The Orange Show

What could a postman and oranges possibly have in common? You might be surprised to discover the answer here at The Orange Show in Houston, Texas. This extraordinary example of folk art is a testament to one man’s passion for his favorite fruit. The Orange Show is the brainchild of Jefferson D. McKissack, a Houston postman who dedicated over two decades of his life to creating this whimsical wonderland. McKissack’s fascination with oranges began during the Great Depression when he transported them throughout the Southeast. He believed so strongly in their health benefits that he even wrote and published a book called “How You Can Live 100 Years And Still Be Spry”. The Orange Show, sprawling across a tenth of an acre, is a vibrant maze of walkways, arenas, and hidden nooks. McKissack constructed his masterpiece from a hodgepodge of materials—bricks, tiles, tractor seats, wagon wheels—anything he could get his hands on. Whimsical signs promoting the virtues of oranges adorn the walls, urging visitors to “EAT ORANGES AND LIVE” and declaring “ORANGES FOR ENERGY”. The Orange Show’s eccentric charm captivated the Houston art community. When McKissack passed away in 1980, a group led by art collector Marilyn Lubetkin formed the Orange Show Foundation to preserve his legacy. Today, The Orange Show stands as a vibrant testament to the power of individual creativity and the unexpected beauty that can be found in the ordinary.