Category: art

Celebrate the Season Western-Style at the Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas

Free family fun includes Cowboy Santa. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Saddle Up for Holiday Fun: Cowboy Christmas at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

San Antonio, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum is kicking off the season with its annual Cowboy Christmas, happening Sunday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can enjoy hands-on crafts, Western-themed activities, and festive fun along the River Walk. And of course, Cowboy Santa will be greeting young cowboys, cowgirls, vaqueros and vaqueras from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—ready for free photos and holiday wishes. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

Guests are encouraged to register online in advance to help the museum prepare for crafts, supplies, and Santa visits. Full details on museum hours, parking, and admission are available online.

Free Admission on Locals Day

This year’s Cowboy Christmas lands on the Briscoe’s monthly Locals Day, meaning all Bexar County and San Antonio residents receive free general admission.
Children 12 and under and active duty military members always get in free, making the Briscoe a budget-friendly holiday outing for families. Visitors from outside the area can enjoy Cowboy Christmas at no additional cost beyond regular museum admission.

Free Admission for Furloughed Federal Employees

Extended through December 7

Through Sunday, Dec. 7, furloughed federal employees impacted by the shutdown can enjoy free general admission for themselves and one guest. Just present a valid federal government photo ID at the door. This complimentary admission includes full access to Cowboy Christmas and all current exhibitions. The museum’s goal is to offer federal employees and their families a place to relax and reconnect this holiday season.

Museums for All: Making Art Accessible

Through the Museums for All program, anyone receiving SNAP or WIC benefits receives free admission with a valid program/EBT card. The Briscoe participates in Museums for All to ensure that cost is never a barrier to enjoying art, culture, and Western heritage.

Step Into History: Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps

Cowboy Christmas attendees can also explore the Briscoe’s landmark exhibition, “Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps.”
This incredible collection traces how Texas has been imagined, mapped, and claimed for more than 500 years. Highlights include:

  • Rare maps from the famed Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection at the Museum of the Big Bend (Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX)
  • Artworks and artifacts from the Briscoe’s own collection
  • Private loans that bring Texas history vividly to life

From early views of the Gulf Coast to Republic-era maps and modern highway charts, the exhibition offers something for history lovers of every age.

Special Event: Cartography Conversation – December 14

On Sunday, December 14, join Eliane and Jon Dotson of Old World Auctions for an engaging program inspired by Going to Texas. They’ll explore the stories behind centuries of maps, collectors, and the evolution of Texas on paper. The program is free with registration.

Holiday Crafts, Cowboy Santa & Western Gift Shopping

During Cowboy Christmas, families can enjoy festive drop-in holiday crafts inspired by Western traditions, creating keepsakes to take home. A Cowboy Christmas scavenger hunt will lead visitors through the museum and sculpture garden, inspiring exploration and new discoveries.

Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt receives a 10% discount at the Hendler Family Museum Store, where shoppers can find:

  • Western holiday décor
  • Jewelry
  • Books
  • Toys
  • Unique gifts you won’t see in regular retailers

More Ways to Visit the Briscoe for Free

The Briscoe offers several year-round programs that make visits affordable and accessible:

  • Locals Day: First Sunday of each month—free general admission for Bexar County and San Antonio residents.
  • Museums for All: Free admission with SNAP, WIC (and MAP where applicable) and an EBT card.
  • Bank of America Museums on Us: Free admission the first full weekend of each month for cardholders (Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, U.S. Trust).
  • Military & Kids: Children 12 and under are always free. Active duty members always free; families get half-price admission when visiting together. Retired and former service members receive discounted admission year-round.

Together, these programs make the Briscoe a perfect place for families looking to add a touch of Western adventure to their holiday season.

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Celebrate Native American Heritage at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival

An indoor pow wow at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival

San Antonio, TX — The Briscoe Western Art Museum invites the community to honor Native American Heritage Month at the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum’s beautiful campus along the San Antonio River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

This annual celebration is free and open to the public, offering a full day of art, music, dance, storytelling, hands-on crafts, and cultural connections for all ages. Festival admission, museum access, and all activities are included at no cost.
👉 Free registration is available online.

