Jewel of Division Street

John Bucci and the 15-foot long replica Traveling Trevi

  A crowd milled around one large exhibit at the Houston Greater Southwest Food Festival as if it were a museum attraction. The Italian food section's centerpiece was a 50-foot long replica of the world-famous Trevi Fountain.

   With water flowing from the giant clam shell chariot seat of Oceanus and his trumpeting mermen atop powerful seahorses, the feature captivated the attendees and gave me the feeling of being at the Palazzo Poli in Rome.   
  Standing Greco/Roman statues and reliefs were being moved around by a spry, graying image of an Italian Formula One driver of the '60s. But this was the '90s, and I had to meet this man who was furiously arranging the Italian Exhibit. 
  By the end of the four-day event, John Bucci and I were friends. His art is just now being sold to private collections. I thought you’d like to know more. - jb