Celebrating 40 Years of Mustangs of Las Colinas
Mustangs of Las Colinas 40th Anniversary Celebration:
A 40-Day Tribute to an Iconic Masterpiece
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2024
Mustangs of Las Colinas 40th Anniversary Celebration: A 40-Day Tribute to an Iconic Masterpiece
Irving, TX – The City of Irving and the Irving Department of Arts and Culture are excited to announce the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Mustangs of Las Colinas! This 40-day celebration is packed with events and activities to honor the legacy of this iconic sculpture and the life of its visionary creator, Robert Glen. The commemoration kicks off with a mayoral proclamation on August 29, 2024, and culminates in a grand finale celebration, "Sunset on the Plaza," on October 18, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Celebration Highlights Include:
August 29, 2024, 7 p.m. – Mayoral Proclamation
The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Mustangs of Las Colinas will be officially announced with a special proclamation by the Mayor of Irving during the City Council meeting.
September 9, 2024 – Launch of “Mustangs Memories” Online Collection
To mark the beginning of "40 Days of Mustangs," beginning September 9, 2024 everyone is invited to experience the "Mustangs Memories" project. This meaningful endeavor features an online collection of 40 years of treasured memories submitted by people who have enjoyed the significance of this extraordinary work of art throughout their lives. Each day throughout the 40 days leading up to the event on October 18, 2024, new memories, photos, and stories highlighting the sculpture's impact over the past 40 years will be added to the “Mustangs Memories” online collection at www.mustangsoflascolinas.com and shared on social media.
We invite and encourage the public to contribute their own “Mustangs Memories,” which will be preserved in the Mustangs of Las Colinas archives. For details and to submit your memories, visit www.mustangsoflascolinas.com.
September 16 - October 5, 2024 – Horse Origami Street Art by Irving Public Library
In celebration of the Mustangs of Las Colinas' 40th anniversary, the Irving Public Library invites the community to experience a unique and creative tribute! Teens from the library’s Young Adult Action Council are crafting intricate horse origami art, which will be assembled into a striking street art installation spelling out the word "READ." This captivating artwork will be displayed by the South Irving Library’s drive-thru window. The installation aims to be completed by October 5, 2024 and will remain on view throughout the anniversary celebrations, adding a literary twist to the city's anniversary festivities. Don’t miss this opportunity to see art and literacy come together in a visually stunning tribute!
October 11, 2024, 2:30 p.m. – Equest Mini-Horse Ambassadors at South Irving Library
Join us at the South Irving Library for a special event featuring the Equest Mini-Horse Ambassadors, part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Mustangs of Las Colinas. This heartwarming session will provide insight into Equest’s remarkable therapy work, showcasing how these gentle mini horses make a profound impact on the lives of those they serve. Following the presentation, attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet and greet these adorable ambassadors up close. It’s a perfect way to connect with the spirit of the Mustangs while learning about the incredible role these horses play in our community.
October 18, 2024, 6 p.m. – Sunset on the Plaza
The 40-day celebration culminates in a spectacular evening event at the Mustangs of Las Colinas Museum and Visitor Center. In commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Mustangs of Las Colinas, join us for "Sunset on the Plaza," a tribute to the spirit of Irving and the artistic genius of Robert Glen. This public event will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, remarks from distinguished guests, and a special sunset toast on the Plaza.
About Robert Glen - The Artist
Robert Glen, the artistic genius behind the Mustangs of Las Colinas, passed away on October 28, 2023. Glen's extraordinary talent as a sculptor and his dedication to African wildlife conservation are celebrated through his monumental works. His partner, Sue Stolberger, will attend the anniversary events, providing a personal connection to Glen’s enduring legacy.
"Irving will forever cherish Robert Glen's contributions to our city's history, culture, and beauty," said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer.
Media Contact:
April Baker
214-883-7421
Second Saturdays at IAM! FREE Admission and FREE Activities for Everyone!
The Irving Archives and Museum and Badge of Pride have been nationally recognized by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) with the 2026 Museum Impact Award for the groundbreaking exhibition Badge of Pride: From Silence…to Celebration! Presented annually by AAM, the only organization representing the entire museum field, the Museum Impact Award honors programs and institutions making meaningful contributions through community engagement, cultural leadership, and transformative storytelling. The award is considered one of the museum industry’s highest distinctions. Badge of Pride: From Silence…to Celebration! became the largest artifact-based LGBTQ+ history exhibition ever presented in Texas. Developed collaboratively by the Irving Archives and Museum and Badge of Pride alongside community members and national partners, the exhibition featured more than 600 artifacts, bilingual interpretation, 12 free public programs, and a digital guide that expanded access beyond the museum walls. “This award reflects the incredible collaboration, trust, and courage that made this exhibition possible,” said Adrian J. Cardwell, Executive Director of Badge Of Pride. “We are deeply grateful to our staff, partners, supporters, and community members whose voices and contributions shaped this project from the beginning.” The Irving Archives and Museum continues to serve as a dynamic cultural destination for North Texas residents and visitors alike. The museum features its permanent exhibition, The Irving Story, which explores the city’s rich and evolving history. It is also home to the only Smithsonian Spark!Lab in Texas, an interactive invention space for young visitors. Currently on display, The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr., and the Art of Sports Photography, features iconic moments in sports history, on view through August 9, 2026. Founded in 2022, Badge of Pride is a Dallas-based, queer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public understanding through history, art, and cultural storytelling. What began as a personal archival project has grown into a major cultural initiative focused on expanding historical literacy, strengthening belonging, and preserving LGBTQ+ histories across Texas and beyond. Community members are invited to experience Badge of Pride’s latest collaborative program, A Manifesto For Us All , presented in partnership with The Writer's Garret. Taking place Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Bishop Arts Theatre Center, the performance revisits the landmark 1971 Gay Liberation Front Manifesto alongside contemporary queer writings that explore belonging, liberation, and justice. The event highlights how the calls for equality and transformation made more than fifty years ago continue to resonate today. For more information about the Irving Archives and Museum, upcoming exhibitions, and programs, visit Irving Archives and Museum . To learn more about Badge of Pride and upcoming events, visit Badge of Pride . For media inquiries, contact April Baker, Assistant Director of Museums, Irving Archives and Museum, at abaker@irvingtx.gov .
Over a 29-year career, Tom Landry led the Dallas Cowboys through 20 consecutive winning seasons, many of them during the team’s years at Texas Stadium in Irving. Experience Tom Landry: A Life in Football through August 9, 2026 at the Irving Archives and Museum!
The Perfect Shot: Walter Iooss Jr., and the Art of Sports Photography Opens at IAM
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Second Saturdays at IAM! FREE Admission and FREE Activities for Everyone!
History in Bloom is a family-friendly event at Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Center, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 1 - 4 p.m. Located at 3925 Jackson St. Join the Irving Department of Arts and Culture for free tours, lawn games, and historical education about one of Dallas County's oldest African American communities. Plus, the Irving-based coffee makers at Hudson Grounds Coffee Co. will be providing FREE coffee and matcha for all who attend! The heritage center includes the Bear Creek Masonic Lodge, the Green House, and the J.O. Davis House. All three sties offer a way to connect with the ongoing story of Bear Creek and the people who helped shape Irving’s cultural landscape.
Join Us at IAM for Docent-Led Tours on the First Sunday of Every Month at 2 pm! FREE ADMISSION & FREE TOUR!
