Council Approves 150th Anniversary Public Art Piece, 'Touched by Time'
Published on April 27, 2026
By the Office of Communication
In celebration of Arlington’s 150th anniversary in 2026, the Arlington City Council approved the purchase of a new, landmark public art installation titled “Touched by Time.”
Commissioned exclusively for Arlington’s sesquicentennial, the glass sculpture is designed to serve as both a visual centerpiece and a storytelling platform that reflects the community’s past, present and future.
The piece will be a destination artwork and focal point in the heart of Downtown Arlington’s Cultural District. Located in Founders Plaza Park, this signature installation is envisioned as a prominent attraction for residents and visitors alike.
The Arlington Tomorrow Foundation is funding the purchase of the art piece as part of its sponsorship of the City’s 150th anniversary in 2026.
The approved concept includes a layered, cylindrical glass form designed to create a striking vertical presence within the plaza, complemented by an interactive sundial that encourages public participation. Together, these elements symbolize the passage of time and Arlington’s evolving story, reinforcing the theme of reflection and progress.
“Touched by Time” is being commissioned from Justin Ginsberg Studios LLC. Ginsberg is an associate professor of art and art history at The University of Texas Arlington and is recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for his large-scale glass installations. His work is part of esteemed collections at institutions such as Museum Kunstpalast in Düsseldorf, Germany, the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, Washington, and the Museum of American Glass in Millville, New Jersey.
The concept for “Touched by Time” received support from both the Arlington Park and Recreation Board and an informal public art committee made up of Arlington residents and arts stakeholders.
As part of Arlington’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration, this sculpture will contribute to the broader effort to honor its history, celebrate its present and inspire its future. The piece is intended to create a sense of place, encourage community interaction and provide a legacy that reflects the community’s identity and growth.
Visit Arlington150.com for more historical articles, photos and events planned throughout 2026.