2 min read For the Love

Five Notes on Process: Jason Hensel

A small crowd of art patrons peruse a gallery at night.
Art patrons peruse the Kettle Art Gallery on a weekend in Deep Ellum, Dallas.

Author Jason Hensel is documenting the rich history of Kettle Art Gallery, a cornerstone of Deep Ellum’s vibrant art scene in Dallas. We spoke with Jason for an inside look at his research process, early discoveries, and what makes this iconic gallery a lasting cultural force in the city.

How’s the project going? 

The project is going well. Everyone I’ve spoken with is super excited about the book. I’m capturing so many great memories about Kettle Art and Frank and Paula. 

What has been the most interesting part of the project for you? 

The most interesting part is learning how much of a family atmosphere and feeling surrounds Kettle Art. “Family” is the one word that keeps coming in almost all of the artist responses. 

A crowd of art patrons gather at a cashier at an art gallery in Dallas
A crowd of Dallas art patrons gather at Kettle Art Gallery in Deep Ellum.

What has been something that surprised you, either about the project or about what you’ve learned about Kettle? 

Similar answer to the previous question: Kettle Art is more than just the art on the walls; it’s an open-minded family of artists and patrons who support each other, in the gallery and outside of it. 

“...it’s an open-minded family of artists and patrons who support each other, in the gallery and outside of it." — Author Jason Hensel on "For The Love”

You’ve been to a lot of Kettle events so far. Can you tell us about one that stands out, and what you enjoyed about it? 

Like many of the people I’ve spoken with, the “For the Love of Kettle” event stands out the most. I enjoyed the anticipation leading up to it, the countdown for the doors to open, and watching patrons sprint to the paintings to be the first to claim them. And it was great seeing some of the artists there, as well, proudly showing off what they contributed to the event to their friends and family. 

Two women peruse art.
Patrons consider art at February's For The Love Of Kettle event.

What has been motivating you throughout this process?

My motivation has been to share the story of Kettle and Frank with the wider world, not just in Dallas. The rest of the world needs to know that Kettle is the best gallery in Texas. 

Jason Hensel's narrative cultural history of Deep Ellum's Kettle Art Gallery publishes in December 2025. The book features artist profiles, anecdotes, oral histories and other documentary content, with archival and new photography and memorabilia that showcases the many stories from the gallery’s first 20 years.