Heritage potter

David Day poses for a portrait in the sunroom studio at his home in Richardson on Feb. 20, 2010.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


David Day works at his pottery wheel at his home. Although he formerly made his living from the art, he now considers it a weekend hobby.


David Day employs various shaping tools while he works at his pottery wheel in Richardson. Day and his artist wife's client list included La Madeleine restaurants and other companies.


David Day molds clay on his pottery wheel in the sunroom studio at his home. After graduating from college, he demonstrated pioneer pottery skills with a kick wheel at the Dallas Heritage Village.

Please read, "History repeats for former re-enactor turned part-time potter in Richardson" by Diane Reischel

Fayrouz's festive food

© Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Fayrouz offers corn and pepper salad over cracked wheat for lunch at our home in Plano on Sunday, May 16, 2010.

Lakeview Cent. vs. Naaman Forest hoops

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Lakeview Centennial's Chris Copeland (23) dives at the ball as Naaman Forest's John Harris (34) tries to keep control during a high school basketball game at Naaman Forest High School in Garland on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010.


Naaman Forest's John Harris (34) drives to the net as Lakeview Centennial's Chris Jones (22) follows during a basketball game at Naaman Forest High School.



Lakeview Centennial's Ryan Williams (24) fires a jump shot over Naaman Forest's Mike Daniels (42) during a game in Garland.



Lakeview Centennial's Chris Copeland (23) leaps around Naaman Forest's Vondale Fuller (32) during a basketball game at Naaman Forest.



Naaman Forest's Prince Ibeh (44) slaps a rebound away from Lakeview Centennial's Toddrick Gotcher (20) during a basketball game at Naaman Forest High School in Garland. Lakeview Centennial won the game 54-53.

Pinkston vs. Kimball hoops

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Pinkston's Keith Hargest (21) and Kimball's Davoun Hunter (3) scramble for a loose ball during a high school basketball game at Sprague Fieldhouse in Dallas on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2009.


Pinkston's Davoun Hunter (3) tries to block the shot of Kimball's Jerrik Nash (00) during a basketball game at Sprague Fieldhouse.




Pinkston's Tony Mitchell (13) blocks Kimball's Austin Franklin (4) as Rick Ragland (1) moves in to assist during a basketball game in Dallas.


Kimball's Kimball's Austin Franklin (4) and Javion Henry (15) block the shot of Pinkston's Tony Mitchell (13) during a basketball game at Sprague Fieldhouse.




Pinkston's Tony Mitchell (13) slaps the ball away from Kimball's Javion Henry (15) during a basketball game at Sprague Fieldhouse in Dallas. Kimball won the game 70-59.

Cottonwood Art Festival Spring 2010

Please also check out Fayrouz's series.


photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com

Colorful signs and activities entertain children at the Artstop during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park in Richardson on May 1, 2010.


Fayrouz Hancock returns to her shoot after capturing duck images during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park.




The avian residents of the park remain relaxed during the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson. The festivals are held during the first full weekends of May and October each year.


Siena, 7, (right) licks Sophie, 4, (left) during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park in Richardson. Both are Pomeranians owned by Jay and Donna Riha of Plano. The Cottonwood Art Festival is very "dog friendly" and features frequent water stops throughout the park.


Chloe, a 9-month-old designer "Schnorkipoo," (left) and Katie, a 13-year-old designer "Shipoo," (right) owned by Carlos and Patricia Flores of Plano ride through the Cottonwood Art Festival in a special stroller in Richardson.


Kinetic Sculptures by Andrew Carson of Seattle, Wash. move in the wind during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park in Richardson.


The tools of artist Jean Joseph Monfort of Los Angeles await use in a box during the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson.


Haitian-born artist Jean Joseph Monfort of Los Angeles paints during the Cottonwood Art Festival at Cottonwood Park in Richardson.

The Cottonwood Art Festival is special to Fayrouz and I for a number of reasons. Both of us enjoy being surrounded by art and artists. I also won First Place for Best Feature Photo Story or Series at the Suburban Newspapers of America in 2001 for this series.

Most importantly, it's next to the Justice of the Peace's office where we were first married. So, our first wedding photos were at this park. :-)



Fayrouz Hancock (right) photographs artist Jean Joseph Monfort (left) at the Cottonwood Art Festival in Richardson.

Because I've shot this event many times for publication and didn't have a client for these shots, mine are somewhat random (I went to spend time with Fay and the food). However, check out Fayrouz's series because she worked it hard.

