(Photo: Poster for the Jump Off Arts Festival promoting green living and more at the Dallas Farmer's Market this month)     

By Jada Brazell     

In the name of peace, unity, and environmental awareness, more than 100 diverse artists and vendors will peddle their wares at the Dallas Farmers’ Market from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on June 16 at the 3rd Annual Jumpoff Arts Fest.

Hosted by the Unified Arts Creative Group, the arts festival features local musicians, performance artists, culinary artists and visual artists. Vendors will be peppered throughout the festival as well to educate the public on environmental issues in various industries.

Admission is free and jam-packed with wide ranging art and musical styles, from rock to pop to R&B to hip-hop and everything in between.

“The vision was to create an environment where the community could see local art in several different fashions and also be a place where they can be exposed to and discuss different ways to be self sustainable,” said Ruben Medina, co-founder of Unified Arts, an organization that promotes artists whose work provides a positive influence on the community.

Medina and his business partner, Dare Amyson, kicked off the first Jumpoff Arts Fest three years ago in a much smaller venue in conjunction with Conscious Minds, a zero waste events production company. Both companies are committed to preserving the environment.

The event they co-host has grown and is now being held at the largest market in the Dallas area.

“It’s going to be quite differently this year than the last two,” said Medina. “We’re able to reach out to more people.”

Medina expects to reach a diverse audience of art patrons, music fans and other guests. He said the musical talent featured will appeal to all demographics and that the art showcased will vary from fine art to graffiti.

Medina noted that he hopes the event will raise awareness for the Dallas Farmer’s Market as well.

Vendors like business accelerator Adbongo, which also practices zero waste, will educate the public on conservation. A team from Eastfield College in Mesquite will be onsite to explain different technologies like windmills, solar panels, composting and other practices and technologies that work toward sustainability.

 “It’s an opportunity for the community to get to know each other and share ideas while appreciating local artistry,” Medina said.

Attendees at the Jumpoff Arts Fest will receive samples, giveaways, exclusive music and coupons from participating artists, sponsors and vendors.

Vendors and artists are still welcome to participate and submit information. The festival attracts artisans who make homemade soaps, jewelry, candles and more: “anything that’s natural or recycled,” said Medina, who added that the event also welcomes additional small business owners who are interested in becoming vendors.

Those interested in participating in this year’s event can find out more at www.unifiedarts.org or email info@unifiedarts.org.


Jada Brazell is a freelance writer who also consults for fashion- and art-based businesses on branding. She has written for the Odessa American and Global Fashion News, edited for the Texas Senate and RadioShack, and contributed to several magazines and newspapers in Central and South Texas.