Opening reception of “150 Years / 150 Artists” at the Fort Worth Contemporary Arts in 2023.
The TCU art scene is beginning an exciting new chapter. The Fort Worth Contemporary Arts Gallery (FWCA) has relocated to the first floor of Molly Reid Hall, presenting fresh opportunities for expanded exhibitions, innovative programming and enhanced community engagement. This move is at the center of a revitalized Berry Street, which is one of the key initiatives of the Campus Master Plan.
“We are thrilled to be playing an active role in the changes that are happening on the east side of campus,” said Sara-Jayne Parsons, director of the Art Galleries at TCU. “We’re delighted for our students to be able to experience high-quality contemporary art just steps away from their dorms and classrooms.”
The Art Galleries at TCU have long served as a vibrant cultural hub, presenting thought-provoking exhibitions by students, faculty and contemporary artists across two main venues: Moudy Gallery and FWCA.
FWCA has served as a dedicated satellite gallery, showcasing national and international artists at various career stages while offering students, faculty, staff and alumni a meaningful space to engage with contemporary art and the Dallas-Fort Worth community.
A Legacy of Artistic Spirit
As FWCA prepares to open in a new space, the gallery team reflects on 17 years of meaningful exhibitions, collaborations and its deep ties to both TCU and Fort Worth’s artistic communities.
“My favorite part of being a curator is getting a creative spark,” Parsons said. “And, at the end of the process, there is a gathering of artwork and people for a specific reason.”
The exhibition, “Do You Really Believe That?,” was named after a phrase Colpitt often used to inspire critical thinking and discussion in her students. Photo Credit: The Art Galleries at TCU
One such moment was “150 Years / 150 Artists,” a group show celebrating the contributions of students, faculty and alumni to TCU’s artistic legacy in honor of the university’s sesquicentennial in 2023.
Another milestone was “Do You Really Believe That?” the final exhibition in the gallery’s original location. The group show honored the late Frances Colpitt, Ph.D., professor emeritus and former Deedie Potter Rose Chair of Art History, bringing the gallery’s journey full circle. Colpitt curated its inaugural exhibition, “Material Culture,” which featured twelve emerging and mid-career Texas artists.
Choi’s exhibition delved into imagined realms using diverse mediums such as soft sculpture, paintings and video works. Photo credit: The Art Galleries at TCU
“When I think about my favorite moments, I’m transported to times with visiting artists and students for more intimate interactions with a show,” said Kay Seedig, manager of the Art Galleries at TCU. “Like when JooYoung Choi led a flower-making workshop for ‘Children Need Love Like Flowers Need Rain,’ it was so special to witness her connecting with students as she encouraged them to create flowers that represented themselves.”
FWCA’s impact also resonates with alumni like Devon Nowlin, M.F.A. ’11, now museum project director at Williams College. She served as a graduate assistant and later gallery manager from 2009 to 2016.
“I have to say that ‘where is the power,’ guest curated by Terri Thornton, was my personal favorite,” said Nowlin. “I managed complex loans, including my first international loan, and saw Thornton’s thorough thought process. That experience led to my next role at the Amon Carter Museum.”
For the inaugural exhibition of the relocated FWCA space, artist Joe Harjo will present “Indian Removal Act III: We are a Wounding,” Sept. 5 through Nov. 15, 2025. This is the third and final installment of Indian Removal Acts I-III, an exhibition series that delves into the historical and ongoing issues that have deeply impacted Native American communities.
Join us for the opening reception of “Indian Removal Act III: We Are a Wounding” on Friday, Sept. 5, from 6–8 p.m.
Learn more about the relocation of Fort Worth Contemporary Arts (FWCA).