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Exposición del 22 de octubre de 2020 al 23 de abril de 2021 Buffalo Bayou Park

HOUSTON, TX, 3 de septiembre de 2020. Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) tiene el placer de presentar Estructuras Monumentales, una importante exposición de esculturas al aire libre de la artista de 105 años de edad Carmen Herrera (nacida en La Habana, Cuba, en 1915). Con la presentación de cuatro esculturas creadas recientemente, que la artista concibió hace casi cinco décadas, Estructuras Monumentales es la primera exposición pública del arte de Carmen Herrera en Houston, y es tan solo la segunda vez que estas obras de gran formato se muestran a nivel mundial. Organizada en colaboración con Public Art Fund, una entidad sin fines de lucro de la ciudad de Nueva York, Estructuras Monumentales se presentó por primera vez en el City Hall Park de Manhattan en 2019. Esta importante exposición es una reseña de la artista que ofrece al público de Houston una experiencia impactante e invita a la reflexión a la vez que rinde homenaje a la completa variedad de la obra de Carmen Herrera en tres dimensiones.

La artista, radicada en Nueva York, es conocida por sus vibrantes pinturas geométricas abstractas, y comenzó a concebir la serie Estructuras —la manifestación física de su pintura en tres dimensiones— en los años sesenta. Las estructuras de aluminio resultantes se caracterizan por sus intensas líneas y formas, con vivos colores monocromáticos. Con un tamaño desde los 7 pies de alto hasta los 12 pies de ancho, las esculturas de colores llenarán de vida Buffalo Bayou Park a una escala monumental. Las vívidas esculturas de color rojo, azul, verde y blanco se encuentran en Fondren Foundation Meadow, y se trata de la segunda exposición temporal de arte en este lugar, tras la presentación en 2019 de la instalación New Monuments for New Cities, (Nuevos monumentos para nuevas ciudades), un proyecto artístico de colaboración pública que organizaron BBP y High Line Network.

La exposición de Estructuras, de Carmen Herrera, en Houston, forma parte de la conmemoración del quinto aniversario de Buffalo Bayou Park. Durante todo el mes de octubre, BBP ofrecerá una variedad de eventos virtuales e instalaciones de arte que destacarán la manera en la que este emblemático espacio verde urbano inspira la creatividad y la innovación. Esta exposición tiene una especial consonancia con el aniversario del parque, ya que se suman cuatro de las esculturas de Carmen Herrera, complementadas por una quinta y emblemática obra existente, Large Spindle Piece (Gran pieza en forma de huso), de Henry Moore (1969), que se encuentra situada de manera permanente en el centro de este espacio. Los carteles de esta exposición estarán tanto en inglés como en español, y se organizarán programas para el público mientras se exhiba la muestra.

“Tenemos el honor de presentar esta exposición de Carmen Herrera, una de las artistas contemporáneas más importantes del mundo, y de colaborar con Public Art Fund y el MFAH (Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston) para rendir homenaje al legado de la artista”, afirmó Judy Nyquist, miembro de la Junta Directiva de BBP y copresidente del Comité de Arte Público de la organización. “Como este es un espacio del parque que goza de gran visibilidad, miles de habitantes de Houston tendrán la oportunidad de admirar estas obras e inspirarse con ellas de manera gratuita en un entorno al aire libre que es atractivo para todos”.

Ángulo Blanco (2017) es la primera Estructura que ha diseñado Carmen Herrera en más de tres décadas. Esta composición dinámica con forma de “V” invertida transmite movimiento y ritmo, a la vez que evoca las abundantes formas de triángulos y diamantes de sus emblemáticas pinturas. Presenta tanto la solidez de un objeto escultórico como la ausencia de gravedad de una figura celestial pura que asciende rumbo a lo alto. Pavana (1967-2017) es una obra solemne y contemplativa que fue concebida originalmente como un dibujo, en 1967, en homenaje al hermano de Carmen Herrera, quien tenía cáncer. Con un título que hace referencia al término musical, una danza de movimientos pausados, Pavana está formada por tres elementos entrelazados de color azul profundo que se alzan con firmeza casi tres metros hacia el cielo y casi tres metros a lo largo del césped. Géminis (1971-2019) se exhibe por primera vez en el mundo en la exposición de Houston. Esta escultura, fabricada recientemente, y Estructura sin título (1962-2018) se basan en diseños históricos desde los años sesenta hasta inicios de los setenta. Ambas obras están compuestas por dos partes entrelazadas o abrazadas que demuestran el delicado equilibrio geométrico, la paleta pura y el atrevido uso del color que caracterizan a Carmen Herrera. Al enmarcar el paisaje circundante e incorporarlo a sus formas, las Estructuras de Carmen Herrera crearán un diálogo fascinante entre las esculturas de aluminio pintado y su entorno natural en el parque.

