'Civitas,' public art project named CODAaward finalist

Public voting is now open for the 2026 CODAaward People's Choice Award, with Civitas, the large community-inspired sculpture in front of Tittle McFadden Public Safety Center, among the top 100 finalists.

This award recognizes projects that demonstrate the most successful integration of commissioned art into an interior, architectural, or public space.

Lewisville residents are encouraged to vote for Civitas, as only the top two projects will be named the overall winners. Public voting is open until 11:59 p.m., on Friday, July 31.

Voting can be done online at codaworx.com/awards. Voters will need to create a free account on the site, then click the "heart" icon on the project picture to cast their vote. A voter may vote for as many projects as they like.

Civitas was installed in August 2025. Created by artist Blessing Hancock, this 14-foot-tall, 18-foot-long structure was created to welcome all to the home of the Lewisville Police Department, Lewisville Fire Department Administration, and Fire Station No. 1.

Inspired by the intersection of community and protection, the sculpture features a canopy that surrounds and shelters the public. Cut into Civitas are 72 unique phrases translated into as many as five languages, carefully curated and integrated into the design of the structure. These words and phrases were collected from Lewisville community members and City of Lewisville employees.

While striking during the day, the stainless-steel sculpture truly comes to life at night, when integrated, color-changing LED lighting projects the words onto the surrounding concrete, The primary goals for the installation of Civitas were to create a visual beacon for the Public Safety Center, invite residents to gather in the entry plaza, and help break down traditional barriers between the community and first responders.

The piece is meant to foster community trust and inspire open communication, as well as engage passing visitors, thanks to a changing visual perspective that changes as you move around, under, and through it.

This is the 14th year of the CODAawards, put on by CODAworx, the Collaboration of Design + Art. The CODAawards are the premier award recognizing collaborations that result in outstanding projects successfully integrating commissioned art into interior, architectural or public spaces.

Civitas is just one of many works in the City of Lewisville Public Art program. To learn more about that program, see all the completed works, and see what projects are in the works, go to the "Public Art" page at cityoflewisville.com.