Ideas for the Neighborhood

A monthly lecture series present by Wax Space focused on sharing ideas for the neighborhood. Started in 2019 as a way to bring neighbors together and share ideas, learn from experiences and expand the Oak Cliff mind.

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  • Skye McDaniel of La Bodega
    11/10/23

    Skye McDaniel of La Bodega

    Skye McDaniel is an Oak Cliff native who has cooked at some of the neighborhood’s favorite restaurants, including Boulevardier and Bolsa, and has worked throughout Dallas’ culinary culture for over twenty years.

    While maintaining restaurant jobs, in 2014, she started a weekly Sunday supper potluck in her backyard, where at times upwards of 50 people would show up for connection, conversation, and good food. She prepared the main dish; guests set the easygoing scene with everything else. It was an open-door invitation where everyone had a seat at the proverbial table. That deep-seated root in her community and heritage has taken her to this point—opening her own concept space that serves house-prepared, seasonally fresh food at La Bodega, inspired by her Italian heritage and travels through the Mediterranean.

  • 10/13/23

    Taking Care of Your Neighborhood

    John has served the Methodist Health System for over a decade, stepping into his role as president of Methodist Medical Center Dallas in 2018. Under his leadership Methodist Dallas has deepened its involvement in Oak Cliff through community initiatives and partnerships with other neighborhood organizations.

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    Hance Taplin of By Way of Dallas

    Hance Taplin is a designer, photographer, and creative director planted in Dallas. After transitioning out of the corporate design world in 2015, Hance founded By Way of Dallas, a streetwear fashion brand that's proudly made in Dallas, for Dallas.

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    5/12/23

    The Power of Proximity

    Taylor Toynes, co-founder and executive director of For Oak Cliff, will be gave his talk, titled, "The Power of Proximity."

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    4/21/23

    The Power of Play

    Jeff Rogers gave his Texas Talk titled, "The Power of Play." Jeff is a graphic designer and illustrator with a focus in typography whose work is heavily influenced by a background in music, painting, and fun.

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    • 3/30/23

    How Trompo's Backyard Taqueria Became an Oak Cliff Staple

    Luis is the owner of Trompo Tacos, an award winning restaurant in Oak Cliff with deep roots in the neighborhood.

  • The Tyler Station Origin Story & Gentlefication in Oak Cliff

    The Tyler Station Origin Story & Gentlefication in Oak Cliff

    Monte Anderson is President of Options Real Estate Investments Inc, a multi-service real estate firm specializing in developing sustainable neighborhoods in Southern Dallas and Northern Ellis counties.

  • Growing with Your Neighborhood

    Cindy Pedraza Puente give her Texas Talk titled, "Growing With Your Neighborhood. Cindy is the owner of CocoAndré, a chocolate shop that's operated in Oak Cliff since 2009. She is also opening Olmo Market this fall, a new grocery store in downtown Elmwood Texas Talks is a monthly lecture series presented by Wax Space focused on Ideas for the Neighborhood. Free to the public.

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    • 12/28/22

    7 Unpopular Truths About Generosity & Nonprofits

    Andrew Snow give his Texas Talk titled, "7 Unpopular Truths About Generosity & Non Profits. Andrew is the co-founder and managing partner at Track 15, providing fundraising and development services to non profits.

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    The Role of the Arts in Community Building

    Join us Friday, October 7th, as we gather to hear Barak Epstein give his Texas Talk titled, "The Role of the Arts in Community Building." Barak is the owner of The Texas Theatre and Top Ten Records, and co-founder of The Oak Cliff Film Festival.

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    Creating a Neighborhood Philosophy

    We gathered to hear Shannon Neffendorf give his Texas Talk titled, "Creating a Neighborhood Philosophy." Shannon is the founder of Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters, along with Davis Street Espresso, 5 Mile Chocolate, and Candor Bread.

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    • 9/6/19

    Do Limits Lead to Creativity?

    Do Limitations Lead to Creativity? Being the only Black Creative in the Room. Texas Talks is a Monthly Lecture Series Presented by Wax Space Exploring Creativity & Craft. Free to the public.

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    • 3/6/20

    Owning Your Experience

    On Friday, March 6th, Lindsey & Nkrumah Farrar, co-founders of CRWN Magazine, talked to Wax Space and the Oak Cliff community about their career journey and how it prepared them for their dream: founding a new kind of print magazine for Black women.

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    • 2/7/20

    Let's Overthink Advertising

    On Friday, February 7th, Matt Bull, founder of Kickstand Agency, waxed overly-philosophical about advertising and there was nothing we can do about it.

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    Eating with Your Eyes

    Eating with Your Eyes: Joy Macarons Texas Talks is a Monthly Lecture Series Presented by Wax Space Exploring Creativity & Craft. Free to the public.

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    • 6/1/22

    The Importance of Public Spaces in Oak Cliff

    April is the President and COO of the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation, leading the development of the Southern Gateway Park, a “park with a purpose” currently under construction over Interstate 35E adjacent to the Dallas Zoo.