| by Linda Simmons |
We love the gallery. Now we wouldn't come to Fort Worth without a stop at Fort Works Art," commented a recent patron.
Fort Worth has an abundance of culture, including a variety of art museums, but it's worth noting one of the newest galleries in town – Fort Works Art (FWA). Located at 2100 Montgomery St., FWA is housed in what used to be Cowboy Publishing. The new gallery formally opened its doors in April 2016 and has presented five exhibitions since that time. It has a sweet history, beginning its journey several years ago in the minds of two individuals well known in the city's art scene – Lauren Childs and J.W. Wilson.
Mas by Lauren Childs
Childs began her studies at Northwestern University, studying Theater Arts, and continued at The University of Texas at Arlington, receiving her BA in Art History, where she studied under UTA's gallery director Benito Huerta. In 2002 she co-founded her first arts organization, The United Voice Collective, producing multi faceted pop-up events in the Dallas - Fort Worth area. Several years later, Childs returned to her true love, co-founding FWA along with Wilson. In March 2014, they incorporated, and shows began in a warehouse attached to Shipping and Receiving, a Near Southside bar and music venue on Calhoun Street. After only five exhibits, the decision was made to open a gallery at the Montgomery location.
Wilson attended Texas Christian University where he lettered four years on the football team. He founded the Comrades True Football Scholarship, an endowed scholarship funded exclusively by former lettermen, the first of its kind in the country. Along with coaching the sport at All Saints Episcopal School, he is also president of ROXO Energy.
Both Childs and Wilson strive to bring grace and culture - and yes, maybe a little quirkiness at times - to Fort Worth's art scene. They especially want to inspire young people to take an interest and also to engage those who have never visited a gallery.
"The last few months have been nothing short of a whirlwind," Childs says. "The support from locals, the community and the press has been overwhelming. We are thrilled with the momentum the gallery has, and we are looking forward to growing, expanding and evolving over the course of the next calendar year. Our most recent gallery night brought in many wonderful people from the DFW area, and it was a happening spot to be that day. Many notable artists were in attendance, and the event felt like it could have been picked up and put right in the heart of New York City and fit perfectly. I was thrilled!"
Wilson added, "We never imagined things would go this well this fast. The response from guests tells us we are hitting a nerve in the city."
Take time to attend one or all of the upcoming exhibitions, particularly the openings. Meeting the artist adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Visit with friends, meet new people, exchange ideas and build a sense of belonging in the community. Someone once said, "Art changes people, and people change the world." That's what it's all about.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Duets
• A group exhibit with artists: Sergio Garcia/Dan Lam, Alonsa Guevara/Lauren Childs and Riley Holloway/Tim Okamura
• Exhibition Dates: Nov. 15 – Dec. 30
• Opening Reception: Nov. 19
This Is the Fort
• A group exhibition featuring Marshall Harris - a collection of Texas-inspired artwork
• Exhibition Dates: Jan. 3 – Feb. 4
• Opening Reception: Jan. 7
Shown above:The Burden of Honoring One's Father by Marshall K. Harris
2100 Montgomery St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
@fortworksart
817.759.9475
Hours: Tue.-Thu. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Or By Appointment
