This is the first edition of "Sketches," a weekly series highlighting the work and personalities that make up Houston's dynamic arts community. Some weeks we'll feature videos and other weeks we'll publish Q&A's or maybe even photography. Who knows? This is a work in progress, folks, one that aims to follow the art wherever it takes us. 

Our first subject is Patrick Renner, master craftsman and creator of the massive, serpentine structure currently slowing traffic along Montrose Blvd. across from Inversion Coffee. Known as the "Funnel Tunnel," Renner calls his latest creation a "visual arts speed bump" and considers it a re-imagining of a public space dominated by vehicles. He worked in conjunction with Art League Houston to create the Funnel Tunnel and estimates more than thirty thousand drivers pass his 180-foot-long structure each day. If you haven't seen it, it's worth a drive-by. In the meantime, check out our video with Renner discussing his new project below: