Inside the Katy Trail’s Latest Art Installation — Hadi Fallahpisheh’s ‘Guest’

The Katy Trail, the beloved stretch of land that swirls through Dallas, is our go-to for a run or a catch-up walk with a friend. The organization behind it has launched a new initiative — Katy Trail Art. Behind it is a group of donors, the Katy Trail Art Society, poised to help further its mission.

Recently, the group gathered at the modern, art-filled home of Patrick Collins for an evening of cocktails and conversation in Highland Park. Also on the docket for the night was a discussion of the latest plans for the organization led by Katy Trail Executive Director Amy Bean — predominately to borrow, commission, and produce world-class art projects on and around the Trail. It’s all in an attempt to inspire creativity, ignite dialogues, encourage self-reflection, foster community building, and (perhaps most of all) promote civic ownership of the Katy Trail.

Bean also spoke of the unveiling of a new series of sculptures by Iranian artist Hadi Fallahpisheh. Amanda Shufeldt, who co-chairs the Art Selection Committee with her husband, Charlie, introduced Fallahpisheh and the engaging discussion began.

Fallahpisheh is an artist who works across various mediums, including photography, sculpture, and performance. For the Trail, he has created Guest, a series of four uniquely crafted and boldly painted monumental steel sculptures that are meant to be in conversation with their environment — the trail and the landscape. Each of the pieces carries a vase in their hands, emblematic of a gift or offering to all who encounter the works.

Spotted mingling in the art-filled room included Katy Trail Board President Eric Paulson, Janelle and Alden Pinnell, Carista Hill, Charlie Caulkins of Sotheby’s Dallas, Laura and Greg Koonsman, John Relton, and Decker Sachse.

If you’re bold enough to brave the blazing temperatures of late, grab a friend and schedule an early morning walk to see the engaging new art on the Trail.