“Rain is one of the elements that continues to give life to all of our relations. I believe that we have to connect to it not as a threat of destruction, but rather as a reminder that life is constantly being energized.” —Daniel Anguilu
 

Many Houstonians recognize local artist Daniel Anguilu’s style—colorful forms inspired by stained-glass windows—from his many murals around town. Anguilu visited the MFAH to create a special work of art during “Spend the Day at HOME,” a free Family Day on December 2.

The event, which included art activities and performances, celebrated HOME—So Different, So Appealing, an exhibition featuring work by U.S. Latino and Latin American artists addressing the simple yet universal idea of “home.”

Rather than painting on a traditional canvas during the Family Day, Anguilu used a recycled glass door to fit his style and the exhibition’s themes. The door reflects what community, home, and Houston mean to the artist—especially as the city continues to recover after Hurricane Harvey.

Working outdoors in the Museum’s Cullen Sculpture Garden, Anguilu painted the glass door with small blue marks, representing rain. The installation became a collaborative community project as visitors were encouraged to participate by adding their own marks to the work, titled What Is Home?, throughout the day.

On a board set up nearby, the artist asked guests to consider two important questions: “What is home?” and “What is rain?” He draws a parallel between rain and love, but as Texans know, rain can also be a destructive force. Anguilu’s installation sparks a dialogue about how rain has affected Houston, a home shared by so many. We hope that this demonstration also sparked further discussion among visitors about what “home” means to them!

An additional activity at the Family Day invited guests to work together on “Trash to Treasure.” For this collaborative art project, families helped weave recycled plastic bags into a blanket.

You can still see these works of art! Both are on display in the Kinder Foundation Education Center Gallery through January 7.