On Friday, September 25, 2015, a 54-foot long, 12-foot tall metal sculpture becomes the first public art project of its kind in downtown Arlington.

The custom sculpture, designed by artists Jeff Schomberg and Laura Kimpton who are known for their large word sculptures, is made up of the five letters of the word "dream."

Each letter weighs between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds. Cut in rows within each letter are silhouettes of flying birds. By day, the pattern enhances the letters with texture, movement and depth. By night, interactive lights bring the piece to life.

"While the cache of showing at Burning Man enhances the story of the piece," said Bob Pruitt, photographer, entrepreneur, and the mastermind behind the project, "the selection of the word 'dream' for the sculpture happened organically, right here in Arlington. It was inspired by the City of Arlington brand Arlington, The American Dream City."

"We're excited to have our piece in Arlington, Texas," said Schomberg, "particularly one with such a strong connection to the City's identity."

"I want Arlington to be known as the city of sculpture and light," said Pruitt.

More than a singular sculpture, Pruitt envisions an urban park near the new downtown Arlington Central Library with Dream as its anchor.

"I see all kinds of scheduled and spontaneous activities taking place there, such as yoga classes or picnics, temporary stages for concerts that would complement the array of performing arts already taking place in downtown," Pruitt said.

Downtown Arlington Management Corporation has pledged $25,000 in support of the $75,000 project.

"When Bob approached the board of the Downtown Arlington Management

Corporation with his idea to bring Dream to downtown, we immediately recognized

the synergy and natural fit," said DAMC president and CEO Tony Rutigliano. "Public art can do for a city what nothing else can - it enhances the visual identity of a place in a way that is inspiring and enduring."

While Downtown Arlington Management Corporation was the first entity to invest in the project, it's not the last. The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation has also contributed $25,000 to Project DREAM.

"The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation looks for projects that are new, innovative, and fresh," said Carolyn Mentesana, executive director of the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation. "This project is particularly appealing to our board because it has the power to connect with people from around the world on a personal level. For instance, every single UT Arlington student is pursuing his or her dreams right now and right here in downtown Arlington."

Donations are being accepted for Project DREAM. All contributions will be recognized, and those gifts of $5,000 or more will be guaranteed inclusion on the donor wall if received by July 31.

After the conclusion of the 2015 Burning Man festival, held in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, Dream will make its way to downtown Arlington.

While a permanent location for the sculpture has not been finalized, First Baptist Church-Arlington has agreed in the interim to host the sculpture on its downtown property adjacent to the Levitt Pavilion Founders Plaza.

A dedication event is planned for Friday, September 25 at this year's South St. Art Festival.

For more information, visit the Downtown Arlington website or www.dreamarlington.org.