“En un momento en el que el arte público es más importante que nunca, nos entusiasma colaborar con Buffalo Bayou Partnership para que Estructuras Monumentales, de Carmen Herrera, llegue al público de

Houston”, afirma Daniel S. Palmer, curador de Public Art Fund. “Las esculturas impresionantes de Carmen Herrera encajarán perfectamente en este entorno natural complementado por el paisaje urbano geométrico y vivaz de Houston. Se trata del marco ideal para destacar la obra de Carmen Herrera, una artista eminente que por fin recibe su más que merecido reconocimiento”.

En conjunto con la exposición de Buffalo Bayou Partnership, se exhibirán obras de Carmen Herrera en el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston del 21 de octubre de 2020 al 18 de enero de 2021. Titulada Carmen Herrera: Structuring Surfaces (Carmen Herrera: superficies estructuradas), es la primera exposición que el Museo dedica a la obra de esta artista aclamada a nivel mundial, y presenta más de 30 de sus obras desde los años sesenta hasta la fecha, incluyendo pinturas, dibujos, grabados, estructuras murales y objetos. En la actualidad, hay exposiciones de Carmen Herrera en la Galería Lisson, Nueva York (del 10 de septiembre al 21 de octubre de 2020) y The Perimeter, Londres (del 25 de septiembre al 8 de enero de 2021).

Nacida en Cuba, en 1915, Carmen Herrera se trasladó a París después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, lugar donde trascurrieron los primeros años de su carrera y dónde su práctica adquirió toda su forma. Se instaló de manera permanente en Nueva York en los años cincuenta, aunque a pesar de convertirse en parte del escenario del arte abstracto neoyorkino, su obra fue en gran medida ignorada hasta pasados sus ochenta años de edad. Fiel a la abstracción geométrica pura que desarrolló en el París de la posguerra, en los últimos años ha sido reconocida como una figura de vanguardia de los movimientos del abstracto y el minimalismo. Estructuras Monumentales rinde homenaje a la vasta carrera de Carmen Herrera y a su interés por las formas tridimensionales.

Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales es una exposición con curaduría de Daniel S. Palmer, de Public Art Fund. Public Art Fund presentó esta exposición por primera vez en el City Hall Park de la ciudad de Nueva York entre el 11 de julio y el 8 de noviembre de 2019. La presentación de Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales en Houston fue organizada en colaboración con Buffalo Bayou Partnership y Public Art Fund.

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ACERCA DE LA ARTISTA

Carmen Herrera nació en La Habana, Cuba, en 1915. Se trasladó frecuentemente entre Francia y Cuba durante los años treinta y los años cuarenta. Tras haber iniciado sus estudios de Arquitectura en la Universidad de La Habana, La Habana, Cuba (1938-39), se capacitó en la Liga de Estudiantes de Arte de Nueva York, EE. UU. (1942-43) antes de exponer cinco veces en el Salon des Réalités Nouvelles, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Francia (1949–53). Se instaló en Nueva York en 1954, donde sigue viviendo y trabajando.

La obra de Carmen Herrera fue objeto de una reseña de la artista en una exposición a gran escala en el Museo Whitney de Arte Estadounidense (2016), y más adelante se exhibió en el Centro Wexner para las Artes, Columbus, Ohio (2017) y en el Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen (K20), Düsseldorf, Alemania (2017–2018). Una selección de las pinturas recientes de la artista y Estructuras inauguró el espacio de exposición de 24th Street de la Galería Lisson de Nueva York en mayo de 2016. Carmen Herrera también ha tenido exposiciones individuales en el Museo Pfalzgalerie Kaiserslautern, Alemania (2010), la Galería Ikon, Birmingham, Inglaterra (2009) y el Museo del Barrio, Nueva York (1998). Ha formado parte de muestras

grupales en el Museo de Bellas Artes de Houston (2017); The Underground Museum, Los Ángeles (2017); Haus der Kunst, Múnich, Alemania (2016); el Museo de Arte de Phoenix, Arizona (2013) y el Museo de Arte de Sheldon, Nebraska (2012), entre otros. Su obra fue presentada en la exposición Epic Abstraction: Pollock to Herrera (Abstracción épica: de Pollock a Herrera) en The Met Breuer (2018-19).

