Sign in
Tastemaker’s Fort Worthies
One of my favorite things about Fort Worth has always been the juxtaposition of our Western heritage with our world-class museums and vibrant art scene. “Where the West Begins” has become “Where Artists Begin.” In this installment of Fort Worthies, we celebrate those who make art and make art possible in Cowtown. Cowboys and Culture, indeed!
William Campbell Gallery is pleased to announce new gallery artist Marshall Harris. Harris is perhaps best known for his larger-than-life, hyperrealist renderings of figures and objects, which include repurposed objects or ephemera, as well as using wood and other natural objects as his medium and subject matter. Harris received his BFA in Graphic Design from Texas Christian University in 1979, where he created TCU’s famous Flying T logo, used frequently in university athletics. “I’ve always admired the art legacy that Bill and Pam Campbell built in Fort Worth with their gallery. To join the brilliant artists here… really is an honor. I’m both humbled and exhilarated to bring my contemporary work to these patrons and collectors.”
The Lone Star Film Festival (LSFF) and the Fort Worth Film Commission (FWFC) are pleased to announce Texan singer/songwriter Charley Crockett will be the recipient of the 2023 Stephen Bruton Award at the LSFF Gala on November 10, 2023. Born in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Crockett was raised in Dallas. His music reflects his time busking in New Orleans’ French Quarter and playing in Dallas’s Deep Ellum. “Charley’s music reflects the unique and passionate sounds of Texas artists,” said Tom Martens, director of the Fort Worth Music Office. “His artistry in music and storytelling is compelling for everyone in creative industries, and we’re excited to honor his contributions to music and film in Fort Worth.”
Movie projector on a dark background with light beam / high contrast image
Carolyn West founded the Thank You Darlin’ Foundation to not only to give children access to the arts but to strengthen Fort Worth-area children in reading, writing, and public speaking. To this end, the Foundation hosts the annual Voice2Youth™ Poetry Slam for area third through 12th graders. ““We look to make more of an impact,” said West. “When we see a kid say they hated poetry, but now they like it, or they read a book and realize they didn’t like reading before. We’ve heard everything from children saying they don’t express themselves like an exploding volcano anymore, they know how to choose their words.”
Native Fort Worthian Jacob Lovett always loved art. He took classes in high school and at the University of Mississippi, but it wasn’t until he had graduated that he realized that art wasn’t just a hobby. He also realized that while Fort Worth has become a center for up-and-coming artists, said artists need a place to make their art. So he created Muse. Based on the co-working model, muse. offers private studios, event space, and, of course, coffee to Fort Worth artists.
2023’s installment of Fall Gallery Night will be held on September 9. Twice a year, the Fort Worth Art Dealers Association (FWADA) organizes shows at galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, and event spaces across the city. It is a uniquely Fort Worth way to introduce both new and experienced art patrons to new artists and art. Most venues are open from 1 pm through the evening, so this is a wonderful chance to expose your family to new and exciting art!
A closeup of an artist with a brush painting a picture
Just when we thought The Welman Project couldn’t get any cooler! It turns out that the local nonprofit doesn’t just keep old office supplies out of landfills by giving them to teachers for use in classrooms. They keep trash out of landfills by urging schoolchildren to turn trash into art. Through the Fort Worth After School Recycled Art Contest, The Welman Project teaches students the importance of creative recycling while sparking their imaginations. “The goal [of the contest] is to really get them looking at materials in different ways,” said Taylor Willis, one of The Welman Project’s founders, “And seeing how in their own daily lives they can be reusing materials, finding beauty in things that other people might discard and find their artistic voice.” This year’s theme was Curious Creatures and Make Believe Monster; Kirkpatrick Elementary won first place this year, while West Handley Elementary won the People’s Choice Award for a monster named Queen Iris.
Gallery of Dreams was founded by Lauren Saba alongside Fort Works Art as a way to support local artists as they work to establish themselves. For the past eight years, Gallery of Dreams has also curated the Mayoral High School Art Competition. This juried competition is open to high school students living in a 20-mile radius from Fort Worth and offers cash prizes for first, second, and third place. In addition, the first place winner’s art work will hang in Mayor Mattie Parker’s office for a year. Saba said of the contest, “Every year, local students are selected to exhibit their work in a white wall gallery with a reception in their honor and cash prizes… The validation that the students get… leaves me with tears in my eyes. It is powerful.”
If you think you can’t make a living as an artist, think again. Native Fort Worthian Jack Rusell, aka Jackdaw of Jackdaw Folk Art, is proof you can. Jackdaw makes linoleum-cut art prints that have quickly become popular among art patrons. His subjects are either local history or pop culture, and the stark lines and simple colors of his prints are eye-catching. Don’t be surprised if you see his works on album covers, too. And if further proof of his talent is needed (it really isn’t), Jackdaw is the featured artist of this year’s ArtsGoggle. Congratulations, Jackdaw!
