art in the east end

Houston's East End makes a splash with 4 vibrant new murals

Houston’s East End is home to charming mini-neighborhoods and bars, and now, it’s becoming one of the city’s top public art attractions. The East End District has unveiled four new murals to the neighborhood, created in collaboration with local businesses, art curators Up Art Studio, and the East End Houston Cultural District.

This new addition makes more than 50 mural sites along the walls and sidewalks of the 16-square-mile area just east of BBVA Stadium in Downtown Houston, according to a press release. In 2014, the Texas Commission of the Arts designated the area as a Cultural District.

Here is a rundown and description of the four new murals, provided by the district:

“Optimism Starts With You”
This mural is created by East End-based muralist and artist GONZO247 and is located at 2219 Canal St. The work is a joint venture between Frost Bank, CultureMap Houston, and Triten Real Estate Partners. The East End District assisted with the site selection.

Magnolia Park Mini Mural
Created by local artist Sylvia Blanco, this mural is located at the intersection of 75th Street and Harrisburg Boulevard. This colorful mural represents the traditional Mexican embroidery often found on huipiles (Mexican dresses). This artwork was made in partnership with UP Art Studio and funded by the East End Houston Cultural District (with support from the City of Houston and Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs through the Houston Arts Alliance).

“Gateway to Gus Wortham”
The mural was created by artist and muralist Armando Castelan and is available to the public on the northwest side of the intersection of Wayside Drive and I-45.

Second Ward Mini Mural
Castelan also created this mural, which depicts historical scenes from the Second Ward community. Located at the intersection of York and Navigation, this mural was made in partnership with UP Art Studio and was funded by the East End Houston Cultural District (with support from the City of Houston and Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs the Houston Arts Alliance).

Locals can learn more about all murals residing in the East End via the official site, or by using the new UP Art Studio website. The new site provides a virtual tour of murals throughout the Greater Houston area.

“It is very satisfying to know that my art is being used to enhance the area,” said participating artist, Castelan, in a statement. “I enjoyed meeting some of the locals while painting. They were appreciative of the art and imagery created.”

"Optimism Starts with You" by Gonzo 247.

Photo by Dan Joyce

"Optimism Starts with You" by Gonzo 247.

city-news-roundup urban-renewal

the next 60 years

Houston's Jones Hall completes 5-year, $67.5 million renovation

Courtesy of Houston First

Mayor John Whitmire issued a proclamation celebration Jones Hall's 60th anniversary.

Fans of Houston’s performing arts groups have a reason to celebrate. Jones Hall, home to the Houston Symphony and Performing Arts Houston has completed a five-year, $67.5 million renovation project.

Virtually every component of the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts has been enhanced as part of the renovations. Improvements to the performance hall include:

New seating and additional aisle
Acoustical improvements including new sidewalls, orchestra shell, and forestage reflector
Refinished stage floor and new grand curtain

In addition, the lobby has been reconfigured, the restrooms have been expanded, and the Green Room has been expanded and relocated. Other changes include a new roof, new elevators, and upgraded HVAC. All of these will benefit both attendees at the dozens of performances the venue hosts every year.

Jones Hall 60th anniversary dedication City officials and others attended the ceremony. Courtesy of Houston First

“Jones Hall has been at the center of Houston’s performing arts community for six decades, and this investment ensures it will remain there well into the future,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement. “I’m pleased to see Houstonians come together to help preserve this important arts space.”

The Foundation for Jones Hall and Houston First Corporation teamed up to raise the money necessary to perform the renovations, which have been completed in time for the venue’s 60th anniversary. As CultureMap’s Joel Luks noted in May, the original renovation plan was for a less ambitious, $25 million project. As a result of the more thorough project, “the result is a reimagined Jones Hall with enhanced patron spaces, improved sound quality, updated backstage operations, additional lounges and restrooms, and expanded accommodations for guests with disabilities,” Luks wrote.

“Great cities invest in the institutions and public spaces that bring people together,” said Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First. “Jones Hall has done that for Houston for 60 years. With this transformation complete, we are excited about what the next 60 years will bring.”

performing-arts downtown jones hall