Visitors touching down at William P. Hobby Airport now have a new visual treat to welcome them to Houston. Renowned Texas artist David Adickes, known for his larger-than-life sculptures, has graced the arrivals curb with the installation of his "We Love Houston" sculpture – a vibrant, hard-to-miss statement of affection for the city. According to CultureMap Houston, this installment is the second "I Love Houston" statue Adickes has placed in the city and will be displayed for a year before it makes its move to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
The sculpture, standing 16.5 feet tall and spanning 30 feet in width, is more than just a decorative piece – it is an interactive artwork, encouraging travelers to capture their Houston moments. "The We Love Houston, Too, work is one of my 'love letters' to Houston, and it makes for the ultimate selfie-station, from what my granddaughters and lots of Houston arts fans have said," Adickes told Houston Chronicle.
At 98 years old, David Adickes continues to contribute to Houston's landscape. His work includes iconic pieces like the 67-foot Sam Houston statue in Huntsville and the Mount Rush Hour busts along I-10. The We Love Houston, Too sculpture becomes part of his collection of public artworks, reflecting his connection to the city and now serving as a notable entry point for visitors arriving in Houston.
Houston has a long-standing connection between art and its airports, dating back to 1999 when a city ordinance mandated that a portion of funds for public building improvements be designated for artistic enhancements. Alton DuLaney, Curator of Public and Cultural Arts for Houston Airports, highlighted that art is an important element of the passenger experience, asserting, "Art is an essential part of the passenger experience, transforming our airports into cultural gateways that reflect the vibrant spirit of Houston." Given the high foot traffic at Hobby Airport, which holds a 5-Star Skytrax rating, the "We Love Houston" installation is well-suited for an airport often described as a cultural gateway to the city's diversity and values.
The installation of the sculpture has generated interest beyond the airport. Its placement at the airport adds to Houston’s ongoing tradition of integrating art into public spaces and reflects the city's focus on creativity. It is also expected to become a popular spot for social media photos, with #WeLoveHouston likely to gain attention.
