Preston Gaines, temporary installation of Rust Garden: A Triad Harmony at Buffalo Bayou Park. 2025. Image courtesy of the artist.

Preston Gaines

IN Nature: A Living Tapestry

IN Nature: A Living Tapestry is a site-specific public art installation that transforms a section of Japhet Creek into a contemplative landscape composed of laser-cut steel floral sculptures and native plantings. The project examines the creek’s environmental history, its role in the Fifth Ward, and the lived experiences of nearby residents who have watched the waterway be alternately neglected and cherished over generations. Proposed programs include a walking tour and native planting zone, live storytelling by community members, and hands-on activities centered on ecology and memory.