Share your thoughts on the future of 1300 Gendy Street

There are three convenient ways to provide feedback and help imagine the future of the City-owned building at 1300 Gendy St.:

• Attend a public meeting from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center’s Sanders Theater, 1300 Gendy St. Residents who wish to speak can sign up at the meeting and will have three minutes each to present comments. The meeting will be recorded and posted online.
• Complete an online survey using the QR code below.

• Submit comments online.

Background on the project

Earlier this year, City Council appointed a task force to study future uses of the City-owned building located in the Cultural District at 1300 Gendy St. That building, currently leased by Arts Fort Worth for use as the Fort Worth Community Arts Center and the W.E. Scott Theater, consists of architecturally significant facilities constructed in three phases:

• 1954. Main Art Gallery, designed by Herbert Bayer.
• 1966. W.E. Scott Theater and Solarium, designed by Joseph R. Pelich.
• 1976. Art Museum and Porte Cochere, designed by O’Neil Ford Associates.

Current situation: Relying on a building condition assessment conducted in 2022 by architectural firm Bennett Partners, the City’s Property Management Department has determined that 1300 Gendy St. requires repairs with a combined cost of about $26 million.

Considering these repair needs and the scarcity of resources with which to address them, Mayor Mattie Parker proposed that the City Council appoint a task force on future uses of 1300 Gendy St.

The task force will:

• Review the 2022 building condition assessment.
• Assess existing and potential uses of the building.
• Assess potential funding sources for necessary repairs, renovations and ongoing maintenance.
• Conduct one or more public hearings and receive public comments.
• Recommend future uses of the building.
• Recommend funding sources for necessary repairs, renovations and ongoing maintenance.
• Present a final report to City Council by May 2.

FORT WORTH, Texas (March 6, 2023) — The Fort Worth Botanic Garden announces today its first-ever Zimbabwean sculpture exhibit, ZimSculpt, which will run April 15 through July 30,  2023.  

ZimSculpt will feature more than 100 exquisite sculptures by several dozen contemporary Zimbabwean artists.  Known as Shona sculpture, these contemporary pieces are carved from various types of serpentine and semi-precious stone, often weighing tons, and can be as large as seven feet tall.  This is the most collected form of African art that can be found at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Rodin Museum and in the homes of the Prince of Wales, the Rockefellers, Morgan Freeman, Danny Glover and the late Michael Jackson. 

“Botanic gardens are the perfect venue for sculptures, and we’re thrilled to feature these impressive stone statues throughout the Garden,” said Executive Vice President Bob Byers. “We’re also elated that this exhibit is making its premiere in Fort Worth. We expect visitors to come from miles around.”  

ZimSculpt is an exclusive exhibit from southeastern Africa for a limited engagement and does not showcase its collection in any galleries in the United States. It affords visitors a unique opportunity to view and purchase these amazing sculptures onsite.   

ZimSculpt is passionate about promoting the work of some of the finest Zimbabwean sculptors.  This exhibit supports 300 sculptors and their families in five different regions of Zimbabwe.  As part of the exhibit, onsite sculptors will demonstrate their artistry by carving statues using chisels, hammers, files and sandpaper to create beautiful works while guests watch and learn about the art.  

“Once a sculpture in the exhibit is sold, it is replaced with another sculpture, perhaps by a different artist,” said ZimSculpt Founder Vivienne Prince. “Therefore, the exhibit changes constantly. What visitors experience the first day of the show may be altogether different later in the exhibit.”  

Visitors may purchase any of the sculptures on display in the Garden as well as the ones created by the onsite artists and those for sale in The Marketplace, a large tent located in the parking lot in front of the Japanese Garden. The Marketplace will be open to guests seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering hand-held to medium-size sculptures.  Commissioned pieces may be ordered and made onsite by the artists.   

This limited engagement sculpture event is included in the price of Garden admission. Members receive free entry.  For more information, visit fwbg.org/zimsculpt.   

FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 15 , 2023) — Following a yearlong communitywide effort, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden submitted a final master plan Jan. 24 to the Fort Worth City Council, which approved the plan last night. 

Highlights of the 20-year plan include creation of a family garden, a new arrival and entry sequence from University Drive, a permanent stage for art and cultural performances, a culinary garden, new educational spaces and more. The process took just over a year working with a Master Planning Committee comprising consultants, local garden associations, Fort Worth ISD, Garden and BRIT board and staff members, along with other community advocates who submitted feedback during nine public engagement meetings or via online. 

“This plan belongs to the people of Fort Worth, and we are grateful to all of those in the community who participated in creating an extraordinary vision of what this beautiful botanic garden could become,” said Fort Worth Botanic Garden President and CEO Patrick Newman. “One of the things that came out in the master planning process is that this is much more than a place to see plants — it’s a place where the community gathers to create emotional souvenirs.” 

Key goals for the master plan included: 

1. An inclusive, clearly defined and easily shared vision and mission embracing the strengths and assets of both institutions. 
2. Sustainable buildings and landscapes demonstrating locally adapted development and how to achieve it. 
3. Design concepts and site elements that celebrate both institutions and bring them together into a unified, cohesive campus. 
4. A strong foundation for programming that supports the mission, improved guest experience, and growth in generated revenue.  

Studio Outside landscape architects led the consultant planning effort, along with architects from Bennett Partners, and public engagement facilitators from DEI Consultants, LLC.  

The City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation Advisory Board endorsed the plan in late 2022.  

For more information about the planning and public engagement process, visit: fwbg.org/masterplan 

Thousands of Beautiful Orchids to fill Rainforest Conservatory 

FORT WORTH, Texas (Jan. 24 , 2023) — The Fort Worth Botanic Garden invites visitors to “World of Orchids,” a dazzling indoor exhibit that runs Feb. 24 - April 9. 

“Orchid exhibits, frequently hosted by world-class botanic gardens, are the perfect opportunity to introduce our community to the beauty and splendor of one of the world’s most diverse plant families,” said Bob Byers, FWBG executive vice president. “Most orchids bloom in late winter and early spring, so that is the ideal time to showcase this amazing flower.” 

Fort Worth Orchid Society President Dotty Woodson described “World of Orchids” as a first-time orchid event of this magnitude in Texas. “It will turn the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s rainforest conservatory into an exquisite orchid paradise with thousands of colorful orchids of every shape and size arranged in spectacular displays,” Woodson said. 

With approximately 30,000 species, orchids are the largest family of flowering plants in the world and grow on every continent except Antarctica.  Some orchids are terrestrial (ground-dwelling) and grow in temperate and boreal regions.  Many orchid species are epiphytic, which means they grow on other plants but derive moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, water or from debris accumulating around them. 

H-E-B/Central Market is the exhibit’s presenting sponsor. “We're thrilled to partner with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden on its inaugural ‘World of Orchids’ exhibit. This world-class exhibit will put the Garden on the map for orchid enthusiasts and garden lovers all across the region and beyond," said Mabrie Jackson, senior director of public affairs, H-E-B/Central Market. "We’re excited to have these beautiful and exotic varieties available for enjoyment down the street from our store right here in Fort Worth." 

During the course of the exhibit, the event is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last tickets sold at 4:30 p.m. Visitors may pay to see the orchid exhibit alone or pay to see a combination of the orchid exhibit and the entire Garden. Members pay a discounted price for the orchid exhibit.  For more information, visit fwbg.org/orchids. 

Fort Worth, TX (January 3, 2023) — The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Moo-seum Experience is back! The Moo-seum Experience, presented by Central Market, allows guests to experience the wonder of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, along with the Cattle Raisers Museum and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, for free with same day Stock Show admission from January 13 – February 4, 2023. The Noble Planetarium will follow posted showtimes and two brand new exhibits will be on view for guests of the Stock Show to peruse.

Explore all the benefits of the Moo-seum Experience with more open hours! The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will follow adjusted hours during the run of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.

