Cowboy at Heart

Bernar Venet transforms Hermann Park with towering sculptures

"4 Leaning Arcs in Disorder" by Bernar Venet

Growing up in France, Bernar Venet dreamed of Texas, pretending all the while he was an American cowboy. Sharing photos with friends at camp he would tell them his parents were cowboys, riding horses all the time. Reinventing his identity, he called himself "Jimmy," to have an American name. Texas was a myth as large as the Lone Star state itself; it is the vast nature of the landscape that most intrigued him.

So it seems fitting that his art would land in Houston and funny that childhood friends still refer to him as "Jimmy" on occasion. He says that they still say, “Comment allez vous Jimmy, où est votre chapeau de cowboy?" In other words, “How are you, Jimmy, where’s your cowboy hat?"

Venet’s 15-piece installation of sculpture — some towering 30 feet high — in eight locations at Hermann Park will be unveiled to the public on Saturday. (Venet will appear at a private reception today at the park and give a lecture at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on Friday.) The breathtaking pieces were the main topic of discussion when I met with him last month. Across from McGovern Lake near the boat house, we briskly walked around a large bent, curvilinear, cor-ten steel sculpture titled “Four Indefinite Lines." Venet boldly described the finishing details on this particular piece, the ground, polish, and surface details. “Presentation is everything,” he said.

Monumental in scale, the works invite children to play as they curve, undulate or stand at attention in the shape of arcs, straight or intertwined lines. Beginning as a site-specific installation on the Champs du Mars in Paris in 1994, they have since traveled to Asia, Europe, and several other cities in the United States. The Texan-French Alliance for the Arts (TFAA) brought the exhibition to Houston for nine months. The artist has been here several times to oversee the installation of the sculptures, with assistance from McClain Gallery. (The gallery is also featuring an exhibition of Venet's drawings and small sculptures.)

During an interview at the Hotel ZaZa the 69-year-old sculptor, who lives in New York with his wife, reviewed his previous works of mathematically influenced paintings, non-representational sculpture and steel wall sculpture that influenced the large free-standing, three-dimensional works in cor ten steel. “A true work of art must contribute to the knowledge of art history, and go beyond it,” Venet said.

The energy in the room was electric as Venet described the evolution of his work. He says that change is a given; each piece is complete only when purchased. Cranes and cables are used to form the heavy, cold steel weighing up to 22 tons. The steel bars can snap before your eyes, quick and without warning, making the process a dangerous one. ”My life’s work is intended to be a contribution to the world born out of a deep knowledge of what has gone before in an honest attempt to do something that has never been seen,” Venet said.

Stacey Holzer writes about contemporary art in Houston onvisualseen.net

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weekend event planner

These are the top 14 things to do in Houston this Thanksgiving weekend

Photo by Richard Carson

H-E-B hosts the annual Thanksgiving parade downtown.

Considering everything that’s happened this month, some families may experience an awkward Thanksgiving. Others may want a little time together that's separate from the holiday meal.

Either way, this weekend offers plenty of holiday-themed events. There will be two runs on Turkey Day, as well as the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. We also have tree lightings, photo opps with Santa, Nutcracker productions, and even a holiday boat cruise.

Read on for this weekend’s best bets.

Thursday, November 28

Houston Turkey Dash
The Houston Turkey Dash will include a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Family 1K, or Kids K. New this year will be a handcycling option so everyone can participate. Awards will be given to the top 3 male/female runners for half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Age group awards will be given to the 1st place winner for half marathon, 10K, and 5K, broken down by 10-year age groups. All finishers will receive a commemorative Houston Turkey Dash Finisher's Medal. All skill levels are welcome, and proceeds support five local nonprofits. 6:45 am.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company presents The TurkeyDay5k
The TurkeyDay5k, presented by Saint Arnold Brewing Company and supporting CoolxDad, is an inclusive family-friendly event featuring a 5k Turkey Trot, 10k Turkey Trot, and 1-Mile Family Walk. Participants will enjoy giveaways and get a T-shirt and medal, along with other prizes. Make your Turkey Trot experience even more meaningful by participating in the 2024 CoolxDad Color Box Toy Drive. Spread holiday cheer by bringing a toy to drop off and help brighten the season for kids in need. 7:30 am.

75th Annual H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade
Located in the heart of downtown Houston, this event is one of the oldest Thanksgiving Day parades in the country. Each year, several hundred thousand Houstonians line the streets to cheer on participants. The parade will traverse over 20 city blocks and will feature elaborate floats, colorful marching bands, high-flying balloons, and other uniquely Houston entries. Nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis will lead the parade to honor Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. 9 am.

Friday, November 29

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Notre-Dame Cathedral: An Immersive Experience
At Notre-Dame Cathedral: An Immersive Experience, visitors can step inside a virtual depiction of Paris to experience the entry and interior of the cathedral, as well as the extraordinary effort to restore Notre-Dame after the devastating 2019 fire. In Paris, the iconic Gothic cathedral will reopen to the public on Saturday, December 7. The MFAH is celebrating this historic moment with an immersive experience in the Museum’s spacious Cullinan Hall. Through Sunday, January 5. 11 am.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership presents Holiday Boat Cruise
Buffalo Bayou Partnership will celebrate the season with a festive holiday cruise along Buffalo Bayou. Guests can experience the downtown skyline from the water aboard the holiday-themed pontoon boat, adorned with wintry decorations. As a special treat this year, historic Allen’s Landing will also shine brightly with luminous lights. On the last two weekends, boat tour guests will also experience an up-close view of the new Snow Glow on the Bayou winter installation, organized by Downtown Houston+. Through Sunday, December 29. 11:53 am.

