Known for a sophisticated and creative clubby atmosphere, Park House is also known for great food and its unique rooms, each vibing something a bit different. Throughout Park House, find art loans from prestigious club members in addition to the private club’s own collection. And the black-and-white tiled corridor is home to a rotating art gallery. Along with her husband John Scott, and Megan and Brady Wood, cofounder Deborah Scott is instrumental in not only the entertaining programming but also the selection of what gets to hang in the corridor. Patron partnered with Park House to present a 10th Anniversary Exhibition.
We caught up with Scott just ahead of the New Year.
Patron (P): You’ve been incredibly busy with the holiday season, and we love the décor, especially your mercury glass trees collection. Tell us about your inspiration.
Deborah Scott (D): At Park House we like to be a little bit playful and whimsical especially around the holidays. Who doesn’t love a bright, festive tree and jewel-toned, life-sized reindeer! This is our third holiday season and every year we plan to layer on a few more merry elements. This year we had fun working with the artist Donald Robertson on the holiday photo opportunity “Under the Mistletoe” in our entry lobby. We don’t allow photography in PH, so this was a great way to give our members a chance to take a festive photo with friends and family.
P: The Park House corridor has become an alternative space with rotating exhibitions where you’ve engaged with local and national galleries. How have these collaborations augmented your art programming?
DS: Our goal when we started Park House was for art to play a big role in the club, not just in creating a dynamic environment but also in our programming. We have been fortunate to have worked with some amazing galleries, curators, and artists in the three years we have been open, and our members now have come to expect new visually inspiring shows that rotate every few months. Our staff is especially thrilled when we install a new show as they are the ones living with the art every day. We also took our first PH art trip to Crystal Bridges back in October, which was a highlight for many of our members. We have some great art shows, programming, and travel in the works for 2022.
P: How are guests reacting to the current show?
DS: Our members and guests love the rotating art in the gallery halls. It keeps it fresh for them and for our staff. They get very excited when we install a new show. The current Patron 10th Anniversary Show has been a highlight because it features so many artists of a variety of mediums…from a kinetic neon to sculptural cutouts and moody oils. One member emailed our membership team to praise us that, “it was our best show yet!” And, of course, it celebrates your magazine which is so important to the Dallas cultural community. So, congrats on 10 years and thanks for letting Park House be a part of your success!
P: Do you have any favorite works in the show and why?
DS: That would almost be like picking a favorite child! They are all gorgeous in their own right, but I have been a fan of Marc Dennis for a long time. His life-like oil works on canvas are always so beautifully executed. But I especially like the diversity of the pieces you selected and how they all work together so beautifully. Some of the works in your show are for sale from the galleries and I hope our members will take the opportunity to purchase some of the available works.
P: Park House attracts creatives of all kinds from artists to galleries to art patrons. What keeps them coming back?
DS: I think the reason everyone comes back regardless of their interests is the comfortable, fun, and friendly environment. We have so many different art-filled spaces that depending on who you are with or the time of day, there is a perfect spot for you such as under the Francisco Marino ceiling in the Peacock, social hour surrounded by art in the Living Room, or a shady spot on the patio with the Dallas skyline as your backdrop. Our members are also very engaged in the diverse programming we offer throughout the week and the opportunity to engage with others in events that may push them out of their comfort zone.