Connections Star of Texas by Elias Wilson

Details

Title:  Connections  

Artist:  Elias Wilson 

Completed in:  2017 

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

Connections 

Artist Elias Wilson named the piece Connections because his dream is to connect people with himself and each other through his art. In it, he celebrates the flow of human interaction through shape, color and movement. Created from a place of pure originality, the work unfolds like a spontaneous conversation. Its earth- and skin-toned palette serves as the artist’s language, inviting viewers to interpret discover their own meaning within its design. 

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 

A lifelong artist, Eli believes that creativity is an ongoing act of connection. His process is intuitive and spontaneous, guided by the belief that art should flow naturally and reveal something genuine in both the maker and the viewer. Through his use of particular colors formed into organic shapes, he builds rhythmic designs where imagination and emotion meet in conversation. 

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. This mural was funded in part by the Arlington Cultural Tourism Council in 2017, the Texas Commission for the Arts Storefront Improvement Grant, 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.