The Art of Travel: Discovering Culture in Mexico City, Kyoto, and Florence
Travel is the ultimate way to experience art and heritage. Join Mollie Romness, 2025 Best of Richardson Travel Agent, as she explores the vibrant murals of Mexico City, the historic temples of Kyoto, and the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence.
Restore and Reconnect: Nervous System Regulation at Shakti Creative Wellness Center
Discover Shakti Creative Wellness Center in Richardson, a sanctuary for nervous system regulation, creative expression, and passive wellness services like the Vibe Bed and Roxiva light therapy.
The Town Musicians of Richardson: Gigi Griffin Miller’s Inspirational Mosaic Masterpiece
By the time visitors reach the front door of the Richardson Animal Shelter—whether to drop off donations, adopt a pet, or volunteer—they are greeted by an unofficial welcome committee: a playful tower of colorful animals crafted in vibrant mosaic tile. These figures shimmer with ceramic textures, jewel-like colors, and whimsical expressions. This cheerful sculpture, titled “The Town Musicians of Richardson,” references the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “The Town Musicians of Bremen.” In the tale, abandoned animals’ band together, leaving their old lives behind for a new future—a perfect parallel for a city animal shelter, where unwanted pets arrive uncertain and leave with new families and new beginnings. A Welcoming Emblem for a New Chapter The installation is part of the shelter’s 2025 renovation, which includes a new façade and a more inviting entrance. Commissioned through the City’s Public Art Master Plan, the sculpture reinforces the idea that municipal services can be places of care, hope, and personal connection. Community Hands in the Clay Although artist Gigi Griffin Miller designs and builds her sculptures herself, she intentionally invites local involvement. For the Richardson installation, she hosted a community tile-making event for volunteers, fosters, and shelter staff. Every piece crafted by residents was later fired and installed into the base of the sculpture. The entire piece is made of ceramic mosaic tiles that Miller crafts by hand. Memorial tiles, pet prints of fostered animals, and the names of beloved pets are forever memorialized in the sculpture. Miller chose to make the base’s decorative “flowers” the site of these meaningful additions. “That’s where all the memories are,” she explains, literally forming the foundation for the animals above. Built With Purpose, Built to Last Miller’s work is known for durability as well as sentiment. Her mosaic “The Fish” in Kerrville, Texas, famously survived catastrophic flooding, becoming a local symbol of resilience and hope. The scale of “The Town Musicians of Richardson” presented a unique construction challenge, forcing Miller to work outdoors in the Texas heat for months. She insisted on the size—something large enough and colorful enough to catch the eye of drivers, drawing them toward “the real treasures,” the adoptable pets inside. Public Art and Creative Placemaking Miller’s artistic practice is rooted in community development and what she calls “creative placemaking.” She firmly believes civic involvement fosters inclusion and personal investment in shared spaces. Her philosophy centers on the idea that public art should feel like it belongs to the people who encounter it every day. As she puts it: “There’s something magical about art that is community-made. It transcends the individual tiles and creates a sense of place. A community work of art can be a place to return to and serve as a reminder that I existed here in this special place and time.” Miller concludes that “Art is transformative,” especially when it lives where everyday life happens: outside a shelter door, near kennels and adoption rooms, next to the open-hearted families deciding to give an animal a home. Want to read more stories like this? Visit Richardson Life Magazine.
