Daytripper News

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center has unveiled a newly painted mural by Houston artist Anat Ronen in the popular Ravine area in the northwest corner of the nature sanctuary. The whimsical piece depicts a Great Horned Owl, a nocturnal animal that has been spotted and heard on the Houston Arboretum’s 155-acre property located just inside Loop 610. Visitors can find the mural on the entrance to a tunnel that allows water to flow under Woodway Drive.

The Ravine Trail runs along an old tributary of Buffalo Bayou, providing visitors with a shaded hike through a native riparian ecosystem with elevation changes not typically seen in the Houston area. Since officially re-opening in April, the Ravine has been a sought-after spot for hiking, walking, taking photos and strolling with small children and dogs.

Ronen is a self-taught painter, muralist and street artist who paints on walls, floors, panels, canvases, asphalt, buildings and outdoor structures. Her work is found in public areas throughout Houston, including interstate highways, bridges, buildings, churches and schools.

In addition to the Houston Arboretum, commissioned work includes the Houston Zoo, Bridgeland Community in Cypress, Frost Bank, Texas Southern University and the City of Brenham. She has also had her art displayed in museums both nationally and abroad.

“The gorgeous mural by Anat Ronen is already capturing the imagination of those who have recently visited the Ravine at the Arboretum,” says Debbie Markey, Executive Director. “One fun aspect of the mural is the bridge ‘reflected’ in the owl’s eyes.”

“We are big proponents of art in public spaces and are thrilled to connect people to art and nature,” Markey continues. She notes that artwork greets visitors at both entrances and can be found throughout the Arboretum.

The Woodway Entrance boasts four metal native plant art panels by Canadian artist Floyd Elzinga, while the 610 Entrance is flanked by larger than life pinecones and acorns created by sculptors Elzinga and Noah Edmundson respectively. Beautiful nature illustrations by Katie Vernon are located at the Field Stations, and her artwork will be featured in the remodeled Nature Center as well.

The public can view the mural from inside the Arboretum via the northernmost Ravine bridge. To get a closer look at the mural, visitors can take the Memorial Park trail that starts just outside and to the right of the Woodway Entrance. Visitors who wish to observe or take photos of the mural are asked to stay on the bridge or trails as they enter the Ravine area. The slopes leading to the tunnel are off limits because of the ongoing plant restoration to reduce erosion in the Ravine.

The grounds of the Arboretum are open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Guests can enter from both Loop 610 and Woodway Drive. For more information, visit houstonarboretum.org or call 713-681-8433.