Ever-changing sights and sounds: Virginia Fleck’s public art installation in Fort Worth

Austin-based artist Virginia Fleck recently completed an outdoor artwork for Fort Worth Public Art. Titled “Concentric Harmony,” the interactive work is located in Rosemont Park in central Fort Worth. A dedication ceremony will take place Dec. 3

The permanent installation is constructed of 97 steel columns arranged in concentric circles forming a maze. Each column is painted with cool shades on one side and warmer tones on the other, offering color shifts as one moves throughout the piece. The innermost beams feature mirror-like stainless steel strips to reflect light and color.

The work’s columns range from 8-to-12 feet in height, and they produce a sound when touched, an encouragement for visitor engagement.

“There is no set way to interact with this maze, but there are discoverable sensory experiences built in,” Fleck writes in her artist statement about the piece.” The grouping and pairing of the columns intentionally creates rhythmic patterns to be experienced as you run your hands along the columns while circling the perimeters. You can speed up or slow down to change the rhythms. Because the steel columns are hollow, they have a discoverable sound element to be explored.”

The concept for “Concentric Harmony” is rooted in community, both as active participants and a gathering place. The work’s design draws inspiration from kaleidoscopes as well as the act of weaving. Fleck has worked with reclaimed materials for much of her artistic career.

Special attention was given to ensure that the work complied with ADA accessibility standards.

“Virginia’s work was developed with community goals in mind including that the work be bold, interactive, well integrated into the park, and accessible to all by connecting to the area’s diverse community across cultures and generations,” said Fort Worth public art project manager Michelle Richardson.

Commissioned by Fort Worth Public Art, which was established in 2001, the project was funded by the voter-approved 2008 Bond Program.

The dedication ceremony for “Concentric Harmony” will take place at 10 a.m. Dec. 3. Fleck will offer an artist-led activity immediately following the program.

A more intimate installation by Fleck opens Nov. 11 with “Shimmer” a solo exhibition at Austin’s Northern-Southern gallery. Much like “Concentric Harmony,” the included works play with light and produce sound through visitor interaction.

A centerpiece of the exhibition is a suspended sculpture made of strands of thousands of aluminum can tabs. The piece is paired with kinetic wall-mounted sculptures that make noise when activated.

“Shimmer” will be on view Nov. 11 through Dec. 18 at Northern-Southern, 411 Brazos St. Ste. 105

“Concentric Harmony” is located in Rosemont Park, 1400 W. Seminary Dr, Fort Worth. fwpublicart.org/rosemont-park