The Orange Show’s 36^th Annual the Houston Art Car Parade took place on April 15 from 12-4 p.m. The CLHS Art Car Club participated in the parade, and earned second place. The parade was from the corner of Shepherd and Allen Parkway to Waugh and Allen Parkway.

“Clear Lake High School’s entry is CONSPIRACY THEORY X. From Aliens to X-Files, to Men in Black to Cryptids. The Truth is Out There!” Mr. Storms said.

Over the years, the parade has drawn much attention and attracted contestants from across Texas.

“Community groups, public and private schools, and professional organizations have become regular participants,” Mr. Storms said.

All types of schools and groups participate in the art car showcase.

“Inspired by what they see, spectators create art cars of their own and often become future participants,” Mr. Storms said. “And as the parade grows, attracting more and more participants, the complexity and quality of the entries increases.”

It started as a small gathering artists and individuals in the early 80’s.

“One of Houston’s most beloved annual events started as small gatherings of like-minded artists and individuals in the early 1980s – from the creation of Jackie Harris’ “Fruitmobile” and the Ann Harithas curated exhibition “Collision” at Lawndale Art Center in 1984,” Mr. Storms said. “To Rachel Hecker and Trish Herrera’s New Music Parade and the Orange Show’s “Road Show” in 1986 – all of which featured automobiles that had been transformed by artists into works of art,” Mr. Storms said.

The roadside attraction was introduced in 1988.

“Then in 1988, the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art produced “Roadside Attractions: The Art Car Parade” with 40 art cars seen by 2,000 people,” Mr. Storms said.

Houston Art Car Parade is the largest art car celebration in the world.

“Today, The Houston Art Car Parade is the largest celebration of its kind in the world, featuring over 250 entries,” Mr. Storms said. “And attracting 200,000-300,000 spectators as the mobile masterpieces created by artists, students, youth groups, families, organizations and anyone with a passion for creativity roll through downtown Houston every April.”

The Art Car Parade showcases the artist that inside all of us.

“The Houston Art Car Parade represents the idea that there is an artist inside all of us, and in doing so offers the opportunity to showcase that inherent creativity on a large scale,” Mr. Storms said.