A Day Full of Culture, Art, and Connection

Throughout the day, guests can:

  • Enjoy arts and crafts for all ages
  • Meet and learn from Native artists and performers
  • Experience music, storytelling, and dance rooted in Native traditions
  • Explore the Briscoe’s galleries for free

Festival Highlights

Opening Blessing and Drum Circle

  • A spiritual blessing by United San Antonio Pow Wow, Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Native American traditions.
  • A Pow Wow-style drum circle and dance demonstration by United San Antonio Pow Wow and Enemy Horse Drumming, showcasing the meaning and movement behind pow wow styles.

Storytelling and Music

  • Joyous Windrider and Rosie Torres bring Native stories to life through storytelling and movement.
  • Enjoy live music from Tim Blueflint Ramel, an award-winning flute player and member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa. Ramel has shared the stage with Grammy Award–winner Mary Youngblood and will also demonstrate flute and jewelry making throughout the day.

Traditional Arts and Demonstrations

  • George Curtis Levi shares ledger art, a Cheyenne tradition dating back to the 1840s that uses repurposed record book pages to depict daily life. Levi, a member of the Southern Cheyenne, also has ties to the Arapaho and Oglala Lakota tribes.
  • Chase Kahwinhut Earles, a Caddo Nation artist, demonstrates traditional Caddo pottery techniques, reviving a centuries-old art form celebrated for its authenticity and cultural depth.
  • Shane Hendren, a Diné/Navajo jewelry maker and turquoise expert, showcases his intricate work and commitment to the integrity of Native craftsmanship.
  • Wayne TaySha Earles, a Caddo stone carver, presents cultural stonework and jewelry inspired by ancient Caddo artifacts from the Spiro Mounds in Oklahoma.

Hands-On Crafts and Family Fun

Festival guests can create their own:

  • Ledger art and mixed media collages
  • Leather medallions
  • Basket and loom weaving projects
  • Community weaving basket
  • Parfleche cases — traditional painted pouches made from rawhide, once used by Plains Indians for both beauty and practicality

Visitors can also browse and purchase Native artwork directly from the artists, including jewelry, pottery, beadwork, and textiles.

Honoring the Yanaguana Legacy

The festival’s name, “Yanaguana,” comes from the Payaya people, who were indigenous to the San Antonio area. It was their word for what we now know as the San Antonio River.

Held annually since the Briscoe’s opening, the Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival celebrates the vital role of Native Americans in shaping the West. It’s a day to learn, connect, and appreciate the vibrant living cultures that continue to inspire the region today.

📅 Date: Saturday, November 8
🕙 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
📍 Location: Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio River Walk
💲 Admission: Free (including museum entry and activities)
🔗 Register: [Free event registration available online]

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Returns to the Tobin Center

The final PechaKucha of 2025 will take place this Thursday November 6. Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Closes Out 2025 with Volume 47 at the Tobin Center

SAN ANTONIO, TX — PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series known for its fast-paced storytelling format, is excited to announce Volume 47 — the final event in its 2025 series. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)

📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
📍 Location: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, TX 78205
🕕 Schedule:

  • 6:30 p.m. — Welcome Reception
  • 7:30 p.m. — Presentations Begin

A Night of Creativity at the Tobin Center

Nestled along the banks of the San Antonio River, the historic Tobin Center is a downtown landmark that blends its original facade with a state-of-the-art performance space. This beautifully restored venue has become a beacon of creativity, fine art, and urban revitalization and it’s the perfect setting for PechaKucha’s final 2025 event.

Meet the Volume 47 Presenters

This edition of PechaKucha San Antonio will spotlight seven inspiring local voices, each sharing their passions through the signature 20×20 format — 20 images, 20 seconds each.

🎤 Featured Speakers:

  • Debby Andersen – Healer
  • Agosto Cuellar – Fashion Designer / Fashion Activist
  • Attie Jonker – Master Craftsman
  • Juliette Montoya – Salon Owner & Operator
  • Oscar Perez – Chief Everything Officer
  • Ed Saavedra – Visual Artist
  • Tori Santos – Community Choreographer

✨ The evening’s emcee will be Naomi Shihab Nye, San Antonio–based poet, educator, editor, and former Poet Laureate.

