Alebrijes and Nahuales from Mexico
This fall Discovery Green plays host to eight 20-foot tall sculptures depicting fantastic creatures from the spirit world as imagined through Mexican magical realism.
Designed and created by Mexican artists and artisans these brightly colored animals represent the powerful animal guardian spirits of Mesoamerican folklore.
Inspired by Mexico City artist Pedro Linares, each sculpture is an enlarged reproduction of original works by celebrated Oaxacan artists.
The exhibition pays tribute to the exceptional craftsmanship of Mexican artisans, celebrates Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and highlights the connections between Houston and the nation across the gulf.
Sign up for the newsletter
Make a donation to Discovery Green
Fantastic Animals Inspired Cocktails
From September 15 to October 18, The Grove, an elegant urban dining experience in the heart of Discovery Green from the legendary Schiller Del Grande Restaurant Group, and James Beard Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega’s Xochi and Zaranda restaurants, will be serving a special mezcal cocktail, or “spirit guides,” inspired by Fantastic Animals from Mexico.
Available at The Grove
The Catbird by Tracy Munoz-Nieves features house brewed tepache, pineapple tequila, burnt pineapple bitters, grated nutmeg with a burnt pineapple spear. Like the whimsical combination of feline grace and avian flight this cocktail is smooth, cunning and ready for liftoff.
Available at Xochi and Zaranda:
The Happy Alien, created by Xochi bartender April Zelaya, features blood orange liqueur, Amaras mezcal, pomegranate juice, simple syrup, fresh lime juice and Scrappy fire bitters. Like the character that inspired it, this cocktail invites joy and curiosity. For every cocktail sold at Xochi, $1 will be donated to Discovery Green Conservancy, the nonprofit that programs and maintains Discovery Green.
Click for more information about each sculpture.
Armadillo
Protected yet approachable, The Armadillo's shell bursts with vibrant patterns. Melchor pioneered Oaxacan woodcarving using everyday farm tools, infusing his art with the warmth of rural life.
Coyote
Drawing on Zapotec motifs found at Monte Alban, this proud, alert coyote seems ready to guard the night. Fuentes' detailed carvings reflect his deep connection to Oaxaca's history and landscape.
Catbird
A whimsical fusion of feline grace and avian flight, CatBird perches as if ready to leap into the sky. Its creator, grandson of alebrije originator Pedro Linares, keeps the family's papier-mache tradition alive while giving each piece a magical personality.
Happy Alien
With a grin as wide as the Milky Way, The Happy Alien invites joy and curiosity. The late Constantino Blas, once a farmer, became a nationally recognized sculptor whose playful imagination continues to inspire.
Lionbull
Part king of the jungle, part beast of the field, LionBull roars with strength and stability. Its golden mane and intricate patterns symbolize courage and endurance in the face of challenges.
Rabbit
Gentle yet full of energy, The Rabbit hops through a garden of butterflies and flowers delicately painted by Marfa Jimenez. Her craft blends artistry with the rhythms of farm life, earning accolades across Mexico and the United States.
Cat Nahual
Inspired by the Nahual, a mythical shapeshifter in Mesoamerican folklore, this alebrije blends mystical energy with feline elegance. Jimenez, son of famed artisan Manuel Jimenez Ramirez, is celebrated worldwide as a cultural ambassador for Oaxaca.
Dog
Known as the "death-dog," this skeletal canine represents the soul's journey to the underworld. Xuana's 40 years of craftsmanship give this piece both reverence and bold visual impact.
Schedule
Fantastic Animals: Artist Workshops - Paper Mache Masks
