Fort Worth and entertainment legend Red Steagall have long had a loving relationship, and now it is one that is being honored with a piece of art.
The city council on June 25 accepted an artwork donation from the Friends of Red Steagall. It is a bronze sculpture titled “Red Steagall, Always Ridin’ for the Brand in Fort Worth, Texas” by artist Bruce R. Greene. With site enhancements, the donation is valued at about $140,000.
The near life-size sculpture will depict Steagall on horseback. It will be placed at the Cowtown Coliseum in the Fort Worth Stockyards, contingent on approval from the Texas Historical Commission and the city’s Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission. It will become a part of the Fort Worth Public Art Community Legacy Collection.
The Friends of Red Steagall commissioned the sculpture to commemorate Steagall’s contributions to Western culture and ongoing support of the Stockyards National Historic District.
“It will add to the historic character and authenticity of the Stockyards,” District 2 Councilman Carlos Flores said.
A well-known actor, poet and musician, Steagall was inducted into the Texas Trail of Fame in 1999, the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 2003.
Steagall was the inaugural poet laureate of the State of Texas in 2006.
City officials say the sculpture is an appropriate addition to the Cowtown Coliseum property and complements existing public artworks, including “The First Bulldogger, Bill Pickett” by Lisa Perry; and “Quanah Parker,” by Jack Bryant.