—————————————————— ''James Surls: American Institute of Architects Houston 2012 Artist of the Year Exhibit'' | Calendar | Houston | Houston Press | The Leading Independent News Source in Houston, Texas

''James Surls: American Institute of Architects Houston 2012 Artist of the Year Exhibit''

James Surls, iconic Texas expressionist sculptor and the father of Lawndale Alternative Arts Space, is without question a part of Houston's cultural landscape. His tender Standing Vase with Five Flowers metal sculpture appears to sway in the breeze at the southeast side's Gragg Park. His 25-foot spiky yet flowery Points of View puts a distinct exclamation point in downtown's Market Square Park. So it was fitting that he should have been named American Institute of Architects Houston 2012 Artist of the Year, an honor that comes with the appropriately titled ''James Surls: American Institute of Architects Houston 2012 Artist of the Year Exhibit.''

''When we name an artist of the year, we typically choose an artist who has done work that enhances and influences the architecture, around,'' explains Rusty Bienvenue, AIA Houston’s executive director. ''Mr. Surls's monumental sculptures in and around Houston have done just that. From the sculpture that has been in Market Square Park for many years to…the new sculpture that will be installed soon on Kirby Drive, Mr. Surls's work has had a profound effect on Houston.'' The exhibit includes several modestly sized pieces representing ''the range of work from Mr. Surls's career,'' Bienvenue adds.

There's an opening reception with the artist at 5:30 p.m. June 13. Regular viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Through July 19. 315 Capitol. For information, call 713-520-0155 or visit aiahouston.org. Free.
Mondays-Fridays. Starts: June 18. Continues through July 19, 2013

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Nancy Ford
Contact: Nancy Ford