ACERCA DE BUFFALO BAYOU PARTNERSHIP

Establecida en 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) es una entidad sin fines de lucro que se dedica a transformar y a revitalizar Buffalo Bayou, el recurso natural más importante de Houston. El enfoque geográfico de la organización abarca el área de 30 kilómetros cuadrados de Buffalo Bayou, que recorre Shepherd Drive, atraviesa el corazón del centro de la ciudad hasta el Sector Este y desemboca en la cuenca de navegación del Puerto de Houston. Gracias al generoso aporte de fundaciones, corporaciones, individuos y organismos gubernamentales, BBP ha implementado más de 200 millones de dólares estadounidenses en mejoras de reurbanización y administración de las zonas verdes de las riberas, entre las que se destacan proyectos premiados, como el Buffalo Bayou Park, la planificación de parques y espacios verdes nuevos al este del centro de la ciudad, la construcción de senderos para caminar y andar en bicicleta, y la ejecución de programas exhaustivos de limpieza y mantenimiento.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership también aporta vida al paseo de las riberas a través de servicios para peatones, paseos en barco y ciclismo, actividades de voluntariado y excursiones y programas de gran alcance en los que participan decenas de miles de visitantes cada año. La organización cuenta con una amplia trayectoria en la presentación de proyectos artísticos a orillas de Buffalo Bayou, y ha trabajado con una serie de artistas reconocidos a nivel local, nacional e internacional, además de colaborar en una gran variedad de organizaciones en muestras de cine, música y danza, así como en otros eventos culturales. La visión de BBP con respecto a su programa de arte público es presentar experiencias artísticas y culturales originales e inspiradoras, involucrar a nuestras diversas comunidades, promover las oportunidades de conexión y diálogo, y conmemorar el carácter único de Buffalo Bayou.

ACERCA DE PUBLIC ART FUND

Como el líder en su campo, Public Art Fund acerca el arte contemporáneo dinámico al gran público en la ciudad de Nueva York y otros lugares al montar exposiciones gratuitas de gran envergadura y de alcance e impacto internacionales que ofrecen experiencias intensas con el arte y el entorno urbano.

PATROCINADORES

Los principales patrocinadores de Estructuras Monumentales en Houston fueron Erika y John Toussaint. La Farrell Family Foundation, así como Susan y Leonard Feinstein fueron benefactores. Además, se recibieron fondos adicionales de Leslie y Brad Bucher y de la Galería Lisson. Buffalo Bayou Partnership es financiada en parte por la ciudad de Houston a través de Houston Arts Alliance.

Movado Group Foundation fue el patrocinador que presentó Estructuras Monumentales en el City Hall Park de la ciudad de Nueva York.

Public Art Fund cuenta con el respaldo de la generosidad de individuos, corporaciones y fundaciones privadas, que incluye el importante apoyo de Bloomberg Philanthropies, así como el gran apoyo de Charina Endowment Fund, Con Edison, Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts, The Marc Haas Foundation, Hartfield Foundation, NYC COVID-19 Response and Impact Fund en The New York Community Trust, Donald

A. Pels Charitable Trust y The Silverweed Foundation.

Las exposiciones y los programas de Public Art Fund también se financian en parte con fondos públicos de organismos gubernamentales, entre ellos, el Consejo para las Artes del Estado de Nueva York, con el apoyo del gobernador Andrew M. Cuomo y la Legislatura del Estado de Nueva York, y el Departamento de Asuntos Culturales de la Ciudad de Nueva York en asociación con el Concejo de la Ciudad.

VISITAR LA EXPOSICIÓN

Fondren Foundation Meadow en Buffalo Bayou Park Allen Parkway en Gillette Street

En exhibición durante el horario del parque: de 6 a. m. a 11 p. m.

Créditos de la fotografía:

Carmen Herrera

Estructura sin título (Rojo), 1962-2018 Acrílico y aluminio, 2,44 x 3,25 x 1,17 m.

© Carmen Herrera; Cortesía de la Galería Lisson

En exhibición como parte de Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales, presentada por Public Art Fund en el City Hall Park de la ciudad de Nueva York entre el 11 de julio y el 8 de noviembre de 2019. Fotografía: Nicholas Knight, Cortesía de Public Art Fund, Nueva York

With ROCO on Buffalo Bayou, the ensemble curates site-specific audio streams of ROCO’s past performances,
accessed via posted QR codes along Buffalo Bayou trails.

Houston, TX – September 21, 2020 – ROCO is excited to announce a new project with Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP), a non-profit organization that has spearheaded the revitalization and transformation of Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource. Through this collaboration, visitors can explore the miles of trails lining Buffalo Bayou to discover QR codes posted at 40 landmarks and public art works. Each code links to a recording of music performed by ROCO, specially selected for the location or art installation and curated by the ROCO team.

Chosen from ROCO’s 15 years of live performance recordings, the repertoire features a mix of pieces by historical and contemporary composers – including 13 of ROCO’s own commissioned world premiere works, seven pieces by female composers, and ten by composers of color. A recent study from the Institute of Composer Diversity found ROCO is the number one ensemble in the US for performing the works of women and number two for the works of composers of color.

“We can now physically weave our music through our community, providing a soundtrack for Houston! ROCO has always offered our recordings for free listening and now you can also enjoy the wonders of Buffalo Bayou while on a musical scavenger hunt,” said ROCO’s Founder, Artistic Director, and principal oboist Alecia Lawyer.

“We are thrilled to host this project by ROCO along the Buffalo Bayou Park trails,” said Karen Farber, BBP’s VP of External Affairs. “Now those walking or riding along the bayou can experience their surroundings in a whole new way. We hope our visitors will explore all 40 sites throughout the fall.  

