‘Tabachin Ribbon’ sculpture in place on downtown plaza
September 1,2014
August 29, 2014
Reposted from the Star Telegram
FORT WORTH — The Tabachin Ribbon, a bright yellow metal sculpture that debuted in Chicago’s Millennium Park in 2010, has been installed at 1000 Throckmorton St. in front of the Municipal Courts Building in downtown Fort Worth.
Beginning Thursday, nearby streets were closed so a crane could hoist part of the sculpture into place, said Martha Peters, vice president of public art for the Arts Council of Fort Worth and Tarrant County. By Friday night, the round work was standing firmly on its own and gleamed in a spotlight.
The Tabachin Ribbon was one of six sculptures that Mexican artist Yvonne Domenge created for the temporary Chicago exhibition with the intention of donating them to cities with significant public art collections. Fort Worth was offered first choice by a selection committee that included Domenge and Millennium Park Executive Director Edward Uhlir.
A public dedication is planned for Oct. 15 and will be part of the Fort Worth City Employees’ Hispanic Heritage Celebration. Domenge is expected to attend, Peters said.
The Tabachin Ribbon has five pieces that are bolted together and can be unbolted for transport. It is 13 feet in diameter and is estimated to weigh 8,000 pounds.
In 2012, the City Council approved spending $60,000 for moving, storing and installing the sculpture. However, engineers found structural problems with its placement on the plaza, and the work had to be repainted because of damage during disassembly and delivery.
In May, the council, with stated reluctance, approved more money for installation, bringing the city’s cost to $137,488. The appraised value of the piece is $150,000.
This report includes material from the Star-Telegram archives.