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Houston has an incredibly vibrant art community and that vibrance is displayed in a variety of ways across this great city of ours. One such example, a relatively new cultural asset at the corner of two of Houston's most vibrant neighborhoods, Third Ward and East End, Smither Park is a work of art in progress -- providing a unique opportunity to see artists in action and the evolution of an international artistic destination.

​Smither Park is a creative urban space that developed with the help of an entire community. Visionary artist and builder Dan Phillips worked alongside the late Stephanie Smither to design the park in memory of her husband, John H. Smither. Stephanie and John were long-time supporters of self-taught art, as well as board members of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. Inspired by the Orange Show's philosophy of promoting and sustaining self-taught art, the mosaic-covered park serves as a testimony to the vibrancy and creativity of the city of Houston.

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​The half-acre plot of land is located adjacent to The Orange Show, and features the Lindley Fish Amphitheater, the Vinson andamp; Elkins Pavilion, the Burguires, Hinton andamp; Mathre Swings, the Marilyn Oshman Meditation Garden, an elaborate marble roll tower, and a sprawling 400-ft memory wall - each adorned with elaborate mosaic work created out of recycled and found materials and designed by local artists as well as community members interested in exploring their own creative potential. Over 300 individuals have contributed to the colorful and whimsical permanent pieces of art at Smither Park.