Houston Vandergriff’s Art Lands on the Moon

By Katie Vandergriff

A Universe of Possibilities

When Houston was born, the doctors told us all the things he might never do. They gave us a long list of obstacles, medical conditions, and limitations. But what they didn’t understand—what they couldn’t have possibly known—was that Houston Vandergriff was born to explore. To break barriers. To show the world that adventure and artistry are for everyone, no matter their abilities.

Today, Houston is not just a traveler, photographer, and advocate; he is part of something far greater. His work, Trilogy, is on a journey to the moon.

A Photograph in Orbit

Thanks to the groundbreaking MoonMars Mission, 47 works of art have been sealed in an art gallery time capsule and launched into space aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. These pieces represent human creativity at its highest level, destined to land on the lunar surface and remain there as a testament to our ingenuity and imagination. Among them is Trilogy, Houston’s powerful photograph—a moment captured on the edge of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, framed by three windows that represent three chromosomes. For Houston, this is more than a photograph. It is a symbol of possibility, of looking beyond the horizon, of dreaming bigger than anyone ever thought possible.

A person sits on a stone ledge framed by arched windows, gazing at a colorful sunset over the ocean. The sky is painted in shades of pink, purple, and blue, creating a serene and reflective scene.

Defying Gravity, Defying Expectations

Houston has spent his life proving people wrong. Doctors doubted he would thrive. The world underestimated what a person with an extra 21st chromosome could do. But with his camera in hand, he has traveled to 29 countries, all 50 of the United States, and all 95 counties of Tennessee. In fact, Houston was even able to attend and photograph the launch in person from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral on January 15.

His photography is a universal language, speaking to those who might not understand his words but can feel his vision.Photography has given Houston a voice. Houston’s images tell stories of adventure, of the beauty of the world, of the people he meets along the way. Through his lens, he proves that accessibility is not just a consideration—it is a necessity. Everyone deserves to experience the thrill of travel, the joy of discovery, the magic of art. His work is a bridge between ability and possibility, showing that the world belongs to all of us.

A Legacy on the Lunar Surface

The MoonMars Mission isn’t just about sending art into space; it’s about leaving a legacy. It’s about proving that creativity knows no bounds—not gravity, not atmosphere, not even the limits of human perception. For Houston, this is about something even bigger than art. It is a declaration that people with disabilities belong in every space—in photography, in travel, in exploration, and now, even on the moon.

On March 2, 2025, the MoonMars capsule will complete its journey, delivering Houston’s work and the work of other incredible artists from around the world to the lunar surface. The very place where astronauts once planted a flag will now hold a gallery of human expression—one that includes the perspective of a photographer who was never supposed to be able to hold a camera.

To the Moon and Beyond

Houston’s journey is far from over. He continues to advocate, inspire, and create, proving that life’s greatest adventures are accessible to all. His photography allows people to see the world through his eyes—to understand that limitations are only as powerful as we allow them to be. He is a pioneer, not just for Journeyable, but for anyone who has ever been told they couldn’t do something.

And now, his work will travel where only a handful of humans have set foot.

Follow the journey and witness history unfold: www.moonmars.com.