Creating a Productive Space for Artists

Who

MISSION

The Sammons Center for the Arts grows the arts by providing a welcoming home for artists and arts groups to innovate, collaborate, and thrive, enriching the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. Continue reading to learn more about Sammons Art Center.

VISION

A dynamic and inclusive community where artists are valued and empowered.

We Believe That

  • The Arts should be accessible to all.
  • The Arts ecosystem needs both small and large organizations.
  • The Arts can help build community and provoke new thinking.
  • The Arts are a core asset of any thriving economy.

How

We are often called an "Incubator," but prefer the term "Greenhouse." A greenhouse cultivates and protects young, tender plants by providing a stable environment and the resources they need to grow. Similarly, local arts groups rely on the Sammons Center for a nurturing space and vital resources. The artistic energy these groups create is unlike any other — it's the warm, "family" feeling you get when you step through our doors.

16 resident arts organizations create and work out of the Sammons Center. These are small and midsized arts nonprofits that tell stories through adventurous, unique work and represent culturally rich communities. Another 100+ groups use our building for rehearsals, performances, and meetings year-round.

Performing arts groups at the Sammons Center benefit from shared administrative and technology resources, as well as subsidized rent, professional development opportunities, and proximity to other arts organizations. All these and more help build an artistic home, providing the stability they need to continue creating great art.

Learn More

Donate & Grow the Arts
Learn About Our Historic Building

Services for Local Performing Arts Groups

  • The only provider of low-cost office, rehearsal, performance, and meeting space.
  • Copy, fax, automated mail services, express mail, package receiving, and postal lock boxes.
  • Free notary services.
  • Library and information center with books on fundraising, arts management, marketing, arts administration, etc.
  • Computer and technology center with computer equipment and software programs such as Word, Excel, desktop publishing, and internet access.

Resident Groups

Academy of Bangla Arts & Culture

African American Repertory Theater

Beckles Dancing Company

Cara Mía Theatre Co

Dallas Area Cultural Advocacy Coalition

Dallas Swing Dance Society

Dance Council of North Texas

Fine Arts Chamber Players

Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra

King Creative Arts Expressions

Lone Star Wind Orchestra

The Mexico Institute

New Arts Six

New Texas Symphony Orchestra

Turtle Creek Chorale

Voices of Change

The Women's Chorus of Dallas

Learn More About Our Resident Groups

MEET THE STAFF

Joanna St. Angelo

Executive Director
Position Endowed by Sammons Enterprises

I grew up in frigid Duluth, Minnesota and am the oldest of seven children.

I can’t sing, dance or act, but I can cook. I won a purple ribbon on my cherry pie at the county fair when I was 12.

I have had my dream job as Executive Director of the Sammons Center for more than 30 years.

I am a dog person and currently have a crazy German Shorthaired Pointer named Sundance who I have nicknamed “Wild Thing.”

Close up shot of an old lady smiling at the camera

Joanna St. Angelo

Executive Director, Position Endowed by Sammons Enterprises

Joanna St. Angelo
Executive Director

Position Endowed by Sammons Enterprises

I grew up in frigid Duluth, Minnesota and am the oldest of seven children.

I can’t sing, dance or act, but I can cook. I won a purple ribbon on my cherry pie at the county fair when I was 12.

I have had my dream job as Executive Director of the Sammons Center for more than 30 years.

I am a dog person and currently have a crazy German Shorthaired Pointer named Sundance who I have nicknamed “Wild Thing.”

Joanna's Bio

Michael Cook

Assistant Director

Howdy! I’m Michael. I was born in Kansas, grew up in Houston, and I’ve been in Dallas since 1994. I have a lot of unusual hobbies; I’ve devoted immense amounts of time to silk reeling, tablet weaving, and two-step dancing, and I’ve given a good college try to everything from knitting to silverpoint. I’ve written articles on fiber-arts techniques for several national publications, and I travel and teach from time to time. I’m an out-and-proud weirdo; I make my own soap and study lucid dreaming.

I live in Oak Cliff with my husband Chris, three little dogs, two cats, and a big organic garden full of fascinating nature which I enjoy studying and photographing. We used to have chickens, but need to re-cooperate after an attack of raccoons.

I’ve been with the Sammons Center since 1999, and I’ve seen a lot of growth and change here over the past twenty years

Close up shot of an old man smiling at the camera

Michael Cook

Assistant Director

Michael Cook
Assistant Director

Howdy! I’m Michael. I was born in Kansas, grew up in Houston, and I’ve been in Dallas since 1994. I have a lot of unusual hobbies; I’ve devoted immense amounts of time to silk reeling, tablet weaving, and two-step dancing, and I’ve given a good college try to everything from knitting to silverpoint. I’ve written articles on fiber-arts techniques for several national publications, and I travel and teach from time to time. I’m an out-and-proud weirdo; I make my own soap and study lucid dreaming.

I live in Oak Cliff with my husband Chris, three little dogs, two cats, and a big organic garden full of fascinating nature which I enjoy studying and photographing. We used to have chickens, but need to re-cooperate after an attack of raccoons.

