It's Christmas Time in The city

The holiday season is underway in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square. Fifty-five artists were invited to create large, one-of-a-kind ornaments to be hung on the massive, 55-foot tall Norway spruce Christmas tree that is the centerpiece and focal point of the square’s beautiful holiday decorations.
This two-day event came to life as a collaboration between Sundance Square Inc., Artspace 111 Consulting, and local art organization Art Tooth (a 501c non-profit). The preparation for this unique art project included purchasing 70 giant ornaments and enough brushes, paint, varnish, and gloves for all the artists to use, and finding a communal space for them to work. For that, a ‘paint zone’ was set up inside the beautiful, open air Sundance Square Pavilion.
Artists from a variety of backgrounds, mediums, and ages sat side-by-side, painting and sharing techniques from their own signature styles. With so much art being created in isolation over the last 18 months, this chance to paint and laugh and mingle in the company of others was a breath of fresh air (pun intended).
Many of the participants commented on the fact that they only knew each other from social media and were now meeting in-person for the first time. Several of Fort Worth’s finest stopped in to check out the art on display and in progress, including mayor Mattie Parker and local activist Deborah Peoples.
In addition to the supplies that were provided for the artists, there was an abundance of catered snacks and beverages to keep the energy up and creative juices flowing. Thanks to the generosity of Sasha Bass, of Sundance Square, Inc., each artist received a stipend to create their unique ornament.
Most artists are used to being asked to donate their time and creativity for charity events and other good causes, so it was a heart-warming (and unexpected) treat to learn that the invited artists would be paid for their time and talent. It certainly added to the Holiday cheer of all those inside the Pavilion paint zone!
Sundance Square Tree 2021
The holiday tree and its artist influenced ornaments debuted at the Parade of Lights, and can be viewed through January 6, 2022 in downtown Fort Worth at the Sundance Square Plaza through January 6, 2022.

Shasta Haubrich (Art Tooth), Sasha Bass & Nacho (Sundance Square), Ariel Davis (Artspace 111)