Wildfire Sculptures by Herb Williams

This is a new type of exhibition for the NRHC that will raise awareness about a serious environmental ranching concern in a very unique way, and hopefully, continue to bring more attention to the current wildfire crisi in Texas. The exhibit opens on October 7 and will run through the end of the year at NRHC.

"A variety of educational programs for children and adults will occur throughout the exhibit," said Emily Arellano, project coordinator and manager of education at the NRHC. "The focus will include raising awareness about the causes of wildfire both environmental and human, the effects of wildfire on the environment, wildfire prevention, and the purpose of prescribed burning."

Williams will construct the large sculptures, some eight-feet tall, onsite at the historic park and museum's Historical Preservation Building starting a week before the installation opens. Because each sculpture is made of wax, it will melt and change shape in the hot outdoor conditions. Moreover, each piece of art will continue to be altered by blowing wind and dry conditions such as those that affect the intensity and duration of real wildfire. The colorful crayons will provide a striking contrast to the dry, brown landscape and be reminiscent of an actual wildfire.

"I am very excited about creating sculptures that are so relevant to their environment," Williams said. "The idea of using such a child-friendly medium to convey a very adult situation speaks to the importance of educating the larger public about the prevention of wildfires. I hope that in the strange, beautiful qualities of using and melting tens of thousands of crayons to portray such a destructive subject, I can capture the focus of enough individuals who might help to change the current epidemic in the West."