We had the good fortune of connecting with Brett Dyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brett, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing that outsiders to Dallas College Gallery and Live Events may not realize is just how complex it is to make everything run smoothly across multiple campuses and locations when planning events and exhibits in our many theatres and galleries. Hosting an event or exhibit might seem small, but the logistics are far from simple, especially when you must align everything with the academic calendar, work with diverse stakeholders, and manage creative teams. As an artist with decades of exhibiting experience, and having been a faculty member myself, I know firsthand what kind of service works. Having clear contracts and thorough planning done in advance helps ensure everything runs smoothly. Creating efficient systems that accommodate everyone’s needs is essential to making it all come together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For me, art has always been both a personal refuge and a bridge to connect with others. Growing up in a difficult environment, creativity was my way of processing emotions, understanding the world, and carving out a space where I truly belonged.

I was the first in my family to attend college, and my path wasn’t easy—I worked multiple jobs, faced financial hardship, and had to push through moments of doubt. But art was my constant. I earned my BFA and MFA while continuously creating and exhibiting my work. Those experiences gave me resilience, a deep work ethic, and a strong commitment to the creative process.

My early years as an artist were deeply tied to teaching. I spent 16+ years as an art professor, where I found joy in helping students discover their own artistic voices and build confidence through creativity. That experience shaped how I lead today. Now, as Dean of Gallery, Theatre, and Live Event Operations at Dallas College, I oversee 12 galleries, 10 theatres, and a vast Art Collection, ensuring that students and the broader community have access to transformative artistic experiences.

Balancing my artistic practice with leadership has been a challenge. For years, I prioritized students, faculty, and institutional goals over my own creative work. But recently, I’ve been reclaiming time for my personal art. My latest series, Spectrum of Our Light, is a testament to that—an exploration of emotion, energy, and personal transformation through bold colors and abstract forms.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that resilience and passion will carry you forward, even when the path isn’t clear. My goal—both as an artist and as a leader—is to create spaces where creativity thrives, where stories are shared, and where others feel empowered to explore and express themselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A week in DFW would be packed with great food, art, and culture! Here’s what I’d plan:

Day 1 – Art & Food in Deep Ellum and Downtown
We’d start with coffee and murals in Deep Ellum, then head to the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center. Lunch at Pho 95 would be a must—nothing beats a great bowl of pho! Later, we’d check out the galleries at Dallas College to explore and view incredible pieces displayed on campus that are part of our vast Art Collection before having dinner at Celebration, one of my favorite farm-to-table restaurants.

Day 2 – Arts & Botanical Gardens
We’d spend the morning exploring one of the many Arts Districts, visiting local galleries and unique shops. Lunch would be at Chuy’s or Blue Goose Cantina, where I’d insist they try the Chicken Toluca Salad. In the afternoon, we’d relax at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden before wrapping up the day with a show at AT&T Performing Arts Center or one of Dallas College’s theatres.

Day 3 – Fort Worth’s Art & Culture
A day trip to Fort Worth to visit The Modern, The Kimbell, and The Amon Carter Museum. Lunch would be at Joe T. Garcia’s for some of the best Tex-Mex around. Afterward, we’d explore the Fort Worth Stockyards or visit the Fort Worth Zoo before wrapping up the day.

Day 4 – Fair Park & Local Art Centers
We’d start the day at Fair Park, taking in the Art Deco architecture and museums. Lunch at The Biscuit Bar would be a must—especially for their Country Farm Salad. In the afternoon, we’d visit one of the many city art centers throughout DFW to support local artists and see emerging talent like the Irving Arts Center, Bath House Cultural Center, Coppell Arts Center, the Lewisville Grand Theater, or the Goldmark Cultural Center.

Day 5 – Nature & Creativity
A slower-paced day with a morning walk at White Rock Lake or a visit to the Trinity River Audubon Center. Lunch would be somewhere with fresh salads or Mediterranean food. In the afternoon, we’d spend time painting in my studio or checking out an exhibition.

Day 6 – Exploring Denton Square
We’d take a trip to Denton Square, visiting the independent shops, grabbing coffee, and enjoying the creative energy of the area. Lunch would be at a local favorite spot before heading back for a relaxing evening.

Day 7 – Brunch & Reflection
We’d wrap up the week with brunch at another favorite spot, reminiscing about the trip before saying goodbye.

DFW has so much to offer that it’s impossible to fit it all in, but this itinerary would give my best friend a mix of art, nature, food, and culture!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible spouse for his constant love and support, my professors who shaped and encouraged me along the way, and the students who continually inspired me to do more and push further.

I also want to recognize the leaders at Dallas College who mentor and encourage faculty to step up into leadership positions, creating the kind of changes we need to further promote and grow the arts. Last but certainly not least, my amazing teams, without whom none of this would be possible. Together, we have built a department that now manages over 2,000 events and more than 50 exhibits each year. Their dedication and hard work are the foundation of all we do.

Website: https://www.brettdyerart.com/

Instagram: @brettleedyer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-dyer-4646613

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brett.dyer/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrettLeeDyer

Image Credits
Dallas College Photographers
Business Council for the Arts Photographers

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