The nature-inspired mosaic in Midtown Park has been recognized nationally as one of the Best Public Art Projects by Americans for the Arts. This honor is determined by public art experts in the only national program that awards public arts projects.

The aptly titled ‘Wild Wonderland,’ created by local artist Dixie Friend Gay, is a perfect encapsulation of the wildlife native to Houston–in the first twelve inches above ground level. Friend-Gay is nationally renowned for her depictions of the natural world, and this installation does not disappoint. Viewed from a distance, the realistic detail is impressive, but the closer one gets to the wall, more appreciable the level of complexity becomes.

This sculpture serves as a playful welcoming terminus to Mueller’s Lake Park in Austin, Texas.  The 16-foot-high, 30-foot-long serpent-like sculpture was inspired by mythological water creatures, using handmade tiles to give the feeling of barnacles and other sea life, adding textual distinction from the smooth, glossy, glass “scales.”