Hours of Operation from January 13, 2022 – February 4, 2023

Monday – Saturday | 10 AM – 5 PM

Sunday | Noon – 5 PM

Museum members can enjoy the Moo-seum Experience, too! Members receive free daily admission to the Fort Worth Stock Show grounds with their official voucher, valid photo I.D. and membership card. Not a member yet? Become one now!

 

To learn more about the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo admission, visit their website!

Fort Worth, Texas (Wednesday, November 2, 2022) The Art Commission invites Fort Worth residents to comment on the Draft Heritage Park Public Art Master Plan on Monday, November 14, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center. A second opportunity for public comment is scheduled for December 12, 2022, at the same time and location. 

On October 4, 2022, the City Council received a work session briefing on an exciting schematic design by MIG for improvements to Heritage and Paddock Parks in downtown Fort Worth. As part of this effort, Legge Lewis Legge, LLC, was selected through the Fort Worth Public Art program to develop a public art master plan that identifies opportunities, locations, and types of public art that, collectively, would celebrate the multicultural history of the site near the confluence of the West and Clear Forks of the Trinity River. To develop the master plan, Legge Lewis Legge, LLC, interviewed diverse groups of community stakeholders and subject matter experts to learn about all who have this special place ‘home.’ 

The Draft Heritage Park Public Art Master Plan is available on the Fort Worth Public Art website for review (www.fwpublicart.org/fwpa-master-plan/). Fort Worth residents are invited to comment, in-person, at one of the upcoming Art Commission Public Hearings or submit written comments via email (talkto@artsfortworth.org) or US Mail (Arts Fort Worth, Attn: Fort Worth Public Art, 1300 Gendy Street, Fort Worth, TX, 76107). Written comments received by Friday, December 9, 2022, will be reviewed by the Art Commission prior to adoption of the Heritage Park Public Art Master Plan. 

CONTACT:  

Elena Greer, Communications Manager 

817.298.3041 

egreer@artsfortworth.org 

Celebrate our Ando Building's 20th Anniversary! 

FREE ADMISSION WEEKEND

December 16-18 

In honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Modern’s building, we invite the community to visit for free, December 16-18.  

Tadao Ando’s “arbor for art” has become a beloved destination for Fort Worthians and people around the world since opening on December 14, 2002. Celebrate with us by walking through our galleries and grounds—experiencing the tranquil, light-filled spaces and restful pond that reflect Ando’s genius. All are welcome! Admission to the galleries is free all weekend, Friday 10 am - 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm.

IN THE GALLERIES

Modern Masters: A Tribute to Anne Windfohr Marion

Through January 8

Permanent Collection

THE MODERN LIGHTS

Through February 5

The Modern trees are illuminated with an array of festive lights in celebration of the holiday season. Passersby experience a stunning display, and visitors are invited to enjoy evening viewing opportunities. The museum galleries are open with free admission until 8 pm on Fridays.

CAFÉ  MODERN

Dinner with the Modern Lights

Fridays, seating from 5 to 8:30 pm

Executive Chef Jett Mora welcomes you with warm hospitality, creative cuisine, and a seasonal menu rooted in Texas ingredients. Create your own holiday memories on Friday nights at Café Modern. Seating is available from 5 to 8:30 pm. For reservations, call 817.840.2157 or online here.

 

First Friday at the Modern Holiday Style!

December 2, and January 6, February 3

Free admission

The first Friday of each month, the Modern and Café Modern team up to bring you live music from the First Friday House Band, and drink specials and tasty light bites in the museum's Grand Lobby from 5 to 8 pm. Invite friends to enjoy a unique opportunity to experience the Modern in the evening. A complimentary docent-led, 20-minute tour is available at 6:30 pm. Café Modern and Executive Chef Jett Mora serve a light dining menu in the lobby ($9-$15). Specialty drinks along with beer and wine are available at the cash bar, with happy hour selections.