2026 Interior Design Trends: Creating Refined, Personal, and Enduring Homes
By Elizabeth Ryan At Elizabeth Ryan Interiors, we believe great design isn’t about chasing what’s “in” this week—it’s about creating homes that feel as refined, functional, and deeply personal as the lives lived within them. That’s why when we talk about 2026 design trends, we’re not pointing you toward anything gimmicky or short-lived. Instead, we’re sharing the shifts we see shaping how stylish homeowners will live beautifully (and comfortably) in the year ahead. These aren’t just looks—they’re intentional design choices that balance elegance with ease. The most exciting shifts as we look toward 2026 center around warm color collections, intentional patterns, bespoke details, and a casual approach to layering it all. Thoughtful, Yet Casual Layering The perfectly staged look? It’s officially on sabbatical. In its place: a layered, collected, and unapologetically personal aesthetic. The most compelling homes in 2026 will feel lived-in, not overly styled. Designers are leaning into visual tension—old with new, high with low. The result is more than just beautiful; it’s emotionally resonant. These spaces tell stories. Yours. “The design world is ready for a little coziness and whimsy.” – Suzanne Casey, Designer at ERI “We’re contrasting these romantic details with modern elements like natural stone and sculptural lighting, having fun blending traditional and contemporary,” states Suzanne Casey, a designer at ERI. The next time you see a sign for an estate sale, we suggest stopping in to see if there is something unique that speaks to you. That is how you know it will be the perfect unexpected object to layer in. Elevated Color Stories The neutral palette isn’t going anywhere—but as we look toward 2026, it’s getting a grown-up upgrade. Soft taupes and warm creams are being joined by a richer cast of characters: oxblood, slate green, tobacco, and that blue that is almost black. These aren’t colors that shout. They suggest. Whisper, even. Think color palettes that feel as curated as your wine collection and as comforting as your favorite cashmere wrap. We’re seeing fewer “pops” and more purposeful color layering, in which hues melt into one another rather than compete for attention. The overall effect? Confident, moody, and deeply livable. Pattern, Detail, and the Art of the Finish Another quiet but powerful shift we’re seeing: pattern and detail returning to the spotlight. Upholstery is stepping out of its solid-colored comfort zone with tailored prints and sophisticated florals that feel fresh, not fussy. Drapery is getting smarter, too—not just framing a window, but adding character through trims, pleats, and unexpected fabric pairings. Even the smallest details—countertop edging and cabinet hardware—are becoming opportunities for design expression. These aren’t embellishments for the sake of it; they’re thoughtful touches that elevate the everyday. The kind of details that make a room feel complete, even if no one can quite put their finger on why they matter. Our homes are our havens, and we all want spaces that feel perfect for us. Much like fashion, we may all have our personal style, but we are also intrigued about the new ideas out there. Try a few of these on and see if they are a good fit as you look toward a stylish 2026! “Small luxuries are often found in the details you didn’t know you needed—but can’t imagine living without.” – Elizabeth Ryan
Art in your Backyard
On September 24, 2024, The University of Texas at Dallas cut the ribbon to the long-anticipated first building of the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum, a multi-phase arts and performance complex for the UT Dallas campus.
Arts & Culture in Richardson
ENJOY THE SHOW! CELEBRATING RISD’S OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE PROGRAMS What better way to say goodbye to summer and hello to the new school year than by shining a spotlight on Richardson ISD’s topnotch high school theatre programs. You’ll find something for everyone in your family in the variety of shows these outstanding directors and their students plan to perform this year. Pearce Theatre Pearce Theatre has been entertaining audiences for fifty years. In fact, recently actors from the very first show done at Pearce came to the school and found the places they had signed their names under the stage so many years ago. During those early years, Pearce Theatre was run by the legendary director Lynn Zednick Shaw, commonly known to her students as “Zed.” She passed away in 2009, leaving the program in the capable hands of Director Heather Biddle. Biddle, a class of ‘95 Pearce graduate, has always been active in theatre, dance and performing. That the stories they tell touch lives and help people have conversations that they might not otherwise have been brave enough to undertake is what makes Biddle so proud to be involved in theatre. She states, “We give a place to all students at Pearce. I also run our adaptive needs theatre program and we make sure that ‘All Means All’ when it comes to the art and beauty and joy of theatre.” Biddle believes in “adopting” students who aren’t traditional theatre kids and providing them with a whole new world. Danezion Mills is one such student. He was, according to Biddle, a great kid with an uncertain future. She encouraged him to try theatre, which he did. However, challenges in his personal life threatened to derail his future. So Danezion was ‘adopted’ by the extended theatre family and its supporters in the community. He not only ended up attending Texas State and their top tier theatre program, earning a BFA in Theatre, but he is now living and working in Los Angeles as a professional actor. Besides