Artist David Adickes has been a vital part of the Houston art scene for over 65 years. A native of Huntsville, Texas, David moved to Houston after completing two years of art studies at the Atelier Fernand Léger in Paris. By the end of that year (1951), he had garnered a first-place finish and a one-man show at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Longing to broaden his horizons, both geographically and artistically, David expanded his worldview through extended stays in France, a summer in Tahiti, and a two-year, around-the-world journey. During these treks, David continued to develop his skill as an artist, continuously sending paintings back to his home base in Houston: Dubose Gallery, headed by gallerist Ben Dubose. He also explored academia, taught art at the University of Texas, and opened a nightclub, Love Street Light Circus and Feel Good Machine, in 1967.
But perhaps the biggest career move came in 1983, with the unveiling of “The Virtuoso,” David’s first monumental public sculpture. To this day, the whimsical 36-foot concrete statue, a semi-abstract cellist gracing the front of downtown Houston’s Lyric Tower, serves as an icon for Houston’s Theater District.
That first large sculpture marked a new direction for David; eleven years later, the iconic 76-foot Sam Houston statue followed. Since then, the name David Adickes has become synonymous with monumental sculpture. In addition, David’s bronze sculptures of Dr. Denton Cooley and George H. W. Bush stand as a testament to Houston’s heroes.
Over these years, Houston has remained home for David Adickes. In 2013, that fact became expressed in concrete, with the unveiling of “We Love Houston.” Its uplifting message and colorful design express not just David’s creativity but also his sense of joy that creativity brings. It and other recent works—The Beatles, Charlie Chaplin, and “art is fun,” among others—embody three principles of David’s work. First, art should have permanence, both literally and metaphorically. Second, public art can and does enhance the quality of life of the greater community. And third, art can and does enhance the life of every individual who comes in contact with it.
* Publisher’s Note: Sadly, renowned artist David Adickes passed away in July 2025. His remarkable spirit and accomplishments live on through his family and many friends. He is greatly missed.