Woodlands Arts Council celebrates Featured Artist at its 20th Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The 20th Woodlands Waterway Arts in the Park was a resounding community success, with hundreds of artists on site to present their wares to thousands of attendees over the three-day period of the outdoor festival all along The Woodlands Waterway and Town Green Park.

At the festival, attendees immersed themselves in a lively outdoor gallery showcasing authors, music, delectable food, and activities for children, all while exploring art from talented fine artists worldwide. Jury-selected artists presented an array of unique and original artwork across various mediums at the festival. Recognized as the best event in The Woodlands, this arts festival has become a cherished springtime tradition for families and locals.

This year’s featured artist, selected for special recognition, was Thomas Wargin, who brings more than a quarter-century of artistic experience spanning from collaborations with Fortune 500 companies to intimate creations in a small art studio. His chosen materials are primarily stone and metal, deftly crafted into small to midsized installation pieces in a broad array of style, color, and appearance.

Woodlands Online spoke with Wargin during the festival.

How did you learn about being this year’s Featured Artist, and how did you feel?

Surprised! I’ve been doing the show for 7 or 8 years now. Last year they just walked up and asked if I’d be interested in being the next featured artist. It was certainly unexpected. I mean, I’ve won ‘Best of’ awards in categories over a couple of years, but being asked to be the artist here was unexpected.

Are you locally based?

No, I’m based out of Wisconsin. It was in school there that I first got interested in this type of art.

Merging stone and metal is a large part of your artistic portfolio. Was it always this media?

I tried clay, but it didn’t have the longevity that I wanted that I got with stone and metal working. I’ve worked a lot in bronze. I got familiar with it in school with foundry and casting and sculpture, and it was easy for me to transition to.

How long have you been doing this, and what inspired you?

I’ve been making this art for about 30 years. I like creating pieces that make people think, because they’re not completely based in reality. I like the fantastical.

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