With more than 220-miles of pathways to walk, run, and cycle along, The Woodlands Township has now also installed four new unique Art Benches to stop, rest and simply enjoy the beautiful nature that is iconic to our community. The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) unveiled the new, easily accessible benches this past December with two in Northshore Park, one at Town Green Park, and another at Rob Fleming Park-Pond.
“The four new benches are in places people can go to enjoy and be inspired. Each unique, creative bench is a special collaboration between the underwriter’s desire and the artist’s vision,” said Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director and CEO of TWAC. “Collaboration makes community, and this is an opportunity to build community and legacy. A lot of our benches are given in memory of a loved one, making them especially touching. They are a special part of The Woodlands.”
TWAC announces the opportunity to underwrite a new bench every two years. Artists from across the country submit proposals and the funds raised through the underwriting, which are between $15,000 to $25,000 per bench dependent on location, benefit TWAC’s outreach programs.
“Brow Ridge,” underwritten by Amy Cope-Gibbs and Jon Gibbs and located in Rob Fleming Park-Pond, is designed by artist Cricket Forge to offer a serene retreat near the water, a calming atmosphere to allow visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in all the languages nature speaks. Made from welded steel, it captures the Gibbs’ vision of “evoking the experience of sitting on an old stump or enjoying a picnic atop a smooth boulder found on a hike.”
“Critter Creature” celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Young Learners Academy’s “Giving Back” campaign which focuses on supporting the community that has stood by them over the years. The Woodlands Young Learners Academy underwrote the colorful and vibrant bench at Northshore Park to spark curiosity and creativity in children. “’Critter Creature’ is a friend in the park, a character in a story being written in the imagination of young and old park-goers, and a canvas for the creative curiosity of the children making their way to the nearby playground and water’s edge,” explains artist Jake Heffington who created the bench along with artists Emily Fielder and Liz Braaksma.
Artist Jonathon Chandler’s “Flight to the Sun” was underwritten by Tawna Kingsley as a heartfelt tribute to Jon D. Kingsley, Sr. to honor the life of “a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, an engineer, a pilot and boat captain who inspired many.” Located in Northshore park, surrounded by trees and overlooking the water, the artist fulfilled the Kingsley family’s vision of a lasting tribute to legacy and inspiration with the larger-than-life work that envisions a jet flying towards heaven. “This would be a place where the kids could be close to him and feel his presence,” shared Tawna Kingsley.
“Windswept Oak,” also created by artist Jonathon Chandler, incorporates his signature use of found and recycled materials. “We have a responsibility to protect the earth, so I use recycled materials whenever possible,” he explained. Underwriters Rob and Cindy Hardin’s vision to share the sense of hope and fulfillment they experienced when they arrived in The Woodlands – dreams that they have realized over the years – is captured in the bench located in Town Green Park. With a full view of the waterway, it embodies the feelings of serenity, connection to nature and a deep sense of community.
Including the four new pieces, there are 32 Art Benches located throughout The Woodlands as part of the Public Art Collection which also includes sculptures, murals and bike racks. A complete list of the Collection, along with pictures and map, is located on the TWAC’s website www.TheWoodlandsArtsCouncil.org. The site also includes more information about the participating artists and their inspirations.
The Public Art Benches are “one of the pieces that makes The Woodlands different from all other communities, said John Powers with The Woodlands Township as part of the short documentary, “Love & Legacy: The Art Bench Project.” “They are one of the things that makes this one of the greatest communities in the country.”