A new mural, "The Beauty of Nature in The Woodlands," was unveiled on Thursday, October 17, as part of the celebration honoring The Woodlands 50th Anniversary. Located on the base of The Millennium sculpture adjacent to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion along The Woodlands Waterway, the artwork is a collaboration between local artist Amy Malkan and Marlo Saucedo, a resident of The Woodlands, who were selected through an open call from The Woodlands Arts Council. Howard Hughes commissioned the piece and has gifted the art mural to The Woodlands Township for residents to enjoy.
"This mural is a vibrant testament to The Woodlands' spirit as we celebrate our 50th anniversary,” said Jim Carman, President, Houston Region for Howard Hughes. “It beautifully captures our community's deep connection to nature, unwavering commitment to the arts and bold vision ahead.”
The mural, standing eight feet tall and over 24 feet wide, complements The Woodlands Waterway and celebrates the community's five-decade history. The artists combined their talents and enlisted local art students to help paint the piece, which incorporates native elements representing the beauty of The Woodlands.
"This mural is our first Public Art Mural to be located directly on The Waterway. It reflects the heart of The Woodlands — the seamless connection between its residents and the natural environment, celebrating 50 years of living within a thriving forest community,” said Cindy Heiser, Board of Directors, The Woodlands Township. “The Waterway exemplifies how nature and urban life flow together, just as this mural represents the beauty, growth, and sustainability that have defined The Woodlands since its founding. As we mark this milestone, the mural serves as both a tribute to our past and a vision for the future — a vibrant reminder of the harmony between people and nature in 'The Livable Forest.'"
Believing that art should be accessible to all, Amy Malkan creates unique, vibrant art that uses bright colors and motifs from her Indian heritage such as mandalas and henna patterns. Impelled by her very Texan motto: the bigger, the better, she enjoys painting on a large scale, using her art to bridge connections between people and the spaces where the art has been created.
"We are excited to bring a mural that embodies the beautiful richness of The Woodlands for its 50th Anniversary. This mural is all about The Woodlands,” said Amy Malkan, Artist and Co-Creator of the mural. “It was co-designed with a native Woodlander, painted by native Woodlanders and residents, and also showcases nature native to The Woodlands. We hope everyone will enjoy this mural!”
Specializing in using words to create form, Marlo Saucedo’s art literally tells stories. She weaves key words, signatures and thoughts together, making the art a collective experience for her clients. Saucedo believes art exists to enhance life, and by customizing pieces, also makes them personal.
“We're delighted that this mural truly reflects the beauty and the history of The Woodlands. I'm honored to be a part of this project with Amy, helping to give back to a community that's given so much to my family and to me,” stated Saucedo. “We've loved living here, so I couldn't be happier to be a part of creating this beautiful piece on The Waterway.”
Both artists use their art to bring people together and their portfolio of work can be seen in various public spaces in and around the Houston area. Learn more about the weeklong events celebrating The Woodlands 50th Anniversary by visiting TheWoodlands.com.
