Seashells. Polished wood. Rhinestones. The Artist Formerly Known As Prince.
If you know that cars are the common link among these elements, you might live in Victoria.
Six years of art car parades have made residents accustomed to seeing just about everything adorning vehicles of all shapes, sizes and colors. But our city was not always been a home to such a staple of the South Texas art world.
For that, we have to thank longtime patron Ann Harithas. The art enthusiast and philanthropist grew up on a ranch close to where her brainchild, the Five Points Museum of Contemporary Art, sits today.
While Harithas could have embarked on countless other projects, she chose instead to give Victoria the lasting gifts of both the physical museum and the presence of a large-scale cultural event.
For years now, the annual Art Car Parade has dazzled Victoria's residents with visiting and local artists' creativity, as well as attracting fans from across the region and beyond. Not only has the event been a boon to families looking for a fun weekend downtown, but also a blessing to the tourism industry and local economy.
After the motors have cooled from the parade, some of the most special pieces feature in their own exhibit at the Five Points Museum, "Moving Targets: An Art Car History," which details the rise of art cars in Texas since the early 1900s. Museum admission is always free to the public, adding one more reason to take in the sight.
Harithas' founding and enduring support of the parade and exhibit show not only her passion for the arts, but also her dedication to her hometown and its people. Art cars bring something unique to our city. The stunning pieces have been designed by those from all walks of life - students, car aficionados and multimedia artists, just to name a few. And the results have been enjoyed by hundreds more.
We want to acknowledge what a gem the addition of art cars to our city has been and tha nk Harithas for her hard work getting the endeavor off the ground. Through her tireless backing of the arts in Victoria, we have all gained something truly special.
This opinion reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate's editorial board.