positively impacting individual students, Pearce Theatre is also a pilot program, meaning that it gets firstrun shows from all the major licensing companies in New York, according to Biddle. Their most recent pilot was Mean Girls High School Version, which they took to the International Thespian Festival, otherwise known as “Nationals,” this spring. Still seven months away from the completion of its brand-new theatre, Biddle is having to be flexible and the season is still in flux. Biddle did share that the fall show will not only be a high school premiere, but in fact a regional premiere as they will perform it for the first time in the entire southern region. And in February, Pearce students will be performing in collaboration with the Richardson Theatre Collective for a children’s show, Finding Nemo Kids. Our entire family loved being part of the theatre community at Pearce High School. Theatre provided two of my sons a place where they could challenge themselves, make mistakes, learn new skills, gain confidence, and develop lifelong friendships. The program and the directors made such a positive impact on them that they are both pursuing acting in college. – Tiffany Hoodenpyle, Pearce Theatre mom Biddle is thankful to be able to continue to tell stories and be part of the community’s lives. She states, “Thanks for hanging in there with us as we travel from space to space waiting for our new theatre to open. Thanks to the incredible people at Richardson High School and the Theatre Collective for housing us so many times this past year. And to the Allen Performing Arts Center for opening their doors to us as well. Theatre is such a community and we are so blessed to be part of it.” For more information about the Pearce Theatre program, visit http://pearcetheatre.org Mean Girls Photo Credit: Amy Abney RICHARDSON THEATRE COLLECTIVE AT RICHARDSON HIGH SCHOOL Chicago Photo Credit: Cripple Bypass Photography The Theatre Magnet at Richardson High School has existed for decades. About ten years ago, it split into two different magnets—the Theatre Performance Magnet and the Technical Theatre Magnet. In 2019 the program was rebranded into the Theatre Collective at Richardson High School. According to its department chair and director Erik Archilla, its mission is to “foster an inclusive learning community of theatre artists for the purposes of profound student growth and meaningful community engagement.” The Collective operates like a college department in that each year the students learn new skills and can grow in their chosen paths. In the Technical Theatre Magnet, students focus on design, stage craft, or theatre management. In the Theatre Performance Magnet, students learn acting, then branch out into playwriting and directing. During their senior year, students choose a career path of acting, directing, playwriting, theatre education, or theatre administration. Archilla loves working with high school aged students, specifically at RHS. He says, “Our students are incredible. They are so eager to learn more, and it is so exciting to see the lightbulbs go off in their brains when they get a concept. The amount of growth we see from freshmen to senior year is incredible. And watching them take ownership of their work is truly inspiring… It gives me goosebumps every time and I am so stinkin’ proud of each of them.” He is also proud that fourteen Collective students who won superiors at the Texas Thespian Festival and qualified to compete at Thespian Nationals this past summer. All of the Collective’s directors are working professionals in their field and bring real-world experiences to the classroom. They also share their networking connections with their students. Archilla says, “I think one of the things I am most proud of is that we have had many of our students go on to become theatre teachers themselves, some even in RISD. One of our directors, Emily Whitman, graduated from our program.” Whitman enthusiastically states, “Theatre kids are SO. MUCH. FUN. There is never a dull day at
The Core Theatre
Local Playwright and Performers Celebrating Richardson’s 150th Actors Miracle Lewis and David Keller Photo By Autumn McNamara Not many cities can point to a play based on their history. Far fewer the size of Richardson can make that claim. As part of Richardson’s 150th celebration, the “City of Richardson History” will be performed for local audiences from June 16 – July 16, 2023, at the Core Theatre, a hidden jewel currently in its fifteenth season of performances. James Hansen Prince, founder and creative director, is often the playwright and director of the plays performed at the Core Theatre and the “City of Richardson History” is no exception. For the past fifteen seasons, Mr. Prince has used the theatre, located just around the corner from City Hall on Arapaho Road, to perform more than fifty plays hundreds of times. “I established the Core Theatre to create productions that entertain, educate and elevate society by instilling hope and understanding. We looked around the Metroplex and felt like Richardson was a perfect location to serve the residents of Richardson, Dallas and the suburbs to the north and east especially,” noted Mr. Prince. “We do classic and iconic plays for audiences because we know that people want to see performances and stories they are familiar with, stories like ‘Driving Miss Daisy.’ But one thing that separates us from many theatres is that more of our plays are written and performed by artists from the local area. I am a playwright myself, so many of our plays are ones I have written over the years, such as ‘Inferno! Fire at the Cocoanut Grove’ and ‘Behind the Cotton Curtain: Remembering Medgar Evers.’ These are plays based on important moments in our nation’s history. There is always something for us to learn in the present, by watching plays based on our past,” says Mr. Prince. This passion for history and focus on giving artists a chance to shine on the stage is one of the many reasons the City approached Prince to ask if he would be willing to write and produce a play about the history of Richardson. Prince jumped at the chance and looks forward to performing the play for Richardson audiences. Prince notes that this play will be performed with a twist: “I don’t want to give everything away, but I like doing plays that involve the audience and create a sense that you are part of the story. This play is what we call devised theatre. We did this not long ago when local art patron Charles Eisemann gave us funding to write and perform a play that told the story of international students attending school at UT-Dallas. It was great fun because we used actual students from UTD to perform the play and asked the audience to participate in some things that all international students experience when they come to school here.” Prince’s goal is to entertain, but also to teach Richardson residents about the community’s history. He states, “The history of Richardson play will be performed in the same vein [as the UTD play]; we will ask the audiences to imagine themselves in the story and, with the help of well-rehearsed performers, participate as a way of discovering the history of the city. Richardson’s history is not unlike most cities in the South. We will not shy away from parts of its troubled past, such as the topic of segregation, but in keeping with our mission to instill hope, we are also going to show how Richardson became one of the most diverse and economically vibrant cities in North Texas.” While the Core Theatre is already busy preparing the anniversary play, area residents can attend “Portal to the Keep,” a science fiction “steampunk” popcorn melodrama right now. A lively show, audiences are even invited to throw popcorn at the actors performing in the play! The Core Theatre is located at 518 W. Arapaho Rd. For tickets, dates and times of all upcoming performances, visit http://thecoretheatre.org.
Richardson Symphony Orchestra
One of Richardson’s cultural crown jewels, the Richardson Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1961 by Maestro Chris Xeros and a group of dedicated volunteers. In 1990, Maestro Anshel Brusilow became the second conductor of the RSO. The orchestra continued to grow and is now recognized as one of the premiere orchestras in the region. It is the resident symphony of the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and offers six concerts (four classical and two pops) each season. The orchestra consists of 70 professional musicians led by Music Director and Conductor Clay Couturiaux, who just completed his eleventh year with the RSO. The Symphony is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors, the Richardson Symphony League and community volunteers. According to Executive Director Laurie Garvie, “We are a small but mighty nonprofit, with just two full-time and one part-time staff members.” Throughout its history, the orchestra has been known for its innovative programming and as a showplace for brilliant up-and-coming talent. Many notable artists have made their DFW symphony debut with the RSO, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Nadia Solaerno-Sonnenberg and pianist Behzod Abduraimov. In addition to its critically acclaimed concerts, the RSO is regarded as a leader in education and community outreach programs. The Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition annually draws talented young performers from around the world who compete for cash prizes and the opportunity to perform with the orchestra at its March concert. The orchestra is also involved in enriching the Fine Arts education of Richardson Independent School District students through Symphony Days, a three-part program culminating in all third graders attending a concert at the Eisemann Center. When asked what makes her glad to be associated with the RSO, Garvie states, “One of the things I’m most proud of is that we provide music beyond the walls of the concert hall to share the joy of live music with as many people as possible. Through the generous support of our donors, corporate sponsors, and the City of Richardson Cultural Arts Commission, we offer a wide variety of community outreach programs. Our newest platform is the RSO concert trailer, which enables us to transport a portable stage to casual settings – parks, neighborhood parties, Main Street celebrations, Light Up Lockwood, and several new locations in the months ahead.” Winners of the 2023 Ann & Charles Eisemann International Young Artists Competition with the Eisemann family and Maestro Couturiaux She continues, “I’m also proud of our podcast program, ‘Portraits in Music,’ which debuted in June 2020. Maestro Couturiaux shares his insight into the pieces to be performed at each concert. Most episodes include an interview with a principal musician or a guest artist. Several episodes feature conversations with RSO musicians and community supporters who have been instrumental in sustaining the RSO through their generous support. Our podcast has more than 3,000 downloads from 36 countries and 48 states in the USA and is produced by Ross Sivertsen.” Richardson Symphony Orchestra concert trailer The RSO just wrapped up an exciting sixty-first season. Joyce Yang returned to perform with the orchestra at their Season Finale Concert in April. An exceptional pianist who performed the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, Joyce is a powerhouse performer and such a joy to work with, which made for “an absolutely