Buzzworms in the Backyard

Start date: Saturday, December 8, 2007
Event is ongoing: Until Saturday, December 29, 2007

In 2006, Fort Worth, Texas became the first large city in the nation to allow drilling for natural gas in densely populated areas - as close as 200’ from dwellings. While relatively few may be enriched by this unprecedented event, many others are concerned about the negative impact and far-reaching implications of industrial drilling in their communities.

With drilling either underway or planned for nearly every neighborhood, issues such as safety, air and water quality, property values, destruction of natural habitat, and threats to neighborhood integrity are very real. Gas drilling companies are waging an all out advertising campaign to win public support. Many residents remain skeptical and ill at ease. Many feel powerless and resigned.

Because billions of dollars are at stake the powerful energy extraction industry aided by political interests are trying to control the debate. However, as drilling operations move deeper into residential neighborhoods and parks, many people are turning their apathy into activism.

In the grand tradition of political protest art, and participatory democracy, FWCanDo (Fort Worth Citizens Against Neighborhood Drilling Ordinance), presents an exhibition of artwork on these issues.

Artists, from Goya to Picasso to Keith Haring, to Anonymous have played a crucial role in bringing awareness and expression to the injustices of their times.

Buzzworms in the Backyard provides an opportunity for artists to publicly express their concerns about these important issues. It also encourages them, and the community, to take a closer look at the facts concerning gas drilling in Fort Worth.

Information from the center's site