When it comes to art, oftentimes the question is, why?

 

Why did the artist do it this way? Why should I care? Why should we spend the money? Why does this even matter? The fact is that asking ourselves these questions is one of the things that good art does well. It prompts us to stop and decide; how do I feel about this? It breaks up the monotony of daily life and forces us to form an opinion. Art engages us (one way or another) and seeks to elicit feelings within. Art won’t fix a road or dredge a ditch, but it will open your headspace and present something out of the ordinary that has the potential to move us in a very positive way.   

 

With the inaugural JFK ART WAY 2025, our hope is that everyone who is a witness to these sculptures will experience some form of feelings. Is it awe or anguish? Joy or dismay? Wonder or whatever? There is no right or wrong way to experience JFK ART WAY there is only your experience. Our participation as the viewer is what makes these sculptures complete. For the first time in East Aldine, we have an art corridor that invites and welcomes the viewer to consider the why.

 

The East Aldine Arts Council is committed to bringing arts and culture to our vibrant community so that people of all ages can be confronted with the unexpected. With JFK ART WAY, we have created an open air, drive thru gallery of 8 works by local and regional artists that both residents and guests can enjoy freely. With the sculptures rotating out annually, our hope is that JFK ART WAY will continue to make our community a special place with works of art that will challenge, inspire, and motivate for years to come.

 

Heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Gus Kopriva, Tanja Peterson, and the entire Redbud Arts Center team for making this vision a reality. None of this would be possible without the steadfast support of the Board of Directors and funding from the East Aldine Management District. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful residents of East Aldine who have chosen to embrace art, creativity, and beauty in our fair community.

 

This is only the beginning!

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Artfully yours, 

D. Carlos Silva

Chair, EAAC

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Curator’s Statement
 

Celebrating the First Annual Art Way Temporary Sculpture Project

An Artistic Gateway to the East Aldine District

 

On behalf of the Redbud Arts Center, it is my distinct pleasure to celebrate the launch of the First Annual Art Way Temporary Sculpture Project — a vibrant artistic gateway welcoming all to the East Aldine District.

 

We are honored to have been entrusted with the management and curation of this inaugural project, which features a series of temporary sculptures gracefully situated along the JFK median between Aldine Mail Route and Aldine Bender Roads. This is also the first project we have organized on Harris County property, marking an exciting new chapter in our organization’s commitment to community engagement through the arts.

 

The selected artists are all veterans of previous projects in the City of Houston, bringing an impressive range of vision and experience to this unique exhibition. As visitors approach from north to south, they are greeted by Shang-Yi’s Gateways — a sculptural gateway welcoming all to Houston. Patrick Renner, known for his innovative use of reclaimed and architectural materials, presents tongue-tied, located just north of Greens Bayou. Dion Laurent offers AirPlane 1, a piece celebrating biodiversity and echoing the spirit of the nearby airport.

 

Further enriching this corridor, Carlos Alcaraz sculpted Golden Sphynx and Mariela Dominguez created a totem like piece entitled Chemamüll. These sculptures are inspired by the deities of the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Chile, offering a profound connection to cultural heritage. Sharon Kopriva delights us with Rosie, a whimsical pink porcupine honoring her mother’s memory. Ed Wilson’s Cyclone, crafted from stainless steel, captures the drama of a classic Texas weather phenomenon - a spinning dust devil brought to life. Finally, Rachel Gardner’s Three Texas Bees pays homage to one of our region’s most vital local insects: the bee.

 

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring together such accomplished Texas artists and to share their work with the East Aldine community. This exhibition will be on view for an entire year, inviting neighbors and visitors alike to explore, reflect, and be inspired.

 

Thank you for joining us in celebrating art’s power to connect and transform our public spaces.

 

 

Gus Kopriva 

President, Redbud Arts Center