Fort Worth sign: Love it or leave it, but get it done

Would you like to see “Fort Worth” spelled out in big letters as you zip past on Interstate 30? Great!

But instead, we have to wait at least 12 years, watch as the project goes over budget and then gets moved to Texas 121.

Fine. When is it going to be done? Next year — maybe.

“For 12 years, we have nothing to show but a lot of frustration,” council member Gyna Bivens said in a recent Fort Worth City Council work session.

We couldn’t have said it better. And this isn’t the first time Fort Worth has felt frustrated over a public art project.

This sign has become yet another migraine after a series of public art headaches.

The “Avenue of Light” along Lancaster Avenue and the “Wind Roundabout” on North Henderson Street both took too long, were too expensive and were received with a lukewarm response.

Fort Worth doesn’t need yet another piece of art that is taking too long, is too expensive and not well-liked by the public.

In the public art master plan update proposal presented to the City Council, streamlining and communicating the process were emphasized.

Public outreach found that residents want art, but they want it done in an efficient and effective manner.

We couldn’t agree more.

Having a new master plan for the public arts commission could get Fort Worth out of this public art funk.

Fort Worth houses many beautiful public art pieces — like the glass murals seen through the north side — and the city should not lose momentum on adding neighborhood amenities, but it needs to be done a smarter way.

A new master plan might do that and produce something that is as iconic as Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch.

Today’s tourists mostly want someplace where they can take a selfie to post on social media. But ultimately, we want public art to illustrate our city pride.

This “Fort Worth” sign isn’t doing that, yet. It might when it’s finished. But right now, a lot of people are scratching their heads wondering why it’s taking so long — and whether it’s worth it.

Those involved with the sign should redouble efforts to finish it and move on to other projects.

Public art is supposed to provide enjoyment, not a headache.

This story was originally published June 16, 2017 at 6:54 PM with the headline "Fort Worth sign: Love it or leave it, but get it done."