Waco Cultural Arts Fest - Branding the Brazos

Donors Betsy and Clifton Robinson formally presented the City of Waco and the Hall of Fame with a larger-than-life (125%) bronze sculpture of a 19th century Texas Ranger on horseback by noted San Antonio sculptor Don Hunt. The commission has been permanently installed at the entrance of the nationally known Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Byron Johnson, Director of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, noted the exceptional generosity of the Betsy and Clifton Robinson, "We are most grateful to Betsy and Clifton Robinson for this gift, and their sponsorship of an arts program which will benefit Waco for generations."

The dedication of “Texas Ranger” is the kickoff for the “Branding the Brazos” series of sculptures. In an effort to promote cultural awareness and economic expansion, prominent Waco businessman, Clifton Robinson and his wife Betsy, have donated $1 million to launch the formation of “The Waco Chisholm Trail Heritage”, a monumental sculpture project by nationally renowned sculptor Robert Summers. In coordination with the Waco Cultural Arts Fest (WCAF), the Robinsons are encouraging public participation in the event with a fundraising effort titled “Branding the Brazos,” a grant challenge urging the community to match their $1 million contribution.

Contributions can be made to an ongoing designated fund at the Waco Foundation (Waco Cultural Arts Fest, “Branding the Brazos”) for sculpture projects in the area and is designed to ultimately establish the Brazos River Corridor as a gateway for Waco’s cultural district. WCAF President, Doreen Ravenscroft is confident the project will become a focal point for the community, emphasizing Waco’s distinct heritage and commitment to the arts. Beyond its scultural benefits, the Robinsons believe the lasting success of “The Waco Chisholm Trail Heritage Project” will be its economic impact on the city and are convinced that the projects funded by “Branding the Brazos” will stimulate economic growth through increased tourism.

Waco would join other cities such as Dallas, Plano, and Ft. Worth in showcasing monumental sculpture projects, placing it among the ranks of some of Texas’ greatest cultural arts centers. In Dallas, Summers’ sculpture “Trail Drive: An American Monument to the West,” located in Pioneer Plaza, is considered by the Dallas Convention Center and Visitors Bureau to be the most photographed attraction in the city. Local residents can see Summers’ work displayed at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum with his life-size depiction of “Old Texas Ranger” and “George B. Erath”.

“The Waco Chisholm Trail Heritage” project, designed to reflect Waco’s heritage, will be located at the Suspension Bridge entrance of Indian Springs Park, making it easily accessible for tourist and resident viewing. Summers’ original design for the three part bronze sculpture includes three horse-backed riders and seven to nine longhorns created at 150 percent of their original size.

Ideas for this project originated with the first annual Waco Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, sponsored by the WCAF. Thanks to a successful fundraising effort by many Waco citizens, the event resulted in the purchase of the “Las Mesas” sculpture by international sculptor Jesus Morales installed at the entrance to the Waco Convention Center. Following the purchase, the lead donor Mr. and Mrs. Robinson became interested in starting a monumental arts project for Waco, which evolved into “The Waco Chisholm Trail Heritage.” As this process has evolved “Texas Ranger” Don Hunt, sculptor became a part of the “Branding the Brazos” public art project coordinated by Waco Cultural Arts Fest.

For more information regarding the “Branding the Brazos” arts initiative contact: Doreen Ravenscroft, 254 772-7637 doreen [at] wacoartsfest [dot] org