Spring and The Woodlands Shine at Houston’s 39th Annual Art Car Parade

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Spring and The Woodlands were in the spotlight last weekend at Houston’s 39th Annual Art Car Parade, with four distinctive entries highlighting the two community’s creative presence and collaborative spirit. Representing a cross-section of artists, students, and local partners, the vehicles underscored their meaningful contributions to the region’s cultural landscape.

City Place, an area business and lifestyle destination, marked its second year participating in the parade, this time in collaboration with the contemporary art fair, Untitled Art, Houston. As part of that partnership, City Place underwrote two of the featured vehicles, both of which will be on display October 2-4 during the Untitled Art, Houston fair at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Car 24, “Dazzle,” by California-based artist Mario Ayala, translated the artist’s acclaimed painting practice into a bold, three-dimensional format. Created as an homage to his solo exhibition “Seven Vans” currently on display at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, the 2012 Kia Sedona features layered painted, sprayed, and vinyl-wrapped elements referencing his work “Camouflage.” Students, parents, and staff from Harmony Science Academy City Place accompanied the car along the parade route, adding energy and community pride to the presentation.

Car 43, “Green Light,” by Aryo Toh Djojo was realized using a reimagined 2026 Lexus TX, made possible through the support of the Houston Lexus Dealers Association. Inspired by the California artist’s original poem about an unexpected roadside encounter with extraterrestrial travelers, the car brought a sense of narrative and wonder to the parade. It was accompanied by supporters and clients of non-profit Wonders & Worries from the Spring and Woodlands areas. Riding shotgun was Fitz Davis, a young survivor who greeted the crowd with bubbles and waves. Joined by friends and family members wearing his signature “Go Fitz Go” rocket ship bracelets, Fitz’s presence served as an uplifting symbol of resilience and hope.

Two additional entries were created by 9th- and 10th-grade members of Spring’s Ismaili Jamatkhana, whose community draws from Spring and The Woodlands. Offering thoughtful explorations of personal reflection and cultural storytelling, car 73 - “Sufi Encounters” - was built on a 2013 Scion xB. It weaves together visual motifs drawn from historical artistic traditions, featuring intricate patterns, calligraphy, and symbolic elements that evoke a sense of connection, movement, and introspection. Car 74, “Corolla of Light,” a repurposed 2013 Toyota Corolla, presents a symbolic journey of inner growth through imagery such as the whirling dervish, mirrored surfaces, and the “gate to paradise,” inviting viewers to contemplate themes of light, transformation, and self-discovery.

Following the parade, both student-designed vehicles were featured that evening at the newly opened Ismaili Center on Allen Parkway as part of a special public performance welcoming noted artists Raheleh Filsoofi and Reza Filsoofi to a standing room only crowd. The cars served as immersive visual backdrops as guests arrived, extending their narratives beyond the parade route and into a broader artistic experience for visitors.

City Place’s participation also included civic representation, as Michele Leal, the new Director of the City of Houston’s Office of Arts, greeted paradegoers from the passenger seat of “Dazzle”, demonstrating the city’s continued investment in accessible, community-driven art.

Looking beyond the contemporary art fair timed for the fall season, Untitled Art, Houston continues to invest in year-round programming that extends its presence within the city’s cultural calendar.

“The presence of Spring and The Woodlands in this year’s Art Car Parade reflects the strength of collaboration between artists, students, and community partners,” said Untitled Art, Houston director Michael Slenske.

“From large conceptual projects to deeply personal narratives, these works demonstrate how art can connect and inspire across generations. Untitled Art was very proud to participate this year with collaborations from two exceptional emerging artists."

Together, the four entries offered a compelling portrait of the area’s creative identity - one defined by imagination, inclusivity, and a commitment to bringing art into the public realm.

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