While researching H-E-B history for project inspiration, Houston-based artist Elaine Bradford came across an advertising campaign from the 1930s when tagged chickens were given away, good for handfuls of nickels or free groceries. And so Elaine’s funky flock suspended chickens in colorful custom-fitted crocheted sweaters was born. The chickens, in line with the H-E-B lore, are accompanied by large coins created by Rene Cruz for the Heights store entryway. The sweaters’ color combinations come straight from popular H-E-B products, such as “That Green Sauce” and “Spicy Whataburger Ketchup.”
Artist: Elaine Bradford with contributions by Rene Cruz (Instagram/Website)
Location: H-E-B Heights (Houston, TX)
Date: 2019
Type: Permanent Site-Specific Artwork Commission
Role: Curator + Lead Project Manager at Weingarten Art Group
Photos courtesy of Weingarten Art Group