The initiative will be in place from September 25 – December 31, 2020.  
More information can be found at roco.org or buffalobayou.org.

About ROCO

ROCO is a dynamic and innovative professional music ensemble that flexes from 1 to 40 players from all over the US and Canada, with guest artists from around the world. Performing intimate concerts in dozens of venues, ROCO’s musicians don’t just give concerts – they challenge preconceptions, create extraordinary experiences, and foster new relationships with audiences through the language of music. ROCO’s debut album, Visions Take Flight, was recognized for a GRAMMY® Award for Producer of the Year for Blanton Alspaugh.

Widely recognized for diversity in programming, a recent study from the Institute for Composer Diversity found ROCO is the number one ensemble in the US for performing the works of women and number two for the works of composers of color. Additionally, ROCO has the third-highest number of commissions in the United States and has premiered nearly 100 commissions from living composers. ROCO embraces technology, with free worldwide concert livestreams and real-time artist commentary via a smartphone app, as well as on-demand recordings of past concerts via popular music streaming services. A vital part of the community, ROCO concert DVDs are sent to nursing homes and hospitals to bring music to those immobile communities, and their music education/childcare program attracts multigenerational audiences.

HOUSTON – September 10, 2020 – Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP), the non-profit organization transforming and revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s historic waterway, will mark five years since Buffalo Bayou Park’s opening with the series, Artful Anniversary.  Artists will animate the park with five unique experiences and virtual performances throughout the month of October.

Over the past half-decade, Buffalo Bayou Park has been recognized with twenty national and international awards for its thoughtful design, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial viability. The park has positioned Houston as a leader of the nation’s critically-needed efforts to enact progressive environmental methods of flood control and storm water management. Since its opening in the fall of 2015, the park has withstood the destructive forces of several major flooding events including the catastrophic Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Its resiliency is a testament to the careful attention paid to design components in the planning of the park.

Buffalo Bayou Park has breathed new life into a long-neglected area, and, most importantly, changed how Houstonians from all walks of life view their city. Many have joined the Buffalo Bayou Partnership team in its mission to care for this iconic urban green space – about 1,500 to 2,500 volunteers turn out each year to help with various projects throughout the park.

Now a focal point for our city, Buffalo Bayou Park is used by millions of visitors for recreation, gathering, and quiet contemplation. The park has also been a site of inspiration for countless artists who respond to the park’s natural beauty, flowing waterway, and wide open spaces. This prompted BBP to invite five visual and performing artists to create works at landmark sites throughout the park, to be documented and viewed on BBP’s website.

All five Artful Anniversary programs will appear in video and photographs on BBP’s website, posted at the times listed below.

October 10, 7 PM at buffalobayou.org
Artful Anniversary: Houston Grand Opera
Songs on the Water
The 5-Year Anniversary series opens with a one-of-a-kind virtual boat ride down Buffalo Bayou that will have you shouting, “BRAVO, BRAVA!”. Singers from Houston Grand Opera will perform on the BBP pontoon boat-turned-stage, and audiences are invited to join the cruise from the comfort of their own homes.

October 17, 7 PM at buffalobayou.org
Artful Anniversary: Urban Souls Dance Company
Take Me to the Water
The park performances continue underground with Urban Souls Dance Company, a creative social arts organization. With the art of dance, movement and physical expression, Urban Souls will make use of the vast, cavernous space of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern for a virtual subterranean performance like the 94-year old Cistern has never seen.

October 24, 7 PM at buffalobayou.org
Artful Anniversary: Da Camera
An innovative virtual music program curated by Da Camera wraps up the 5-Year Anniversary series. Performances by musicians of different genres will be compiled into a film, recorded at three iconic spaces in Buffalo Bayou Park.

They include a jazz quintet at Lost Lake, a string quartet at Anthony Shumate’s Listen sculpture, and a solo harpist at the Hobby Family Pavilion at The Water Works.

October 3 – 31 at Rosemont Bridge
Artful Anniversary: Urban Yarnage
Knitscape
Throughout October, stop by the colorful and intricate Knitscape by Urban Yarnage at Rosemont Bridge. This nature-themed knitted art commemorates Buffalo Bayou’s ecological diversity and makes for an Insta-worthy picture to say “Happy 5-year anniversary” to Buffalo Bayou Park! Images will also be available for viewing on BBP’s website.

October 22, 2020 – April 23, 2021 in the Fondren Foundation Meadow
Artful Anniversary: Carmen Herrera
Estructuras Monumentales
Walk among the larger-than-life shapes of Estructuras Monumentales, an exhibition of outdoor sculptures by the 105-year-old, New York-based artist Carmen Herrera (b. 1915, Havana, Cuba).

On view in Fondren Foundation Meadow through April 2021. Estructuras Monumentales is co-presented with New York’s Public Art Fund.

Visit the exhibition from October 22, 2020 to April 23, 2021 in Fondren Foundation Meadow in Buffalo Bayou Park (Allen Parkway at Gillette Street) during park hours (6am-11pm).

Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is pleased to announce Estructuras Monumentales, a major exhibition of outdoor sculptures by 105-year-old artist Carmen Herrera (b. 1915, Havana, Cuba).  Featuring four newly-created sculptures that were first envisioned nearly five decades ago, Estructuras Monumentales is Herrera’s first public art exhibition in Houston and only the second time that these large scale works have been presented globally. Organized in partnership with the New York City-based non-profit Public Art Fund, Estructuras Monumentales was first presented at Manhattan’s City Hall Park in 2019. This major survey exhibition offers Houston audiences a powerful and reflective experience that celebrates the full breadth of Herrera’s work in three dimensions.  

New York-based Herrera is known for her vibrant, abstract geometric paintings, and first began conceiving her Estructuras series — the physical manifestation of her painted form in three dimensions — in the 1960s. The resulting aluminum structures feature strong lines and shapes, with bold monochromatic colors. Ranging from seven feet in height to over 12 feet in width, the colorful sculptures will enliven Buffalo Bayou Park at a monumental scale. The vivid red, blue, green, and white sculptures are sited in Fondren Foundation Meadow, the second temporary art exhibition to be featured in this location, following the 2019 installation New Monuments for New Cities, a collaborative public art project organized by BBP and the High Line Network.

The Houston exhibition of Herrera’s Estructuras is part of BBP’s celebration of Buffalo Bayou Park’s fifth anniversary. Throughout the month of October, BBP will offer a range of virtual events and art installations that showcase the manner in which this iconic urban green space inspires creativity and innovation. This exhibition is especially resonant with the park’s anniversary because of its inclusion of four of Herrera’s sculptures, and complemented by a fifth, existing landmark, Henry Moore’s Large Spindle Piece (1969), that is permanently situated at the center of the site. Signage for this exhibition will be offered in both English and Spanish, and public programs will be organized throughout the run of the exhibition.

“We are honored to host this exhibition by Carmen Herrera, one of our world’s most important living artists, and to collaborate with Public Art Fund and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in celebrating Herrera’s legacy,” said Judy Nyquist, BBP Board Member and Co-Chair of the organization’s Public Art Committee. “As this is a highly-visible site in the park, thousands of Houstonians will have the opportunity to experience and be inspired by these works for free, in an outdoor environment that is inviting to all.”

Angulo Blanco (2017) is the first Estructura Herrera has designed in more than three decades. The dynamic chevron composition conveys movement and rhythm and is reminiscent of the many triangular and diamond forms from her iconic paintings. It presents both the solidity of a sculptural object and the weightlessness of a stark celestial shape ascending towards the sky. Pavanne (1967/2017) is a solemn, contemplative work that was conceived originally as a drawing in 1967 as a memorial to Herrera’s brother who had cancer. With a title that refers to the musical term for a slow dance, often as part of a funeral procession, Pavanne features three interlocking elements in a deep blue that solidly extends nine feet into the air and nine feet across the lawn. Gemini (1971/2019) receives its world debut in the Houston exhibition. This newly-fabricated sculpture and Untitled Estructura (1962/2018) are based on historic designs from the 1960s-early 1970s. They are each composed of two interlocking or embracing parts that demonstrate Herrera’s careful geometric balance, distilled palette, and bold use of color. Framing and incorporating the surrounding landscape into its forms, Herrera’s Estructuras will create a compelling conversation between the painted aluminum sculptures and their natural setting in the park.

“At a time when public art is more vital than ever, we are thrilled to partner with Buffalo Bayou Partnership to bring Carmen Herrera’s Estructuras Monumentales to Houston audiences,” says Public Art Fund Curator Daniel S. Palmer. “Herrera’s breathtaking sculptures will fit perfectly within this natural environment complemented by the geometric and lively skyline of Houston. This is the ideal setting to highlight Herrera, an eminent artist who is finally receiving well-deserved recognition.”

Opening in concurrence with Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s exhibition is a presentation of Herrera’s works at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, on view from October 21, 2020 – January 18, 2021. Titled Carmen Herrera: Structuring Surfaces, it is the first exhibition at the Museum exclusively devoted to the work of the internationally celebrated artist and showcases more than 30 of her pieces from the 1960s to the present, including paintings, drawings, prints, wall structures and objects. Other Herrera exhibitions are currently on view at Lisson Gallery in New York (September 10-October 24, 2020) and The Perimeter in London (September 25, 2020 – January 8, 2021).

Born in Cuba in 1915, Herrera moved to Paris after World War II, where she spent the early part of her career and where much of her practice became fully formed. Settling permanently in New York in the 1950s, although Herrera became a part of New York’s abstract art scene, her work was largely overlooked until Herrera was in her 80s. Staying true to the pure, geometric abstraction she developed in post-war Paris, in recent years, Herrera has been recognized as a leading voice in the abstract and minimalist movements. Estructuras Monumentales celebrates Herrera’s long career and interest in three-dimensional form

Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales is curated by Public Art Fund Curator Daniel S. Palmer. This exhibition was first presented by Public Art Fund in New York City at City Hall Park from July 11 – November 8, 2019. The Houston presentation of Carmen Herrera: Estructuras Monumentales is organized in collaboration with Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Public Art Fund.

