Created by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, Smither Park is one of the most unique attractions in Houston, Texas. Covered in mosaics that more than 300 artists have created, Smither Park celebrates the imagination of these individuals while connecting to a spirit that permeates the entire Houston community.
The Imaginative Spirit of Self-Taught Art
The Orange Show was created by Jeff McKissack, who used common building materials and found objects to transform an otherwise empty lot into an architectural maze. Smither Park is spiritually connected to the Orange Show’s philosophy of promoting and sustaining self-taught art while also being physically adjacent to it.
Inspired by the Smither and Orange Show’s philosophy of promoting and sustaining self-taught art, Dan Phillips worked alongside Stephanie Smither to design what would become Smither Park in memory of her husband, John H. Smither. It features the Lindley Fish Amphitheater, the Vinson & Elkins Pavilion, the Burguires, Hinton & Mathre Swings, the Marilyn Oshman Meditation Garden, a marble roll tower and a 400-ft memory wall.
Each of these features are adorned with elaborate mosaic work created out of recycled and found materials. Designed by local artists and community members, these areas and features provide guests with multiple places to relax and enjoy the intricate details of each design. Broken dishes, mugs, glass, and trinkets are just a few of the items that adorn the sculptures to define each and every piece.
Transforming what would otherwise be an empty section of a neighborhood, Smither Park has become an essential element of Orange Show group tours, field trips, concerts and other workshops that typically have other fees, creating a direct source of revenue. Smither Park itself hosts regular events like concerts, performances, movie screenings and workshops and is also available for private rentals.
Artists and individuals contribute and participate in creating new pieces in Smither Park on a regular basis, further connecting it to a sense of imagination that defines the present and future of the entire community.
An Imaginative Spirit Defining a Community
Coming to represent the vitality and imagination of the city of Houston, anyone can get in touch with park stakeholders to contribute time or resources to Smither Park, further connecting it to the imaginative spirit of the community. Doing so highlights what it can mean to see a space transformed in a way that connects with audiences while creating countless positive benefits.
