The Fort Worth Art Commission gave its unanimous approval at the September meeting to two final designs that will soon become permanent fixtures in the city’s public landscape. Both projects were presented remotely via a Teams video conference on Sept. 21.
Fire Station #26 wall installation – District 6
Artist Demarcus McGaughey, working with In House Media Group, unveiled a wall design for the new Fire Station #26. The concept features an aluminum panel etched with a large white grid of neighborhood icons and firefighter symbols that will glow after dark. Three metal firefighter figures will stand in the foreground, and a single belt buckle—an Easter‑egg nod to the tradition of rookie firefighters receiving a belt after their first year—will be hidden within the grid.
“I wanted people to know that Fire Station #26 is like the beacon of the neighborhood,” McGaughey said. “That’s security. That’s protection. Like, (they) know that (they) can go there.”
To involve residents, McGaughey plans three public color‑by‑number events that will let community members contribute to the background grid. During the public comment period, a firefighter from the core team praised the revisions made since the last meeting, and a District 6 council representative expressed excitement about seeing the project completed. Although Art Commissioner Denise Turner could not attend, her letter of support was read aloud.
Gateway Park armadillo sculpture – District 11
Artist Trevor O’Tool presented his final design for an 11‑foot‑tall metal armadillo balanced on a giant seesaw for Gateway Park. The sculpture, weighing more than 2,000 pounds, underwent several smaller prototypes to perfect its physics. Engineering considerations ensured the structure can safely support both the armadillo and any visitors who might sit in the built‑in saddle.
“This is exactly what we were all hoping for,” said Natalie Lopez, a District 11 community member. “It’s whimsical, yet it brings the state of Texas into the park… It’s just amazing. I think you hit the nail on the head.”
Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for O’Tool’s design and voted unanimously to approve the final plan.
Public‑art program outlook
Public‑art program manager Anne Allen also asked the commission to endorse the Fiscal Year 2027 Annual Work Plan, which outlines 39 new and ongoing projects and several special initiatives. After a brief discussion and no public objections, commissioners again voted unanimously to adopt the plan.
Collection and project manager Adam Neese reported that no new damages have been identified on existing works. Upcoming repairs include mosaic restoration on several installations, notably the “35 City Blocks” artwork that runs through the Ella Mae Shamblee Library, the commission’s meeting venue.
Community impact
Both projects reflect Fort Worth’s dedication to enriching public spaces with art that celebrates local heritage and encourages community participation. By involving residents in the design process and ensuring that the artwork does not endorse any private businesses, the commission upholds transparency and inclusivity—principles that align with the city’s broader goals of fostering strong neighborhoods rooted in faith, family, and liberty.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