I’ve been with the Sammons Center since 1999, and I’ve seen a lot of growth and change here over the past twenty years!

Michael's Bio

Claire Mock

Director of Development

Hi there! I'm Claire. I am delighted to champion the work of the Sammons Center for the Arts as the Director of Development. 

I have lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area for over twenty years! I love North Texas and want to help make our community a better, more inclusive, and vibrant place now and for future generations. 

I love the performing arts, although I fancy myself more as a patron than a performer. While I enjoy attending live performances like musicals and concerts, I am also happy to listen to a good playlist on my patio. 

My husband and I have an adorable and energetic daughter named Ellis. We enjoy spending time with our three rescues (Izzy, Ike, and Ivan), being outside, gardening, cooking, watching some of our favorite shows (Wheel of Fortune, Big Brother, and Survivor), building LEGO sets, and eating out!

Claire Mock

Director of Advancement

Claire Mock
Director of Development

Hi there! I'm Claire. I am delighted to champion the work of the Sammons Center for the Arts as the Director of Development. 

I have lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area for over twenty years! I love North Texas and want to help make our community a better, more inclusive, and vibrant place now and for future generations. 

I love the performing arts, although I fancy myself more as a patron than a performer. While I enjoy attending live performances like musicals and concerts, I am also happy to listen to a good playlist on my patio. 

My husband and I have an adorable and energetic daughter named Ellis. We enjoy spending time with our three rescues (Izzy, Ike, and Ivan), being outside, gardening, cooking, watching some of our favorite shows (Wheel of Fortune, Big Brother, and Survivor), building LEGO sets, and eating out!

Claire's Bio

Patricia Stewart-Gordon

Director of Finance

Close up shot of an old wo man wearing a coat smiling at the camera

Patricia Stewart-Gordon

Director of Finance

Patricia Stewart-Gordon
Director of Finance

BIO COMING SOON

Patricia's Bio
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Arlington Jones

Sammons Jazz Artistic Director

Marica Cruz

Rebecca Cordes

Hello and thanks for visiting!

I enter the world of the arts through music, and the piano is my gateway instrument.  I’m originally from York, Nebraska, but have lived and worked in the Dallas area since 2001.  It is a pleasure for me to be a part of the Sammons team – and a joy to have the opportunity to work with many of the area’s most talented vocalists.

When I’m not at the piano, you can find me in my backyard gardens, growing habitat for pollinators and smelling the roses.  I’m also a devoted viewer of British murder mysteries and spend many evenings figuring out “who dunnit” with a warm pup snuggled at my side.

Rebecca Cordes

Sammons Cabaret Artistic Director

Rebecca Cordes
Sammons Cabaret Artistic Director

Hello and thanks for visiting!

I enter the world of the arts through music, and the piano is my gateway instrument.  I’m originally from York, Nebraska, but have lived and worked in the Dallas area since 2001.  It is a pleasure for me to be a part of the Sammons team – and a joy to have the opportunity to work with many of the area’s most talented vocalists.

When I’m not at the piano, you can find me in my backyard gardens, growing habitat for pollinators and smelling the roses.  I’m also a devoted viewer of British murder mysteries and spend many evenings figuring out “who dunnit” with a warm pup snuggled at my side.

Rebecca's Bio

Marica Cruz

Assistant Office Coordinator

Hello! If you were wondering, my name is pronounced “muh-REE-kuh”.

I started here as an intern from Cedar Valley College in the Spring of 2017. Currently, I am a student of the College of Applied & Collaborative Studies at the University of North Texas, with a concentration in Media Management.

My family immigrated from the Philippines when I was 4 years old and settled in Dallas, Texas in 2001. Music and the arts were always a part of my life growing up taking piano lessons and volunteering at festivals. 

Not only does the Sammons Center “grow the arts,” but has helped me grow in the beginnings of my career. My dreams are made reality here and I’m blessed to be part of a team that cares so much, not only about the arts, but the individual people involved in each aspect of the organization.

Close up shot of a beautiful lady smiling at the camera

Marica Cruz

Assistant Office Coordinator

Marica Cruz
Assistant Office Coordinator

Hi there! My name is pronounced muh-REE-kuh.

I began my journey at the Sammons Center in Spring 2017 as a music business intern through Cedar Valley College. Since then, the Sammons Center has not only nurtured the arts but has also played a key role in shaping the early stages of my career. This place has supported my growth and aspirations, and I’m proud to be part of a team that genuinely cares—both about the arts and the people behind each organization we serve.

In my personal time, I enjoy playing piano, watching DIY videos, and spending time with my energetic Australian shepherd/border collie mix, Milo.

Marica's Bio
TashaMorris-Headshot

Tasha Morris

Office Assistant

Marica Cruz

Karisa Coe 

Institutional Giving Manager 

Hi! My name is Karisa Coe, and I’m very excited to be part of the Advancement team at the Sammons Center for the Arts. With a background in grant writing and an appreciation for many forms of creative expression, I am especially grateful to advocate for the people and organizations who bring the Sammons Center to life.  

