Scenes from the "Avenue of Light" Ceremony
Lancaster Avenue “Avenue of Light” Ceremony from Kevin Buchanan on Vimeo.
The official lighting ceremony for the “Avenue of Light” sculptures by Cliff Garten Studio on Lancaster Avenue in Downtown was finally held last night. We shot some video (with a humble Flip Mino HD) and took some photos of the festivities. Lancaster was partially blocked to car traffic, and a large crowd assembled around food, water, and live music in the twilight.
Once it got dark enough, Mayor Mike Moncrief, Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks, District 9 City Council representative Joel Burns, and artist Cliff Garten all gave speeches about the sculptures and the revitalization of the south end of Downtown Fort Worth (Councilmember Burns remarked that the Lancaster Avenue area will become as active and beloved as Sundance Square as new infill occurs around the remade street). The mayor announced that Cliff is participating in the design of the new 7th Street bridge linking Downtown and the Cultural District (which will be a part of the Fort Worth Streetcar network). Finally, Mayor Moncrief and Cliff Garten led the crowd in a countdown to illumination, which kicked off an extended light show by the six sculptures along Lancaster accompanied by the band.
Above is the video we shot, and below are our photos. Enjoy! Anybody else attend? What were your thoughts on the sculptures, the lighting, and the ceremony?
Firefighters on hand to watch the ceremony.
Artist Cliff Garten talks with attendees.
Crowds gather around the music stage at Lancaster & Throckmorton.
Visitors enjoy observing the sculptures from the temporarily-closed-to-traffic Lancaster Avenue.
The crowd in front of the new Omni Hotel & Condos, one of the most noticeable signs of the beginning revitalization of Downtown Fort Worth’s south end.
More visitors arrive as the sun goes down.
Crowds gather around one of the Avenue of Light sculptures in front of the Texas & Pacific Lofts/train station.
More visitors arrive, with the Omni Hotel & Condos in the background.
Looking at one of the sculptures in front of the Omni Hotel & Condos.
Crowds in the median of Lancaster Avenue as the lighting approaches.
Gathering around one of the sculptures, with the Post Office in the background.
Silhouettes of two of the sculptures along with the Post Office, Texas & Pacific Warehouse, and visitors on Lancaster Avenue.
Crowds gathering on Lancaster. The Fort Worth Water Department brought out fresh drinking water for the attendees.
Gathering in front of the Texas & Pacific Lofts/train station, one of the first revitalization efforts on Lancaster Avenue.
The crowd gathers to hear speeches by Fort Worth city officials and the artist.
Mayor Mike Moncrief expresses the importance of the Avenue of Light sculptures and the revitalization of Downtown’s south end.
Crowds listening to Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Hicks.
District 9 City Council representative Joel Burns talks about bringing life and activity back to the south end of Downtown Fort Worth, undoing the mistakes of the I-30 overpass and the decimation of South Downtown by parking lots and historic demolitions.
Artist Cliff Garten discusses the meaning and significance of his Avenue of Light sculptures in creating a meaningful sense of place for the south end of Downtown Fort Worth.
Crowds gather and take photos of the sculptures after the lighting was switched on.
Visitors watch as the color combinations change and cycle.
People walking around Lancaster, getting views of the Avenue of Light sculptures from different angles and distances.
Colors change as the crowd enjoys the show.
Visitors watch the lights of the Avenue of Light.
Still more people watch the shifting color schemes.
Attendees getting up close & personal with the Avenue of Light sculptures.
More variety in the lights as visitors enjoy the evening.
That will make a pretty park right there. Take up the streets…it’ll never happen, I know, but I can imagine it could be Fort Worth’s own little Central Park.
Really fantastic shots Kevin!
It was an impressive event, for sure. Very good turnout for sure. (Considering it was also movie night in the Sundance Square parking lot.)
I think I was standing right behind you when Mayor Moncrief was speaking. Other than that I think you managed to miss getting me in any of your photos.
Pretty cool sculptures!
During the daylight they look light big metal twisters.
Given Ft. Worth’s history, perhaps Lancaster Ave can now be dubbed “Tornado Alley”
Now, if someone will just do something about the hideous warehouse, everything will ge great!
“hidious wearhouse” I hope you are referring to it’s current condition and not the building itself.
the most underwhelming waste of money ever!
I just don’t care for them during the daylight hours. They are very underwhelming and ugly in the daytime. Just looks like a skeleton’s spine. Why could they not have chosen art that looks cool during both the day and night? Just go look at public art in NYC or Boston. That’s what we should emulate. In addition, you can’t even see them during the day. And if you did see them, and your from out of town, you would never know that they are public art pieces.You would think that they are just unfinished construction or light poles. Should have spent the money on something a little more pleasing to the eye (during the day).