PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: December 10, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 12
DEPARTMENT: Office of Arts and Culture
PRIORITY: N/A
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) the acceptance of a donation of the sculpture “Always in Gear,” (Sculpture) created by artist George Tobolowsky (Artist), valued at $55,000.00, from the Artist to be installed by the Artist at Dallas Fire Station No. 13 located at 6902 Frankford Road; (2) the acceptance of an In-Kind donation of services from the Far North Dallas Civic Association for maintenance and conservation of the Sculpture; and (3) a contract, approved as to form by the City Attorney, with the Artist for the donation and installation of the Sculpture - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
Chapter 2, Article X, Section 2-105 of the Dallas City Code directs the Office of Arts and Culture to encourage the donation of high-quality artworks to the City.
City of Dallas Cultural Policy Section 7 G (iii) directs “[w]henever artwork is proposed as a donation, the donor must provide not less than 10% of the currently appraised value of the artwork for future conservation and maintenance costs. In extraordinary circumstances, the Director may choose to waive this policy following review by the Public Art Committee and the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission.”
Carrying out the intent of the Public Art Program, the Office of Arts and Culture, working with the Public Art Committee, has identified a public art donation to be installed at Dallas Fire Station 13, located at 6902 Frankford Road (Hillcrest and Frankford) Dallas, Texas 75252.
George Tobolowsky’s “Always in Gear” sculpture was reviewed and recommended by the Public Art Committee and the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission; and Local artist, George Tobolowsky, has offered a donation of “Always in Gear”.
The Fire Station #13 and the Council Office support this donation. Far North Dallas Civic Association (FNDCA) will maintain the Sculpture.
Donation-Value $55,000.00
About the Artist: A native of Dallas, Texas, George Tobowlosky earned both a business degree and a law degree from Southern Methodist University in the early 1970s. While at SMU, he also minored in Sculpture, studying under renowned Texas artist James Surls, who would become both a mentor and a lifelong friend.
Over the past decade, George Tobowlosky 's artistic output has been prolific, with more than 660 sculptures created, 40 solo museum and public art exhibitions, and participation in 32 group exhibitions across the United States and internationally.
His work focuses on abstract metal sculptures crafted from steel and stainless steel found objects. Rather than significantly altering these materials, Tobowlosky assembles the individual metal scraps-much like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle-into balanced, cohesive compositions. The resulting sculptures are equal parts assemblage and recycling, a creative philosophy that aligns closely with the influence of another early mentor, Louise Nevelson.
More about George Tobowlosky 's work can be found at www.georgetobolowsky.com <http://www.georgetobolowsky.com>
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
Assessment and Contract Development October 2025
Contract Award December 2025
Contract Completion Spring 2026
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 3, 2025, the Public Art Committee was briefed regarding this matter.
On June 12, 2025, the Arts and Culture Advisory Commission was briefed regarding this matter.
The Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on November 17, 2025. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14925759&GUID=1AFE944E-4BAD-4098-8654-976ACE9DA4F2>
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
OWNER/EXECUTIVE
Mountain Springs Ranch, Inc.
George Tobolowsky, Artist
MAP
Attached