HOUSTON – Texas-born artist David Adickes was more than just a painter and sculptor — he was a creator whose giant masterpieces left a lasting impression on Houston. From the Virtuoso sculpture standing proudly in front of the Lyric Market in downtown Houston to the “We Love Houston” sign and the Beatles statues in Webster, his work is impossible to miss.
Before I ever knew his name, I knew the 67-foot Sam Houston statue in Huntsville, Texas. As a kid, my family often took road trips from Houston to Dallas to visit cousins. As we passed the statue along the way, I gazed in awe, thinking an artist from a century ago had built the massive statue as a tribute to the historical figure — but it was actually the work of a contemporary artist whose name I would come to know years later.
About 20 years ago, when I was in college, I visited the site again. This time, I got out of the car to capture the giant statue with my camera for a photography project.
That memory remains one of my favorite encounters with David Adickes’ great works. But to those who knew him, David was so much more than his art. He was a partner, father, mentor, friend and inspiration.
I had a chance to talk to some people who knew David personally.
Hannah Rees, gallery manager at Reeves Art + Design and Kelley Devine, project lead for conservation and repair, describe the artist as someone who constantly found ways to make his art big, bright and bold.
If you look closely at his paintings and sculptures, you’ll notice the subjects and structures are uniquely shaped — often formed unsymmetrically or abstractly. He drew inspiration from cubist expressionism to breathe life into pieces that are not traditionally Texan, but fun and colorful.
- Fun fact: The Virtuoso was one of David’s first commissioned pieces in Houston. It’s a violin with a head and arms appearing from behind, playing the instrument.
According to his life partner of over 30 years, Linda Wiley, “Art wasn’t what he did. It’s who he was.”
From the presidential heads dubbed as “Mount Rush Hour” to the paintings you can see at Reeves Art + Design, the Adickes estate is finding homes for all his art pieces.
- Another fun fact: David purchased land along I-10 and displayed his artwork for commuters to enjoy.
Currently, the “We Love Houston” sign is on loan at Hobby Airport—a perfect welcome for visitors.
And the Beatles statues that once stood at 8th Wonder Brewery found a new home in Webster, Texas. The set was purchased by George DeMontrond, president and CEO of DeMontrond Automotive Group, Inc. In true Adickes style, DeMontrond placed the monumental band at his dealership on I-45 for the public to see.
- One last fun fact: Adickes passed away on July 13, 2025 — or 7/13 day — a date that feels fitting for a man who gave so much to Houston.
While David was respected as an artist, family and friends agree he had a generous heart and unshakable sense of humor, bringing laughter to those around him even in his final days.
When I interviewed him in October 2024, David sneaked in a joke or two during our conversation. Though he will be deeply missed by loved ones, I am grateful to have met the incredibly talented David Adickes. His legacy will live on through the people he touched and the art he created.
Hear stories from those who loved him and see footage from one of his last interviews in the video player above.