Toy Story Come to Life

The Masterful Artworks of Itchycoo Park

by Ann Marie Kennon

When you pull up to Terry “Tunes” Parks’ driveway, chances are he will be outside working and will happily come to greet you. Terry is a roadside artist spending his golden years making large and quirky sculptures in his yard, also known as Itchycoo Park . His effigies are created from old broken toys attached to wire frames he builds by hand. The toys are discarded or donated by kids young and old, and his art is on display for all to see and appreciate, free of charge.

Terry’s art journey began after a serious illness left him unable to work but he remained driven to create and stay busy. He forged a new path that was a true testament to his creative brilliance and unique ability to re-purpose everyday objects into something extraordinary. For nearly three decades his fascination with toys, love of punk and rock music, and exceptional carpentry skills have been the driving force behind his eccentric art. He masterfully merged these passions to create monuments from re-purposed plastic toys and has remained committed to sustainability while creating unique, eco-friendly art, some of which has been featured at the Georgetown Public Library.

Terry and his wife Sue are old-fashioned salt-of-the-earth folks who enjoy having visitors and showing off the uniqueness of their home, which also includes things they’ve found on the side of the road. As well, Terry’s brother, Scotty, is usually working with him and both enjoy meeting visitors to explain each piece.

Uncanny Valley

Many of Terry’s works are cleverly named after hippie and rock music, and their often-ironic impressions are everything from genius to unsettling. Some of his largest pieces include an Andy Warhol banana, a guitar, a Maoi (Easter Island head), teepee, and — because it’s Texas — a giant cow skull and light-up cowboy boot. His art is a testament to the power of imagination and the infinite possibilities of what can be created from the things that others might see as worthless.

You can see Terry’s art at 608 San Gabriel Ranch Rd. Look for the large boot in the front yard, and donations of old toys are welcome.

Itchycoo is a pun from "Ichthycoo Park": A song title that combines the Greek word "ichthys" (fish) with the Scottish term "coo," (cow), to create a nonsensical name for a surreal and dreamlike place. The lyrics describe a whimsical and otherworldly park where fish fly and trees are made of candy floss.