Being from a larger than large city means one thing: you never know everything it is home to.

For me my home is and always will be Houston, Texas. Upon exploring a little this past weekend I became privy to something I never could have imagined - especially only a few short miles from my childhood home — The Orange Show Monument.

It sounds like something you would only find in the notoriously unique area of ATX, however step into The Orange Show Monument and live out your own Alice in Wonderland experience.

Built in the mid 20th century over several decades by Jefferson Davis Mckissak, and opened to the public in 1978, this wondrous, circus-like construct has become the focal piece of East End art in Houston. The 3000 square ft monument is built from a hodgepodge of found objects including tiles, wheels, multilevel platforms, tractor seats, statues, etc. It is maze-like and reminiscent of a 1930's circus show with sweet and eerie messages tiled on the wall: "Be careful," "We love Orange" and quotes from McKissak and philosophers. McKissak can easily be described as either a creative genius or an eccentric creator. In either respect this magnificent feat has survived for roughly 40 years, and has spurred the development of The Orange Show Center for Visionary Arts, the center support various facets of the Houston art community from The Orange Show Monument, to the Beer Can House, the Art Car Parade, and the newly developing Smither Park right next door to The Orange Show Monument.

Smither Park is the next endeavor for the Center, named in honor of an active supporter and Houston art enthusiast: John H. Smither. Pictures below show the park despite it being still under construction. More Information can be found here. Perhaps these new art developments not in the Art District of town will revitalize the ailing neighborhoods of the East End, giving it life and attention once again.

Houston Culture is alive and well; as one Center member said, this park symbolizes the "vibrancy of Houston." So go explore your own city and share what vibrant attractions you find!