Smither Park - Houston’s First Visionary Art Park

If you enjoy Discovery Green park, the Houston Art Car Parade, and other unique aspects of Houston; you are going to like Smither Park - Houston's First Visionary Arts Park.


Smither Park - Houston’s First Visionary Art Park

www.SmitherPark.org and "Friends of Smither Park" on Facebook.

Smither Park is coming to life on a half-acre of land adjacent to the Orange Show Monument on Munger Street near the University of Houston. Designed by visionary artist and builder Dan Phillips, the park is in memory of John H. Smither, a long-time supporter and collector of folk art and former board member of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. Inspired by the aesthetics and philosophy of the Orange Show, Smither Park will be a testimony to the vibrancy and creativity of the city of Houston. Destined to become a cultural asset in the underserved East End, it will be an artistic venue for leisure-time activity as well as the ceremonies of life such as weddings, picnics, performances and meditation. The park has a unique opportunity to contribute to the landscape of Houston by providing a sustainable green space and an enticing destination for people worldwide. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in the Spring of 2011 and the first phase of construction is currently underway.

Once completed, this whimsical, fanciful park will feature an amphitheater, memory wall, meditation area, tunnels, swings and an interactive sculpture, each adorned with elaborate mosaic work created entirely out of recycled and found materials and hand-placed by local artists. Located within walking distance of Fonde Park, an existing city park, Smither Park will be a significant enhancement to the neighborhood and a destination for visitors both young and old.

About Dan Phillips www.PhoenixCommotion.com

Dan Phillips is founder of Phoenix Commotion, a business that builds affordable homes from free, salvaged and recycled materials. In 1996, Phillips and his wife Marsha mortgaged their home to finance this socially conscious company. They are committed to reducing landfill waste by diverting discarded but useable materials to low-income housing. At the same time, they teach low-income families how to build their own homes. Phillip’s commitment to low-income housing has led to a collaborative project with Houston’s Christ Church Cathedral, which facilitates home ownership. In 2003, the Institute for Social Invention in London named Phillips’ homes the most innovative housing worldwide. This ethos will guide the vision of Smither Park and its future programming.
There is a lot of great information at www.SmitherPark.org and "Friends of Smither Park" on Facebook.