Stephen Montoya
Glass artist Clifton Crofford tries out his second glass and bronze art creation, "The Magnolia," at Hefestus Fine Arts in Azle.
In the heart of Fort Worth’s historic Magnolia Avenue, a transformative public art installation is taking root. Local glass artist Clifton Crofford, who also serves as the executive director of SiNaCa Studios, has spent the last five years meticulously crafting a three-part bronze and glass sculpture series that draws inspiration from some of nature’s most enduring symbols: the acorn, the pinecone, and the magnolia seed pod. Titled “Seeds of a New Season,” this ambitious public art project seeks to celebrate both the growth of nature and the flourishing of the Fort Worth community.
The monumental sculptures, which blend bronze and glass, are being created at Hefestus Fine Arts, a bronze casting foundry tucked away on a quiet, 5-acre plot in Azle, just a short drive west of Fort Worth. The foundry’s collaboration with Crofford has proven to be a creative fusion of two seemingly disparate mediums, producing a series of works that are as much about community as they are about artistry.
Last year, the first sculpture, “The Oak,” was unveiled at the southeast corner of Magnolia and 5th Street. The piece is a bold representation of the acorn, a symbol of potential and growth. This April, Fort Worth will see the second piece in this series, “The Magnolia”, on the corner of Lake Street and Magnolia Ave.
For Crofford, these sculptures are more than just public art; they are a reflection of the interconnectedness of people and place. "These symbols remind us of the potential within all of us, and within our community," he explains. "They speak to how the smallest ideas, nurtured in the right environment, can grow into something powerful."
“The Magnolia” itself carries a unique story. Crofford worked closely with Near Southside community members to incorporate their contributions directly into the artwork. He captured bronze impressions of over 200 hands — of teachers, doctors, city leaders, and other local figures, including the “Grandmother of Juneteenth herself, Opal Lee — and intricately placed them in various spots around the three bronze art installments. The work also features subtle lighting elements that change color based on viewer interaction, making the sculpture feel alive in a way that invites engagement and reflection.
“The idea was to represent the community’s hand in nurturing the future,” says Crofford. “These are the hands of the people who’ve contributed to the revitalization of the neighborhood, people who’ve planted seeds, both figuratively and literally, over the years.”
The final piece, “The Pine,” is still in fabrication but promises to carry its own unique symbolism. The pinecone, with its resilience, will, like the other pieces, be placed at a specific point along the avenue, enriching the visual landscape and the narrative of growth.
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Working alongside Crofford at Hefestus Fine Arts has been a revelation for Jimmy Hill, the foundry’s owner. The two have been collaborating for years, experimenting with techniques that combine the traditional processes of bronze casting with the modern art of glassblowing. Their partnership, which began as an exploration of new creative possibilities, has yielded a series of sculptures that are as strong as they are visually striking.
"This is the first time we’ve combined bronze and glass in such an intricate way," Hill says. "It’s been a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. We’re used to doing a lot of Western-themed work here — horses, cattle, cowboys — but this is something entirely different, something more abstract and deeply tied to the idea of community and nature."
The collaboration between bronze and glass isn’t just a technical achievement; it’s also a narrative one. While the bronze hands represent the solid foundation of the community, the glass seed within the acorn symbolizes the bright ideas that spring forth from that foundation. The integration of light and interactive elements further enhances this narrative, allowing viewers to connect with the piece on a deeper, more personal level.
“We wanted these sculptures to be durable and engaging,” Crofford explains. “They’ll be exposed to all kinds of weather — wind, rain, even hailstorms — but glass is incredibly resilient when it’s crafted properly. This gives the work a sense of permanence but also invites the public to interact with it. They can change the colors of the lights and leave their mark on the piece in a way that reflects their own influence on the community.”
The pieces’ installation across Magnolia Avenue will create a kind of walking path for art lovers and casual passersby alike, with each sculpture providing an opportunity to discover and reflect on the evolving landscape of the area. From the bright lights of “The Oak” at Fifth Street to the serene presence of “The Magnolia” and “The Pine,” the installation will serve as a reminder of Fort Worth’s ongoing growth, both as a city and as a community.
As for the future, Crofford is hopeful that his work will continue to resonate with the city’s residents and visitors long after the project is complete.
“Art can serve as a bridge between past, present, and future,” he says. "In 2050, when people look back on these pieces, I hope they see them as symbols of growth, renewal, and the strength of the community."
