Fort Worth's 'Avenue of Light' to transform Lancaster Avenue May 2
By City of Fort Worth
Apr 29, 2009
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FORT WORTH - Colored lights will illuminate the night sky during a festive block party May 2 when the Avenue of Light on Lancaster Avenue is turned on for the first time.

Avenue of Light, a public art project, consists of six stainless steel sculptures that incorporate energy-efficient LED lights and tower 36 feet high. They've been installed along the median from Lamar Street to Main/Commerce Street.

The public is invited to this free party. Speakers will include Mayor Mike Moncrief, State Sen. Wendy Davis and the artist, Cliff Garten.

The event begins at 8 p.m. at the northeast corner of Lancaster Avenue and Throckmorton Street, where light refreshments will be served.  The program starts at 8:40 p.m. with remarks.

At 9 p.m., the sculptures will become a "canvas" for a color light program lasting about 30 minutes and created especially for the occasion. 

Lancaster Avenue will be closed to traffic 8-10 p.m. from Throckmorton to Houston streets. Parking is available two blocks north at the new Fort Worth Convention Center Parking Garage.

The City of Fort Worth's public art program commissioned Avenue of Light as part of Lancaster Avenue's reconstruction. The sculptures' contemporary design was inspired by the nearby Texas & Pacific Terminal's Art Deco architectural details.

Lancaster Avenue's reconstruction is a catalyst for future economic development along the corridor. Median landscaping will be part of a future phase of the project.

Avenue of Light will be illuminated nightly from dusk to dawn beginning May 3.

The Arts Council of Fort Worth & Tarrant County administers the city's public art program. Fort Worth Public Art This creates an enhanced visual environment for Fort Worth residents, commemorates the city's rich cultural and ethnic diversity, integrates the design work of artists into the development of the City's capital infrastructure improvements, and promotes tourism and economic vitality in the city through the artistic design of public spaces. 

For more information visit: www.fwpublicart.org.