In 2001 a friendship monument called The Bridge had been created by four artists from each city in Bad Königshofen’s Arlington Park.  A reciprocal art project was completed by six of the same artists (three from each city) in Arlington in 2003.  The 12-foot-tall stainless steel International Peace and Friendship Monument stands in downtown Arlington in Gene Allen Park, next to the Arlington Museum of Art.  The monument was formally dedicated on July 12, 2003.

A fourth artist from Bad Königshofen, Fritz Toennieshen, had also been invited to participate but was not able to come to Arlington.  As his contribution commemorating the friendship of the two cities, he created three mosaics and sent them to Arlington, where they are on permanent display in the Downtown Library.

Work In Progress Gallery

Photo by: Loli Kantor and City of Arlington 6-10-2003 - First day the cement was poured into the location for the monument. Construction continued this week in preparation for the arrival of three accomplished German artists who will be joining three Texas artists on the creation of a public monument that celebrates international peace and friendship. The public monument will be located in downtown Arlington in Gene Allen Park, which is adjacent to the Arlington Museum of Art and across the street from City Hall. This week, contractors are completing the foundation and basic structure for the monument. This diverse group is united by their individual reputations as accomplished artists, organizers say. This collaborative venture began in 2001 with the construction of a public monument in Germany.

About the Artists

Benito Huerta of Arlington - Co-founder and vice president of Artiles, a Texas art magazine and director of the UTA Gallery. Currently working on public art projects at the DFW International Airport and the Mexican-American Cultural Center in Austin. Eva Luna Warmuth of Bad Königshofen, Germany - A sculptor, professor and installation artist. Celia Munoz of Arlington - Multi-media artist known for her diverse works that include writing, artist books, photography, painting and public art. Peter Picciani of Bad Königshofen, Germany - Sculptor, master wood carver and turner. His public commissions include a city fountain and the Crucifixion overlooking Bad Königshofen. Christine Wehe-Bamberger of Bad Königshofen, Germany - An educator, conceptual and installation artist whose work often incorporates fibers and textiles. Nicholas Wood of Arlington - A master artist and UTA associate professor. He has been exhibiting for more than 28 years. His works include clay sculpturing, drawing and photography.