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In Houston's New Park, Art Goes Green

Smither Park celebrates folk art -- but only if it's recycled or reused.

Most people tend to avoid a park full of broken glass, scrap metal and discarded odds and ends. But not Smither Park in Houston.

The half-acre site, which opened to the public this past October, is a celebration of homegrown folk art. Nearly every surface is covered with a mosaic of broken glass, pottery and scrap metal.

There’s the shimmering 400-foot undulating wall decorated with all manner of found and recycled items, including antlers and toys; an amphitheater resembling a giant fish bursting out of the ground; and a pavilion that looks like it’s supported by sparkling glass trees.

Patrons who visit on Saturdays can watch the artists as they continue to work on the unusual space.

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David Kidd is a photojournalist and storyteller for Governing. He can be reached at dkidd@governing.com.
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