50 Years Later: Fort Worth Remembers President John F. Kennedy
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Amon Carter Museum of American Art to Present Hotel Texas: An Art Exhibition for the President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy
For release August 19, 2013
FORT WORTH, Texas—In commemoration of the 5oth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art will exhibit the artworks installed in the president’s suite at the Hotel Texas during his visit to Fort Worth in 1963. On view from October 12, 2013, through January 12, 2014, Hotel Texas: An Art Exhibition for the President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy is presented in association with the Dallas Museum of Art, which organized the exhibition.
The original installation, orchestrated by former Amon Carter Board President Ruth Carter Stevenson (1923–2013) and a small group of Fort Worth art collectors, was created especially for the president and first lady in celebration of their overnight visit to the city. It included paintings by Thomas Eakins, Lyonel Feininger, Marsden Hartley, and Franz Kline, and sculptures by Henry Moore and Pablo Picasso, among others. The exhibition highlights the diverse and thoughtful installation of artworks brought together for the presidential couple.
“It was important for the Amon Carter to partner with the DMA on this project,” says Andrew J. Walker, museum director. “The story has roots in Fort Worth, and our former Board President Ruth Carter Stevenson was closely involved. She helped activate the city’s cultural leaders to donate great artworks to outfit the presidential couple’s hotel suite so that it represented Fort Worth’s hospitality and cultural sophistication. The unexpected tragedy that followed has overshadowed this great expression, and we appreciate the opportunity to tell the story of the Kennedy’s visit to Texas from a different, more uplifting perspective.”
Hotel Texas will reveal for the first time the complete story of the presidential suite 850 installation and examine the significance of art both to the Kennedys and to the Fort Worth and Dallas communities. It will bring to light related materials, most of which have remained in private collections since 1963, including photographs, videos and other archival materials ranging from images of the suite prior to the couple’s arrival to documentation relating to the president’s assassination.
“In reuniting these works of art and unveiling this story, we hope to inspire some historical reflection about the Kennedys’ keen interest in and appreciation of the arts, as well as the significance of presenting for the first time to the public this wide-ranging group of masterworks,” says Olivier Meslay, associate director of curatorial affairs at the Dallas Museum of Art and curator of the exhibition. “Hotel Texas also reveals a signature moment in the history of art, as half a century ago American art was receiving worldwide acclaim.”
Five days prior to the presidential couple’s arrival in Fort Worth, descriptions of the presidential suite at the Hotel Texas were released to the public. Unhappy with the couple’s accommodations, Owen Day, the art critic for the Fort Worth Press, proposed the idea of the installation to prominent art collector and leader of the Fort Worth Art Association Samuel Benton Cantey III. With the support of Ruth Carter Stevenson, collector Ted Weiner and Amon Carter Director Mitchell Wilder, Cantey conceived a three-part exhibition that would unfold in the parlor, master bedroom and second bedroom of suite 850. Drawing on local private and public art collections, each room of the suite was outfitted with works of art that befitted the tastes and interests of President Kennedy and the first lady:
- The Parlor featured a work by the impressionist painter Claude Monet (1840–1926), alongside works of modern sculpture and painting, including the bronze sculpture Angry Owl by Pablo Picasso (1881–1973); an oil painting of Manhattan by American expressionist Lyonel Feininger (1871–1956); an oil-on-paper study by Franz Kline (1910–1962); and a bronze sculpture by Henry Moore (1898–1986).
- The Master Bedroom, which was designated as Jacqueline Kennedy’s bedroom, was adorned with impressionist masterworks per her well-known affinity for the genre. The room included Summer Day in the Park by Maurice Prendergast (1858–1924); Road with Peasant Shouldering a Spade by Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890); Sea and Rocks by John Marin (1870–1953); and Bassin de Deauville by Raoul Dufy (1877–1953).
- The Second Bedroom, the president’s room, featured late 19th-century and early 20th- century American art, including Thomas Eakins’ (1844–1916) Swimming, Marsden Hartley’s (1877–1943) Sombrero with Gloves and Charles M. Russell’s (1864–1926) Lost in a Snowstorm, among others.
Within the exhibition visitors will be able to reflect on Kennedy’s assassination and the legacy of his presidency by viewing a film that chronicles his and Mrs. Kennedy’s two-day trip to Texas, listening to oral histories of the event by local residents, and sharing their own thoughts and memories in a collaborative journal. The video and oral histories appear courtesy of the Oral History Collection, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, published in association with Yale University Press, that includes illustrations of the presidential visit to Texas never published before now. It retails for $24.95 in the Museum Store + Café.
