Realtor Gaye Reed Puts Love of Historic Homes Behind Fort Worth Preservation Fundraiser

Fort Worth Realtor Gaye Reed admits to having a soft spot for older homes. For years, she’s volunteered with Historic Fort Worth to preserve the city’s local heritage. She herself lives in the historic Mistletoe Heights neighborhood, where she appreciates the efforts of neighbors to preserve the area.

It’s because of her love of history, a shared past, and leaving a legacy that the Realtor Gaye Reed with Coldwell Banker Realty has stepped up to chair the 2026 Preservation is the Art of the City fundraiser.

The annual art show, hosted by Historic Fort Worth, will return Sept. 3 through 5 at Amon Carter Center at Lena Pope, 3200 Sanguinet St. in Fort Worth, to both celebrate artists and champion the city’s historic preservation efforts.

“I live in an older home, and I’ve sold many older homes, so historic preservation is important to me,” she said last week while taking a break from both selling houses and volunteering for Historic Fort Worth’s major fundraiser.

The three-day event benefits Historic Fort Worth’s preservation efforts. Reed has volunteered for the event for at least a decade and believes it has been a worthwhile endeavor as both a fundraiser and as a support of the community. And not to be overlooked is that it’s earned a reputation for being a fun event.

“People have started paying attention to what we’re promoting, which is preservation,” she said. “And it’s a great party. It really is impressive.”

Artists Party

The fundraiser will open Sept. 3 with the annual Party with the Artists, where organizers will recognize Asad Dean, a Fort Worth oncologist, as honorary chairman. The juried show will begin with awards presented at 5:30 p.m., followed by the start of art sales at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required for Party with the Artists, and they can be made here.

Fort Worth’s Thomas Helmick will be this year’s featured artist at Preservation is the Art of the City. Originally from Ohio, Helmick earned a B.F.A. from Kent State University before completing postgraduate studies in New York at the New York Studio School, Queens College Graduate School, the Art Students League, and with several prominent artists.

Since moving to Fort Worth, he has been represented by Edmond Craige Gallery in Fort Worth, Kornye Gallery in Dallas, and the Monet Gallery in Arlington. His work can also be found in private collections across Texas, New York, California, Florida, and Ohio.

“I have several of his paintings, and I’m delighted,” Reed said of the featured artist. “He was thrilled when I called to ask if he would be the featured artist this year.”

Historic Fort Worth has named María Elena Ortiz as this year’s guest juror. Ortiz is a curator at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, where she has served since 2022. Previously, she held curatorial roles at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Sala de Arte Público Siqueiros in Mexico City, and the Horizon Art Foundation in Los Angeles.

Free Public Showing

Following the artists’ party will be the public exhibition, which is free and open to the public. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 4 and noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 5.

Also scheduled is the return of City Build, a free children’s architecture program to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 5. Aspiring young architects get their moment to demonstrate their creativity. The free family activity had been canceled in recent years because previous event sites lacked enough space. This year’s move to Lena Pope allows organizers to bring it back.

“It’s a wonderful hands-on activity for children,” Reed said.

Preservation is the Art of the City is one of Historic Fort Worth’s signature events, spotlighting both artists and advocates who keep the city’s heritage alive.

Preserving Heritage

Established in 1969, Historic Fort Worth, Inc. is a nonprofit focused on preserving the city’s architectural and cultural heritage through stewardship, education, and advocacy. The organization oversees the 1899 Ball‑Eddleman‑McFarland House, Fort Worth’s second designated landmark, and offers programs and community events that promote appreciation for the city’s historic identity.

Preservation is the Art of the City, and fundraising is critical to the group’s work. The non-profit supports the community but receives no city funds, making the charity event necessary.

“Everything we do is done strictly by contributions and our events to raise funds,” Reed said.

Years of volunteering with the nonprofit have also given Reed a closer view of its preservation efforts. She gives Historic Fort Worth credit for the increased interest she has seen as a Realtor in the sale of historic residences.

“It’s an organization that works very hard to preserve our heritage — the older homes and our heritage,” she said.

For details on the event, party reservations, sponsorship opportunities or information about Historic Fort Worth, visit historicfortworth.org or call 817‑336‑2344 ext. 107.