HOUSTON – Texas has lost a beloved, iconic member of its art scene.
David Adickes, a nationally renowned painter and sculptor, is best known for his iconic and 67-foot Sam Houston statue in Huntsville and the “We Love Houston” landmark in east downtown, died Monday at 98.
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Details on how he passed are still unclear, but loved ones confirmed the news with KPRC 2 noting, despite his age, the news was unexpected.
To say Adickes leaves behind a legacy is an understatement. His work spanned eight decades, but his most prominent piece is arguably the larger-than-life concrete and steel sculpture, 67 feet tall, Sam Houston in Huntsville.
He also had a strong admiration for Houston that you can find in Downtown Houston Lyric Centre’s called Virtuoso, the presidential bust sculptures of Presidents George Washington through Barack Obama, and a duo of We Love Houston and We Love Houston, Too works, currently at Hobby (and one headed for Bush) airports, which was well-known as Adickes’ “love letter to Houston.”
Not even age could stand in the way of his dedication to the craft. His work will be maintained through the Adickes Public Art Legacy Program. Further demonstrating how his work will remain timeless even after his passing.
In fact, one of his new colossal works, like The Beatles, will be installed in Webster, Texas, this summer.
His most priceless gifts, though, would be the loved ones he leaves behind, including his life partner, Dr. Linda Wiley, daughter, Mary Adickes Van Pelt, son-in-law, Guy Van Pelt, granddaughters, Mary Van Pelt and Cynthia Van Pelt, and many friends and extended family.
“David was a Houston institution, and he loved to make others smile,” Dr. Wiley said. “To meet people, enjoy his charm, and watch him put others at ease was a part of him as much as his art.”
“David Adickes was the ‘Willie Nelson’ of Houston, with a personality that matched his outsized sculptures: BIG and BOLD,” Tammy Dowe, family friend and Adickes Public Art Legacy Program Manager, added.
Currently, no services or celebrations of life have been planned, but once we learn more, we will be sure to update.