Haute Secrets Dallas: Queen of Art, Terri Provencal

If there is anyone that expertly navigates the myriad of art events in Dallas it’s Terri Provencal. From attending an art lecture to an invitation only vernissage she is tireless in her devotion to supporting the arts. Having an artistic father, her passion for art developed at an early age which consequently led to amassing her own contemporary art collection of emerging and established artists over a period of 25 years.

Deciding to take her love of art a step further, she became the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of Patron Magazine. Launched in 2011, it has become the contemporary voice of the arts, culture and design in Dallas and Fort Worth. Named after its sophisticated readership, Patron Magazine caters to patrons who desire an inside look into the flourishing art scene in their community. Known in the magazine industry as a launch expert and innovator, Terri has launched a dozen other publications for Texas in addition to Patron Magazine.

Actively supporting philanthropic endeavors Patron Magazine acts as a media sponsor for TACA’s Board of Governors events; Artist v Architect, Retail as Art and Artreach Dallas. Terri is on the host committee of one of Dallas’ most prestigious art galas of the year, MTV RE:DEFINE and served on the Advisory Board of the Inaugural Dallas Art Fair. She was on the panel of distinguished speakers at the premiere of the internationally recognized Balenciaga exhibit at Meadows Museum along with Southern Methodist University President, Gerald Turner.

Haute Living had the pleasure of interviewing Terri to learn a bit more about her and her top picks around the city.

Where were you born: Detroit, Michigan

Neighborhood: Lakewood Heights

Occupation: Founder, Publisher & Editor in Chief of Patron Magazine

Favorite Restaurant: So many to choose from! I love FT33, Stephan Pyles (who will be re-branding and relocating to Hall Arts), and Tei-An.

Best Steakhouse: Nick & Sam’s and Knife

Best Pizza: For homegrown pizza our cravings lead us to Olivella’s. For the best all-around pizza we frequent Grimaldi’s for its peerless crust. We order the white pesto with spicy chicken sausage.

Best Lunch: Depends on the area I’m in. Bistro 31, Ziziki’s or Le Bilboquet in Travis Walk, Greenhouse Market in NorthPark Center.

Best Dessert: Chocolate Secrets

Best Sunday Brunch: My husband’s french toast made with orange flavored challah bread. Smoke would be the place to go out to brunch for it’s modern Texas flavors.

Best place for a power business meeting: Pearl Cup at AT&T Performing Art Center in the Dallas Arts District

Favorite Hotel: The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek for a true taste of Southern Hospitality and five-star service; Rosewood Crescent for its overall aesthetic and proximity to Dallas Arts District, or The Joule Hotel with it’s outstanding art collection and the opportunity to partake in our burgeoning downtown scene.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: NorthPark Center for its expansive and exceptional shopping choices while strolling through a world-class art collection. Highland Park Village for al fresco fabulous.

Best Spa: Spa at The Joule Hotel or the Spa at the Crescent

Favorite Charity Event: In the spring I love MTV RE:DEFINE and Art Ball at the Dallas Museum of Art. In the fall, I greatly anticipate the annual TWO x TWO For Aids & Art benefiting amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art.

Favorite Cultural Event: Dallas Art Fair. And, I’m also looking forward to the second installment of DSO’s SOLUNA: International Music & Arts Festival in May.

Best Museum/Exhibit: This is a tough one for me. There were so many wonderful exhibitions last year. I’m also going to include Fort Worth here: Kehinde Wiley at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Laura Wilson at Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and Gustave Caillebotte at the Kimbell Art Museum. In Dallas, Melvin Edwards and Giuseppe Penone at Nasher Sculpture Center, David Salle at Dallas Contemporary, and Alexander Gorlizki at the Crow Collection of Asian Art, Michael Borrëmans at the DMA. But If I had to choose just one I would say Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots at the Dallas Museum of Art. I loved the thoughtful planning and work that went into creating this exhibition curated by Gavin Delahunty. I learned so much from this exhibition and being in those galleries with those paintings was a heady, mind-blowing experience. I was completely stirred.

 Describe your city in three words: City On Fire

Best Aspect of Dallas: The passionate people who are proud of their city.