HOUSTON'S MUST-SEE PUBLIC ARTWORKS
This post was originally published on Houston Arts Blog, the blog of Houston Arts Alliance (HAA). As you all may or may not be aware, I was the Communications + Outreach Coordinator at HAA from August 2014 to March 2017.
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Four years ago (this fall!) I moved to the fourth largest city in the U.S. to attend the University of Houston. Coming from Austin, I always heard that Houston was recognized for its diversity, amazing food and numerous museums. But what I didn’t know was that our city is also home to TONS of art outside of museum, gallery and institutional walls. I first learned about public art when I was a docent at the Blaffer Art Museum when we were trained to give visitor tours of the UH Public Art Collection. I graduated in May 2014, took the lessons I learned from University and started my first adult job at Houston Arts Alliance the following August. I am one year in, and this job has taught me a completely new meaning of art. Public art contributes to the experiences we have and the identity of our city. It is free and accessible to all; anyone can find temporary and permanent public art in Houston's neighborhoods, airports, parks, and public buildings. Here's a fact: there are more than 540 works of art in the city of Houston Art Collection alone. Below are some of the city’s renowned public artworks to visit and a few local spots to try out if you've not already done so. (There's no better way to experience a public artwork than with a taste of its local flavors!)
Along Allen Parkway
Pictured:
(L) Jaume Plensa, 2011, Tolerance, Buffalo Bayou Park Harmony Walk. Photo: Debra Ham
(R) Jesus Bautista Moroles, 1990, Houston Police Officers' Memorial, 1400 Memorial Drive. Photo: Katya Horner
Allen Parkway is a navigational asset connecting River Oaks to Downtown, running parallel with Memorial Drive, and feeding into the Washington Corridor all the way to the Heights. There is also much to be seen in the area! Visit the historic home of Ima Hogg at MFAH’s Bayou Bend, or the ever-inspired Art Car Museum. The thriving Washington Arts District is full of art and design galleries, studios, venues and community centers making it the perfect place for a weekend adventure.
At The Airports
Pictured:
(L) Dennis Oppenheim, 2010, Radiant Fountains, Bush Intercontinental Airport. Photo: Thomas Behrman
(R) Paul Kittelson & Carter Ernst, 2010, Take Off, William P. Hobby Airport. Photo: Beryl Striewski
Taking a flight out of Hobby Airport? I recommend first stopping by El Bolillo Bakery in Gulfgate and grab a pan dulce before (or after) your flight. Still hungry? Drive fifteen minutes and journey back 30 to 40 years at Tel-Wink Grill. This classic diner serves American comfort food off Telephone Road.
Personal note: The last time I flew out of IAH Airport, I arrived early to my flight. To pass the time, I decided to walk around the airport and take photos of every artwork I came across. To my surprise, the Houston Airport Art Collection (part of the City of Houston Art Collection) is so large that I had to stop, turn around and board my flight! I advise you to look around the next time you are at IAH or Hobby Airport and take in the bounty of paintings, sculptures and craft objects. Art can make all the difference while traveling, and it says a lot about a city’s character. Open your eyes to it!
Northside
Luis Jiménez, 1980, Vaquero, Moody Park. Photo: Beryl Striewski
For the Northside neighborhood, I consulted resident Jimmy Castillo, from What’s on Jimmy’s Plate?, for insider recommendations. He suggested that “if you want really good tacos, walkable from the park, it's gonna be Taconazo Veracruzano, a taco truck at a tire shop just two blocks north of the park on Fulton at Irene. They only do three kinds of tacos; fajita, barbacoa and trompo – and all are the best. And get the frijoles. Be prepared to order in Spanish. On a hot day, it’s nice to grab a raspa or licuado at the Tampico Refresqueria on Irvington."
Rice University
James Turrell, 2012, Twilight Epiphany, Rice University. Photo: Sontera Dresch
As its name suggests, Rice Village is right next door to Rice University. My definition of a perfect summer day would be to grab an iced coffee from Fellini, eat all the kale at Local Foods and go daydream at Myth + Symbol (with the curated magazines in the back!)
Finish the day on the Rice campus and catch the dreamy sunset sequence of Twilight Epiphany. Meditate here and become a part of artist James Turrell’s world of light and perception. Scroll through the Rice Public Art's website to learn more about the collection and program.
East End
Jesse Sifuentes, 2014, Navigation, 3130 Navigation Blvd. Photo: Forest Photography/Pin Lim
There are PLENTY of places to eat, drink and explore in Houston's East End. Moontower Inn is a go-to casual drink spot with great beer, charming movie nights and delicious hot dogs. Check out Voodoo Queen for cocktails and grab a bite at Dona Maria (where the tortillas are made fresh by hand just like abuelita would).
University of Houston
Frank Stella, 1997, Euphonia, Moores Opera House, UH. Photo: Michael Guidry
After work at Blaffer Art Museum, I would naturally be in an inspired mood and want to explore the surrounding neighborhoods. While in the Third Ward, stop by Project Row Houses for a look at how the organization is animating its community. And a must stop is Green Seed Vegan for tasty healthy raw + vegan food, juices and smoothies. Get the cauliflower nuggets!
Downtown Houston
Margo Sawyer, 2008, Synchronicity of Color, Discovery Green, Houston, TX, Houston Municipal Art Collection. Photo: Beryl Striewski
Discovery Green may possess an extensive events and activities calendar, but nothing to me beats taking photos in front of these iconic pieces. Grab your camera, take selfies and then eat lunch nearby at the new Texas-sized Jackson Street BBQ or the home-style Vietnamese spot Huynh.
Of course the art listed above is all on view, but there is still so much more to explore. This is just the tip of the iceberg and our challenge to you is to get to know your city! We will be sharing more of the lesser known pieces soon.