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Hanley’s artist statement: "My work is inspired by the backroads of the American West, where legend and reality collide in unexpected ways. On dusty backroads beneath dark desert skies, you never know what you’ll find—forgotten towns, a lone cowboy, or something even more improbable. Here, history slips easily into myth, and myth often feels like history, each story blending fact with folklore.
While my work was once rooted firmly in Western imagery, it has evolved to include icons of America’s space-age dreams—set against the same desert landscapes that once defined the frontier. For me, the American West and the Space Race are chapters of the same story: places where optimism, ambition, and myth collide. The astronaut takes the place of a modern cowboy, exploring the unknown."
Hanley started his photographic endeavors when he won the National Geographic Student Photography competition at the age of 13. He won the opportunity to study under some of the most decorated National Geographic photographers in Peru and England. Ever since then, he has loved capturing the American West and telling stories through his images. Hanley is joined on his adventures by his wife Gabby, and son Desmond who are by his side, on photoshoots all over the United States.
In 2026, Bayou City Art Festival will bring diverse artists to Bayou City Art Festivals while supporting local organizations and promoting the impact that art has on the Houston community. As the nation’s premier spring outdoor art festival in the U.S., Bayou City Art Festival will provide guests with the opportunity to meet artists, view original works, and purchase one-of-a-kind art, prints, jewelry, sculptures, functional art and more.
The outdoor gallery will take over Sam Houston Park along Allen Parkway and will feature entertainment stages, a food truck park, beverage stations throughout the festival, and a Chef’s Culinary Arts Stage and tasting experience featuring local chefs.
Guests will enjoy Houston’s skyline views while enjoying the festival’s craft beer and wine garden. Bayou City Art Festival will also feature the top 30 finalists from the Middle School Art Competition.
For the ultimate art lover, Bayou City Art Festival will offer a limited availability VIP Hospitality Lounge, which will include complimentary light bites, beer, wine, and other refreshments. The relaxing setting under a canopy of trees will feature roaming musicians, artistic décor, and more. VIPs will receive access from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to the VIP area, and VIP parking.
Online early bird tickets will be available at www.bayoucityartfestival.com for $18 for adults, and all children ages 5-12 are $5. Adult tickets purchased after March 15, 2026, are $20. A General Admission Weekend Pass for adults is $30. VIP tickets are $95. Online pre-purchased tickets are required to enter the festival.
For the most recent updates, follow the official event hashtags #HouArtFest and #BCAF, like the Facebook page and follow on Instagram.
About Bayou City Art Festival:
Since the founding of the Westheimer Art Festival, now known as Bayou City Art Festival, the Art Colony Association, Inc. has raised close to $4 million for local nonprofit programs from the proceeds of its festivals. Bayou City Art Festival Downtown in the spring and Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park in the fall has provided a venue for more than 20,000 artists to showcase their work to thousands of art lovers from all over the world. The festivals are funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, corporate sponsorships, private contributions, in-kind support and volunteer assistance.
For more information, please visit www.bayoucityartfestival.com.
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