HOUSTON – You’ve got to see the homes on the Weird Homes Tour.
If your house is a reflection of self then Houston is home to some unique folks. Luckily for you, 10 of those homeowners are opening their doors to the public for one day only.
PHOTOS: Inside the 2017 Weird Homes Tour
The Weird Homes Tour began in 2014 in Austin with the purpose of embracing the concept of “weird is wonderful.” You might agree that it fits well with the Capitol City’s motif, but Austin isn’t the only city home to oddities.
Last year, the organization ran its first-ever Houston tour to sellout success.
This is mind-boggling. Inside one of the homes on this year's Houston Weird Homes Tour. You have GOT to see this place!
Posted by FOX 13's Chip Brewster on Thursday, October 5, 2017
Here’s a glimpse at each of this year's homes:
Information from the Weird Homes Tour website:
“During our self paced, self driving tours you will visit the homes of collectors of oddities, rare art collectors, performance artists, painters, sculptors and architects in cities all across the USA. And you can buy with your heart, since we donate to local nonprofits in all the cities we are in.”
The Journey Through Time House
Susie and Dirk Stronck showcase a collection which represents history, culture, religion and art all in one studio loft. “Historical and religious pieces from around the globe grace every nook, from an Egyptian sarcophagus headpiece in the entrance, to African tribal statues, pre-Columbian artifacts, religious relics including one of the original Lutheran Bibles, and even the blessed Virgin watching over the household.”
House of the Tree
Rebecca Lowe is an art car artist. Eleven years ago, she turned some of her artistic attention to her home by creating a stay puff mailbox. A few years later transformation began on the exterior of her house. “A studio/gallery, a home, and a good place to climb to the top of, House of Tree inspires the inhabitants as well as the neighborhood by being a vibrant daily reminder of what’s possible when the rules are rewritten to make more sense than ever.”
The Artist’s Haven
For more than thirty years Sharon Kopriva has combined two- and three-dimensional art forms by combining papier-mâché and found objects. In many cases her creations are seen as mummy-like and haunting. Her home is a “living, breathing studio of ghostly companions and incredible, large scale works on canvas. Every inch of the space has something surprising in store.”
The Lester Marks Collection (only available on the VIP tour)
This description was taken straight from the tour’s website. “Lester’s home holds some secrets. Secrets that are wild, whimsical and weird. And he will be opening his home and his private art collection for the Houston Weird Homes Tour this year. Take it from Lester himself ‘Art collecting, to me, has never been about putting trophies on the wall. My art collecting, has been, and is, simply a journey to help unlock the mysteries of life. Art serves as a catalyst to help me see and perceive the beauty and wonder of the everyday world around us. To me, art IS life; difficult, demanding, mysterious, and awe-inspiring.’”
Portrait House
Anne Reese Hernandez is a folk artist with a home in The Heights. Sometimes referred to as a gypsy artists, the walls of her home are filled with art and her closet with vintage clothing.
The Working Studio
Alix Dunn brings work home with her … or is it that she brings home to work. The Houston native is “inspired by the Texas landscape [and] seeks to understand mankind’s connection with nature and to mirror and grow that connection.” It's a study she employs throughout every room in her house.
The KGA Compound
Kelly Gale Amen (KGA) has part of the Houston arts and design community since 1974. His is a home filled with the “juxtaposition of extremes that just seem to fit perfectly together.”
“Contemporary sculptures sit next to tribal artifacts. A child’s portrait of his pet Dalmatian, ‘Fire Hydrant’, sits next to a renaissance style religious oil painting. The home is filled with the unique furniture he designed and they sit next to a photo of his furniture, on fire.”
Secret Garden Home
The home of Selia Qynn is more about what’s outside than in. The .75 acre lot includes a backyard that is certified by the National Wildlife Federation. “The main feature includes a 12,000 gallon pond populated with koi fish that you can view in a custom above water display, Cobblestone Island, statuary fountain and two waterfalls. Art from poetry (including Selia’s), to tin-can-men, to wine cork-murals, to COWbeques can be found everywhere. You may even be able to sit and catch a special musical performance in the garden’s theater.” Residents of the garden include Lucy the goose, Pippin and Lilly the ducks, Jaqueline the rabbit, a host of birds in the aviary, chickens, a sulcate tortoise, a box turtle, a chameleon and an active beehive.
The Art House
Bonnie Blue is an art car artist, folk artist, and photo artist. “That is why she turned her house into art for everyone to enjoy. Why not!? She did the same to her cars and has traveled nationwide sharing smiles across the miles.”
WATCH THE KPRC REPORT ON THIS HOME
As you might guess, this home is all about the hippo. It’s a collection which began 45 years ago. “(The owner is) also a member of the Hippolotofus Society. That’s a worldwide group of folks who collect, trade and talk hippo objects and memorabilia and have annual conventions all across North America.
When you visit this unique house on the Houston Weird Homes Tour see if you can count how many hippos you can find. We will give you a hint…it’s over 2,000!”