In 2012, FWADG launched Spare pARTS – a public art initiative focused on artwork that makes use of repurposed materials and encourages street life along the avenue.
Mobius Bench by Erik Glissman and Nicole Horn
The first installation, Mobius Bench, is located on Fort Worth Avenue at Pittman. Created by artists Erik Glissman and Nicole Horn from reclaimed cedar and sheet metal, Mobius Bench arches over its patrons to provide shade, and the structure features two benches facing each other to encourage conversation. The work was so successful that DART moved a bus stop to that corner to offer shade and respite to travelers.
Magic Bike by Robertus Joost van der Wege
Robertus Joost van der Wege created the second installation, naming it “The Magic Bike.” For five years, this 17 foot long, three wheeled-bike with seven seats and frame of repurposed, powder-coated metal added a note of whimsy to the Fort Worth Avenue corridor from its location outside The Belmont Hotel.
Steam Punk Bird by Scott Shubin and Juli Hulcy
The Steam Punk Bird created by local artists Scott Shubin and Juli Hulcy was installed at 1021 Fort Worth Avenue at the east side of Metro Paws in September 2014. Sitting atop its perch, the Steam Punk Bird serenely rotates with the prevailing winds, so the profile facing the street changes.
Carlton Radial Drill by Juan Martinez
The Carlton Radial Drill by artist Juan Martinez, donated and funded by Commerce Grinding, was installed in November 2014 at 635 Fort Worth Avenue. This piece, celebrating the industrial history of the corridor, was created using as its basis a vintage 1940s radial drill. The drill was embellished in patriotic red, white, and blue, and the piece features a skyline of Dallas near its base.
Wayfinder by David Lyles
Wayfinder by David Lyles was installed in the fall of 2016 at the northeast corner of Fort Worth Avenue and Sylvan, close to the Four-Door Gallery. With new development being planned for that site, the Wayfinder sign was taken down and placed into storage where its refurbishing is planned before being relocated.
Artist Gary Buckner was commissioned by the FWADG to create a piece of public art now displayed on the west side of Sylvan at the location of Dallas Differential & Gear at 907 Pollard at Sylvan and Pollard. Owner Darrin Wade generously donated the site for the installation of a kinetic metal sculpture created largely from recycled, repurposed materials as part of our Spare pARTS public art initiative. Installation occurred in the spring of 2017.
Four Door Gallery
Local artist Gretchen Goetz created and curated the Four-Door Gallery originally situated on the northeast corner of Fort Worth Avenue and Sylvan, close to Wayfinder. Due to impending development there, the Gallery was moved nearby to Sylvan and Kessler Parkway (see picture) where it brought joy to those using the Coombs Creek Trail and was called “a charming welcome to Oak Cliff.” Following sale of that property, the Gallery has been removed and a new location is being sought.
A new piece of public art honoring the contributions of Hispanics to West Dallas has been commissioned in partnership with the City of Dallas for placement at the Triangle Park site on the east side of Sylvan across from the Clairevista Vitality Club. The site is bounded by Seale to the north, Sylvan to the west, and Evanston to the south and east. Installation is expected later in 2017.
