by Chris and Stephen Stelmak
Staff Writers
Mirrors, plastic alligators and Pez will all be found Saturday at the Art Car Parade. A preview of the big event was held Thursday on the top floors of a parking garage downtown.
For those who have never been to the Art Car Ball, it is quite occasion. Even Alvin Van Black was there to peruse the unique and interesting cars.
From seeing the art cars on television or in magazines, one might expect to see a few old junked-up cars with a couple of beads glued to them. Cars and Pez dispensers came from all over the world to be a part of the Art Car Show.
"It's an evolving piece," said Kathleen Peason from Bisney, Ariz., who created "Love 23." "Love 23" consists of a bunch of dolls and action figures lacquered onto the top and inside of the car.
One of the must-see pieces has to be the Pez car. "It couldn't have happened without the Internet," said Scott Peacock, one of the unusual car's creators. All the Pez dispensers on the car were donated by people from all over the United States and as far away as Europe and Australia.
The Pez car was created by four individuals, one of whom runs the Pez newsgroup on the Internet.
The University of Houston was not underrepresented at the Art Car Ball. Several graduates had submissions, including Juan Salazar, a sculpture graduate, and his wife Poppy, an art history graduate. They combined a riding lawnmower and a couch to form "Maxin' and Relaxin'." The car was remarkable, and the throttle was located between the couch cushions. Perhaps they found a lot of change there.
"You should have seen the looks we got driving around the neighborhood," Juan said. Poppy and Juan have designed about seven cars. Even if you never thought the Art Cars were very amusing, you should check out the parade before the International Festival. It will be well worth your time. The Art Cars kick off the International Festival in the 10th Annual Roadside Attraction from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in downtown Houston.
The cars will wind their way through the city with the artists at the helm proudly displaying their mobile masterpieces.