Finally, after delays due to swine flu, the lighting ceremony for the “Avenue of Light” sculptures by Cliff Garten on Lancaster in Downtown is tonight! Below is the release from Fort Worth Public Art:

Colored lights will illuminate the night sky during a festive block party June 25 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 event begins at 8:30 p.m. at the northeast corner of Lancaster Avenue and Throckmorton Street , where light refreshments will be served. The public is invited to this free party where the program will begin at 9:00 p.m. with remarks from Mayor Mike Moncrief, Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks, Council Member Joel Burns and the Artist Cliff Garten. The sculptures will then 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 June 26.