source: Daniel Hasse, 2022
source: https://ftwtoday.6amcity.com/arts/public-art-scavenger-hunt-around-fort-worth-tx
East Fort Worth - Library Art Project
Wildflower by FYOG
Completed in 2022
Artists Michelle Tarsney and Dan Cheetham, known as the artist team FYOOG LLC, were selected for the East Regional Library public art project based on their proposal, Wildflower. The design was inspired by a Fredrick Douglas quote, “Once you learn to read, you will forever be free” which they feel resonates with the ideals of public libraries. Comprised of a multiple colorful vertical elements, the artwork is an abstraction of a field of wildflowers, creating an impactful visual effect from Interstate 30 and reflecting the diverse nature of the surrounding community. Library visitors and pedestrians can explore the artwork up close and find community-suggested quotes and phrases about community and learning inscribed into a number of the elements.
Project Summary
- Community ID: Public Art in Neighborhoods (CID) Voting Panel’s Recommendation of E. Regional Library as an awarded project on September 13, 2010
- Art Commission approved Project Outline on July 8, 2013
- Art Commission approved Selection Panel Recommendations of FYOOG LLC on January 12, 2015
- Since community support for the Wildflower design divided, Council Member Moon recommended that a new artist selection process be initiated in 2018
- Ultimately, the original design team, FYOOG, was chosen, with a modified version of their Wildflower proposal. Selected Artist, FYOOG, which the Art Commission approved on August 13, 2018
- In late 2018, cost increases and other unexpected costs resulted in a value engineering study on the project
- Art Commission recommended to City Council to appropriate additional funds to the project on May 13, 2019
- As part of the FY2020 Reprogramming effort, City Council authorized an additional $30,000 of funding to the project on April 7, 2020 (M&C 20-0205), allowing the project to proceed with minimal impact to the original design
- Artists entered an agreement with City to complete final design and revise the cost estimate on September 25, 2020