuse and upcycling. Admission is free all day, so come enjoy the movie and explore the exhibit!

IRVING ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM Jack D. Huffman Community Building 801 W. Irving Blvd. | Irving, TX 75060 (972) 721-3700

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday | noon to 4 p.m.

Tickets: Adults $7, Children ages 4-12 $5 IrvingArchivesandMuseum.com

Irving Arts Center Reopens in September

Exciting news! The Irving Arts Center (IAC) is set to reopen in September after extensive renovations. The facility now boasts a brand-new all-weather roof, completely overhauled dressing rooms with modern amenities, upgraded energy-efficient LED theatrical lighting and 26 new HVAC units to keep things cool. These improvements promise a better experience for the community and lower operational costs.

The City of Irving's Department of Arts & Culture cannot wait to welcome art enthusiasts back to a revitalized IAC!

IAC EXHIBITS & PROGRAMS RESUME!

Sept. 5 | JumpstART Stories & Art: Things That Go!

10 a.m. | Free | All Ages Join this fun transportation-themed art project.

Sept. 8 | Second Sunday Funday: Paint It + Teen Open Studio | 1 to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages Create colorful compositions inspired by nature.

Sept. 15 | Bonus Funday

2 to 4 p.m. | Free | All Ages Create colorful compositions inspired by nature.

Sept. 20-Oct. 5 | The Children’s Hour

Presented by MainStage Times vary | $26.50-$33.50 A drama that sheds light on the power of gossip. IN THE GALLERIES

Free to view. Open Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. No advance reservation needed. Guided tours are offered

the first Saturday and second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. Tours resume October 2024.

The Art of Marty and Richard Ray

Sept. 14 | Carpenter Hall Lobby Gallery

Richard Ray and wife Marty are Dallas-based artists who often collaborate on ceramic works and paintings.

Lane Banks: Geometric Paintings

Sept. 14 | Dupree Lobby Gallery

His work is insistently abstract, mathematical, conceptual in origin and geometric in appearance.

24th Annual Art Connection Members Exhibition Sept. 14 | Main and Focus Galleries Since 2001, each summer IAC has held a nonjuried exhibition of art created by its Art Connection members. Visit IrvingArtsCenter.com or follow @IrvingArts on social media for updates and fall events.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Back to School

As students across Irving prepare to return to school, Irving Archives offers a nostalgic look back at the community's educational history with two photographs from the 1940s. These images capture the spirit of Union Bower, a community that played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape of Irving.

Located in what is now eastern Irving, the Union Bower community established its school in 1891, funded by dedicated community members. Over the years, the school became part of the Dallas County Common School District.

In 1935, with the support of the Works Progress Administration, a new brick building was constructed for the school. The children in this photo are proudly in front of the building, which still stands today. Union Bower School became part of the Irving Independent School District in 1963, continuing to nurture young minds.

This photo features the graduating class of the elementary

in 1948. The

highlights the small but vibrant community of Union Bower, where elementary education laid the foundation for future academic pursuits.

These photographs not only offer a window into Irving’s past but also celebrate its rich educational heritage. As a new school year is about to start, Irving honors the legacy of communities like Union Bower and the enduring spirit of learning they inspire.

These historic images are part of the Irving Archives' extensive collection, preserving the stories and memories of our community. Visit the Irving Archives and Museum to explore more of the city's fascinating history.