City of Houston, Houston Parks Board and Buffalo Bayou Partnership collaborate on new Buffalo Bayou trail segment

Houston Parks Board and Buffalo Bayou Partnership, in cooperation with the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, the City of Houston, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, have begun construction on a new park and 0.4-mile hike and bike trail along Buffalo Bayou from Fannin Street to McKee Street. When complete, this segment will tie directly into the proposed Austin Street Bikeway and provide important connections to Buffalo Bayou Park and to trails east of downtown.

The trail will begin at Allen’s Landing Park and continue east under the Fannin Street Bridge, transverse up the slope along Commerce Street before passing under the San Jacinto Bridge to the Wilson Building on Commerce Street. The trail will continue through the second basement level of the Wilson Building and under the Harris County Sheriff’s Inmate Processing Center.

From there the trail opens to a new park on former parking lots along the bayou on either side of Austin Street. As part of the park, the current Austin Street cul-de-sac will be converted into a public plaza.

East of the new plaza, the trail continues under the newly rebuilt Elysian Viaduct to McKee Street. There the trail will extend along the waterfront property owned by CenterPoint as a separate Buffalo Bayou Partnership project. These combined efforts will connect downtown and the south side of Buffalo Bayou to the MKT Trail and White Oak Bayou Greenway.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Buffalo Bayou Partnership to create this new park and trail segment along Buffalo Bayou. There are so many opportunities for exploration along the bayou and this new open space system will provide an important access point for Houstonians to engage with our beautiful bayous,” said Beth White, President and CEO of Houston Parks Board. “The trail will help connect Buffalo Bayou to White Oak Bayou, one of nine bayous transformed by Bayou Greenways 2020.”

“This will be one of, if not the most unique trail in Houston,” said Anne Olson, Buffalo Bayou Partnership President. “Instead of removing urban infrastructure, our organization has a history of incorporating it into our projects.” She added that the trail is a vital link in the historic waterway’s trail system and will play an important role in connecting Buffalo Bayou Park to parks, green spaces and cultural destinations east of downtown.

“We are thankful to all the partners who have made this project possible,” said Steve Wright, Director Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “It is an example of how, working together, we find ways to add opportunities for all Houstonians to remain active.”

Notable features along the segment include:

• Pole lighting with blue orbs that reflect the lunar cycle continuing the lighting system along Buffalo Bayou Park
• Special art lighting under the San Jacinto Bridge to complement the pole lights
• Safety lighting under the San Jacinto Bridge, in the Wilson Building, and under the Inmate Processing Center
• A stairway connection from Commerce Street leading down to the trail
• Two trail connections at La Branch Street and McKee Street
• Wayfinding signage
• Benches, bike racks, and trash and recycling receptacles

The total cost of the project is $8 million. Buffalo Bayou Partnership project donors are Barbara and Gerald Hines, Wendy and Jeff Hines, and Sis and Hasty Johnson. Partner funding comes from the Downtown Redevelopment Authority, a public entity that facilitates positive economic development within downtown’s TIRZ #3 boundaries, and Bayou Greenways 2020, a public-private partnership between Houston Parks Board and the City of Houston through the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, with catalyst funding from the Kinder Foundation.

“While we are excited that construction is underway, the Buffalo Bayou Partnership Board of Directors and staff are saddened by the recent passing of Gerald Hines, one of the major donors to this project.

Mr. Hines was a visionary who shaped Houston’s skyline, and this critical trail connection through downtown will be a fitting tribute to his remarkable legacy,” said Anne Olson, Buffalo Bayou Partnership President.

Following approximately one year of construction, Buffalo Bayou Partnership will maintain the park and trail under contract with the Houston Parks Board as part of the Bayou Greenways 2020 maintenance agreement with the City of Houston.

For photos of Buffalo Bayou, please click here.

HOUSTON – May 14, 2020 – Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) announces that Karen Farber, long-time Director of the University of Houston Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts, will be joining the organization as Vice President of External Affairs. In this newly-created BBP position, Farber will be responsible for developing and overseeing a strategic and comprehensive development, communications, programming and public art program.

“We are extremely excited that Karen is joining our team,” said Anne Olson, BBP President. “Her 21-year career in non-profit management will be invaluable as we advance BBP’s mission and take the organization to new levels of success and impact.”

During her tenure at the Mitchell Center, Farber created CounterCurrent, an annual festival of live performances, installations, talks and participatory events by artists from throughout the world. She also hosted residencies and programs with internationally-known artists including Laurie Anderson, Philip Glass, Theaster Gates and The Yes Men. Farber is a well-respected arts leader in Houston and has worked closely with curators and directors at Houston museums and organizations such as Project Row Houses, The Menil Collection, Aurora Picture Show, and DiverseWorks.

