Fun Starts Thursday
Art Car, it's not just a parade anymore: Your guide to a 10-day orgy of rocking,wacky wheels
Art Car Parade Retro 1986 is an exhibition by photographer George Hixsonchronicling the events of the first parade in 1986 — on view at MKT Bar atPhoenicia downtown.
Art cars new for 2012 will be on display at the Sneak Peek at Discovery Green.In addition to live music by the Houston Blues Society and children'sactivities, Art Car: The Movie will screen on the hill.
Printmaker Dennis McNett is known for his large 3-D art pieces. This year marksthe first time he will put together an art car, with the help of Burning BonesPress. He will speak about his progress at the Art Car Museum.
It's time to start those engines: The count down to the annual Art Car Parade has begun.
With less than two weeks before the wacky rustbuckets sashay down the asphalt runways of downtown Houston, the buzz is octane-high for the motorized fashion show that's turning 25 years old this month.
Sure, you could wait until May 12 to partake in Houston's kooky tradition. But why not make a pit spot at one or all of the many events leading up to the zoom-zoom procession and lend a helping hand by telling all your friends and family about what's on tap?
Below is CultureMap's list of what's going on where, from sneak peek gatherings to block parties with free beer to artist talks, exhibitions and an anything-goes soiree.
First Thursday at Mid Main
The group of local retailers, merchants and restaurateurs around the 3600 and 3700 blocks of Main Street at Alabama in Midtown are joining forces to raise funds for the parade's organizer. From 5 to 10 p.m., a block party with free beer courtesy of Real Ale Brewery live music, tango lessons, artist demos and hair bang trims will rally the masses.
Five percent of sales from Natachee's Supper N Punch, Tacos A Go-Go, The Continental Club, My Flaming Heart, Sig's Lagoon, Kat’s Meow, Big Kats barber shop and salon, Tango Cielo, Double Trouble Caffeine and Cocktails and GoodPop will benefit the Orange Show for Visionary Art.
Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Admission is free.
Artist Reception and Exhibition: Art Car Parade Retro 1986 by George Hixson at Phoenicia's MKT Bar
Travel back in time to the first ever parade in 1986 with images captured by photographer George Hixson. At the reception, the first band to play at the inaugural Art Car Ball appends musical context to snapshots of the art cars of yesteryear. If you like what you see, dish out cash and take a photo home as 50 percent of the proceeds from art sales will be donated to the Orange Show.
Friday, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
Uptown Park Art Car Preview Show
Alongside 10 art cars on display at Uptown Park, guests will nosh on goodies from Champps Americana, McCormick & Schmick's, My Fit Foods and Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Dennis McNett Artist Talk at the Art Car Museum
Here's the thing about New York-based printmaker Dennis McNett: He's into Texas-sized mythical 3D art pieces. In the past, he has crafted a series of man powered Viking ships and train wagons. With the help of Burning Bones Press, McNett put together his first art car.
May 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Art Car Ball at the Orange Show
An untamed, wild and risqué fete, the Art Car Ball is the legendary costumed social orgy where even the refined run amok and body paint is acceptable couture. The legendary bash is rocked by performances from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Folk Family Revival, The Tyburn Jig, Poor Pilate, Benjamin Wesley, Graham 14's Electric Swing and Kiki Maroon's Sordid Sideshow — and food and cocktails by chef David Cordúa.
What to wear? The suggested attire is: Artrageous glistening art car freak fashion finery — try saying that five times in a row.
May 10, 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Main Street Drag
What art car artist David Best started as a spur-of-the-moment pre-parade convoy has mushroomed into eight routes that visit schools, hospitals and community centers in an effort to bring the parade to the people. Check this website for routes and scheduled stops.
May 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free.
Sneak Peek at Discovery Green
A brigade of art cars new for 2012 will take over Discovery Green at this family-friendly event. In addition to live music by the Houston Blues Society and children's activities, Art Car: The Movie will screen on the hill.
May 11, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is free.
25th Annual Houston Art Car Parade
The parade might not get rolling until 1 p.m., but the party begins many hours prior to the 300 cars start their engines. Besides, getting there early ensures that you'll have an easier time finding parking, and viewing spot alongside Allen Parkway between Waugh and Bagby. Better yet, ride your bike.
The revelry begins at 9 a.m. with a Starting Line Party where the participants aren't shy about partaking in impromptu street dance parties. At 11 a.m., the main event is at Eleanor Tinsley Park with tunes by The Tontons and Portal Walker and an art exhibit by Contemporary Arts Museum Houston's Teen Council.
The parade lasts two hours and it's free to attend. For a VIP experience, pay $125 for admission to the VIPit Party at the The Heritage Society for shaded bleacher seating, family activities, free parking and free food and drinks from Berryhill, Elevation Burger, Fuddruckers, Gigi's Asian Bistro, GoodPop, James Coney Island, Jim Benton Catering, La Fisheria, Natachee's, Tacos A Go-Go and Whole Foods.
Awards Ceremony Brunch
Open to art car artists and their families, the event hails everyone who had a part in making the parade a success. More than $20,000 in prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges composed of artists, donors, historians, administrators and automobile experts.
