Star Light, Star Bright Star of Texas by Jennifer Silverto

Details

Title: Star Light, Star Bright 

Artist: Jennifer Silverton 

Completed in: 2015 

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

Star Light, Star Bright 

Star Light, Star Bright by Jennifer Silverton was inspired by the classic nursery rhyme of the same name. Glow-in-the-dark stars float above the city skyline within her star-shaped mural, inviting all who pass by to “wish upon a star.” As Silverton explained, the stars represent new beginnings and fresh starts to all who seek them, an idea she anchors in her own relocation to Arlington. 

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 

Jennifer Silverton has been an artist for over fifteen years. Through the use of bright colors, approachable imagery, and narrative moments, she draws on familiar cultural references and stories in her work to invite a wide audience into optimistic conversation. Her move from Wisconsin to Arlington was a personal new beginning which helped shape the themes she explored in her Star of Texas piece. 

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.