Houston Airports partner with Orange show to exhibit art cars

Friday, February 23, 2024

In a thrilling fusion of aviation and artistic expression, Houston Airports proudly unveils its collaboration with the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. Together, they will showcase a stunning Art Car at both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). This innovative partnership promises to elevate the passenger journey with a vibrant cultural immersion, enriching the airport experience for travelers over the coming year.

“Art has the power to transform spaces and create memorable experiences,” said Alton DuLaney, Curator of Public Arts for Houston Airports. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Orange Show to showcase an Art Car at our airports, providing passengers with a delightful visual journey that captures the spirit of Houston’s eclectic artistic community.”

Following the Houston Airport System’s prestigious recognition with the 2023 World Airport Award for Best Art in an Airport, this collaboration marks a testament to their dedication to seamlessly integrating art into the travel journey. Evolving beyond mere gateways, Houston’s airports have transformed into immersive cultural hubs, echoing the vibrant tapestry of the city’s art scene. With a staggering 60.1 million passengers passing through in 2023 alone, the award-winning airport art program captivates an annual audience larger than that of the world’s most renowned museums.

The chosen Art Cars for display are not just ordinary vehicles; they’re rolling masterpieces paying homage to Texas icons. Visitors passing through Bush Airport’s Terminal A Ticketing Lobby will encounter an Art Car honoring the late Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead singer of the legendary rock band Queen. This unique creation commemorates Mercury’s unforgettable moment during Queen’s 1979-1980 tour stop in Houston at The Summit, where he electrified the crowd while perched on the shoulders of someone clad as Darth Vader from “Star Wars.”

Over at Hobby Airport, travelers will be treated to another remarkable sight—an intricately designed vehicle paying tribute to the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Texas-born guitar virtuoso hailed as one of the greatest of all time. Affectionately known as SRV to his fans, Vaughan graced Houston’s music scene in the 1980s, performing at iconic venues such as Fitzgerald’s, Rockefeller’s, and the Sam Houston Coliseum. The Art Car honoring him is prominently displayed in the Hobby Airport Ticketing Lobby, near TSA Security.

Collaborating with the Orange Show, an organization committed to fostering public access to art, seamlessly resonates with Houston Airports’ overarching mission of linking global communities, cultures, and economies to the city. Particularly noteworthy is artist Rebecca Bass’s collaboration with students from the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in crafting select Art Cars showcased in the annual parade. Notably, some of these students actively contribute to the installation of these Art Cars within the airport premises, further enriching the cultural tapestry of Houston’s airports.

Houston’s Art Car Parade, an annual extravaganza organized by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, has blossomed into a cultural sensation. Showcasing a diverse array of artistically adorned vehicles, the parade has played a pivotal role in shaping Houston’s identity as a city that embraces creativity and individuality. This year marks the 37th Annual Houston Art Car Parade and Festival, set to return on April 13, 2024, reaffirming its status as the world’s oldest and largest celebration of its kind.

“Art has the power to unite, inspire, and elevate our spirits,” said DuLaney. “By showcasing a sampling of the iconic Art Car Parade to our airports, we aim to create a sense of wonder and curiosity among passengers, making their journey through Houston a truly memorable and enriching experience.”

Houston Airports persistently champions the evolution of traditional airport aesthetics, endeavoring to furnish passengers with an immersive and culturally vibrant atmosphere. The partnership with the Orange Show marks another stride in the journey to metamorphose airports into dynamic realms that authentically embody the essence of Houston.

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