Smither Park

Parque Smither

Smither Park

2441 Munger Street

Houston, TX 77023



Smither Park is a creative urban space created to honor self-taught art. The Park features the Lindley Fish Amphitheater, the Vinson & Elkins Pavilion, the Burguires, Hinton & Mathre Swings, the Marilyn Oshman Meditation Garden, an elaborate marble roll tower, and a sprawling 400-ft memory wall. This mosaic covered park is fabricated from recycled materials and designed by more than 300 local artists.



https://www.orangeshow.org/about-smither-park

Creator: Justin Patera

Area: Houston / Third Ward-MacGregor

Contributor: Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

Source: Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

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Uploaded by: Allison Saenz

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

Smither Park: Abstract Character

Parque Smither: Carácter abstracto

Smither Park: Abstract Character



2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023



The components of this design are mainly three and the colors represent a division between the past, the present and the future. The first component is the guitar representing the music, which creates unity between people from different cultures, backgrounds and even ages. The second element is the character with the reaching arm. He is standing in the present, trying to reach the future but still looking at the past. And lastly the clock, there to remind us the importance of not being slaves of the time by giving ourselves entirely to the present. By accepting the former situation there is no space for suffering or unhappiness.



https://smitherpark.wordpress.com/abstract-character/

Creator: Nancy Rivera

Area: Houston / Third Ward-MacGregor

Contributor: Enrique Del Valle

Source: Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

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Uploaded by: Allison Saenz

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

Anything Is Possible

Todo es posible

Anything is Possible



Smither Park (Location: Memory Wall section 4, no. 35)

2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023



Corazon has been developing her artwork since she was a child in Mexico. Her mother, Dr. Ivonne Govea, was a pupil of master muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros and collaborated with many artists, including sculptor Octavio Ponzanelli. Corazon learned many techniques she still uses today from observing these artists. These skills, along with inspirations from nature, other cultures and her family, translate into her work. Corazon has been quoted as saying: “My artwork is an interpretation of a parallel universe in which the emotions overcome the reality of average circumstances. When people view my artwork I like them to connect to my understanding, in the exchange of the conception they perceive towards my artwork.”



https://smitherpark.wordpress.com/anything-is-possible/

Creator: Corazon Rodriguez

Area: Houston / Third Ward-MacGregor

Contributor: Enrique Del Valle

Source: Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

Source: Media

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Uploaded by: Allison Saenz

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

Aztec Warrior

Parque Smither

Aztec Warrior



Smither Park (Memory Wall, Section 5)

2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023



Smither Park is a creative urban space that includes a sprawling 400-ft memory wall - adorned with elaborate mosaic work created out of recycled and found materials and designed by local artists as well as community members interested in exploring their own creative potential. Over 300 individuals have contributed to the colorful and whimsical permanent pieces of art at Smither Park. Inspired by the Orange Show's philosophy of promoting and sustaining self-taught art, the mosaic-covered park serves as a testimony to the vibrancy and creativity of the city of Houston.



Juan Vargas began this mosaic with Eddie Morroquin in 2011 but passed away before being able to complete it. Artists John Gregory and Connie Carruthers took it to completion.



https://www.orangeshow.org/about-smither-park

Creator: Eddie Marroquin and Juan Vargas, with John Gregory and Connie Carruthers

Area: Houston / Third Ward-MacGregor

Contributor: Eddie Morroquin and Juan Vargas

Source: Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

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Uploaded by: Allison Saenz

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

The Gulf of Mexico Dance Floor

La pista de baile del Golfo de México

The Gulf of Mexico Dance Floor



Smither Park

2441 Munger St., Houston, TX 77023



Frightened ocean sea life is seen here running for their lives away from the giant Angler Fish depicted in the Amphitheater as he opens his mouth wide! In the corner, Hurricane Stephanie (a reference to Stephanie Smither) churns the waters of the Gulf, casting her magic spells as a “constructive force” at Smither Park. Further out, colorful sailboats lead the way from the Gulf through the bay as this sidewalk joins with The Bayous.



https://smitherpark.wordpress.com/gulf-of-mexico/

Creator: Jesse Sifuentes

Area: Houston / Third Ward-MacGregor

Contributor: Enrique Del Valle

Source: Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

Source: https://www.orangeshow.org/about-smither-park

Related: https://www.orangeshow.org/about-smither-park

Uploaded by: Allison Saenz

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

Smither Park: To the Moon

Parque Smither: Hasta la Luna

Smither Park: To the Moon



2441 Munger St., Houston, TX 77023



This panel is a homage to Houston’s contributions to space travel.



https://www.orangeshow.org/smither-park-to-the-moon

Creator: Scottie Martinez and Steve Saldierna

Area: Houston / Third Ward-MacGregor

Contributor: Enrique Del Valle

Source: Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

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Uploaded by: Allison Saenz

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies

Talk Talk Talk

Habla, habla, habla

Smither Park: Talk Talk Talk (2017)



2441 Munger St., Houston, TX 77023



Grackles are loud and curious black birds that populate Smither Park. Often during construction of nearby installations, their raucous calls would drown out all other conversations! Pictured here using black angular designs, these vocal observers continue to grace the park.



https://smitherpark.wordpress.com/talk-talk-talk/

Creator: Jesse Sifuentes

Area: Houston / Third Ward-MacGregor

Contributor: Smither Park

Source: Center for Mexican American Studies

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Uploaded by: Allison Saenz

Copyright status: In copyright

Center for Mexican American & Latino/a Studies