El Gallo Monument by the late Bob Wade.
Eight new sculptures by Texas artists have been installed for this year’s True North 2020 exhibit along Heights Boulevard in the Heights neighborhood of Houston, up until December 15. The project, which began 2013 when Houston’s Redbud Gallery owner Gus Kopriva, artist Chris Silkwood (a former Houston Heights Association president), and others embraced Kopriva’s vision for city-wide public art, particularly along the esplanade of Heights Boulevard.
“Art adds an economic value to the area through inward investment and tourism and fosters civic pride, confidence and quality of life,” Kopriva says.
The artists for this round of outdoor public works include Leticia Bajuyo, Bill Davenport, Vincent Fink, Jack Gron, Joseph Havel, Jack Massing, Sherry Owens and Art Shirer (collaborating), and the late Bob Wade. Of note right now: The outdoor location along Heights Boulevard invites viewers to experience the works at safe distances, considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Big Cabbage by Bill Davenport
Bill Davenport’s delightful seven-foot diameter sculpture, Big Cabbage, is comprised of polymer concrete, and painted the perfect “cabbage green.” It is hard to miss in the 900 block of Heights Boulevard. “It’s a cabbage, but bigger!” Davenport says.
“The True North 2020 exhibit is especially exciting,” co-curator Linda Eyles says. “We have such a diverse group of artists and sculptures. Some of the works are cerebral and thought-provoking, and some are just plain fun. This is a truly unique opportunity for individuals to come out, enjoy the boulevard, and have a really personal experience with these amazing pieces of art.”
Carbon Sink by Sherry Owens and Art Shirer.
To see images of the rest of the sculptures, please visit the Houston Heights Association website here, or go see the works in person! According to Glasstire’s editor Christina Rees, who is currently living just off Heights Blvd, the works look great, and there are plenty of people enjoying the outdoors along the esplanade.
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The Houston Heights Association is its nonprofit sponsor/partner, and True North 2020 is underwritten entirely through donations from individuals and businesses who wish to support the popular public sculpture project and its ongoing success. True North 2020 is co-curated by Linda Eyles, Simon Eyles, Kelly Simmons and Silkwood, with Kopriva serving as engineering and project consultant.
1 comment
Regarding the sculptures in the Heights show, how perfect they are for our new era where everything is closed and at a distance. I never could have imagined the distinct pleasure afforded me of viewing the giant cabbage and the strutting rooster with his pig fan club! All of these brought to me by my tiny iphone, here in San Antonio. Thank you,
artists, including dear old Daddy O!