Friday, March 29, 2024

The City of Southlake Hosts Public Art Dedication for Mark Weisbeck’s “Remembrance and Renewal”

The City of Southlake unveiled its newest piece of public art on Wednesday, May 24, at 9:00 AM at the Liberty Gardens in Bicentennial Park.Singing of the National Anthem

City Council members, Art Council members, first responders, and the artist gathered at the Liberty Gardens to celebrate the arrival of “Remembrance and Renewal” by New York artist Mark Weisbeck. Mayor Huffman made the opening remarks, followed by Zac Rowe from Gateway Music Ministries singing “The National Anthem” and “America the Beautiful.” Southlake Arts Council Chair Tamara McMillan and artists Mark and Diane Weisbeck also made some remarks.

Two artists stand in front of a statue of the Twin TowersThe new, 15-foot-tall statue consists of two stainless steel towers with lightly textured brass in a “Statue of Liberty” green patina. The sculpture invites the viewer to celebrate with love and honor all those lost and affected by the events of 9-11 and pay tribute to those people and loved ones in a positive, hopeful, and compassionate manner. It invites contemplation and healing within the beautiful gardens and inspires us to work toward harmony, goodwill, and peace. The sculpture reminds us that no matter what actions of terror occur, there will always be citizens who will stand against it and work toward friendship, understanding, and peace to make the world a better place for all.

“Remembrance and Renewal” was approved by the Southlake Arts Council during their April 26, 2022, Arts Council meeting and by the Southlake City Council during their May 17, 2022, meeting. Learn more about Southlake’s Public Art program by visiting our Public Art website.

Visit the Liberty Gardens in Bicentennial Park to spend a moment of contemplation in front of our newest piece.

Liberty Garden – A Memorial to 9/11

Did you know we have a 9/11 memorial right here in Southlake?

“It’s a beautiful, natural setting that provides a quiet place to reflect,” said Wendi Carlucci, one of the ambassadors that worked to create this space along with Liz Durham.

Together they took on this important, meaningful project as part of Keep Southlake Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful, which asked cities to create spaces in memory of the tragic event.

Liberty Gardens ended up being one of the larger projects with the help of donations of time and materials from contractors and community members through sponsorship. The garden includes a metal archway with the symbolic eagle flying at the top, a gazebo and fountain.

There are several sections to the garden with a gentle stream, native and adaptive plants, several plaques in memory of September 11, 2001 and bronze statues.

The park is located at the N. White Chapel entrance of Bicentennial Park. Over time the space has been used for wedding and other small intimate gatherings.

A poem is inscribed on one of the plaques in the garden, written by Eubanks Intermediate School student Dala Thomas.

 

 

Liberty

Liberty is the love
That brings us together
Liberty is the bravery
That inspires those who have yet
To inspire themselves
Liberty is the feeling of loyalty
And honesty
For anyone who feels untrusted
Freedom is like God
Lifting every burden off anyone
Who feels pain
Liberty is the sound of hearts,
Spreading their kindness and forgiveness
To those who can’t forgive themselves
Liberty of the justice and fairness
For those who don’t believe there is a
Better place
Liberty is the grace
Given to those who need it most.

 

Join us tomorrow, September 11 for a remembrance ceremony for all those lost on September 11, 2001. Learn more about the memorial event.

Join Us in a Ceremony of Remembrance at the 20th Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Event

Most of us would say we remember exactly where we were on September 11, 2001. Join the City of Southlake in a ceremony of remembrance at the 9/11 20th Anniversary Memorial Event on Saturday, September 11 in front of Town Hall.

The event will start promptly at 0746 and include a lowering of a special commemorative 9/11 flag to half-staff, a moment of silence and the laying of a wreath.

The City of Southlake will also be recognizing the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with:

  • September 6 – 13 – Memorial banner available to be signed at the Rustin & Family Park gazebo.
  • September 6 – 13 – Pole banners hung in front of Southlake Town Hall.
  • September 7 – Proclamation at City Council meeting.
  • September 10 – 12 – Light up Town Hall – Red, White and Blue
  • September 11 – 13 – Memorial flags will be flown at Town Hall, DPS North/West/East Stations, Bicentennial Park and Public Works Operations (September 10 – 13).

For more information about the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, visit www.CityofSouthlake.com/September11Remembrance.