Discovery Green is thrilled to announce the selection of two remarkable Houston-area artists, Karen Navarro and Gerardo Rosales, as the inaugural fellows of the Art Lab program. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to uplift underrepresented local artists, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to create large-scale, interactive, sculptural public art. Supported by an anonymous national foundation, Art Lab will serve as a catalyst for these talented artists, providing them with a unique opportunity to transform their artistic visions into impactful public installations.

Karen Navarro, originally from Argentina and now a Houston-based artist, is celebrated for her innovative use of photography, collage, and sculpture to explore themes of identity, representation, race, and belonging. Her work, deeply influenced by her migrant experience and Indigenous identity, has been exhibited globally. In recent years, Navarro has evolved her practice from two-dimensional photography to three-dimensional sculptures. Through Art Lab, she aims to further expand her creative expression into large-scale, outdoor works that engage with the public and withstand the elements.

Gerardo Rosales, a multidisciplinary artist and educator originally from Venezuela, has been a vibrant part of Houston's art community for 23 years. His work, which delves into the intersections of queerness, migration, and cultural heritage, is inspired by his personal experiences. As an Art Lab fellow, Rosales is eager to learn new technologies and processes from the program’s mentors, which will allow him to create more immersive and enriching experiences for his audience.

The Art Lab program offers both artists a $4,500 honorarium and the chance to work closely with a team of esteemed mentors, including Jen Lewin, an internationally renowned artist and engineer based in Brooklyn. Lewin, who has made history as the first female lead artist for Burning Man in 2024, will be leading Discovery Green's winter 2024-2025 site-specific art installation. The mentorship team also includes the Weingarten Art Group, co-curators and co-administrators of Art Lab, and Metalab, a Houston-based architecture and design firm. Together, these mentors will guide Navarro and Rosales through the intricate process of designing, building, and installing large-scale public art projects.

"Art Lab is a gateway for artists to elevate their practice," said Lea Weingarten, principal of Weingarten Art Group. "Our goal is to provide artists with hands-on mentorship that challenges them to push the boundaries of their work in terms of concept, materials, and scale. Karen and Gerardo embody the spirit of Art Lab, and we are excited to partner with Discovery Green as we embark on this inaugural year."

Discovery Green has long been a leader in presenting immersive, interactive, and light-based art installations. With a history of pioneering public art in Houston, the park recently introduced "The TUNNEL" by Big Art, a large-scale interactive installation that takes visitors on a cosmic adventure. This installation is just one example of the innovative art experiences that have become synonymous with Discovery Green.

As part of their fellowship, Navarro and Rosales will be invited to submit proposals for a temporary pop-up art installation at Discovery Green in 2025. If their proposals are selected, they will have the support of their Art Lab mentors to bring their visions to life. The Art Lab program runs through January 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for public art in Houston.

Discovery Green continues to be a beacon for creativity and innovation in Houston, offering a platform for artists to explore new frontiers in public art while enriching the community with transformative cultural experiences. The selection of Karen Navarro and Gerardo Rosales as Art Lab fellows underscores the park's commitment to supporting diverse voices and fostering the growth of local talent.

For more info, visit www.discoverygreen.com.