Hotel Texas: An Art Exhibition for the President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy is organized by the Dallas Museum of Art in association with the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. The Fort Worth presentation of the exhibition is supported in part by generous contributions in memory of Ruth Carter Stevenson from Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy and Bob and Patricia Schieffer.
FREE PUBLIC PROGRAM
The Kennedys in Fort Worth
Gallery Talk by Scott Grant Barker
November 21, 6 p.m.
Join Fort Worth art historian Scott Grant Barker to explore artworks in the Hotel Texas exhibition and discuss the cultural, political and historical events surrounding the Kennedys’ 1963 trip to Fort Worth. No reservations are required.
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**The Amon Carter Museum of American Art will host a Hotel Texas media hospitality room from November 19–22.**
CONTACT: Tracy Greene at 817.989.5067
Jessica Poole at 817.989.5065
Text Panels Replaced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION
December 27, 2012 Becky Fetty, (817) 870-1692, beckyf@dfwi.org
JFK Tribute in Fort Worth, Text Panels Replaced
Fort Worth, TX – Construction crews from AUI replaced the original JFK Tribute text panels, replacing the English and Spanish translations of Speaker Wright’s words with panels featuring letters 50% larger.
“After opening the Tribute and watching how people interacted with it, we decided that the letters were too small to read comfortably.” Said Andy Taft, President of Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.. DFWII developed the Tribute.
“We are also working on refining the glass plinth panels and putting the finishing touches on the water wall. Working with water, natural stone and glass requires a work in period. These issues should be fine tuned in a few weeks,” Taft added.
About Downtown Fort Worth Inc., and Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.
In the early 1980s, Fort Worth began the urban revitalization of its downtown central business district aided by a private sector voice, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI). DFWI was established by a group of dedicated downtown property owners in December of 1981. This membership-based, 501(c)(6) organization has evolved into a significant champion for progress and excellence in downtown Fort Worth. In 1988, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. formed Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to provide a pathway for foundation grants, philanthropic donations and other contributions to help fund charitable, educational and public-purpose downtown projects. They are on the web at www.dfwi.org.
SCULPTURE UNVEILED, JFK TRIBUTE EXHIBIT OFFICIALLY DEDICATED DURING PUBLIC CEREMONY IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS
N E W S
For Immediate Release 11/8/12
Contacts: Jessica Dowdy 817-698-7842 jessicadowdy@fortworth.com
Melody Fritz 800-776-9720 mfritz@phprinc.com
Unveiling event & photos available for media download.
Permanent, public installation honors President’s historic final speeches
(Fort Worth, Texas) — In a public ceremony that began at 9:00 a.m. this morning, the clear, youthful voices of 51 members of the Texas Boys Choir underscored the solemnity and respect that resonated throughout the formal dedication of The JFK Tribute, a permanent open air exhibit that fills a 2,000 square foot section of General Worth Square in Fort Worth. The event recognized the significance of President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Fort Worth and his final speeches given on the morning of November 22, 1963.
Today, as then, a large crowd gathered at the intersection of 8th and Main to hear dignitaries and civic and community leaders speak about the ideals of our nation.
“The events of that day in 1963 have imbued the Fort Worth visit with extraordinary significance,” said Taylor Gandy, JFK Tribute Co-Chair. “President Kennedy’s vision and the impact of his leadership are as relevant now as then.”
The JFK Tribute is the culmination of over a decade of work by a public-private partnership spearheaded by Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives Inc. (DFWII), and Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy to create a tribute to Kennedy commemorating his historic visit to Fort Worth and his immutable ideals of freedom, courage, discovery and leadership, which he shared in his speeches delivered here.
The JFK Tribute extends beyond the outdoor site: there is an internet-based multi-media platform available for visitors through cell phone-accessible audio tours and on the web: www.jfktribute.com.
About Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.
In the early 1980s, Fort Worth began the urban revitalization of its downtown central business district aided by a private sector voice, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI). DFWI was established by a group of dedicated downtown property owners in December of 1981. This membership-based, 501(c)(6) organization has evolved into a significant champion for progress and excellence in downtown Fort Worth. In 1988, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. formed Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to provide a pathway for foundation grants, philanthropic donations and other contributions to help fund charitable, educational and public-purpose downtown projects. For information on both organizations, please visit www.dfwi.org.
