A Monument to Tarleton’s Spirit: Mike Tabor’s Texas Rider Sculpture Unveiled

Tarleton State University unveiled its new 13.5-foot, 3,500-pound bronze Texas Rider mascot sculpture, crafted by Granbury artist Mike Tabor. The statue, styled with a 1950s flair, proudly stands at Memorial Stadium. Tabor hopes the piece will inspire future generations and represent the university’s enduring spirit.

The event coincided with Tarleton’s first nationally televised football game, with alumni, students, and dignitaries in attendance. This sculpture is set to become a cherished landmark on campus, cementing Tabor’s place in the university’s history.

Read more here.

The Texan Rider Statue Unveiled at Tarleton State

Mike Tabor’s latest masterpiece, the Texan Rider statue, was revealed to enthusiastic crowds at Tarleton State University’s Memorial Stadium. Standing at 13.5 feet and weighing over 3,500 pounds, this bronze embodiment of the university’s spirit symbolizes a bold new chapter as Tarleton transitions to NCAA Division I. Sculptor and alumnus Mike Tabor captured the essence of the Texan Rider with a vintage Western flair, honoring Tarleton’s rich heritage.

To read the full story, visit Tarleton’s official news page.

Photo Courtesy of Tarleon.edu - The Texan Rider statue was unveiled Saturday in front of Memorial Stadium.

Waco, Texas--Past Present and Future, 2023

Exciting news for art aficionados and curious travelers alike! Waco Regional Airport is now home to a captivating masterpiece that beckons visitors to embark on a visual journey through the heart of Waco, Texas. Renowned artist Mike Tabor has graced our airport with his latest creation, A vibrant tapestry that captures the spirit of Waco's past, present, and future.

Dive into the full article on Creative Waco's website [link: https://creativewaco.org/publicart/airport/] for an in-depth article. Discover the artworks of Mike Tabor on an artistic journey through the heart of Waco.
https://creativewaco.org/publicart/airport/

ARTIST STATEMENT

My primary interest is to expand techniques to interpret all subject matter using fewer literal representations. To produce visual statements using a variety of elements regardless of the elevations. By expanding creative interpretations, solutions can be explored in an endless variety of ways. 

The concern for layers of light, intensity of color, and line values began with the pop-art movement. My figurative work began with a sensitive romanticism but has transitioned to an expressionistic representation. I credit the expressionist George Klimt for my interpretation of color harmonies, light, mood, and design. 

My current practice involves combining assemblage elements in dense textural paintings. The foundation for this series was trying to reach conclusions using experimental applications. Expressing feelings and emotions without conforming to traditional representations of the subject. 

It’s this background that I can attribute expressionistic exploration as a means of completing a conclusion. The conclusion that I make is that artists should seek their own reward in the process and the complete release from thought while making work and being indifferent to praise, ridicule, failure or success. 

GISD - MIKE TABOR CONFERENCE ROOM

The Granbury Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mike Tabor Conference Room at the Granbury ISD administration building on October 18, 2022.

A casual conversation between superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn and chief financial officer Emmett Whitefield about where to hang one of Tabor's paintings led to the idea for the room.  The corner office with windows looking into the building’s foyer was the ideal location to display the work of the talented artist and educator.

"Mike Tabor's art has always been a fixture in the administration building. Tabor gave so much to the students in our district, and we wish to carry on his influence for future generations," said Dr. Glenn at the ceremony.

One conference room wall boasts Tabor's The Bronc Riders.  The painting provides an inspirational backdrop and sets the tone for meaningful conversations. 

Tabor shared his passion for art by teaching Granbury ISD students for 29 years.  Over the course of his career, many of his students participated in the Fort Worth Stock Show Art Contest where he led most of them to winning their divisions.  In fact, there were only three years that Tabor's students did not receive the blue ribbon, but who's counting?

Tabor retired from Granbury ISD in 2021 and has continued his art career while maintaining the family ranch.  He is married to his college sweetheart, Suzy, who is also a retired educator from the district.  The couple has two children and three grandchildren.  Mike and Suzy spend retirement enjoying their family and serving the community.

When asked what contributed to student success in his art program, Tabor responded, “It's not about me or about my art.  You just let the kids do what kids do.  It's all about the kids.” 

Granbury ISD hopes the Mike Tabor Conference Room is used to hold many conversations about “the kids.”

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Voyage Magazine

Voyage Magazine has a wonderful writup. Check out the link below to learn what Mike Tabor says about facing challenges, and looking back.


Read More at : http://voyagedallas.com/interview/daily-inspiration-meet-mike-tabor/