ARTS DISTRICT HOUSTON
Photo by Giselle Parra

VIRGEN DE GUADALUPE

MECA
1900 Kane Street
Houston, Texas

Hours: 
  • 10am-8pm Weekdays

Originally created for a park in NYC by sculptor Paul Kittleson, this version of Our Lady of Guadelupe, Mexico’s patron saint, is made of recycled beverage containers and was gifted to MECA by the artist. The various types of soda and beer cans represent the different colors of her mantel, skin, and aura as seen in traditional depictions while parts from broken children’s dolls are used to mark the Virgin’s role as patron saint of unwed mothers.

INSIDER TIP

MECA is the proud custodian and inhabitant of the Dow Elementary school building, named after Justin E. Dow, superintendent of Houston Public Schools from 1885 to 1887. Originally built in 1912 with 16-rooms, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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