Art Car Weekend 2009-Interview with Phillip Marshall

In preparation for the Art Car Parade weekend-o-fun (May 8-10), we got the scoop on the whole shebang from Orange Show for Visionary Art's programs director, Phillip Marshall.

What activities surrounding the parade are you most involved in and excited about?

The actual Art Car Weekend: Main Street Drag, Sneak Peek, Houston Art Car Parade, and the Art Car Sunday Brunch. But I am really just part of a much bigger group of faithful volunteers, board members, sponsors, staff, and of course the Artists. So many people pour their blood, sweat, and tears into this vibrant Houston tradition.

I'm really excited about Sneak Peek at Discovery Green sponsored by Opportunity Houston. It is the official pre-party for the Parade with performances by Wild Moccasins and Sideshow Tramps. There’s also a car hood graffiti gallery installed in the park, in conjunction with Red Bull. Some of the best "writers" in Houston are going to display their custom "pieces" on hoods of junked cars, along with Art Cars parked on the promenade of Discovery Green so everyone can get a closer look. Lots of surprises planned too…

Any insider information about the parade?

The Houston Art Car Klub (HACK) is the heartbeat of the Houston Art Car Parade. They represent what Art Car means as a medium and a lifestyle. Don’t miss the Tom Kennedy Memorial Art Car Ball, which is a tradition as old as the Parade and cool as ever. HACKers are the originators of the brand of Art Car revelry that Houston has come to adore. This year’s ball will be May 7th.

Do you have a favorite art car?

John Mrosko created a "trike" cycle out of the front end of a Honda motorcycle and the front end of a Honda Civic. He calls it "Retiree's Dream". One of his neighbors saw his contraption and suggested he enter it in the Parade. It looks like something out of a futuristic western, with a hand painted Native American motif. Bottom line...its pretty rad. He created his trike out of a love for art, design, and his personal need to express his creative spirit.

How did the parade start?

The Parade started when the first cavemen drew Art Cars on the wall...just kidding! Brush up on the full story at our website.

Any new stuff this year?

The Capital One Kids Zone is going to be a great spot for families. Its located near the Sabine bridge overpass and will feature hands on art activities for children and parents.

If there's one thing you want the public to know about the parade, what would it be?

It needs you! The Parade relies on over 300 volunteers to help with every facet of parade production. We simply cannot make it happen without the help of Houstonians.

For a full listing of Art Car Weekend events and information on the other programs offered by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art visit: www.orangeshow.org

Photo: The Orange Show for Visionary Art