Amarillo to Unveil New Art Honoring Bones Hooks

The Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department will debut a four-panel art display at Bones Hooks Park on November 3.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in African-American

Amarillo to Unveil New Art Honoring Bones Hooks

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Amarillo residents will gather on November 3 at 12:30 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bones Hooks Park. The event marks the debut of a new four-panel art display honoring the legacy of Mathew Bones Hooks.

Why it matters

The ceremony coincides with the birthday of Mathew Bones Hooks, celebrating his historic contributions to the city. The installation serves to preserve the local heritage and impact of a man who was the first Black person to serve on the Potter County Grand Jury.

The new four-panel display, titled The Legacy of Hooks, is constructed using acrylic and spray paint. It is the third installment in the city-managed Outdoor Gallery series.

The players

Mathew Bones Hooks

A pioneering historical figure in the Texas Panhandle who was the first Black man to serve on the Potter County Grand Jury.

Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department

The local municipal agency responsible for maintaining city parks and the Outdoor Gallery public art program.

Michael Toombs-Reed

The commissioned artist who utilized acrylic and spray paint to create the four-panel tribute.

The details

Artist Michael Toombs-Reed created the display, which is permanently situated at 2000 N Hughes St. The project follows a June 2024 commemoration of a historical marker at the same location, further solidifying the park as a cultural landmark.

1912: Mathew Bones Hooks founded the Dogie Club for Black youth.
2021: Hooks was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.
June 2024: A historical marker was dedicated at Bones Hooks Park.
November 3, 2026: The ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m.

Culture Shift

This art installation expands the city of Amarillo's Outdoor Gallery series, building upon existing displays at Sam Houston Park and El Alamo Park. It reflects a broader cultural movement toward integrating local history into public spaces to foster community identity.

Residents and visitors can visit the new display at 2000 N Hughes St to engage with the city's historical art project. The installation provides a new focal point for those visiting the North Heights neighborhood.

The takeaway

Honoring historical figures through public art helps ensure their contributions remain visible to future generations. Residents can visit the new installation during park hours to learn more about the legacy of Bones Hooks.