Put on your fastest sneakers because the chase is afoot once again for .
The scavenger hunt for original artworks 鈥� presented by , a public arts organization 鈥� returns to Dallas for a second year June 3, 10 and 17.
鈥淲e have always brought elements of excitement and fun into unique and very novel experiences with AURORA,鈥� said Joshua King, the co-founder and executive director.
This year, the scavenger hunts take place on separate weekends in Bachman Lake, South Dallas and Pleasant Grove. Players will follow three clues given for each neighborhood, King said. Searchers have a chance to discover an original sculpture by a North Texas artist 鈥� , or 鈥� commissioned by AURORA. The winner each weekend can keep the art and also visit the studio of the artist who created their prize.
Participants are encouraged to sign up for to get complete information about Art Quest before the game starts, according to a statement.
The first clue will be revealed each Saturday at 10 a.m. through .
AURORA鈥檚 team used research from the to target neighborhoods needing more access to the arts, King said.
鈥淲e were really looking at how we get beyond the cultural core silos and the cultural core audiences who come to performances and exhibitions every day,鈥� he said.
AURORA established partnerships with grassroots community organizations that have been in these neighborhoods for years, he said. King declined to name current community partners before clues are revealed because 鈥渢hat will mess up the quest, just fyi,鈥� he said with a laugh.
The family-friendly scavenger hunts celebrate art, technology and community, said King.
Eliza Au used 3D printing to design her sculpture and printed the mold for the ceramics work. Alternatively, Karla Garcia incorporated the technology to scan her handmade clay object, adjusted the design digitally and printed her final work in resin.
Vidya Ayyr, one of last year鈥檚 winners, found the Art Quest prize outside the Bachman Lake Branch Library only minutes after seeing the visual clue. She took home the vase, titled "Pearly Gates" created by a Denton ceramic artist.
"I was very excited by the whole project,鈥� Ayyr said, 鈥渂ut the one that I was most excited about was trying to find it in my own neighborhood. To choose an area like Bachman Lake that has its own history and then to promote a scavenger hunt in that area was doubly exciting.鈥�
Ayyr is founder and executive director of a nonprofit that supports people caring for patients of brain injury, illness or trauma. After the fun, positive experience with Art Quest, she said she is recommending the event to her caregivers.
鈥淚t was one of the best things that I've participated in, in a long time,鈥� said Ayyr. 鈥淔rom a public health standpoint, I really loved the crossover 鈥� the idea of inclusive communities, of health and wellness, of being out, and the central focus of promoting art and appreciating local artists.鈥�
AURORA鈥檚 Art Quest 2023
- Saturday, June 3 鈥� Bachman Lake/artist Hobbes Vincent
- Saturday June 10 鈥� South Dallas/artist Eliza Au
- Saturday June 17 鈥� Pleasant Grove/artist Karla Garcia
How to play:
- Follow and #AuroraArtQuest on Instagram
- Subscribe to for the most up-to-date information
- Check Aurora鈥檚 Instagram feed at 10 a.m. on June 3, 10 and 17 for the clue to begin that weekend鈥檚 scavenger hunt
- Be the first to find the hidden artwork