Client: Fort Worth Public Art

Overview

For the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas artist Donald Lipski created a massive “Texas Star” measuring 28’ across and 7’ wide. This collaborative work of art is made from around 400 cowboy hats attached to a tubular steel frame. The piece was truly a community effort, as all the hats were donated by the people of Fort Worth and elsewhere in Texas. It includes hats given by Governor Rick Perry, George H. W. Bush, rodeo and country western stars, movie cowboys and at least one ex-president. It hangs suspended by a cable, and slowly turns by the power of the HVAC system. Special thanks to Garlene Parris who donated three hats to the project: the hat she wore when the title of the youngest World Champion Cowgirl was bestowed on her at age five; the hat her mother wore when she became National Champion Cowgirl at Madison Square Garden; and the hat she was given when she retired after 25 years working at the King Ranch. In recognition of Garlene Parris and her tireless efforts on this project, Lipski included her name in the title of the work Intimate Apparel and Pearl Earrings in the form of an anagram.

Goals

The goal of this project was to create an iconic work of art that welcomes visitors to the Fort Worth Convention Center and captures the spirit of Texas.

Process

Public Art Services provided the following services: Design coordination, Materials research, Budget management, Engineering coordination and oversight, Fabricator bid process, Fabrication oversight, Shipping, Installation services, Scheduling, Project close-out.