Rhinestone Catboy

Way out west in the panhandle, ‘Big Texan’ towers over Route 66. He greets all comers to a massive steakhouse and emporium where a show is about to start. The Texas-sized entertainment complex is so big, I’m betting you could fit half a dozen Cracker Barrels inside and many more tourists.

Golden rays of sunshine flood the Amarillo setting as cars roll off the freeway and into the parking lot. Bright yellows and blues light up facades and surroundings. Clouds dot the sky perfectly as if placed by a set director for a theatrical performance.

An art car rolls into the scene, sparkling from a thousand rhinestones and gleaming with painted images. Cascading along its panels are portrayals of wide-open Texas range festively framed by brilliant bluebonnets. On closer inspection the whimsy of ‘kitty cowboys’ riding ‘little doggies’ comes into focus.

The transportable art installation stops near the main entrance and the driver exits the vehicle. Out onto the stage steps the Rhinestone Catboy—half man—half cat—all catboy. Approaching tourists are rewarded with spontaneous entertainment.

Houston’s Rhinestone Catboy

Rhinestone Catboy is well-known in Houston as one of a fleet of ‘daily-driver’ art cars. Ken Hoge is the owner, artist, operator and performer. Ken is a creative talent on many levels and widely acclaimed for his photography. Famous subjects from Austin’s musical beginnings fill his portfolio, including Frank Zappa, Townes Van Zandt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Sex Pistols . . .

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Trinidad Artocade – Artcar Event

Riding along with the Rhinestone Catboy to the Artocade event in Trinidad, Colorado was an experience I’ll never forget. Everything seemed normal inside the roomy sedan. I even forgot my surroundings until our first stop in Waco.

We pulled off the freeway for a burger and strangers gawked at us as we rolled through the neighborhood. Why are they staring at us, I thought as we parked? What are your looking at?, I wondered as a family with kids approached smiling. Oh! Right, I’m in a cat car.

Similar encounters made much of the thousand-mile trek equally fun but the main Artocade event was truly magical. I got to drive in the parade!

Rhinestone Cowboy popped through the sunroof and entertained parade goers with his giant furry cat head and music, courtesy of Glen Campbell’s ‘Rhinestone Cowboy.’ Everyone enjoyed the art and kids especially adored  the antics of Catboy.

Daily-driver artcars are growing in number in Houston. They frequent the streets and parking lots. If you see one, it’s okay to ask questions and take photos but please grant them a wide berth and maybe give Rhinestone Catboy a treat.