Under Our Wings A symbol of unity and protection
The artwork honors the city’s police and fire professionals, symbolizing protection, integrity, and community through its design. The sculpture stands as a beacon of pride, inviting all to celebrate the spirit of community and the guardians who keep Southlake forever under their wings.
Installed in 2025 at the Department of Public Safety West Facility, “Under Our Wings” stands as a new landmark for Southlake, Texas, a bold, freestanding sculpture crafted from mild steel and finished in industrial enamel paint. Created by Vito Di Bari, the artwork stretches 16 feet wide and 8 feet tall, its wings unfurled as a symbol of the unwavering integrity and unity of Southlake’s police and fire professionals. With a palette inspired by the city’s own colors, green and gold, accented by blue and red, the sculpture is more than a visual statement; it’s a heartfelt homage to those who protect and serve.
The central shield detail of “Under Our Wings,” featuring Southlake’s emblematic “S” surrounded by elliptical rings that represent the ripple effect of safety throughout the community.
Southlake is a city defined by its strong sense of community and civic pride, and “Under Our Wings” channels these values into every detail. The sculpture is strategically positioned along Southlake Boulevard, offering two distinct perspectives: as you enter the city, golden feathers lead, supported by green; as you leave, green takes prominence, supported by gold. This duality reflects the complementary roles of the police and fire departments, working in harmony to shield the community. At the center of the wings, a shield, mirroring the city’s official logo, anchors the piece, its adorned “S” a universal symbol of safety and protection.
The design invites both distant admiration and close-up exploration. Elliptical rings radiate from the shield, forming a protective embrace that metaphorically shelters Southlake’s citizens. The base of the sculpture bears the city’s rallying call, “Protect Southlake,” rendered in sturdy water jet cut aluminum, a direct, tangible reminder of the Department of Public Safety’s mission. The interplay of color, form, and symbol ensures the artwork is not just seen, but felt, resonating with first responders, residents, and visitors alike.
Pictured from left to right: Shawn McCaskill (Mayor of Southlake), Ashleigh Casey (Chief of Police), artist Vito Di Bari, Interim Fire Chief Jeremy Wilson (succeeded by Shannon Langford on May 5), and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Talley, united in celebration of the “Under Our Wings” unveiling.
“Under Our Wings” is a breathtaking tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of our Fire and Police Departments. This sculpture, created by the incredibly talented artist Vito DiBari, is more than just a piece of art, it’s a symbol of the protection, courage, world-class service, and unwavering commitment that our first responders demonstrate every single day.
[Southlake Mayor Shawn McCaskill]
Every aspect of “Under Our Wings” is engineered for longevity, from its weather-resistant materials to its thoughtful placement and minimal maintenance requirements. More than a public art installation, it is a transformative experience, an invitation for the community to pause, reflect, and take pride in the guardians who stand watch. In honoring Southlake’s protectors, the sculpture also celebrates the city itself: resilient, united, and forever under the wings of those who care.
Viewed from Southlake Boulevard, the sculpture reveals its dual nature, one perspective showcasing the golden feathers that represent the fire department’s courage, while the reverse highlights the green wings symbolizing the steadfast protection of the police force.