Our sculptures in The Woodlands are all placed with purpose, created and curated for their specific location and each with its own story. It was part of George Mitchell’s original vision to have a community rich with public art, and with almost 90 pieces to date, his vision continues to be enjoyed and embraced!
Over the next year, we will explore the wealth of sculptural public art in our community and delve into the stories behind them.
This month we look at popular sculptures in prominent areas of The Woodlands, representing our art loving community.
Upon entering The Woodlands, on the right-hand side of Woodlands Parkway, there is a herd of bronze deer, a welcome party to our natural environment. “The Woodlands Whitetails” have often been mistaken for the real deal! Sculptor, Curtis Zabel, created the installation of the 7 bronze whitetail deer for The Woodlands and it was placed in 2001. Zabel, a sculptor who is inspired by nature and his western heritage, has a lengthy portfolio of exemplary works exhibited nationwide.
Continuing along Woodlands Parkway, we see “The Rise of The Midgard Serpent”, semi submerged in Lake Woodlands, this sculpture made from welded and painted up-cycled steel, is the work of sculptor Marc Rosenthal. It was installed before Lake Woodlands was filled with water and was unveiled during the “party at the bottom of the lake” in 1985. Due to its location, this sculpture changes its appearance in response to the elements and is regularly repainted in its original vibrant greens and reds. However, the lakes bird population utilize the serpent as a perch and create their own finish, giving it a different organic look. Both are spectacular, nature has a unique way of interacting with environmental art.
On the median located at Woodlands Parkway and West Panther Creek Dr., we are privileged to enjoy “The Dreamer”. Created in 1989 by sculptor David Phelps, “The Dreamer” was created from a wax bronze casting process. The Dreamer is one of three, the others reside in Santa Fe, N.M., and Philadelphia, P.A. “The Dreamer” means different things to different viewers, perhaps it’s the dream of living a life surrounded by nature, or time to rest, or perhaps the realization of a dream?
The next time you pass by one of our wonderful sculptures, take a minute to think about what it represents to you, and to our community. It’s a luxury to have such a considerable, and growing collection on our doorstep, where art and nature blend.