Art & Culture

6 New Art Benches Unveiled in The Woodlands

By Jennifer Bruse | October 11, 2018

On Wednesday, October 10th, The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) unveiled six new art benches to the public in a ceremony and celebration in Hughes Landing, The Woodlands Waterway and Waterway Square.

The Art Bench Project supports TWAC’s mission to promote art in the community. Art Benches are commissioned and installed in The Woodlands through a partnership with The Woodlands Township so residents can enjoy the beauty and practicality of these one-of-a-kind Art Benches designed by local, national and international artists. The recent installation is Phase 3 of the Art Bench Project. Learn more in our August article here

Designs for the six benches included in this third phase of the project were selected through an artist design competition. “The Woodlands is known for its commitment to the arts and the art benches continue to add to the artistic vibrancy in Hughes Landing and along the Waterway,” said TWAC board member and Art Bench Project Committee Chair Theresa Terrell.

TWAC members, public officials, sponsors and donors, artists and members of the media attended the late afternoon celebration that included music by the College Park High School Orchestra and Woodlands Area Youth Symphony Orchestra featuring Darryl Bayer, and a dance performance by the Texas Academy of Dance Arts. Light bites were provided by The Woodlands Country Club – Palmer, Broken Barrel, Truluck’s, Nick’s Fish Dive & Oyster Bar, and wine by Whitney Vineyards and Yellow Brick Road Winery. Tree seedlings were provided by Woodlands Escapes.

Deb Spiess, President of The Woodlands Arts Council Board of Directors, welcomed guests and shared an overview of the TWAC’s four pillars – including why “We Promote Public Art.” By collaborating with local artists, organizations and institutions, the TWAC’s outreach programs help enrich the cultural fabric of the community including Master Artist Workshops, Public Art Galleries and The Woodlands Art Bench Project.

Attendees together made a toast to celebrate the completion of six new art benches before traveling to (by foot and bus) and viewing each piece, meeting the artists and sponsors, and enjoying a performance and presentation at each bench.

ART BENCHES

The following art benches were unveiled during the celebration:

Bench #1:“Unmasked Symbiosis” by artist Gaston Carrio, underwritten by STRIKE, and located at One Hughes Landing.

Bench #2: “Quercus” by artist Owen Dixon, underwritten by Deborah and Jeff Coburn, and located at Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing.

Bench #3: “The Woodlands Wind-O” by artist STEREOTANK, underwritten by Michael and Vicki Richmond, and located at Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing Boardwalk.

Bench #4: “Resolute” by artist Paul Reimer, underwritten by The Dorman Family “In Memory of Matt Dorman,” and located at Hughes Landing adjacent to Lake’s Edge Boat House.

Bench #5: “Proud Souls” by artist Gaston Carrio, underwritten Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, and located at The Woodlands Waterway across from Riva Row Boat House.

Bench #6: “Why Sit When You Can Play” by artist The Urban Conga, underwritten by The Alex and Sharon Sutton Family, and located at Waterway Square on The Woodlands Waterway.

View the art benches and moments from the celebration on the Hello Woodlands Facebook page!

The Woodlands Arts Council provides regional cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the performing and visual arts in our community. From the award winning Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival to the year-round community and educational outreach programs of Because Art Matters, the council has one primary goal… making our community better, Because Art Matters!

Learn more about The Woodlands Arts Council and the Art Bench Project at www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org.