Dallas Mavericks vs. NY Knicks hoops

Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki (41) slams the ball into the net during a basketball game against the New York Knicks' in Dallas.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


Dallas Mavericks Dancers' Paige Jones performs during a break in the basketball game against the Knicks' at American Airlines Center.



Mavericks' Caron Butler (4) runs into Knicks' Wilson Chandler (21) during a basketball game in Dallas.



Mavericks' Jose Juan Barea (11) moves the ball against the New York Knicks' during a basketball game at American Airlines Center in Dallas on March 13, 2010.



Knicks' Wilson Chandler (21) objects as the ball is knocked away by Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki (41) during a basketball game at American Airlines Center.


Mavericks' Caron Butler (4) gets fouled by Knicks' Wilson Chandler (21) during a basketball game at American Airlines Center in Dallas. New York won the game 128-94.



The Mavs play the San Antonio Spurs in the first game of the I-35 playoff challenge tonight at 7 p.m. Please read, "Numerous offensive options make Mavericks too hot for Spurs" by Jean-Jacques Taylor / The Dallas Morning News.

Collin County primary election results

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Candidate John Muns looks on as campaign manager Lori Geer exhales at early voting results during a Collin County Republican primary election party at the Haggard Barn in Plano on March 1, 2010. Longtime Plano ISD board member John Muns ran against incumbent Keith Self for Collin County judge.


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Supporters of Collin County Republican candidates John Muns and Duncan Webb attend a primary election party at the Haggard Barn in Plano on March 1, 2010. Webb won his primary election. Muns lost.

Named in this slideshow are:   John Muns, Cheryl Joyner, Richard Joyner, Joan Webb, George A. Elwell, Duncan Webb, James D. Webb III, Phil Dyer and Lori Geer.

Please read, "Ward loses Commissioners Court seat, Self wins county judge race" by Ed Housewright / The Dallas Morning News

Southlake vs. Lewisville girls hoops

Lewisville's Je'Naya Brown (12) bounces the ball off Southlake Carroll's Christie Groh (44) during a girls high school basketball game at Lewisville High School in Lewisville on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010.


photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


Southlake Carroll's Christie Groh (44) looks to pass around Lewisville's Aubree Butts (33) during a girls basketball game at Lewisville High School.




Lewisville's Je'Naya Brown (12) counter-steals the ball from Southlake Carroll's Sierra Maykus (15) during a girls high school basketball game at Lewisville High School.

Berkner vs. Sunset hoops

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News

Richardson Berkner's Jordan Mickey (20) and Soma Edo (25) slap away the shot of Dallas Sunset's Sammy Herrera (50) during a high school basketball game at Sprague Fieldhouse in Dallas on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010.


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Richardson Berkner plays Dallas Sunset during a high school basketball game at Sprague Fieldhouse in Dallas.

Named in this slideshow are: Devante Donaldson, Soma Edo, Kendal Harris, Mike Harris, Sammy Herrera, Brandon Joseph, Daniel "D.J." Martinez, Jordan Mickey and Xavier Thomas.

Deacon Ordination

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Deacon candidates Arthur Unachukwa and Allan P. McDonald stand for the Election by the Bishop and Consent of the People during a deacon ordination at the Cathedral Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe in Dallas on Saturday, March 13, 2010.


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Deacon candidates Arthur Unachukwa and Allan P. McDonald are ordained at the Cathedral Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guadalupe in Dallas.

Named in this slideshow (in order of appearance) are:   Arthur Unachukwa, Allan P. McDonald, Bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton, Bishop Charles Grahmann, Bishop Elect Mark J. Seitz, Marco Polo Rangel, Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, Bishop Elect J. Douglas Deshotel, Fr. T. Michael Dugan, and Jean McDonald of Preston, England.

KTC generations

Jim Hawkins and Andree Hawkins pose for a portrait with their children Matt Hawkins (top row from left to right), Mollie Shelby, Laura Hawkins and granddaughter Kendrick Hawkins at Christ The King Catholic Church in Dallas on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010.


© Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Tekumbe concert

Lead singer Camilo Mutis (right) and percussionist Stefan Ice (left) of Tekumbe perform during a concert at the Mambo Cafe in Dallas on Friday, March 26, 2010.


photos © Mark M. Hancock / DFWmark.com
music "Yo Quiero" © Tekumbe / Tekumbe.com

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Tekumbe performs in concert at the Mambo Cafe in Dallas' West End.

