If you’ve walked down Bates Street in Old Town Keller lately, you may have noticed something new — benches that don’t just blend in with the street but stand out as works of art.
These aren’t your typical park benches. They’re part of the Keller Public Arts Bench Project, a creative initiative designed to bring art out of galleries and into our everyday spaces. With each bench telling its own story, the installation transforms Bates Street into a place where the community can sit, connect, and celebrate creativity — all while showcasing talented artists from across Texas.
A Vision for Community Connection
The Bates Street project was part of a larger plan by the City of Keller to create a “festival street” — a lively, walkable corridor that brings people together. The improvements included string lighting, new landscaping, public art, and seating, transforming the area into a space where residents can relax, enjoy live music, or stop by during community events.
The goal? To make Bates Street not just a throughway, but a destination — one that celebrates Keller’s unique character and commitment to local art.
The Call for Creativity
Back in 2023, the Keller Public Arts Board put out a call for artists to design benches that were not only beautiful but functional and durable. The invitation asked for designs that would:
- Encourage interaction and reflection
- Complement the look and feel of Old Town Keller
- Be family-friendly and weather-resistant
- Contribute to the “place-making” vision of the new festival street
The result is a stunning collection of 11 artist-designed benches, each one different in form, material, and message. Together, they make Bates Street a living art walk — one where every seat tells a story.
Art You Can Sit On
Each bench represents the artist’s imagination and craftsmanship, giving Keller a unique blend of design, storytelling, and community pride. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout pieces:
🌀 “Duet” (2024) – Pascale M. Pryor
This sculptural black metal bench flows with circular curves that intertwine like a visual conversation — a duet between form and shadow. As the sun shifts throughout the day, the piece casts intricate shapes on the pavement, creating art within art.
🌈 “Wave” (2023) – Michael Scott Shubin
Built entirely from reclaimed street signs, Wave feels like a playful nod to movement, rhythm, and direction — all the ways our paths cross. The curve of the bench mimics motion, while the familiar textures of old road signs remind us of where we’ve been.
🐂 “Steer” (2023) – Robert Hentzelman
A crowd favorite for its bold silhouette, Steer captures the essence of Texas pride. The sturdy brown metal longhorn design doubles as both seat and statement — rustic, rugged, and right at home in Keller.
💡 “Pivot” (2023) – Sleepy Rooster Studios (Sherry & Jimmy Don Snowden)
Sleek and minimal, Pivot embodies the idea of balance and change — the moment you shift direction with purpose. Its clean white surface and modern shape contrast beautifully with the natural greenscape surrounding it.
🌿 “Ombrelle” (2023) – Pascale M. Pryor
French for “umbrella,” Ombrelle features an elegant metal canopy that mimics the texture of leaves or lace, creating dappled shade for anyone resting beneath it. Positioned near the Keller History Museum, it feels symbolic — a quiet moment of reflection among stories of the past.
A Walk Through Keller’s Creative Side
The installation process brought a wave of excitement to locals and artists alike. From colorful curves to modern minimalism, these benches reflect the diversity and creativity of the Keller community.
The Public Arts Board carefully selected each design for both form and function — ensuring they could handle daily use while enhancing the beauty of Bates Street. Each piece includes a small 4×6 plaque featuring the artist’s name, title, and year, creating an open invitation for locals to learn more about the creators behind the work.
“The benches aren’t just art pieces — they’re conversation starters,” one board member shared during the unveiling. “They represent the idea that art can live where we live.”
Why It Matters
Public art does more than beautify a city — it connects people. These benches invite residents to pause, reflect, and participate in Keller’s evolving story.
They make art approachable and accessible, reminding us that creativity isn’t reserved for galleries or museums. It can live on the streets we walk, in the parks where we gather, and even in the places we sit.
For Keller, this project reflects a growing commitment to creativity, community, and connection — values that make our city a place worth exploring and celebrating.
Explore the Benches
📍 Location: Along Bates Street in Old Town Keller — start at Main Street and walk east along the south side before looping back on the north side.
☀️ When to Visit: Sunset strolls are especially beautiful, as the metalwork and shadows come alive under the evening glow.
📸 Pro Tip: Grab a coffee from a local shop, take a photo at your favorite bench, and tag @kickinitinkeller to share the love.
The Bigger Picture
The Bates Street Benches are just one part of Keller’s growing Public Arts Program, which now includes permanent sculptures, rotating outdoor installations, and gallery exhibits at Town Hall throughout the year.
In total, the city supports:
- 15 permanent sculptures
- Rotating public art exhibitions
- 5 gallery shows annually
- Live concerts and community events celebrating local culture
These projects collectively make Keller more than a suburb — they make it a destination for creativity.
Take a Seat, Keller
Next time you’re exploring Old Town, slow down, take a seat, and look around. Notice the craftsmanship, the creativity, and the thought behind each design. These benches may be new, but they already carry the spirit of Keller — a city that knows how to celebrate where we live, who we are, and the beauty we create together.
🖼 Featured Benches & Artists
| Title | Year | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Duet | 2024 | Pascale M. Pryor |
| Wave | 2023 | Michael Scott Shubin |
| Steer | 2023 | Robert Hentzelman |
| Pivot | 2023 | Sleepy Rooster Studios (Sherry & Jimmy Don Snowden) |
| Ombrelle | 2023 | Pascale M. Pryor |