Improv Houston presents Godfrey
While he’s more known these days for doing a killer Steve Harvey impression, Chicago comedian Godfrey has been killing it as a standup for decades now. Godfrey has been seen on stages from New York and Los Angeles to Dubai. Along with his own one-hour special on Comedy Central, Godfrey has onscreen credits which include Zoolander, 30 Rock, Soul Plane, and the TruTV series Upload, where he starred alongside Shaquille O'Neal. 7:30 & 9:45 pm (7 & 9:30 pm Saturday: 7:30 pm Sunday).

Usher in concert
It can’t be denied that Usher has been having a great run as a live performer. You never know who’s gonna show up and join him on-stage: Gary Clark, Jr., Tyrese, Kevin Hart – they’ve all popped up on his latest tour for a surprise guest shot. But the R&B great gives audiences the same interactive love that made his Vegas residency a must-see show, especially when he hits the crowd carrying a bowl full of cherries. Usher will do Friday and Saturday-night shows in support of his new album, Coming Home. 8 pm.

Saturday, November 30

CityCentre presents Holiday in the Plaza
Visit and take photos with Santa and two of his reindeer during Holiday in the Plaza, presented by Sewell Cadillac. Dance to holiday classics with performances by the Houston Show Choir at noon, 2:30, and 4 pm. When Santa is not behind his sleigh, he drives a Cadillac. Help CityCentre spread joy to others and fill Santa’s Cadillac with new, unwrapped toys to be donated in exchange for a complimentary picture with Santa. Guests are encouraged to arrive early as line times may vary for photos with Santa. 11 am.

Houston Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Although it’s not the only Nutcracker game popping off this weekend, Houston Ballet will once again present Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition. After the annual Stahlbaum Christmas party, audiences will embark on a journey through the dazzling Land of Snow to the radiant and jubilant Kingdom of Sweets alongside Clara, Drosselmeyer, and the Prince. They will reunite with the Sugar Plum Fairy amidst the clouds, where true magic unfolds. Through Sunday, December 29. 2 & 7:30 pm (1 & 6:30 pm Sunday).

The Post Oak Hotel presents Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Chalet
Kick off the holiday season in the Post Oak Hotel lobby for a spectacular Christmas tree lighting, including festive beverages and an atmosphere designed for the perfect holiday photos with family and friends. Enjoy musical performances and a special guest appearance from the North Pole. You can also discover the perfect snowy chalet at Stella's Wine Bar. Enjoy a cozy s’mores station while sipping on one of many holiday-themed cocktails or glass of wine. Reserve a table here. Through Thursday, December 31. 5 pm.

Houston Symphony presents "Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto"
Massive in scale and visionary in scope, Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto redefined what a piano concerto could be, reaching dazzling new heights unsurpassed to this day. Piano powerhouse Yefim Bronfman performs the masterpiece in a program also featuring Schubert’s ever-popular Unfinished Symphony. Escape the Black Friday-weekend stress and share beautiful music with family and friends. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

Sunday, December 1

Rice Village presents Farmers Market’s Holiday Bash + 4th Anniversary Celebration
At Rice Village Farmers Market's Holiday Bash + 4th Anniversary Celebration, attendees can meet Santa and snap a picture in one of four holiday-themed, Instagrammable spots. They can also enjoy music from Grandma’s Boyfriends Carolers and a DJ, a craft table, face painter, and holiday vendors. You can also donate a toy or make a monetary donation to Toys for Tots. There will be two Marines onsite collecting these donations. And yes, there will be snow. 9 am.

The Pit Room Memorial presents Houston Texas Gameday Watch Party
The Pit Room is getting into the gameday spirit with a Texans vs. Jaguars watch party at its Memorial location. Open to all ages with free entry, this party will feature appearances from Toro, Texans Cheerleaders, Texans Legends, plus festive decor and more. The Pit Room menu includes a variety of gameday classics in addition to their signature barbecue including chicken wings, brisket egg rolls, pulled pork nachos, BBQ burgers, and wood-grilled hot dogs — perfect for enjoying while watching the game on one of the spot’s 27 flat screen televisions. 11 am.

Ensemble Theatre presents Twelve Ways of Christmas
The Twelve Ways of Christmas reminds viewers that, while the season may mean something different from one person to the next, the true message remains the same. With an eclectic blend of colorful jazz, R&B, and gospel, Twelve Ways guides us to the heart of the most memorable holiday experiences. Love prevails throughout this fusion of fun, joy, loneliness, jealousy and grief with twelve “ways,” including Romantic Christmas, Military Christmas, Family Christmas, and True Christmas. Through Sunday, December 22. 3 pm.

Photo by Richard Carson

H-E-B hosts the annual Thanksgiving parade downtown.

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