South from Rochelle Rd. past Fairfield, Fairdale, Fairmont, Story Glen, Weathered, W. Glen Loch Dr. to just north of SH183, Airport Freeway on MacArthur Boulevard. The half mile stretch isn’t very wide, only 60 to 180 feet in areas but the creative winding stonework sidewalk, landscaping, home of two 100+ year old post oaks and an occasional park bench make up for the narrowness of this half mile of happiness on the west side of a key north south boulevard in the middle of Irving.
A well articulated and visually interesting masonry wall protects the adjacent homes to the west from the 24/7 traffic noise and nighttime automobile headlights on MacArthur.
The key feature of this great respite is the bronze work by artist Chris Navarro from Casper, Wyoming, he calls "The Joy of Life".
Chris Navarro has been sculpting professionally since 1986 and is best known for his large monumental sculptures. He is represented by ten galleries throughout the country. His reflections of the West have given Navarro a national following, and collectors covet his limited editions.
Chris says, "I love what I do for a living and hope others can see that through the work I have done. As in art and life, if what you create is real, and if it's done with genuine emotions, there will always be others who will want to experience and relate to that power."
"The creation of monuments", Chris explains, "is extremely time consuming and labor intensive, requiring an initial design, creating a clay model and casting it in bronze through the lost wax method. To know that my work will be standing in the sun long after I'm gone for future generations to experience and enjoy is thrilling."
Chris lives with his wife, Lynne and their two children J.C. and Natalie in Casper, Wyoming. His web site is: http://www.chrisnavarro.com/
We have to thank Paul Gooch, Managing Director of the City of Irving, for selecting such a wonderful piece of art to preside as the masterpiece in this great new gateway and pocket park.
We also have to thank Herbert Gears our Mayor, The City Council, Tommy Gonzalez our City Manager and all the city staff and contractors that made this park a reality. Citizens of Irving should give themselves a pat on the back for supporting the City and encouraging them to continue creating gateways and masterpiece pocket parks for all to enjoy and for future generations to come. Show your support and drop them a line at CCouncil@cityofirving.org and ask them to keep up the good work.
Contributed by Doug J. Harper
