The Orange Show: Houston's Quirkiest (and Possibly Fruitiest) Attraction
Let's face it, Houston has a lot going for it: space exploration, rodeos, that whole "Beyonce's hometown" thing. But amidst the city's usual attractions, there lies a hidden gem, a monument to one man's love of citrus and his unyielding creative spirit. I'm talking, of course, about the legendary Orange Show.
But First, Who is This Orange-Obsessed Fellow?
The mastermind behind the Orange Show was Jeff McKissack, a local postman with a postman's salary and an artist's soul. Now, Jeff wasn't your typical art school graduate. He wasn't sculpting marble busts or churning out Impressionist sunsets. No, Jeff was a visionary of a different sort. His medium? Discarded bits and bobs – wagon wheels, mannequins, even the occasional beer can (we'll get to that later). His muse? The humble orange.
From Backyard Project to Full-Blown Fruity Wonderland
Jeff spent over two decades transforming his backyard into a sprawling, labyrinthine ode to the orange. Think Gaudi meets Dr. Seuss on a sugar rush. There's a maze-like structure with hidden passages and unexpected views, a wishing well (because what good is an art project without a wishing well?), and even a stage – perfect for impromptu orange-themed plays, obviously.
Important note: While tours are totally recommended, getting a little lost in the Orange Show's whimsical pathways is half the fun. Just don't blame me if you end up face-to-face with a mannequin sporting a citrus peel hat.
More Than Just Oranges (But Seriously, Mostly Oranges)
The Orange Show has blossomed into the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, a haven for all things outsider and folk art. They host workshops, performances, and the crown jewel of Houston's quirky scene: the Houston Art Car Parade. Yes, you read that right. A parade. Of art cars.
If you ever wondered what a car possessed by the spirit of a disco ball would look like, this is your chance to find out.
So, is the Orange Show Worth a Visit?
Is a trip to Houston even complete without a healthy dose of whimsy and a celebration of the everyday orange? Absolutely. The Orange Show is a reminder that art can be created by anyone, from anything, and that a little bit of eccentricity goes a long way. Plus, it's a guaranteed conversation starter.
"Hey, did you know Houston has a giant monument to oranges built by a mailman?" Instant icebreaker, right there.
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