Media 11/01/2012
JFK Tribute in Fort Worth Press Release
JFK Tribute in Fort Worth Fact Sheet
JFK Tribute in Fort Worth Preview
JFK TRIBUTE OPENS THURSDAY, NOV. 8, 2012 IN DOWNTOWN FORT WORTH; DEDICATION CEREMONY TO HONOR IDEALS, THEMES OF PRESIDENT’S HISTORIC FINAL SPEECHES DELIVERED IN FORT WORTH
Ribbon cutting will follow 9:00 a.m. public unveiling of eight foot bronze sculpture of John F. Kennedy
(Fort Worth, Texas) — Joy Webster, Chair of Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII), has announced a public ceremony to begin at 9:00 a.m. CST on Thursday, November 8, 2012, in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, to formally open The JFK Tribute, a permanent open air exhibit built within a 1.5 acre site in Fort Worth, where President John F. Kennedy presented his last speech to the general public on the morning of November 22, 1963.
“The events of that day in 1963 have imbued the Fort Worth visit with extraordinary significance,” said Taylor Gandy, JFK Tribute Co-Chair. “President Kennedy’s vision and the impact of his leadership are as relevant today as they were in 1963.”
The JFK Tribute is the culmination of over a decade of work by a public-private partnership spearheaded by DFWII and Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy to create a tribute to Kennedy commemorating his historic visit to Fort Worth and his immutable ideals of freedom, courage, discovery and leadership, which he shared in his speeches delivered here.
The Tribute exhibit was designed around an eight foot, heroic scale Lawrence Ludtke bronze sculpture, John F. Kennedy, cast in bronze in 2009 and installed in 2012. General Worth Square improvements by the City of Fort Worth set the stage for the new Tribute. The design team was led by Jacobs and included Museumscapes, the Lighting Practice, and AUI Contractors, LLC.
“Everyone involved in this project is honored to create a lasting tribute to this part of Fort Worth’s history and to present it in such a public location for all to enjoy,” concluded Mrs. Gandy.
Tribute website: www.jfktribute.com.
The Thursday, November 8, 2012, event begins 9:00 a.m. in General Worth Square, 916 Main Street. On-street and garage parking are available nearby. Valet parking offered at the Hilton Fort Worth.
Dignitaries will include, among others:
• JFK Tribute co-chairs Shirlee J. and Taylor Gandy; honorary co-chairs former Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen and former U.S. Speaker of the House Jim Wright
• Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price
• Fort Worth City Council representatives
The Texas Boys Choir, who also performed on November 22, 1963, for President and Mrs. Kennedy’s visit, will perform. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit DFWI.org or JFKTribute.com. Full media kit: http://www.jfktribute.com/news. Images of the Tribute will be available November 8, 2012.
About Downtown Fort Worth Inc., and Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc.
In the early 1980s, Fort Worth began the urban revitalization of its downtown central business district aided by a private sector voice, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. (DFWI). DFWI was established by a group of dedicated downtown property owners in December of 1981. This membership-based, 501(c)(6) organization has evolved into a significant champion for progress and excellence in downtown Fort Worth. In 1988, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. formed Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. (DFWII), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to provide a pathway for foundation grants, philanthropic donations and other contributions to help fund charitable, educational and public-purpose downtown projects. They are on the web at www.dfwi.org.
Contacts: Merianne Roth 817-698-7841 merianneroth@fortworth.com
Jessica Dowdy 817-698-7842 jessicadowdy@fortworth.com
Lauren Kwedar 800-776-9720 lkwedar@phprinc.com
On site media preview Nov. 7 10:30a-11:30a CST
On Nov. 8: Video, still photo, interview opportunities.
Mult-box on site. Credentials 800-776-9720.
JFK Tribute Groundbreaking February 27, 2012
“We celebrate the past to awaken the future.” – JFK
Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. and Fort Worth civic leaders broke ground Monday, February 27 on the John F. Kennedy Tribute, designed to celebrate his historic visit to Fort Worth and his Presidency.
“This is an incredible achievement for Fort Worth,” Mayor Betsy Price said.
Mayor Betsy Price, former House Speaker Jim Wright, former Mayor Bob Bolen, Councilman Joel Burns, Commissioner Roy Brooks, County Judge Glen Whitley and DFWI Chairwoman Joy Webster were on hand to celebrate the start of construction. Shirlee and Taylor Gandy, Tribute Co-Chairs thanked the many who donated and have participated in making the tribute possible.
Former House Speaker Jim Wright said the tribute will express how proud Fort Worth was the day Kennedy visited. “It was a marvelous morning,” Wright said. “The day ended in abysmal sadness.”
Construction crews have begun clearing the area across from the Hilton for the tribute, which will feature an 8-foot bronze of Kennedy and a granite wall containing iconic photographs of him. Via mobile apps, visitors will be able to listen to speeches he made that morning.