(Staff Photo: Rick Lopez)

This sliver of property near the intersection of Tyler and Davis streets always awakens the inner 12-year-old in me. A barber shop/ classic arcade? Sounds like man paradise … without sandwiches. Bring on a cherry Slurpee, a roll of quarters, and some Kangaroo sneakers, and I’m partying like it’s 1989 again. Have any of you folks ever checked out this spot? Let me know if it’s legit. I’d check it out myself, but its seems to be open almost only when I’m working.

Photo: Emilia Gaston

Artists Emily Riggert and Stephanie Adelina — aka Operation Rainbow Brains — started giving colorful makeovers to decaying trees across Oak Cliff just for kicks six months ago. Now, the project has grown after the duo’s work with children and teens enlisted with three community organizations. Pick up this week’s copy of Oak Cliff People to find out how you can help them with a project later this month. Click here for a slideshow of their work at La Reunion.

My OCP peeps: Cracking the case like Nancy Drew. (Staff Photo: Rick Lopez)

Almost three weeks ago, I sent a shout out to our readers about a smattering of rainbow trees that have worked their way into Oak Cliff’s landscape. I’d noticed them on Jefferson and Tyler streets, and a reader pointed out that there’s some more on Beckley – laughably in the opposite direction of where I jog every day on mornings I’m not hungover.

Apparently, a local art duo known as Orange William and Blue Vesta is behind this public art, which undoubtedly achieves a genuine balance of altruism and insouciance that’s distinctively Oak Cliff.

To the artists: I’d love to chat some more about your project (nice Tumblr, btw), but I didn’t want to be creepy and send you a Facebook message in the wee hours of the night. I hope you understand and have a moment to chat this weekend.

Starting Monday, Tyler Street Academy is observing its 40th anniversary with a week of celebrations. Students and faculty will participate in Spirit Week, which culminates Saturday with four events: a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, an antique car show, and a homecoming game and celebration. Crusaders and alumni can attend for free. Click here for the deets.

Photo: Kings Highway Conservation District

If you haven’t seen the back of your closet, garage, or living room in a couple of years, it’s time to get rid of some stuff. If’s not in bad condition, drop it off at 620 Turner Ave. this evening before 7 p.m. for Saturday’s Kings Highway Conservation District’s tag sale. You don’t have to be an extreme hoarder, though. This is also an appeal to you parents who indulged your kids with a new wardrobe on tax-free weekend.

Of course, you'll only see something this awesome in Oak Cliff (Staff photos: Rick Lopez)

Thousands of gays are descending upon Cedar Springs this week for the 29th annual Dallas Pride, which began last night at The Roundup and continues until Sunday’s big parade.

But apparently, Mother Nature chooses to show off her colors here in North Oak Cliff. In recent months, I spotted these two trees — literally bursting at the seams with pride — along my jogging route. The tree pictured on the left is located at Eighth Street and Tyler Avenue; the other is at 12th and Polk streets, just across from fire station 15 (I like the way this tree thinks).

I’m curious if any of our readers have spotted any other rainbow trees in the area, or knows a little something about the origin of these two. Please chime in.

Photo: Oil & Cotton

As Cowboys coaching legend Tom Landry once said: “If you’re bored in Dallas, it’s your own darn fault.”

OK, I just made that up, but the folks at Oil and Cotton would agree — all you need is your imagination, some table space, and a box glass of wine.

The Tyler/Davis creative spot and Etsy Dallas are presenting another Craft Party on Friday, Aug. 24, offering two hours of activities that includes raffles, nosh, drinks, a photo booth, and — of course — a bunch of DIY decorating.

Check out the party’s invite for more info. (Or photos of June’s party get you in the mood).

Kevin Obregon, perennial Con Artist and octopus fan, has vacated The Cube Creative on Tyler Street for an artist in residency program at the Belmont Hotel.

“I have set up a new studio at The Belmont Hotel in the hills of West Dallas where I will be helping to develop a new Artist-in-Residency geared toward showcasing local artists,” Obregon said in a Facebook note.

“Though I will miss my neighbors in the Tyler Davis area, I am not abandoning you by any means,” Obregon continued. “I will always show you love, as well as funneling every guest and culture-seeker that comes through the Belmont to your eclectic offerings, for true-to-form in what the hotel stands for, people seek out authenticity, creativity and personality.”

Additionally, Obregon said he will be helping street artist Shepard Fairey as he looks to cover the walls of Dallas.

“I will of course still be painting, drawing, sculpting, writing and muraling,” he added. “In fact, as of this writing, I will be assisting in the execution of Sheperd Fairey’s stenciled murals in a matter of hours, thanks to the Dallas Contemporary as well as working on a new, somewhat surrealist painting depicting theMother Goose nursery rhyme, ‘The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.’”

Want to shop in the Bishop Arts District and Tyler-Davis but hate searching for a place to park? Well, the Bishop Arts Winery and other merchants will be running a free trolley shuttle from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. Stops include the Bishop Arts Winery, Norma’s Café, the Kessler Theater, Nova, Bolsa, Lockhart Smokehouse, and the Texas Theatre. Use the trolley to hit up the Tyler-Davis block party, too!

State representatives Rafael Anchia and Eric Johnson have coordinated a crime summit for tomorrow that will help create a dialogue between residents and the Dallas Police Department. Johnson notes that home burglaries are up 35 percent in West Dallas and areas of Oak Cliff, and wants to engage with citizens to “Take Back West Dallas” and transform the area into a safe, clean, and vibrant neighborhood. Head to El Centro Community College West Campus at 3330 N. Hampton tomorrow at 10 a.m. to make your voice heard.

Artist Gretchen Goetz is opening her home tomorrow for people who want to buy unique art for those still on their list. Head to 422 S. Marlborough Ave. between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to find some great works and hear some tunes from musician Milo Deering. Works from Chuck & George will be for sale, along with other Oak Cliff artists.

What’s the holiday season with a few good excuses to tip a few back with friends? The Wynnewood North Neighborhood Association is hosting a potluck dinner at 517 Mayrant Drive starting at 6 p.m. Bring a side dish, an appetizer, or dessert, and don’t forget your favorite adult beverage! Winners of the holiday home decorating contest will be announced as well.

Austin Terrill discussed design with a pair of Incense & Peppermints interns in June. (Staff photo by Chris McGathey)

We’ve been writing individual stories over the past several months about Incense & Peppermints, Tom Battles Custom Framing, Gallery Bomb, and some of the other new businesses in the Tyler-Davis District. But in today’s Morning News, Roy Appleton does a great job of providing a big-picture look at the area’s resurgence (subscription required). I think this quote from Wendi Medling, owner of From the Ends of the Earth, sums it up best: “We’re getting the critical mass. And that makes for a destination.”