amazing weekend,” according to Garvie. During the February pops concert, “Fascinating Rhythm,” the orchestra was joined by two Broadway veterans, Capathia Jenkins and Aisha de Haas. It included chart-topping songs popularized by Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, and many more iconic vocalists. One of the RSO’s goals has been to collaborate with the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts to co-present a pops concert. That dream will soon come true as the two entities co-present Judy Collins with full orchestral accompaniment on January 27, 2024. For more information about the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, visit http://richardsonsymphony.org or follow the RSO on Instagram @Richardson_symphony. MAESTRO CLAY COUTURIAUX Music has been present throughout Clay Couturiaux’s life. He could sense the power of music when he started singing in the church choir at age 5. By age 8, young Clay was playing the piano, which soon fueled his interest in other instruments. By age 10, he had found his instrument: the violoncello. Because it was an orchestral instrument, the violoncello introduced Clay to the symphony orchestra and, through the orchestra, he gained an appreciation for all instruments. However, he admits to remaining biased toward the cello. After attending his first orchestra rehearsal as a cellist at age 12, he knew he wanted to be a conductor. Couturiaux said, “Understanding what a conductor actually did opened up a new world to me.” Although he views great composers as the “true geniuses” and is content to leave the work of composing to them, he believes the role of the orchestra is to perform and to “recreate their music.” That process of re-creation is driven by the conductor. Along his path to becoming a conductor, Couturiaux earned his Bachelor of Music in violoncello from the University of North Texas in Denton, graduating with honors in 1994. He then continued his studies at the University of North Texas, earning a Master’s and a Doctorate in orchestral conducting by 2000. In addition, he developed his conducting skills at the world-renowned Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestra Musicians in Maine and at the National Arts Centre Conductors Programme in Ottawa, Canada. Maestro Couturiaux is now the Assistant Director of Orchestral Studies at the University of North Texas, where he teaches fundamentals of con- ducting technique, advanced orchestral conducting, administrates the orchestral studies area, and is conductor of the UNT Concert Orchestra. Couturiaux describes the art of conducting as “one of the most complex and demanding activities in the realm of music” because three things must come together: the conductor’s personal study, the preparation of rehearsal, and the culmination of the performance itself. Clay Couturiaux is the proud father of two teenage daughters. In his free
Karina Llergo: Cottonwood Art Festival’s
Featured Artist for Spring Show The City of Richardson is excited to announce that Karina Llergo, a multicultural heritage artist, will be featured at the spring Cottonwood Art Festival, set for May 6-7 at Cottonwood Park. A panel of jurors reviewed artwork from hundreds of artists competing in fourteen categories before choosing Llergo to represent the spring event. Born and raised in Mexico City, Karina Llergo studied with famed Mexican artist Roberto Cortazar and portraitist Enrique Estrada, who both saw great promise in the young artist. She holds a B.A. in graphic design and has advanced degrees in multimedia, animation and abstract art. Even though Llergo continued to pursue art in her free time, she enjoyed a highly successful corporate career in Mexico before moving to American in 2007. At that time, she transitioned to pursuing art on a full-time basis. Still based in Chicago more than a decade after arriving from Mexico, Llergo has earned numerous Outstanding Achievement and Best of Show awards at distinguished art shows throughout the United States. A lifelong dancer, competitive swimmer and yoga practitioner, Llergo’s paintings reflect her passionate interest in the human form; she turns human figures into fluid entities on canvas. Says Llergo, “With my art, I continually seek fresh ways to capture the magic of energy through the motion of the human body…I weave dance, air and water into my paintings to achieve an otherworldly likeness. My goal is that when you look closely at one of my pieces, you will not only see the ethereal images and feel their essential vitality, but also be moved to generate positive forces in your own life.” Llergo will be joined by more than 200 artists at the semi-annual juried Cottonwood Art Festival, a celebration of unique art, live music and food. Artists display in a variety of mediums, including jewelry, digital, 3D mixed media, wood, sculpture and more. Children have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festival as well. The ArtStop Children’s Area boasts fun activities such as the basics of weaving, creating with clay, painting and more. Visitors who come hungry to Cottonwood will enjoy tasty festival favorites but will also find delicious new items this year. Entry into Cottonwood is FREE, including free parking. The festival will be open Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm and again on Sunday, May 7, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. More information about the Cottonwood Art Festival can be found at http://cottonwoodartfestival.com.
Richardson Civic Art Society
Since its founding in 1966 as the first arts organization in Richardson, the Richardson Civic Art Society (RCAS) has had one stated purpose: to organize and support projects that further creative visual art and artists.