Life in the Brazos.com

Warren Finch

Director, George Bush Presidential Libray and Museum,
College Station, Texas

In honor of College Station's local railroad history, the George Bush Presidential Library brought the spirit of locomotive heritage to the Bryan-College Station region with the Locomotives on Parade public art project. The locomotive project was held in conjunction with our Trains: Tracks of the Iron Horse exhibit and, like similar projects such as Chicago's Cows on Parade and Gallopalooza: Louisville's Sidewalk Derby, have successfully inspired a craze for public art across the region and has offered the community a creative canvas for businesses, artists and citizens to enjoy these whimsical works of art together.

Area philanthropists sponsored 34 of these three-dimensional fiberglass models shaped as the local icons; the six-foot steam engine locomotives are specially designed to represent the area. Once sponsored, the trains were decorated by celebrated artists and placed on proud display around the city, generating traffic to sponsors and attracting keen interest for their fanciful and inventive artwork.

Now, at the end of the project, the locomotives will make their way to the Rotunda of the Bush Museum after Labor Day, and everyone who has been captivated by the particularly unique parade of trains will have an opportunity to bid on their favorite locomotive at a spectacular auction event on September 29. The Museum is hosting what we believe will be THE premier art and auction event of 2006. The finale of our public arts project promises to be an evening of good food, good friends and a great time. The proceeds of the auction benefit future exhibits and education programs at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Even after the project has been completed, the lasting sense of community spirit and local pride will live on in the spirited images of steam engine locomotives that remain around town.

This spectacular night will give the Museum an opportunity to reflect on the successful parade and its impact on the area. Guests are invited to participate in the auction, claim an integral piece of local history, and enjoy a Tex-Mex buffet dinner and entertainment by country music superstar Clint Black. Mr. Black will be here to help us celebrate the conclusion of our public arts project and the opening of our new exhibits: 100 Tall Texans and Texas Lone Stars. The departure of the Trains: Tracks of the Iron Horse exhibit left big boots to fill at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, but we know 120 tall Texans who can accomplish just that.

Texas in the 20^th century was an explosion of energy, entrepreneurialship, growth and development from business, sports the arts, politics, science and medicine, to space exploration. One hundred Texans who made significant contributions to Texas and the world will be the subject of the next exhibit at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

This fascinating exhibit, based on an article by the Houston Chronicle, gathers one-of-a-kind artifacts highlighting the incredible achievements of these remarkable men and women. Some of this spectacular collection includes: an A.J. Foyt Indy car, George Forman's title belt, Buddy Holly's guitar, Norman Borlaug's Nobel Peace medal, the golf club used on the moon by astronaut Alan Shepard, and artwork of Robert Rauschenburg, Tom Lea and John Biggers. This remarkable collection of honorees and artifacts makes it a true Texas original.

With this select list, the Museum is showcasing twenty additional Texas Lone Stars who have made significant impacts in their chosen fields. Just a few of the featured stars are Lance Armstrong, Clint Black, Red Duke, Lyle Lovett, Drayton McClane, Earl Rudder, Gene Roddenberry and Sissy Spacek.

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum strives to continue bringing excellent educational and entertaining exhibits to the community. For up-to-date information about special events, educational programs, exhibits and the Museum, please check our website.