“Destinations” by Israel McCloud
The latest version of Southwest Houston’s one and only 2-mile-long free art exhibit features 10 whimsical sculptures on Richmond Avenue medians — such as an abstract image of a giant snake and a jumble of contradictory traffic warnings.
The artworks form the fourth collection of entertaining public art stationed along the corridor by St. George Place Redevelopment Authority/TIRZ 1.
By funding the exhibit, the government agency is “preserving the southwest side of town’s significant place among the visual art destinations for which our city is known far and wide,” Chairman Frank Donnelly III said.
“We hope the 10 pieces will amuse, entertain and inspire residents, shoppers, visitors and workers alike in the same way the city’s art cars, first-class art museums, murals and mini-murals do in other locations,” he added. “Creating the Galleria area’s outdoor gallery is one of many ways in which we are carrying out our mission to use physical projects to improve quality of life and spur private investment.’’
“Snake” by Jeffie Brewer
The sculptures are stationed between Hillcroft Street and S. Rice Avenue.
Houston art gallery owner and public art advocate Gustav Kopriva serves as curator for the project. He also curated the Heights Boulevard esplanade and Art On Long Point projects.
Public art “is good for the soul and for the mind,” Kopriva said. “It creates a sense of community, is a huge economic benefit for that community and gives the community a sense of pride.”
A catalog of the current exhibit is here. The works are on display through July.
