Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas Announces CADD MFA Showcase
Eleven emerging artists from nine regional MFA programs are presented across CADD member galleries before a culminating public exhibition and vote on September 27.
DALLAS, TEXAS - The Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas (CADD) announces the inaugural CADD MFA Showcase, a region-wide exhibition, competition, and fundraiser connecting exceptional MFA artists with Dallas galleries, collectors, and the broader contemporary art community.
Throughout September, each of 11 finalists will be paired with a participating CADD member gallery, where one selected artwork will be exhibited. The works will then be brought together for the CADD MFA Showcase on Sunday, September 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 2720 Bataan Street in Dallas’s Tin District. Guests will meet the artists, hear brief remarks about their work, and cast an in-person vote for the recipient of a $2,500 award.
The initiative is part of CADD’s expanded outreach to the region’s next generation of artists. Faculty from all 9 universities offering MFA programs within100 miles of Dallas participated in the nomination process: Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Texas Woman's University, the University of Dallas, the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas A&M Commerce, and the University of Texas at Tyler.
From the nominated graduate students, 23 artists completed submissions, which were reviewed by participating CADD galleries through a juried ranking process. 11 finalists were selected, with each artist matched to a member gallery for the September presentation. In conjunction with the showcase, CADD will publish a special online presentation on the CADD website (caddallas.org) featuring all 23 participating nominees and their work, offering audiences a broader view of this year’s program.
In describing the broader purpose of the initiative, CADD President Jordan Roth said, “The transition from graduate school into professional practice is one of the most consequential moments in an artist’s development. The CADD MFA showcase is about creating a bridge between our region’s MFA programs and the working contemporary art community, giving emerging artists meaningful visibility, while bringing universities, galleries, artists, collectors, and the public into the conversation earlier. The participation of faculty from all nine universities in the region offering MFA programs speaks to the strength of this community. At a moment when a healthy arts ecosystem depends on collaboration, the CADD MFA Showcase builds that bridge.”
Event
CADD MFA Showcase
Date and time
Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 3-5 p.m.
Location
2720 Bataan Street, Dallas, Texas 75212
Admission
$20, including one voting ticket and two drink tickets
Selected works are on view at the participating galleries during September and will remain on view through September 25 before the final showcase.
2026 CADD MFA Showcase Finalists
Artist, MFA Program, Presenting Gallery
Olga Arseniev Johnson, University of Texas at Dallas, Cris Worley Fine Arts
Sitar Balaban, University of Texas at Arlington, New Media Contemporary
Niel Brandon, Texas Woman's University, Pencil on Paper Gallery
Jody Farmer, University of Dallas, Craighead Green Gallery
Kay Ford, East Texas A&M University, Erin Cluley Gallery
Elizabeth Hutchinson, Texas Christian University, James Harris Gallery
Audrey Jeanes, University of Texas at Tyler, Ro2 Art
Emmaline Landes, Southern Methodist University, Galleri Urbane
Kylie Nash, Texas Christian University, Laura Rathe Fine Art
Gretchen Stark, Texas Christian University, Valley House Gallery
Capri Woss, Southern Methodist University, Conduit Gallery
A Distributed Exhibition, A Shared Commitment
Rather than placing every finalist in a single gallery for the duration of the project, the CADD MFA Showcase extends across the member network. Each gallery works directly with one finalist on selection, presentation, and public engagement, creating a meaningful professional relationship while inviting audiences to encounter new work throughout Dallas's gallery landscape.
The September 27 event reunites the 11 works for a final group presentation. Admission proceeds, underwriting, and artwork sales support the artist award and CADD's ongoing educational and public programming. Artwork is offered for sale, with proceeds shared between the artist and CADD.
ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ART DEALERS OF DALLAS
Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas (CADD) is a non-profit membership organization of galleries formed in 2007 for the purpose of promoting contemporary art in Dallas. CADD’s members function as a vital component of the Dallas art community, providing how artists reach their public and collectors gain access to works of art.
CADD includes the city’s foremost contemporary dealers who are experienced and knowledgeable in their field. Member galleries are committed to representing the highest standards of contemporary art while recognizing the importance of integrity and responsibility in collaborating with artists, collectors, museum professionals, and the cultural community of Dallas.
CADD is classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by the standards of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
MEDIA CONTACT
Karina Coscia Cedillo, Marketing & Communications, Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas
karina@conduitgallery.com
Jordan Roth, President, Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas
Danette Dufilho, Secretary, Contemporary Art Dealers of Dallas