Heritage Society Honors a Houston Art Icon at “Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine” Gala

Heritage Society Honors a Houston Art Icon at “Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine” Gala

Renowned artist David Adickes, artist of thousands of paintings over his lifetime and sculptor of the 44 Presidential Heads, Beatles statues and the 76-foot-tall figure of Sam Houston near Huntsville, was celebrated and honored at the annual gala for The Heritage Society at Ballroom at Bayou Place.

The title Legendary Houston, 1960s Love Street Light Circus Feel Good Machine harkened back to the 1960s, a decade that brought about radical change, innovative changes in clothing, music, culture, and in this instance, nightclub styles. In 1967, after a trip to San Francisco, Adickes discovered a nightclub that used overhead projectors to create unique images. After returning to Houston, the good mental notes he made on his trip helped him develop a club with projectors that created mesmerizing and psychedelic effects. His club near Allen’s Landing was aptly named Love Street and became the “happening” downtown scene. Bands like ZZ Top, who debuted there in 1969, loved to be featured at the popular hotspot.

The throng of “groovy” guests began the “sit-in” with a reception featuring many pieces donated by David Adickes and a wide selection gifted by Christy and Lou Cushman from their private collection. 

The remainder of the evening that followed included a “dynamite” seated dinner with “eats” from the Ballroom, an award from The Heritage Society’s Executive Director Alison Bell and Board President Minnette Boesel was presented to Adickes, along with a crown which named him “King of the Legendary Houston 1960s”, a live and silent auction, entertainment from The David Caceres Band and a “far out” dance contest, where The Leading Ladies, managed by Mister McKinney, handed out peace sign necklaces and sold blinkie rings to those entering.

When the event came to a close, these “cool cats” and “mod crowd” had helped The Heritage Society raise a tidy sum to continue their efforts to preserve and recognize the diverse history of Houston.

Socially present (not previously mentioned):  Susie and Sanford Criner, SIssy and Denny Kempner, Minnette and Peter Boesel, Kirksey Gregg and Shay Calhoun, Muffet Blake and Bob Murray, Tiffani and Devaron Yates, Joanne Zumbrun, Jordan Jopling, Cynthia Birdwell, Holly and Richard Howell, Karen Winston, Jean Wilson, Mechelle Tran, Angela and Will Cannady, Minnette and Clay Jackson, Debbie and Greg Blauser, Miki and Ralph Norton, Ted Swindley and Mary Hooper, April Coker and Didi Ooi