My passion for philanthropy began while studying marketing and nonprofit management at Texas A&M University. Since then, I have worked with mission-driven organizations across sectors ranging from animal welfare to community development, continually seeking to foster meaningful partnerships through impactful contributions.  

Outside of work, I am a proud pet parent to a sweet, scruffy little dog named Otter and two friendly cats named Moon and Luna. I enjoy attending hockey games and concerts whenever I can, and I’m always drawn to a good story — whether through a book, podcast, movie, or deep dive down the YouTube rabbit hole!  

If you’re reading this, I would love to learn from you and hear your ideas for advancing impact through the Sammons Center. I look forward to supporting the creativity and authentic sense of care that make this community so special!  

Karisa Coe

Institutional Giving Manager

Karisa Coe 

Institutional Giving Manager 

Hi! My name is Karisa Coe, and I’m very excited to be part of the Advancement team at the Sammons Center for the Arts. With a background in grant writing and an appreciation for many forms of creative expression, I am especially grateful to advocate for the people and organizations who bring the Sammons Center to life.  

My passion for philanthropy began while studying marketing and nonprofit management at Texas A&M University. Since then, I have worked with mission-driven organizations across sectors ranging from animal welfare to community development, continually seeking to foster meaningful partnerships through impactful contributions.  

Outside of work, I am a proud pet parent to a sweet, scruffy little dog named Otter and two friendly cats named Moon and Luna. I enjoy attending hockey games and concerts whenever I can, and I’m always drawn to a good story — whether through a book, podcast, movie, or deep dive down the YouTube rabbit hole!  

If you’re reading this, I would love to learn from you and hear your ideas for advancing impact through the Sammons Center. I look forward to supporting the creativity and authentic sense of care that make this community so special!

Karisa's Bio
Jaime-Torres_RSA

Jaime Torres

Building Supervisor

Charles-Ragsdale

Charles Ragsdale

Assistant Building & Event Coordinator

RubenRojas-Headshot

Ruben Rojas

Assistant Building & Event Coordinator

Board of Directors

Officers

Michael L. Riddle, President
Joshua Black, Vice President
G. Timothy Hardin, Secretary
Lucas LaChance, CPA, CIA, Treasurer

Directors

John Alvarado
Lori Bensing
Joshua Black
Seema Deshpande
Christopher A. Poinsatte

Emeritus Board

Brian Eliot Williams, Chairman
Gayle Z. Halperin
Tracy E. Fulton
Salvatore J. Olimpio, CPA

Advisory Board

Christopher Cree
Trammell S. Crow
John A. Cuellar
Daniel L. Curry
Clara Hinojosa
Jo Kurth Jagoda
Rodger Kobes, M.D.
Jay W. Lorch
Astrid Merriman
Frank E. Stevenson II
John & Bonnie Strauss
Tom Timmons

PLAN YOUR VISIT – FAQ’S

Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Building Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Noon – 8:00 PM (Closed on Sundays in June, July, and August)

The building is closed on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. For specific holiday closings, call (214) 520-7788.

The Sammons Center for the Arts is located at 3630 Harry Hines Boulevard, between North Houston Street and Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas, TX. The driveway to the building is accessible from the right lane of northbound Harry Hines Blvd. From southbound Harry Hines Blvd., make a U-turn at N. Houston St. (this is a signal-protected turn).

There are 58 surface parking lot spaces adjacent to the building and 37 additional spaces below the Dallas North Tollway overpass and near North Houston Street. For guests attending Sammons Jazz, Sammons Cabaret, and Sammons Discovery performances, complimentary valet parking is included in admission.

Resident arts organizations and other groups renting the Sammons Center may need to purchase valet services. Guests attending an event presented by a resident or other group at the Center may visit the Partner Events page or contact the presenting organization to confirm parking options.

All levels of the Sammons Center are accessible to wheelchair users and others with special needs. The North Meadows Hall doors and the main front entry doors are fully wheelchair accessible and equipped with automatic door openers. From the sidewalk on Harry Hines Blvd., an accessible ramp is located at the northwest corner of the building. Handicap parking is available in the Center lot. All restrooms have fully accessible stalls. Certified service animals are welcome.

Guests typically wear casual, comfortable clothing. Sammons Jazz: A reception including beverages on the second floor from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Table seating for 2 – 8 people (first come, first served). Sammons Cabaret: Reception with beverages from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the second floor, followed by the concert in Kurth Hall at 8:00 PM. Beverages are allowed in Kurth Hall; seating provides small side tables to hold your beverage. Most concerts include a brief intermission. Sammons Discovery: Beverages in Meadows Hall beginning at 7:30 PM when doors open; music begins at 8:00 PM; open seating.

Sammons Jazz, Cabaret, and Discovery: Complimentary valet and beverages.

Guests typically wear casual, comfortable clothing. Some attendees wear cocktail attire.