The Art Guys took democracy by storm with a special presentation at this week's city council meeting titled There Ought to Be a Law — the latest installment of the Houston duo's year-long 30th anniversary series 12 Events.
After patiently waiting through several proclamations and an extended discussion on METRO bus service, Art Guy Michael Galbreth addressed the body with a dozen or so suggested pieces of legislation. Due to "security reasons," city officials would only permit one person at the podium at a time. Fellow Art Guy and apparent security risk Jack Massing stood nearby in the audience as his collaborator spoke.
"There ought to be a law that would change everyone's mind," Galbreth announced to city council members, several of whom listened intently before the list reached a ban on concealed feather dusters and dogs playing cards. Each council member as well as Mayor Annise Parker were given official printed copies of the speech.
"This was a great chance to inject a little art into city council," Massing told CultureMap.
"We're both strong believers in the power of art to affect change," Galbreth added. "As corny as it may sound, city council is filled with the people we've elected to change things. It seemed to make sense to go straight to the source, even though our laws will get passed when pigs fly."
So for now, it looks like we're on our own to deal with city's canine gambling problem.
Click here to watch the full speech on the HTV.
The Art Guys took to Tuesday's city council meeting for their latest project in their 12 Events anniversary series.
