St. John XXIII College Preparatory Principal, Mr. Tim Gallic, is pleased to announce the inaugural entry of a decorated car in the annual Houston Art Car Parade. Collaborative Art Students and student volunteers, under the direction of Art Department Chair, Lynsey Hepburn, have created The Treasure of Smaug! This amazing art car masterpiece is ready to make its grand appearance this Saturday, April 13, in the 32nd Houston Art Car Parade! The free event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m., with the parade beginning at 2 p.m.
The Treasure of Smaug, entry #53, is the dragon, Smaug from the Hobbit Saga, guarding his treasure. Students from the Collaborative Art Class brainstormed and pitched various ideas, proposals, and designs before deciding on this ambitious design.
Mrs. Hepburn stated, “The students learned how to work together as a team collectively while voicing their opinions, sharing ideas, and maintaining respect for their peers. Students have additionally learned perseverance and the ‘art of finishing’ with this project. This is the very first art car from St. John XXIII and we will hopefully make this a lasting tradition. The St. John XXIII Community has played a pivotal role in helping create, build, paint, and decorate this car and it would not have been possible without the blood, sweat, and tears from all of the volunteers. This project is a wonderful example of why St. John XXIII is so special, because of its love and supportive community, parents, students, and teachers.
The Houston Art Car Parade is the world’s largest parade of its kind. From inception, artists, participants, and visitors have come from places far and wide each year to delight in seeing the nearly 250 cars that are uniquely decorated, constructed and illuminated “drivable” works of art. The art car experience is one of collaboration and a social and communal event; communities join together to help build the cars and offer encouragement. The Orange Show organizes the beloved parade, as well as other unique art installations in the Houston area.
The parade route travels along Allen Parkway heading towards downtown. Food trucks, bands, and artist installations add to the festivities of the day. Spectators may visit each car prior to the parade to get an up-close encounter with their favorite cars. The Kids Creative Zone and the Line-Up Party begin at 11 a.m. This is the best time for spectators to get the best look at the cars and meet the art car artists.
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Established in 2004, St. John XXIII College Preparatory is a premiere Catholic high school with the mission to prepare the hearts and minds of our students to serve God and others. Located on 35 acres, the campus is conveniently located off the Grand Parkway and I-10 near the communities of Houston and Katy, Texas. St. John XXIII offers honors, AP, fine arts, and numerous athletic and extracurricular opportunities. Students are grouped into five “houses” to promote school spirit, fellowship, spirituality, and academic achievement.