Three years ago, Bedford invited students to show off their creativity by painting crosswalks in front of two junior high schools.
But city officials learned that the artwork, which shows colorful geometric shapes and octopus tentacles, must be removed to comply with a directive from Gov. Greg Abbot that calls for roads to be clear of distractions that could compromise safety. The order mentions political messages and artwork.
The students’ crosswalk artwork does not convey anything that is political.
The governor’s directive took effect last month, and Molly Fox, a Bedford spokesperson, said the city got a letter from the Texas Department of Transportation stating that the artwork must be removed.
Bedford’s arts and culture division invited the students to participate, Fox said.
“It’s a great program that allows our young students to see their artwork in real life and make a difference in the community,” she said.
The students painted the crosswalks in front of Harwood and Bedford Junior High schools in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district.
Bedford was going to remove the artwork while schools are closed for Thanksgiving.
Fox said the city was looking at other crosswalks for students to paint when they learned of Abbott’s directive.
She said families of both students were notified, and they were sent letters apologizing that the art was removed and thanking the students.
Fox said the city filed for an exemption, but the state denied the request because the artwork had colors also used for traffic control.
“It was so disheartening for us. We knew we were going to have to tell the community and the artists which was so disappointing,” Fox said.
Deeanne Hullender, a spokesperson for the school district, said she was surprised to learn about the artwork that it will be removed.