Named in this slideshow are: Josue Chavez, Alan Garrido, Stefan Ice, Andres Lucas, Camilo Mutis, Franz Mutis and Paulo Valles.

2010 Challenger of Dallas tennis champs

David Martin returns a ball during the Men's Challenger of Dallas professional tennis tournament doubles championship at T-Bar-M Racquet Club in Dallas on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2009.



photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


Adil Shamasdin (bottom) tries to return a ball as partner Vasek Pospisil observes during the Challenger of Dallas tennis tournament doubles championship at T-Bar-M Racquet Club.




Scott Lipsky returns a ball during the Challenger of Dallas pro tennis tournament doubles championship in Dallas. Martin and Lipsky won the doubles match.




Carsten Ball, 20, of Australia returns a serve from Ryan Sweeting, 22, of the United States during the Challenger of Dallas professional tennis tournament singles championship at T-Bar-M Racquet Club in Dallas.


Ryan Sweeting returns a serve from Carsten Ball during the Men's Challenger of Dallas pro tennis tournament singles championship at T-Bar-M Racquet Club in Dallas.




Carsten Ball of Australia returns a volley from Ryan Sweeting during the Challenger of Dallas pro tennis tournament singles championship in Dallas. Ball was the No. 2 seed and Sweeting, the defending champion, was seeded No. 7.


Ryan Sweeting returns a volley from Carsten Ball during the Challenger of Dallas pro tennis tournament singles championship at T-Bar-M Racquet Club. Sweeting won the match to become the first back-to-back Challenger of Dallas winner.


Please read, "Ryan Sweeting bounces back to defend Challenger of Dallas title" by Drew Davison for the Star-Telegram

Yes, I know. Through some strange content-sharing arrangement, I shot the championship for DMN and FW provided the reporter. Welcome to modern newspaper journalism. :-/

Collin County Tea Party forum

photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


Incumbant Collin County judge Keith Self (left) fields a question as challenger John Muns (right) observes during a candidate forum at Collin College's Spring Creek campus in Plano on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2009.


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Incumbent Collin County judge Keith Self (left) and challenger John Muns (right) shake hands before a candidate forum at Collin College's Spring Creek campus in Plano. The event was sponsored by the Collin County Conservative Alliance of Texas, also known as the Collin County Tea Party.

Please read, "Candidates for Collin County judge tout conservative credential" by Valerie Wigglesworth / The Dallas Morning News

Huston lecture and signing

Charlie Huston explains his creative process during a lecture at Legacy Books in Plano on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010.



photos © Mark M. Hancock and The Dallas Morning News


Charlie Huston lectures at Legacy Books in Plano. Huston is the author of crime fiction novels and graphic novels through Marvel Comics.


Charlie Huston lectures about publishing at Legacy Book. His latest noir book is titled "Sleepless."


Charlie Huston explains his creative process during a lecture at Legacy Books in Plano.




Charlie Huston (left) signs books for Sharon Burr of Richardson (right) after a lecture at Legacy Books.


Charlie Huston signs a stack of books for Keri Kaplan of Dallas after a lecture at Legacy Books in Plano.

Please read, "Charlie Huston goes into darker territory..." by Joy Tipping / The Dallas Morning News

St. Luke mortgage burning

photos © Mark M. Hancock for The Texas Catholic

Fr. Jorge Bravo burns the first ceremonial mortgage scroll during a mortgage burning event at St. Luke Catholic Church in Irving on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2009. Organizers made a concerted push to pay off the church's mortgage.


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St. Luke Catholic Church reflects on a puddle in the parking lot before a mortgage burning event at the church in Irving on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2009. Organizers made a concerted push to pay off the church's mortgage.

Fr. Daniel Clayton initially organized the community to construct the new church in 1985 and dedicated the new building in 1988. Former parish priest and current Dallas Diocese Vicar General J. Douglas Deshotel celebrated the mass.

Last week, Dallas Bishop Kevin J. Farrell announced on his blog that Fr. Deshotel and Monsignor Mark J. Seitz were named as auxiliary bishops elect to the Dallas Diocese.

Named in this slideshow are: Bishop Elect J. Douglas Deshotel, Fr. Clair Antonio Orso, Fr. Daniel Clayton and Fr. Jorge Bravo.