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The Woodlands Arts Council Reveals Four New Benches, Extending its Reach to New Locations
Benches sites include Northshore Park, Rob Fleming Park, and Town Green Park
12/04/2024
THE WOODLANDS, TX – (December 4, 2024) – The Woodlands Arts Council (TWAC) unveiled four exciting new and unique Art Benches on December 3 at a celebration attended by artists and underwriters. This brought the total Art Benches in The Woodlands to thirty-two. The new benches are designed to inspire visitors in various ways, evoking feelings of serenity, connection to nature, cherished memories, and dreams, while also providing lively spaces for families and children to come together.
"We are excited to announce the installation of four new Art Benches by The Woodlands Township, now accessible in various locations throughout our community for residents to enjoy," stated Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director and CEO of TWAC. "We congratulate the artists and sponsors for their commendable contributions to The Woodlands' public art collection."
The four new Art Benches are:
Brow Ridge
Artist: Cricket Forge
Underwriter: Amy Cope-Gibbs & Jon Gibbs
Location: Rob Fleming Park- Pond
The Brow Ridge bench is a hidden gem near the pond at Rob Fleming Park, designed to surprise and delight visitors. Nestled close to the water, it offers a serene retreat, creating a calming atmosphere that allows visitors to immerse themselves in all the languages nature speaks.
Inspired by the underwriters’ vision of evoking the experience of sitting on a large old stump or enjoying a picnic atop a smooth boulder found on a hike, the artists crafted a design representing closed human eyes. Made from welded steel, “it represents the significance of closing one’s eyes to focus on nature’s sounds to analyze individual aspects of an experience in nature,” explains artist Aaron Early. “We hope the bench’s tranquil presence will invite visitors to pause, reflect on their surroundings, and perhaps make space for personal introspection.”
Critter Creature
Artist: Jake Heffington, Emily Fielder & Liz Braaksma
Underwriter: The Woodlands Young Learners Academy
Location: Northshore Park
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the Young Learners Academy's Giving Back campaign focuses on supporting the community that has stood by them over the years. By underwriting a vibrant and colorful bench at Northshore Park, they aim to spark curiosity and creativity in children while contributing to The Woodlands Arts Council’s public art program.
“The Woodlands Young Learners Academy is thrilled to be able to underwrite a beautiful bench for our community. We have loved creating and growing our business in this amazing community, and we hope that kids and adults alike will enjoy this bench for years to come,” shared underwriter Debbie Kaschik.
The Critter Creature bench brings this vision to life as a playful and imaginative addition to the park. “Critter Creature is a friend in the park, a character in a story being written in the imagination of young and old park-goers, and a canvas for the creative curiosity of the children making their way to the nearby playground and water’s edge,” explains artist Jake Heffington.
Flight to the Sun
Artist: Jonathon Chandler
Underwriter: Tawna Kingsley, in loving memory of Jon D. Kingsley Sr.
Location: Northshore Park
Nestled in a serene spot at Northshore Park, surrounded by trees and overlooking the water, the Flight to the Sun bench is a heartfelt tribute to beloved Jon D. Kingsley Sr. Seeking a place for reflection and remembrance, the bench honors the life of “Pappa Jon,” a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather; an engineer, a pilot, and a boat captain, who inspired many with his determination and love.
The underwriters envisioned the bench as a jet flying towards heaven. “This would be a place where the kids could be close to him and feel his presence,” shared Tawna Kingsley. “I want this bench to convey the love we had for him and his many accomplishments.”
In the words of artist Jonathon Chandler, “My sculptures are larger than life,” he fulfills the Kingsley family’s vision of a lasting tribute to legacy and inspiration.
Windswept Oak
Artist: Jonathon Chandler
Underwriter: Rob & Cindy Hardin
Location: Town Green Park
Set back far enough from the water to offer a full view of the waterway, the Windswept Oak bench is nestled in a tranquil setting surrounded by trees. The underwriters’ vision was to share the sense of hope and fulfillment they experienced when they arrived in The Woodlands —dreams that have become reality over the years.
The bench captures feelings of serenity, connection to nature, and a profound sense of community. Artist Jonathon Chandler’s design incorporates his signature use of found and recycled materials. “We have a responsibility to protect the earth, so I use recycled materials whenever possible,” he shares. ”The base plates are made from repurposed materials. I enjoy taking materials that others see no value in and transforming them into works of art.” The Windswept Oak bench reflects Chandler’s vision of creating accessible, sustainable art for everyone can enjoy.
To see photos of all of TWAC’s Public Art Collection and learn more about the artists and their inspiration visit TWAC’s Public Art webpage.
For a list of all TWAC Public Art locations, click here: TWAC Public Art Google Map List
About The Woodlands Arts Council
The Woodlands Arts Council, a (501)c3 non-profit, is proud to celebrate 20 years of making art matter in Montgomery County, Texas. Our mission is to provide cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support, and promote the visual, literary, and performing arts in the region. We have sustained and fulfilled our mission through dynamic programming, including nationally recognized events for the community, student art scholarships, educational performances, microgrants, and public art. We were established "Because Art Matters," but every day, The Woodlands Arts Council makes art matter with over $1.5 million in charitable giving since our founding. This impact is only possible with the incredibly generous support of our community volunteers, donors, and sponsors.