“I’ve partnered with BBP for many years on joint programming and public art projects,” notes Farber. “I’ve always enjoyed working with the highly competent team at BBP and admire the organization’s programming and vision. It’s an honor and privilege to now be part of this well-respected organization.”

Before coming to Houston to serve as Major Gifts Officer at the Houston Grand Opera, Farber worked in non-profit management including serving as Director of Development at the legendary Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival based in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts and working in development and programming for multiple organizations in New York City. She has served as a consultant, panelist and board member for many local and national cultural organizations, and from 2002-2003 she was an arts management fellow at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

A New York City native, partly raised in Los Angeles, Farber is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with an M.A. in Performance Studies and a B.F.A. in Experimental Theater.

She joins BBP on May 18.

HOUSTON – January 29, 2020 – Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) announced four new members to its board of directors during its annual meeting on January 28 at the Residences at The Allen, a mixed-use development under construction near Buffalo Bayou Park.

New board members include Andrea Alexander, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Co.; Bolivar “Bo” M. Fraga, Community Engagement Developer, BakerRipley; Alisha Nathoo, Head of Strategy & Transformation and Chief of Staff-North America Home, Direct Energy; Andrew Ziccardi, Principal, Fayez Sarofim & Co.

The following board members will continue their officer roles this year: Jeff Taylor, Chair; Ralph Abendshein, Vice Chair; Shawn Cloonan, Treasurer; and Kellie Jenks, Secretary.

“We are delighted to welcome this stellar group to our board,” said Anne Olson, president of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. “Our new members bring a wealth of experience and strong interest for protecting, preserving and improving Buffalo Bayou.” 

The 32-member board of directors also includes:  Bonner Ball, Rev. Harvey Clemons, Jr., Roberto Contreras, Richard Dawson, Carolyn W. Dorros, Gaynell Floyd Drexler, Michael D. Fertitta, Cristina Garcia Gamboa, Stacey Gillman, Guy Hagstette, Samir Khushalani, Lisa Marshall, Erin Mincberg, Judy Nyquist, Winifred Riser, Shannon B. Sasser, Carson Trapnell Seeligson, Christof Spieler, Karl S. Stern, Saul Valentin, Anne Whitlock, Geraldina Wise, Renee Wizig-Barrios and Gloria Medina Zenteno. Chair Emeritus members include Chuck Carlberg, Brady F. Carruth, Collin J. Cox, Tom Fish, Mike Garver, Sis Johnson, Susan Keeton and Bob Phillips.

Media Contact:
Trudi Smith, Buffalo Bayou Partnership
tsmith@buffalobayou.org
713.752.0314 ext. 103

HOUSTON – October 10, 2019 – After developing Buffalo Bayou Park and other award-winning green space projects in Houston’s downtown, the non-profit Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is moving east.  Encompassing a four-mile stretch of the waterway from US 59 to the Port of Houston Turning Basin, Buffalo Bayou East will continue the organization’s legacy of transformative parks, trails and unique destinations.  The plan includes:

• 40 miles of new and improved waterfront trails and bikeways
• 200 acres of new and improved parks and open space
• 7 new boat landings
• 7 new pedestrian bridges

Development of the soon-to-be-released Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan comes after nearly two years of significant input received at meetings and other outreach events attended by more than 700 people.  Social media and bilingual mailings reached more than 50,000 neighborhood households.

“This plan is about investing in a community that hasn’t benefited from the same level of park funding that more affluent communities in Houston have seen,” says Anne Olson, Buffalo Bayou Partnership President.  “Being true to the context of the neighborhoods lining the bayou is very important to us.  Buffalo Bayou Partnership wants to create parks and destinations that really are ‘of’ the Greater East End and Fifth Ward – two areas that have historically been separated from the bayou and each other.”

Olson points out the bayou’s east sector has a very different character and scale from the western stretch of the waterway.  With steep banks and a wider channel, the bayou does not experience the flooding that occurs upstream.  And unlike the bayou’s western stretch where the parkland is primarily in public hands, there are large swaths of abandoned industrial sites privately owned.

Over the past 15 years, Buffalo Bayou Partnership has purchased more than 70 acres of property in the east sector, donating some parcels to the City and County for park space.  Other sites, still owned by the organization, include interesting industrial relics such as massive concrete silos, a barge dock lined with gantries, and even an abandoned City of Houston sewage treatment facility.  The Master Plan calls for repurposing these sites to celebrate the area’s industrial legacy and Houston’s history as a Port City.

Gas Works Park in Seattle, Concrete Plant Park in the Bronx, and numerous sites in Germany’s Ruhr Valley are examples of former industrial sites that have been renovated into attractions.  BBP is a member of the High Line Network, a coalition of park groups from throughout North America, all of which are focused on industrial reuse.  The High Line in New York, The Underline in Miami and The 606 in Chicago were repurposed from abandoned railroads, highways and other infrastructure. 

