Fort Worth's Lowden Street just got a splash more color – and meaning – thanks to the efforts of local students and the community. This past Friday, the city pulled the curtain back on the "Hands of Unity" mural at 1000 W. Lowden St. This new public artwork is the brainchild of pupils from I.M. Terrell Academy who joined forces with the Park & Recreation Department’s Graffiti Abatement Program and its Palette Program, committed to fostering community-led public art citywide, according to a City of Fort Worth statement.
For a program that has matured over two decades from a simple graffiti removal initiative to a facilitator of neighborhood art, the Graffiti Abatement Program, along with the Palette Program, now arms artists, residents, and educational institutes with resources to create art that resonates. Town Councilmember Janette Martinez of District 11 mentioned the location's history, claiming that the mural marks a complete turnover from the previous artwork set in place 13 years ago. Councilmember Elizabeth Beck from District 9 put a spotlight on the immense local involvement, attributing the designs to submissions from students and community members.
More than 30 students poured over 600 hours into the mural’s creation, offering a tangible show of service learning and creativity. The city staff deserves a hat tip, too; they prepped the site and laid out an assortment of supplies, tools, and their ongoing support – true to municipal form. Art instructor Mrs. Abbasi and student Bridget Musenda underscored the deeper message behind the vibrant hands, saying that the "Hands of Unity" theme symbolizes "collaboration, connection and neighborhood pride", as per the City of Fort Worth.
