The Witness Series

Exploring Indigenous, African American, Latino, and Asian Connections To Nature and Art

The Witness Series

The Witness Series is Artist Led, Nature Centered and Community Driven.  It is led by Kristi Rangel, Houston-based multi-disciplinary artist and education advocate.  As a part of her 2025 Bayou Artist in Residency, the 2025 Witness Series will be expanded from 4 parts to an 8-part series.  This year’s Witness Series will explore the many profound experiences that Communities of Color have in the Land of Southeast Texas and along Houston’s Buffalo Bayou.   The Witness Series is co-curated in partnership with artists from the Native American, African American, Latinx, Pacific Islander and Asian communities.  Every Witness experience is designed to bring communities together through the power of nature and provide historically under-served communities with greater access to nature-based opportunities.  Attendees become co-authors, editors and observers as they take part in these participatory public art experiences centered around green spaces and environmental equity.

The Witness Series will again be captured by artist April M. Frazier , as she participates in events part 1, 2 and 3.  Joe Robles IV  will capture the Witness Series Part 4.  Through their art, we will be able to experience the power of community building and making in green spaces.  

Kristi Rangel created it in partnership with Jaime González, a Houston-based conservationist and storyteller because of their shared belief that environmental equity is a basic human right. Kristi is the 2025 Artist in Residence with Buffalo Bayou Partnership, offering programming through the Witness Series at sites along Buffalo Bayou.

Part 1:  February 22, 2025

“Empowered by Flowers”: Flora, Fauna and Self-Care

Place:    Pilgrim United Church   and Columbia Tap Rail Trail
Pilgrim Community Center Inc

3118 Blodgett St

Houston, TX 77004

Time:    9am – 11:30am

Part 2: March 9, 2025

“Grow with Grace”: Indigenous Wisdom through Native Wildflowers

Place:    Japhet Creek Park

4600 Clinton Dr

Houston, TX 77020

Time:    9am to 11:30am

Part 3: March 22, 2025

"Bear Witness": (Re)Connecting to Our Ancestors  

Place:  E.R. and Ann Taylor Park 

850 Reed Rd

Houston, TX 77051

Time:    9am to Noon

Part 4:  April 26, 2025

Blooming into History: Beautiful, Fierce and Free   

Place:  Keegan Bayou and Riceville Cemetery

Starting at 9022 Willow Meadow Drive

Houston, TX 77031

Time:  8:30am – Noon

Part 5: May 17, 2025

Drawn to Nature: Building Community through Observation

Place:    Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park

2300 S Sgt Marcario Garcia Dr

Houston, TX 77011

Time:    9am to 11:30am

Part 6: September 13, 2025

Preserve Memories: Artmaking with Dried Flowers

Place:    Hidalgo Park

7000 Avenue Q

Houston, TX 77011

Time:    9am to 11:30am

Part 7: October 18, 2025

Drawing Strength: Nature Journaling

Place:    Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park

2300 S Sgt Marcario Garcia Dr

Houston, TX 77011

Time:    9am to 11:30am

Part 8: November 22, 2025

With Gratitude: Pop-Up Community Art Show and Artist Talk

Place:    Yolanda Black Navarro Buffalo Bend Nature Park

2300 S Sgt Marcario Garcia Dr

Houston, TX 77011

Time:    9am to 11:30am

2024 WITNESS SERIES

4 GALLERIES

2023 WITNESS SERIES

12 GALLERIES

Questions about the Witness Series? Please contact Kristi Rangel, Community Artists’ Collective Artist In Residence, at