Art of Texas State Parks Hardback

n 2023, the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife marks the 100th anniversary of the state park system. From its inception in 1923, the Texas park system has grown to 95 sites, covering more than 627,000 acres and comprising 74 state parks, 13 historic sites, and 8 natural areas. This vast collection of natural lands and public places now accommodates almost 9 million visitors each year.

The Art of Texas State Parks celebrates this rich tradition, offering an engaging visual arts survey of Texas state parks as seen through the eyes of leading artists from across the state. Editors Andrew Sansom and Linda J. Reaves have collected original works from thirty of the state’s most influential artists. These stunning visual works are accompanied by a thoughtful essay by William E. Reaves on the time-honored legacy of landscape painting in Texas and by Sansom’s reflections on the vital place of landscape art in Texas conservation. Rounding out the collection, assistant state park director Kevin Good offers an informative profile of Texas state parks, and the work concludes with profiles of the artists whose pieces appear in this special centennial collection.

The centennial of the state parks system offers the perfect occasion to create a lasting visual record of Texas parks in art while memorializing the past and ongoing development of the distinctive collection of Lone Star parks and natural areas. The Art of Texas State Parks offers readers increased awareness of Texas parklands and heightens their popular appeal through the elegant and inspired works of some of Texas’ finest contemporary artists.

Includes the work of these artists:
Randy Bacon, Abilene  Mary Baxter, Marfa  David Caton, Utopia  Charles Criner, Houston  Margie Crisp, Elgin  Ric Dentinger, San Antonio  Fidencio Duran, Austin   Joel R. Edwards, Waco  Malou Flato, Austin  Gordon Fowler, Austin  Pat Gabriel, Fort Worth  David R. Griffin, Dallas  Brian Grimm, Fredericksburg  Clemente F. Guzman III, San Antonio  Karl E. Hall, Houston  John Austin Hanna, Fredericksburg  Billy Hassell, Fort Worth  Hailey E. Herrera, Bryan  Lee Jamison, Huntsville  Denise LaRue Mahlke, Whitehouse  Talmage Minter, Waco  William B. Montgomery, Elgin Kermit Oliver, Waco  Noe Perez, Corpus Christi  Jeri Salter, Hutto  Jim Stoker, San Antonio  Bob Stuth-Wade, Dublin  Terri M. Wells, Austin

All author proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.