A new mural project titled ‘Hands of Unity’ is underway in Fort Worth’s Southside, bringing together students, educators, and community members at 1000 Lowden St. The initiative, part of the Palette Program, aims to foster collaboration and artistic expression through a visual representation of unity, with the mural expected to be completed in the coming month.
The Palette Program serves as a revitalizing force for public art, transforming graffiti into community art projects. For six months, students from I.M. Terrell Academy have been conceptualizing the mural, which symbolizes connection and the strength found in togetherness. Residents have played an active role in the project’s development, sharing images of their hands holding personal objects that reflect their stories. These contributions will inform the final design, ensuring that local voices resonate throughout the artwork.
As the project takes shape, it builds upon the legacy of a previous mural created by artist Jo DuFo over a decade ago. The new artwork aims to reflect the vibrant stories of today’s Southside community. According to Margo Gordon, Program Coordinator for the Park & Recreation Department, the official groundbreaking for the mural occurred on October 16, 2023. Gordon expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “We officially broke ground with the help of Park Operations supervisors and district superintendents, who painted over the previous mural to prepare a clean foundation for the new artwork.”
Gordon highlighted the talent of the student artists, emphasizing the platform the project provides for them to showcase their skills. The Palette Program is designed not only to beautify the area but also to engage the community actively in the creative process. City funds are covering expenses for materials such as brushes and paints, while local artists and city staff are on-site to guide the project and ensure each detail is meticulously executed.
The project is more than just a mural; it represents a collective effort to enhance community spirit through art. Over the next month, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to witness this artistic endeavor come to life, reinforcing the idea that togetherness can be expressed through creativity and collaboration. The ‘Hands of Unity’ mural is set to become a lasting symbol of the Southside’s resilience and unity, inviting all to participate in its unfolding story.
