Aiming for the Stars Star of Texas by Breanne Schwarz

Details

Audio Guide, read by Bronwyn Beasley

Title:  Aiming for the Stars

Artist:  Breanne Schwarz

Completed in:  2015

Partners:  Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, Women Inspiring Philanthropy, Arlington Museum of Art, City of Arlington, Downtown Arlington, and private donors

Aiming for the Stars

The Star of Texas public art project invited artists to explore the idea of “living their American Dream in Arlington,” and Breanne Schwarz responded with a piece that is both personal and universal. 

Schwarz, who says she “has been an artist for as long as she can remember,” centers her design around a series of colorful bullseyes. Each of the bullseyes represents the goals and dreams of individuals. From up close, viewers can see the distinct and vibrant circles of a personal journey. When viewed from a distance, the bullseyes merge into a beautiful pattern which represents the interconnectedness of the community. 

In her design, Schwarz encourages us to reflect on what it means to aim with purpose. Success comes through practice, patience, and determination to keep shooting for our targets, even after we miss. Ultimately, Aiming for the Stars is a message of hope. It captures the essence of what it means to strive for something greater. Through vibrant color and thoughtful symbolism, Schwarz invites us to set our sights high and believe that together, we can help each other reach our goals.

The Star of Texas project

The Star of Texas project was launched in 2015 by the City of Arlington in collaboration with the Arlington Museum of Art. Its mission was to celebrate Arlington’s identity as “The American Dream City.” The six-foot fiberglass stars were designed by local artist Chris Cunningham. Local artists were invited to create designs on the stars based on their interpretation of how their American Dream comes to life in Arlington. Artists could use the medium of their choice.

Once completed, the Stars were installed in visible locations around the city, including Downtown Arlington and the Entertainment District. Initially the project featured 20 stars, but due to strong local response to the project, six additional stars were added in 2017. The artworks were fabricated so that they could be displayed outdoors for three years, though many have remained well beyond that. 

By turning public spaces into open-air galleries, the Star of Texas project made art more accessible and encouraged residents and visitors to engage with their surroundings in new ways. The project has also been hailed for its role in boosting civic pride, supporting local artists, and highlighting the Downtown Arlington Cultural District.

About the Artist

Breanne Schwarz is a multimedia sculptor from Dallas, Texas. Her work examines human relationships and inheritance through a surrealist lens, and her preferred materials include ceramics, resin, and bronze.

Breanne earned her Bachelor of Arts in ceramics from the University of South Florida in 2001. She became a historical potter at Old City Park Museum in Dallas, creating Early American ceramics on a kickwheel in pioneer costume and firing the pottery in a woodburning kiln. After that, she worked in an art foundry for over fifteen years, earning her titles of master mold maker and wax carver. Breanne has been on the board of the Texas Sculpture Association since 2015, serving as President from 2017-22. She received her MFA in sculpture from the University of Dallas in 2024. 

Website www.breanneschwarz.com

Insta: @breannearts

About the Downtown Arlington Public Art Program

The Downtown Arlington Public Art Program seeks to engage and inspire our community through art in public spaces. The Stars of Texas were funded by the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, Women Inspiring Philanthropy, Arlington Museum of Art, City of Arlington, Downtown Arlington, private donors, and property owner contributions.  To find more public art in Downtown Arlington, visit the links at the bottom of this webpage. Downtown Arlington is the Arlington Cultural District.