Canopy of Trees

Houston has its share of oak-lined streets and North Boulevard, just outside the Museum District is one such place.

None Shall Pass

With works displayed in both international airports and used car lots, conceptual artists Jack Massing and Michael Galbreath, otherwise known as The Art Guys, have been making their mark since they met in 1983 while attending the University of Houston.

14 ft. tall and made of metal, wood and polyurethane, these two big guys, simply titled “The Giant Art Guys” have been standing guard at the Clark Motors used car lot on N. Shepherd since 1998.

X Marks the Spot

Unfortunately... not for something good.

This mature tree within the Houston Arboretum is marked for removal. Even with the recent rains, several hundred trees did not survive this past summer's drought and now need to be taken down for public safety.

More Of the Same

Continuing from yesterday's post, it's really difficult to believe these trails are just a mere 5 miles from downtown and 3 miles from the bustling Galleria area.

Walk On the Wild Side

With five miles of trails through 155 acres of urban woodlands located on the western edge of Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum provides visitors with a natural escape deep inside the city limits.

While most people might look to take a walkabout with their camera during the springtime, I ventured out recently on a cool rainy morning.

Another Man's Junk...

Is another man’s footwear.

Located in the city’s fourth ward, the Texas Junk Co. has been entertaining locals for over 20 years. I say entertain, because it’s not only a re-sale store, but rather an experience. Well known to being home to around 1000 used boots, it is also a collection on old picture frames, broom sticks and assorted other bits of vintage oddities. They don’t take credit cards and are only opened on Friday and Saturday, but you still might want to call ahead as owner Robert Novotney just might have decided to take the weekend off.

Holiday Traditions

Last year, the Heights location of Jenni’s Noodle House displayed a not so traditional Christmas display of hot pink trees. This year, street artist, ack! used his talents to bring us this not so traditional winter scene.

Needless to say... Jenni's traditions are a little different than mine.

Wrapping Overload

It seems gifts aren’t the only thing getting wrapped, as you can see from this traffic sign.

While I’ve read about the urban phenomenon known as “yarn bombing”, I have never seen it first hand.

Until now.

Not To Be Outdone...

By yesterday's photo, Market Square also has a tree outside for our viewing pleasure.

Only Four More...

Shopping days till Christmas.

So... let's combine three levels of Galleria shopping, a 3-story Christmas tree AND an ice rink.

I think that about covers it all.

Taking It To The Streets

Almost all office buildings will decorate their lobbies for the holidays, but few people other than those that work there can enjoy them.

Kudos to the Wells Fargo Plaza in downtown who has placed their tree outside, so all passerby can enjoy.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like...

Christmas Ale!!!

As I talked about HERE, Saint Arnold’s Brewery puts out some excellent craft beers, and one of my favorites is their Christmas Ale. Unfortunately, it’s a seasonal brew and will soon be gone until next year, but until then... just like the glass reads:

"Merry Christmas To All... And To All A Good Pint!"

Art By Any Other Name...

Is still art.

Right?

These balloons are drawing attention to the recently opened Cueto James Art Gallery in the Heights. Simple... yet clever.

Return Visit

I discussed the Williams Waterwall a few days ago. Did I mention it was a poplar place for portrait opportunities? I thought so.

Rest and Reflect

I have always found cemeteries fascinating places to wander through. I’m weird that way.

While some cemeteries provide incredible monuments to past lives, others provide a simpler means of remembrance. This terrace and fountain located within Woodlawn Cemetery provide just that.

Keep the Heart Beating

"A Symbol of Excellence" stands outside the Denton A. Cooley Building of the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Created Ted McKinney, the 7-foot tall granite sculpture expressed his gratitude for the care that he and his daughter had received as heart surgery patients at the Institute.

A Touch of Winter

With the temperatures predicted to reach the mid-seventies today, the closet thing I can bring to the proper season is today's image.

Located on the edge of River Oaks Park, this small statue entitled "Winter" unfortunately does nothing towards sending us more seasonal weather.

Wall of Water

The Williams Waterwall, part of the Williams Tower (featured HERE) complex has become one of Houston’s must see tourist destinations, as well as a popular photo opportunity for locals. 64 feet tall to represent the 64 floors of Williams Tower the Waterwall and its adjacent park, lined with 118 Live Oak trees is open to the public between 10 AM and 10 PM.

Ramp It Up

A little bit of Texas Pride shows up in some of the strangest places. This one is imbedded in the wall of the I-45 Contraflow exit ramp just as you near downtown.

Give Peace A Chance...

Maybe not as eloquently put as John Lennon, but this tile captures the same sentiment. Student created tiles like this one adorn the columns that lead into the School at Saint George, featured in yesterday’s post.

From the mouth of babes…

Jett's Garden

A somewhat somber post for today.

In October of 2008, 4-year old Jett Ogansoy was struck by a car while he and his mother crossed the street walking towards his school. Unfortunately, he did not survive.

This statue of him holding an airplane, fitting because his father was a pilot, is the centerpiece of a rose garden built in his memory at the School at Saint George.

At The Crossroads

North. South. East. West.

From this Fifth Ward vantage point it seems these rail track have all the routes covered.

When Bricks Become Canvas

Located in the Sixth Ward just outside of downtown is this mural created by MECA. Using the back wall of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, MECA has created a wonderful backdrop for the parish's gathering area.

W Shapes

Some use them for construction.

Mark Di Suvero used them to create his "Bygones" piece located across the street from the Menil Collection.

I Might Have Mentioned This Before

I like beer…

and we, as Houstonians, are fortunate enough to have the oldest craft beer brewery in Texas in our midst. St. Arnold’s Brewery has been producing some of my favorite adult beverages for over 17 years. Today’s image is of the entry to their relatively new home, a refurbished 3-story brick warehouse that was originally constructed in 1914. Allowing them to expand their production, the new surroundings also includes a larger beer hall, where one can sample their wares after taking one of their tours.

Cheers!

To the Moon

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has long put its mark on the greater Houston area. Since 1961 the Johnson Space Center, formally the Manned Space Center, has been housed in the southern most part of the city and is the home for the United States astronaut corps. Commonly referred to as Mission Control it has been the center for manned spaced flight since Project Gemini and houses NASA’s scientific and medical research programs.

All Wrapped Up In...

Branches.

The low hanging limbs of this live oak tree provide a unique shading for this bench in River Oaks Park.

Hope Springs Eternal

Just outside the Museum of Natural History is Charles Umlauf's sculpture entitled "Hope of Humanity".

Does it give you hope?

A Continuing Theme

Columns and arches. Something about them always catch my eye. These are at the entry to Town Green Park in the Woodlands.

Others were seen HERE and HERE

December Theme Day - Action Shot

This month's theme for the City Daily Photo community is Action Shot.

This might not be your “typical” action shot, but it captures the entrance to Tranquility Park in downtown, where Occupy Houston has set up camp. Regardless of your beliefs or political affiliation, there is no doubt that these people have definitely taken action.


Click here to view thumbnails for all participants