Fort Worth, Texas — Four large-scale murals in Fort Worth highlight nonprofit organizations as part of a citywide public art project marking the Morris Foundation’s 40th anniversary and its focus on education, healthcare, and social services.
The Morris Foundation commissioned the murals to recognize nonprofit partners across the city, foundation officials said.
Artists installed the first mural at a building operated by Presbyterian Night Shelter. Fort Worth artist Katie Murray designed the approximately 3,000-square-foot mural, which features illustrated figures, layered patterns, and text drawn from the experiences of people served by the shelter.
Murray based the design on quotes from individuals experiencing homelessness and rebuilding their lives, collected through video interviews conducted by the organization. The mural includes the phrase “Thank You Fort Worth,” which appears in all four anniversary murals.
Presbyterian Night Shelter said it plans to convert the building into a workforce development hub focused on women, including a thrift store, boutique, and coffee shop. The organization operates emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing programs and runs a workforce initiative called Upspire, which employs more than 250 people who are currently or formerly homeless.
The project includes additional murals at North Texas Area Community Health Centers, Texas Wesleyan University, and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County. Local Fort Worth artists created each mural, and each installation represents one of the foundation’s funding areas.
Morris Foundation President and CEO Elizabeth Brands said the project recognizes nonprofit organizations and raises public awareness of their services.
Presbyterian Night Shelter CEO Toby Owen said the mural supports the organization’s redevelopment plans and highlights its workforce programs.
Officials said the murals aim to connect public art with nonprofit services and community engagement.
