Fort Worth Unveils New Gateway Artwork

The city's new welcoming sign features 10-foot-high Cor-Ten steel letters along State Highway 121.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The City of Fort Worth has installed a new gateway artwork along westbound State Highway 121 to welcome drivers as they approach downtown. The artwork, created by artist Etty Horowitz and landscape architect Kevin Sloan, features 10-foot-high Cor-Ten steel letters mounted on low concrete pedestals and underplanted with native Texas wildflowers and grasses.

Why it matters

The new gateway artwork is part of Fort Worth's ongoing efforts to beautify and enhance the city's appearance, particularly along major transportation corridors. The project was funded through a 2004 Governor's Community Achievement Award the city received for its Keep Fort Worth Beautiful initiatives.

The details

The artwork features 10-foot-high Cor-Ten steel letters mounted on low concrete pedestals that spell out "Fort Worth" as drivers approach. The letters will be illuminated at night, and the area around the concrete footings will be underplanted with native Texas wildflowers and grasses to give it the look and feel of a native prairie. The project was originally planned for westbound Interstate 30 but was later relocated and redesigned for State Highway 121 in 2018.

  • The city received the 2004 Governor's Community Achievement Award that provided funding for the project.
  • The Fort Worth Public Art program joined the project in 2007.
  • The artist and landscape team were selected in 2012 after an earlier design process did not move forward.
  • The project was relocated and redesigned for State Highway 121 in 2018.
  • The artwork was installed last week.

The players

Etty Horowitz

The artist who created the new gateway artwork for Fort Worth.

Kevin Sloan

The landscape architect who collaborated with Horowitz on the design of the new gateway artwork. Sloan passed away in 2021.

Matt Stubbs

The landscape architect who worked with Horowitz to shepherd the project to completion after Sloan's passing.

Texas Department of Transportation

The state agency that worked with the city on the project.

Fort Worth Public Art

The city program that joined the project in 2007.

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The takeaway

The new gateway artwork is a testament to Fort Worth's ongoing efforts to beautify the city and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The project's use of native Texas elements and illumination at night adds to the visual appeal and sense of community pride.