By Iris Sanchez
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

The Houston area is filled with a variety of studios and artists.

In addition to prominent museums like The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, there are plenty of houses and smaller museums holding work predominately crafted by Houston artists.

For example, the studio of David Addickes has become a recent topic of conversation. His studio is visible from the corner of Washington and Awyer. As you approach the back alley, you can see the sculptures lined up horizontally. The driveway to the studio is open to the public who can view the outside sculptures 24 hours a day.

Addickes has a crew that comes in and does the frame work for him. However, he is usually there on Saturday and does all the detail work. He is working on several pieces that will be displayed at the President's Park in South Dakota.

"This work is not a commission," Addickes said. "I am financing the project; it is called Mt. Rushmore on the Ground."

Addickes' presidents stand between 16 and 19 feet tall and hover over the people viewing them. President's Park is a work in progress that began in 1995. Addickes is planning to open three President's Parks. He is the sole sculptor in the project, creating all 42 presidents, three times. Once they reach their final destination, a plaque with the president's information will be placed beside them.

From top to bottom: Abraham Lincoln thorougly detailed in the sculpting stage; Addickes studio entrance displays statues of presidents.
photos by Iris Sanchez











Addickes is not a stranger to Houston; he is the sculptor of the Sam Houston Memorial in Huntsville. He also created the "steel musician," the statue in the theatre district with the violin. Alongside the presidents in Addickes' studio are sculptures of Charlie Chaplin and Picasso's musicians.

To glimpse some of his work, visit www.presidentspark.com.

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