LOCATION

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

3200 Darnell Street

Fort Worth, Texas 76107

Telephone 817.738.9215

Toll-Free 1.866.824.5566

www.themodern.org

 

Museum Gallery Hours

Tue-Sun 10 am-5 pm

Fri 10 am-8 pm

 

General Admission Prices (includes special exhibition)

$16: General (age 18 and above)

$12: Seniors (age 60+), Active/Retired Military Personnel and First Responders with ID

$10: Students with ID

Free: Under 18 years old

The Museum offers half-price tickets on Sundays and free admission on Fridays.

 

The Museum is closed Mondays and holidays, including New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas. 

FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 25, 2022) — The Fort Worth Botanic Garden with DEI Consultants and Terra Design Studios invite feedback on the future family garden, the first major implementation of the 20-year master plan. 

“The family garden will be a beautiful, welcoming space for children and their adults to explore, discover and engage with nature, creating powerful emotional souvenirs in the process,” said FWBG President and CEO Patrick Newman. “While we near the final design stage, the family garden concept benefits greatly from focus group feedback, building upon the broader public engagement meetings held earlier this year. We want to hear what individuals and families would like to see and experience in this new garden addition.” 

The public focus group will take place Nov. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Oak Hall, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Parking is free and light refreshments will be provided. A supervised children’s area will be set up with art supplies and other materials for them to enjoy.  

Due to space limitations, participants must sign up to secure a place in the focus group. Visit here to register. 

Incentives: The first 50 individuals to register will be offered a choice of a Garden family pass or a Lightscape Preview Night family pass (Nov. 16). All participants must be present the night of the event to receive the passes. Additionally, door prizes and other thank-you gifts will be offered the night of the focus group event. 

The OneWorld Alliance will relocate its global headquarters to Fort Worth, joining OneWorld founding member American Airlines and strengthening the region as a center of aviation excellence.

Currently located in New York City, the OneWorld global headquarters will move to Fort Worth in December, joining American on its 300-acre, state-of-the art Robert L. Crandall Campus adjacent to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said: “It's go time in Fort Worth, and we're focusing on growing jobs and creating opportunities for everyone. OneWorld will be a wonderful addition to Fort Worth. The robust air service that American and other OneWorld carriers provide connects our region to the world, and that connectivity is part of what makes Fort Worth such an attractive place for businesses to invest and grow. I’m excited about what the future holds with American and OneWorld sharing a home in Fort Worth.”

American’s campus, located in Fort Worth and dubbed Skyview, is home to the airline’s Flight Academy, DFW Reservations Center, Robert W. Baker Integrated Operations Center, Training and Conference Center and CR Smith Museum, as well as an office complex that houses the airline’s leadership and support staff.

OneWorld has been based in New York City since 2011, following a move from Vancouver, where the alliance’s central management team was based after the launch of the alliance in 1999.

Co-locating with founding member American Airlines, the largest airline in the world, will further accelerate the alliance’s drive to deliver greater value for its member airlines and customers.

Dallas-Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing hubs in the OneWorld network, offering nearly 900 daily flights to more than 260 destinations. In addition to being American’s largest hub, DFW is served by seven other OneWorld members: Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Qantas. Both Finnair and Iberia launched new service to DFW in the past year, leveraging the strength of American’s network at its largest hub.

Throughout early voting and on Tuesday, Nov. 8, Tarrant County voters can catch a free ride to the polls on Trinity Metro, Arlington’s Via and other transit services.

Riders can show their voter registration card or current Texas ID and ride for free during early voting from Oct. 24-Nov. 4 and on Election Day, Nov. 8.

The Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a partnership with transportation services in Tarrant County to pay for customer trips to voting locations, with an amount not to exceed $20,000. This program is a continuation of the Election Transportation Program that was offered in November 2019, March 2020, November 2020, November 2021 and March 2022.

The transit services included in the program are Trinity Metro’s bus routes, ZIPZONE on-demand rideshare services, ACCESS paratransit, plus Tarrant County Transportation Services, Northeast Transportation Services and Arlington’s Via and Handitran.