A Tribute to Larry McMurtry

Magnolia at the Modern, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St., 817-738-9215, themodern.org/films

The Texas-born novelist and screenwriter won Oscars, Emmy Awards and a Pulitzer along with countless other awards and nominations for his body of work. He died in March 2021, but his vision of Texas lives on in his books and in films adapted from his writings. The Modern is hosting a mini festival of McMurtry’s films in August, hosted by Star-Telegram newspaper columnist Bud Kennedy. Tickets for the McMurtry tribute can be purchased on the website. All other tickets are available starting two hours before each show.

July 31, Aug. 1 Lonesome Dove (four parts are shown over two days)

Aug. 7 Hud

Aug. 14 The Last Picture Show

Aug. 15 Texasville

Ailey

This documentary showcases the pioneering choreographer/director/activist Alvin Ailey and is told partly through his own words. The film contains archival performance footage (Ailey died in 1989) along with interviews with those who knew him best. Aug. 13-15

Modern Kids — Summer Flicks: Selected Short Films

Presented in partnership with the New York International Children’s Film Festival, these innovative films will spark the imagination of young viewers. The films include stop-motion, animation and short documentaries as well as Spanish-language films. Free. Aug. 10-11

New Stories: New Futures

Pioneer Tower, Will Rogers Memorial Center
3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth

The year’s most unique event is the collaborative result of many. Dallas-based AURORA started out as a one-night-only sensory experience of light, video and sound in 2010. It has since grown to be a public arts organization that also promotes technology and community. This month, it’s partnering with The Arts Council of Fort Worth in showcasing a Fort Worth Public Art video installation that will be projected onto all four sides of Pioneer Tower and be visible throughout the Cultural District. International media artists Refik Anadol and Quayola have taken images provided by libraries, museums, institutions and community members to create the audio-video projection. At the base of the tower, look for new-media work from 10 North Texas artists (see their work and bios on the website). The exhibit is free, but visitors must reserve a time online at fwpublicart.org/new-stories-new-futures for an up-close look at the video installation and the regional exhibit. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Aug. 20-21

Crystal Bridges at 10

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas, 479-418-5700, crystalbridges.org

More than 5 million visitors have walked through the doors and around the grounds of this iconic museum since it opened in 2011. To mark a decade, Crystal Bridges is hosting an immersive exhibition that spotlights works from its own collection and celebrates the local community. Highlights from the 130-plus pieces, many presented in new ways, include:

• A collection inspired by the four elements, designed by Mark Dion, who explored Texas history in a 2020 exhibit at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art
• A room of art curated from the point of view of an artist whose own work is part of the CB collection
• Stories inspired by Norman Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter
• Self-portraits made by local children, on display next to self-portraits from the collection
• A light-and-sound installation in the museum’s forest.

Of course, the Moshe Safdie-designed building and surrounding park with sculptures and walking trails are worth a visit anytime.

Tickets are required; the exhibit runs through Sept. 27.

Ethan Hawke & Greg Ruth in Conversation: Meadowlark

This year’s Texas Book Festival in Austin is scheduled for late October, but festival organizers are hosting a virtual conversation this month with actor/author Ethan Hawke and illustrator Greg Ruth about Meadowlark, their new graphic novel. Set in Huntsville, the story follows a man and his son over the course of a single day, one that’s fraught with fear, violence and familial struggles. Labeled a “contemporary crime noir,” the book is inspired by the Texas childhoods of Hawke and Ruth. Texas director Richard Linklater is the moderator. Price of tickets includes a signed hardback edition; crowdcast.io/texasbookfest. Aug. 10

Fort Worth Opera

In July, FWO announced plans for its 2021-22 75th anniversary season, which kicks off Oct. 9 with a Hispanic Heritage month concert. In November, look for a preview concert at Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co.’s Whiskey Ranch with superstar performers such as tenor Russell Thomas, plus food, cocktails and more. There also will be a series of library concerts called the FWO Go Series to appeal to families and a broader audience, as well as other one-off events throughout the year in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues. This jibes with FWO’s switch from a festival format to year-round programming and FWO general director Afton Battle’s mission to broaden the company’s audience and outreach. The two big events are the world premiere of Zorro and a chamber adaptation of La Traviata, both of which will take place in 2022. Learn more at fwopera.org.