Houston Council Members Recognize the “Artists” of Houston Construction
Tellepsen Chairman and CEO Howard Tellepsen and Artist Dr. Valentin Gertsman
present commemorative book to the City of Houston
HOUSTON (January 29, 2008) – Houston artists and craftsmen that have helped shape the city's architectural landscape will be honored next week as Mayor Bill White declares Tuesday, February 5, 2008, the “Art of Houston Construction” Day.
Houston artist Dr. Valentin Gertsman and chairman and CEO of Tellepsen Builders, Howard Tellepsen, will present the mayor and Houston council members with copies of Dr. Gertsman's third and recently-released compilation, Construction Site = Art, which features photography works depicting the rise of some of the city's most well-known landmarks from 1985 to 2007. Tellepsen is the major underwriter and an essay contributor for the compilation, published by Herring Press.
“I was amazed when I saw Houston for the first time 33 years ago and I still feel the same today,” said Dr. Valentin Gertsman, “I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to publish all three of my books through great support of the Houston business community.”
Gertsman's mission to document and interpret evolution of Houston architecture and construction has helped shape perceptions of the city across the globe. Previous works and compilations, Houston Architectural Ballade and Philip Johnson in Houston: Image and Imagination, which feature collections of dramatic photographs taken by Dr. Valentin Gertsman, have achieved international recognition and placement in some of the finest museums in the world.
“Through his exploration of the cityscape, Dr. Gertsman eloquently captured construction of some of Houston’s most monumental projects, including many that Tellepsen is proud to call its own,” said Howard Tellepsen, third-generation chairman and CEO of Tellepsen Builders. “We chose to partner with this important project to celebrate the leadership of generations of Houston businesses and communities that have called on us to help bring their artistic visions to life.”
Dr. Valentin Gertsman came to Houston in 1974 and instantly fell in love with the city’s architectural landscape. Born in 1925 in Moscow, Russia, he received his M.D. in surgery from the First Moscow Medical Institute, then went on to receive his PhD. in orthopedics.
In a preface excerpt Dr. Valentin Gertsman writes, “Each stone, wire or pipe contains mystery, because putting together by the skilled hands of workers who follow the ideas of architects, engineers and developers, finally transforms into the magnificent structure and becomes the piece of art itself.”
Many of Gertsman's photographs are in public and private collections such as Museum Ludwig, Cologne, Germany; The Collection of the Vatican; Bibliotheque National, Paris, France; Tretyakov State Art Gallery, State Pushkin Museum of Fine Art, Moscow, Russia, the Menil Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Tellepsen Builders
Building on a Century of Trust, four generations of the Tellepsen family have made the Houston area their home, and four generations of Texans have relied on Tellepsen for the places they live, work, play, worship and learn. Tellepsen has been performing general contracting and construction management for both public and private sectors since 1909.
Tellepsen is turning dreams into reality in commercial, education, healthcare, liturgical, retail, hotels and recreational facilities, as well as a host of other areas. The successful company is responsible for building some of Houston’s most notable landmarks such as the Shamrock Hilton Hotel, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the original St. Luke’s Episcopal hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital. For more information on the company and a complete list of projects and awards, visit www.tellepsen.com. |
