It's Time

And don't you think it's about time to change the building rendering on this blog's masthead so that Dick Wray's tower is part of the picture?

Celebration

November 4 was Celebration Day for the twelve artists who created 'artful interventions' for the new Houston Permitting Center.

A year ago, these twelve artists took a first look at 1002 Washington Avenue, touring the construction site and then moving on to The Last Concert for margaritas. This time, we met in a building open for business.

We got to visit again with the folks who supported us through the process of making art for this very public and very green building: Houston Arts Alliance, Studio Red Architects, Manhattan Construction Co., City of Houston General Services and staff from the Mayor's office.

It did indeed 'take a village' to transform this 85 year old brick warehouse into a facility that houses 750 city employees and is now tracking for a LEEDs gold sustainability rating. The City of Houston aimed high with this project. 1002 Washington Avenue is unique in Houston.

Mayor Annise Parker joined the celebration with partner Cathy Hubbard and one of their daughters and daughter's best friend.

Yes, there were speeches, yes, there was time to meet spouses and friends of the artists and yes, there was wine and good food and yes, there was even a self guided tour brochure designed especially for the occasion.

Thanks to all who made the speeches and served the wine. Special thanks to HAA, Manhattan and Studio Red for underwriting the celebration.

Enough words. Here are the pictures.