“Buffalo Bayou East’s amazing industrial sites serve as a unique backdrop for creating new public spaces unlike anywhere else in Houston or in the country,” says Chris Matthews, lead designer of the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan.  “I applaud Buffalo Bayou Partnership for its commitment to seeing these industrial relics remain and incorporated into the bayou’s landscape.”

Embracing the east sector’s cultural heritage is another tenet of the plan.  Whether it’s the colorful murals and Tex-Mex cuisine of the East End or zydeco music in the Fifth Ward, the parks and green spaces BBP envisions will incorporate the area’s rich cultural traditions.

Because of its proximity to downtown, Buffalo Bayou East is quickly becoming home to new residents and creative entrepreneurs have converted industrial buildings to makerspaces.  While Buffalo Bayou Partnership leaders realize the area is in transition, they feel it is essential that existing families from the area remain and participate in revitalizing this hidden corner of Houston.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership assembled a high caliber group of consultants to develop the 20-year Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan, including Michael Van Valkenburg Associates (MVVA), an internationally recognized landscape architecture firm and HR&A Advisors, an industry-leading real estate, economic development and public policy firm.  Both firms have had recent design and planning work in Houston.  Other master plan consultants included Houston’s Huitt-Zollars (Engineering), LimnoTech (Hydrology), and Utile (Urban Design and Architecture).

Cary Hirschstein, a Partner at HR&A Advisors, says Buffalo Bayou East is one of the most exciting open space projects he’s seen across the country in recent years.  “This is a once-in-a-generation endeavor to reconnect communities to their bayou.  The scale of the Buffalo Bayou East waterfront, the rich industrial and cultural legacy, and the bayou’s spectacular natural beauty – all just minutes from downtown Houston – make for a unique opportunity.  Houston has been a national leader in creating transformative open spaces, but Buffalo Bayou East offers a special opportunity to put equity, authenticity, and a community focus at the core of park planning.”

Buffalo Bayou East can become a precedent for how parks can be a catalyst for inclusive growth and development.  To address economic and social inequities in the neighborhoods along the bayou, the Master Plan calls for creating connections between communities long separated from each other and integrating workforce housing and small neighborhood businesses into the park and trail network.

Olson says, “Buffalo Bayou East is a park plan but so much more.  It’s about creating a common meeting ground that long-time residents can call home and visitors can enjoy.”

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is hosting a free waterfront party to launch the Master Plan on Saturday, October 26, Noon-4 p.m. at 5803 Navigation Boulevard.  The event will include music, food and children’s crafts activities.  Free bicycle helmets will be given to the first 100 attendees.

To communicate the priorities and progress of the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan, Buffalo Bayou Partnership will present:

• Buffalo Bayou Park and Beyond:  A Panel Discussion on Monday, October 28, 6:30-8 p.m.  Panelists will include:  Guy Hagstette, Kinder Foundation Vice President of Parks & Civic Projects; Cary Hirschstein, HR&A Advisors Partner; Scott McCready, SWA Principal; and Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence Director Anne-Marie Lubenau, who will be presenting Buffalo Bayou Partnership with The Rudy Bruner Award for Excellence 2019 Silver Medal for Buffalo Bayou Park.  Serving as panel moderator will be Bill Fulton, Kinder Institute for Urban Research Director.  The event is free and open to the public.
• Free walking, boat and bike tours throughout November.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership
Established in 1986, Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is the non-profit transforming and revitalizing Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource.  The organization’s geographic focus is the 10-square mile stretch of the bayou that flows from
Shepherd Drive, through the heart of downtown into the East End, and onto the Port of Houston Turning Basin.  Thanks to the generous support of foundations, corporations, individuals and government agencies, BBP has implemented more than $200 million
in improvements for the redevelopment and stewardship of the waterfront – spearheading award-winning projects such as
Buffalo Bayou Park, protecting land for future parks and green space, constructing hike and bike trails, and operating comprehensive clean-up and maintenance programs.  Buffalo Bayou Partnership also activates the waterway through pedestrian, boating and biking amenities; volunteer activities; permanent and temporary art installations; and wide-ranging tours and programs that engage tens of thousands of visitors each year.

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Plan Focuses on Area from US 59 to Port of Houston Turning Basin

Beginning in August, the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) in coordination with the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) will be completing major repairs along Buffalo Bayou, between Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, to contain erosion and bank failures caused by Hurricane Harvey. While this work along Buffalo Bayou is not classified as a flood damage reduction project, the repairs are necessary to stabilize the channel and prevent further erosion and damage to the channel.

The total cost for these repairs is expected to be approximately $9.7 million and will be funded by grants from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The project will be divided into seven separate phases along Buffalo Bayou to minimize disruption, while maintaining access to recreational amenities in the area. The project is expected to take approximately one year to complete.

View Frequently Asked Questions here.

Project updates can be found at www.buffalobayou.org and www.hcfcd.org/X068.

ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.