The Art Walk
By Meda Kessler
Photos by Ron Jenkins
You can also run, jog or cycle to check out the new “gallery” offerings along the Trinity River
The artification of the Trinity Trails continues, and we’re OK with that.
It’s a warm day in mid-October, and Anya Bosworth scales an elaborate setup of scaffolding on a steep slope to reach the top of her “canvas,” a massive concrete floodgate along the Trinity River. One nature-themed mural already has been completed, and she is close to finishing the second. Bosworth, who went to high school in Keller but is Brooklyn-based, typically starts midmorning and works through the day. Joggers, walkers and cyclists frequently stop to watch.
Along with all the natural attractions, there already is plenty to see along the Trinity: sculpture, a vividly painted basketball court and artwork galore. And there’s also graffiti.
The Tarrant Regional Water District wanted to do more than just remove the renegade spray paint; they wanted to replace it with artwork that helps to beautify the trails and makes them even more of a destination. The TRWD’s “Painting the River: A Trinity Trails Mural Gallery” initiative might be considered the ultimate art walk, as you can get some fresh air, exercise and browse the works of some 85 artists. Most are from Texas, but some are from New York, Los Angeles and other cities around the country.
Her river creatures include not only birds, but possums, frogs and turtles.
The floodgates provide a multisided canvas for the artists, including Anya Bosworth, who paid homage to river dwellers. Armed with her paintbrushes and headphones, Bosworth provided visual entertainment for trail users during her time on the river.
Fort Worth artist Katie Murray’s work can be seen inside and out all around North Texas, and she was tapped to narrow down the proposals submitted by about 250 applicants, whose designs were based on the themes of rivers, water and nature. She curated the project not only for cohesion but for variety in style, medium and subject matter. Of course, there will be giant birds and butterflies in the artwork, but you’ll also see people, including cowboys and striking portraiture.
Fifteen murals have been completed or are in the works. Other projects are expected to be finished by early 2021. Some are quite large — 7 to 10 feet wide and 10 to 12 feet tall — as they cover the concrete floodgates along the river. They will cover 13 miles of trails, from the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base through downtown Fort Worth and into Gateway Park in east Fort Worth.
Bosworth’s work can be seen along the trail near the River Bend Nature Area. Go to trinitytrailsfw.com for more information and an interactive map.