True Texas Beauty


May 26, 2023
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Behold breathtaking painted landscapes from deep in the heart of Texas, when The Art of Texas State Parks opens May 26

HOUSTON, TX—A magnificent aerial view of nighthawks in mid-flight overlooking the expansive Franklin Mountains. A mesmerizing vista of sprawling trees occupying a lush forest. A majestic mission with tolling bells set in its serene surroundings. These are just some of the extraordinary visual creations that visitors will experience in a new exhibit celebrating the diverse and natural beauty of Texas, and the centennial celebration of Texas State Parks, when The Art of Texas State Parks opens at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) on May 26.

With an abundance of Texas talent on display, The Art of Texas State Parks was developed as a way to increase public awareness of the state’s parklands and heighten their popular appeal. The special exhibition took several years to plan: more than 30 state parks are featured in these elegant and inspired works, that were commissioned especially for the centennial celebration, from 30 of the most celebrated artists from across the state. Sweeping landscapes, historical monuments, and diverse wildlife, all native to Texas, are celebrated with striking oil, acrylic, and watercolor renderings.

“We hope that in displaying these extraordinary pieces, visitors will be inspired to get out, and enjoy and explore the stunning natural landscapes we’re fortunate to have right in our backyards,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Executive Director David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. “We are grateful for the collaboration that is bringing The Art of Texas State Parks to museums across Texas, spreading the message about these natural treasures that belong to us all.”

The special exhibition was created out of a partnership between TPWD, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. Additional support is provided by H-E-B. The project also includes a commemorative book published by Texas A&M Press, with sales proceeds benefiting Texas State Parks through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

“It is our fervent hope that these works of art will inspire present and future generations of Texans to forever appreciate and protect their parks,” said Andrew Sansom, co-author of the commemorative book and founder of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University.

Participating artists include: Randy Bacon (Abilene); Mary Baxter (Marfa); David Caton (Utopia); Charles Criner (Houston); Margie Crisp (Elgin); Ric Dentinger (San Antonio/Santa Fe NM); Fidencio Duran (Austin); Janet Eager Krueger (Encinal); Joel Edwards (Waco); Malou Flato (Austin); Gordon Fowler (Austin); Pat Gabriel (Fort Worth); David Griffin (Lubbock/ Dallas); Brian Grimm (Fredericksburg); Clemente Guzman (San Antonio); Karl E. Hall (Houston); John Austin Hanna (Fredericksburg); Billy Hassell (Fort Worth); Hailey Herrera (Bryan); Lee Jamison (Huntsville); Denise Mahlke (Whitehouse); Jim Malone (Fort Worth); Talmage Minter (Waco); William Montgomery (Elgin); Kermit Oliver (Waco); Noe Perez (Corpus Christi); Jeri Salter (Hutto); Jim Stoker (San Antonio); Bob Stuth-Wade (Dublin); and Terri Wells (Austin).

The Art of Texas State Parks opens May 26 at HMNS. Entrance into the exhibition is included with a general admission ticket. Visit HMNS.org for tickets and information.

About Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science—one of the nation’s most heavily attended museums—is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and George Observatory and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.

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The Houston Museum of Natural Science

One of the nation's most heavily attended museums-is a centerpiece of the Houston Museum District. With four floors of permanent exhibit halls, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium, and George Observatory, and as host to world-class and ever-changing touring exhibitions, the Museum has something to delight every age group. With such diverse and extraordinary offerings, a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive in the heart of the Museum District, is always an adventure.

Visit HMNS.org


Media Information Sami Mesarwi Melodie Wade

Our Mission

The mission of the Houston Museum of Natural Science shall be to preserve and advance the general knowledge of natural science; to enhance in individuals the knowledge of and delight in natural science and related subjects; and to maintain and promote a museum of the first class.

HMNS at Hermann Park

5555 Hermann Park Dr.
Houston,Texas 77030
(713) 639-4629


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HMNS at Sugar Land

13016 University Blvd.
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
(281) 313-2277


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George Observatory

21901 FM 762 Rd.
Needville, Texas 77461
(281) 242-3055


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