Our Team

Flying Carpet Creative is a public art studio that is dedicated to dynamic place-making. Formed in 2015, founding partners Patrick Renner and Kelly O’Brien are aligned in their vision to create sculptural works that cultivate impactful experiences, while exploring the aesthetic collaboration between artist and engineer. The integration of Patrick’s artistic practice and Kelly’s engineering expertise, backed by a team of skilled fabricators, allows Flying Carpet to create seemingly impossible structures that exhibit a surprising balance of creativity and practicality.

Each art work is developed from the ground up, beginning with a deep inquiry into the connection between the place and the people that will interact with it. The materials selected are chosen for their inherent aesthetic and sustainable value, often using reclaimed architectural materials with surprising color fields and rich textures. The combination of these elements ensures that Flying Carpet’s art work will capture the imagination of the communities where they make their home.

PATRICK RENNER | Founder/Lead Artist
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Artist/Sculptor Patrick Renner has developed his career by producing award-winning public artworks, participating in national exhibits, and exhibiting in international arts shows - including a sound art festival in Cuba and the Busan International Art Fair in South Korea. While a native Houstonian, Patrick studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. His work within Houston has strengthened the infrastructure of the local arts community by co-founding artist spaces and creating collaborative works that unite artists with the public.

KELLY O’BRIEN | Founder/Lead Technician
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Kelly O’Brien is a visual artist and licensed engineer who specializes in monumental scale art and digital fabrication. His artistic vision combines a passion for technology, aesthetics, and engineering. Integrating his artistic abilities with his engineering expertise, Kelly creates seemingly impossible sculptures with works ranging from tiny intricate objects to architecturally integrated public art work. In addition to his original works, Kelly is a sought-after engineer who strategizes and installs complex works of art for artists and designers nationwide.