April 7, 2023

Rocket Dog, Official Mascot of Discovery Green®, Returns in Time to Lead the 2023 Art Car Parade

Catch a first glimpse at Discovery Green’s Art Car Sneak Peek Thursday, April 13th

WHAT:           

Built by legendary art car artist, Rebecca Bass, Rocket Dog is Discovery Green’s official mascot. Bass along with her students created Rocket Dog, an “art cart” in 2007 to celebrate the opening of Discovery Green. The cart is filled with lawn games such as bocce ball, horseshoes, and more for patrons to enjoy while visiting the park.

The much-loved Rocket Dog needed repairs and a facelift. Bass pulled in artists Travis Smith and David Duong to assist in the renovation. Thanks to the generosity of Discovery Green donors and the support of The Brown Foundation, Rocket Dog is back!  The art cart Rocket Dog is a great example of the organization’s vision of uniting the Houston community through joyful, whimsical art.

Rocket Dog will be out and about and ready to play starting with the Art Car Sneak Peek — residents are invited to catch a first glimpse of the Art Cars featured in The Orange Show’s Art Car Parade during the event at Discovery Green on Thursday, April 13th from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Art and culture thrive in the outdoors as funky, artistic, creative cars line up down Avenida de Las Americas and through the park to kick-off the first day of the Art Car Parade weekend festivities.

Following the sneak peek, Rocket Dog will lead the Art Car Parade and carry Marilyn Oshman, Grand Marshal and founder of The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. Susanne Theis, Discovery Green programming director and former executive director of The Orange Show will be driving. Since Discovery Green opened in 2008 the Orange Show and the conservancy have been partners in shining a light on the artistic traditions of Houston. Skaters from Daisies and Pancakes will accompany Rocket Dog on the parade route.

The Art Car Parade will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 11 am – 4 pm. It begins at the corner of Bagby and Dallas, travels down Allen Parkway and ends at Waugh.

Beginning Sunday, April 16 and continuing every Saturday and Sunday through May 28, Rocket Dog and its toys will be available in the park 10:30 am – 5 pm.  As always, admission to Discovery Green, and use of the toys, is free.

WHEN:           

Art Car Sneak Peek – April 13th, 6pm – 10pm (at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St)

Art Car Parade – April 15th, 2pm ­– 4pm (on Allen Parkway, full schedule and route available at thehoustonartcarparade.com)

Rocket Dog at Discovery Green – Sunday, April 16th 10:30am-5pm; (at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St)

Saturdays and Sundays April 22nd – May 28th 10:30am – 5pm (at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St)

Rebecca Bass talks about creating and renovating Discovery Green's Rocket Dog

Rocket Dog, made by renowned Houston artist Rebecca Bass, is Discovery Green’s twist on that tradition. Rocket Dog increases physical and mental health by delivering games and equipment. It's fun for all ages!
Rocket Dog is an art cart created by Rebecca Bass. It is seen at Discovery Green

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