Music, Food, and Community

The welcome reception will feature live music by Kitten Mitten, a band of animal-loving friends turning their pets’ antics into anthems, blending heart and humor to amplify both furry and human voices that too often go unheard.

Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from local favorites including:
🍽 Liberty Bar • Tio Pelon’s Salsita • Cheesy Jane’s • Bakery Lorraine • Tobin Catering

The Tobin Center will also offer drinks and cocktails for purchase throughout the night.

Tickets

🎟 Tickets: $10 per person
🔗 Purchase here: Tobin Center

About PechaKucha

PechaKucha (pronounced PEH-chuh KOO-chuh) is a global arts and culture event where presenters share their passions through 20 images x 20 seconds — a total of 6 minutes and 40 seconds per talk.

The format was created by Klein Dytham Architecture in Tokyo in 2003 to encourage creative professionals to share ideas in a concise and engaging way. Since then, PechaKucha has grown to over 1,200 cities worldwide.

San Antonio hosted its first PechaKucha Night in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees each quarter, featuring architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders, and more.

Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.

Día de los Muertos Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Pearl ofrenda. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Antonio: A Guide to New and Expanded Events

From art-filled altars to soulful dinners, the city honors life, love, and remembrance.

San Antonio is a city that remembers, a place where history, heart, and heritage intertwine beautifully during Día de los Muertos. In 2025, the celebration grows even more vibrant, with expanded events at Pearl, Pullman Market, and Clementine. Whether you’re drawn by the music, the food, or the cultural traditions, these celebrations offer a meaningful way to honor loved ones and embrace the spirit of community.

Día de los Muertos at Pearl

Dates: Saturday, November 1 & Sunday, November 2
Location: Pearl Park

Pearl once again comes alive with color, music, and memory as it hosts its annual Día de los Muertos festivities, now a two-day celebration.

Highlights include:

  • Large-scale, artist-curated ofrendas across the Pearl campus
  • Live performances by Grupo Volcan (Sunday)
  • Children’s art activities hosted by the Consulado de México
  • A communal procession through Pearl on Sunday evening at 7:15 p.m.
  • Roaming entertainers, art installations, and food inspired by Mexican traditions
  • A Catrin & Catrina Contest featuring a partnership with i la Catrina, showcasing seven live fashion Catrinas that tell the story and evolution of La Catrina through the ages

Special Experiences:

Mark your calendars and experience a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community remembrance at Pearl.

Pullman Market: A Four-Day Celebration

Dates: October 23 – November 2
Location: Pullman Market

Pullman Market honors Día de los Muertos with a lively four-day celebration featuring ofrendas, costume contests, live DJ sets, and family-friendly fun at Mezquite.

Event Highlights:

  • Ofrenda Live (Oct. 23–Nov. 2): The Pullman Market altar honors San Antonio’s farmers and market pioneers, adorned with fresh produce, baked goods, and a Texas beer as an offering of remembrance.
  • Muertos Mariachi (Oct. 30, 5–7 p.m.): Enjoy live mariachi performances by the market’s ofrenda, blending music and memory in a community gathering.
  • Muertos at Mezquite (Nov. 1–2): A two-day celebration of music, color, and community featuring food, fun, and festive beats for the whole family.

Halloween Offerings at Pullman Market

  • Mezquite Halloween Pachanga – Friday, October 31, 6:30 p.m. to midnight
    Celebrate with food, music, and costume contests for both kids and adults.
  • Trick-or-Treating – All day across the market
  • Late-Night DJ – Until midnight in the Mezcaleria

Clementine’s Día de los Muertos Dinner

Date: Sunday, November 2 | 4 p.m.–8 p.m.
Location: Clementine, Castle Hills

Clementine, the beloved Castle Hills restaurant, is hosting its annual Día de los Muertos dinner in collaboration with 2M Smokehouse and Baked.

Chefs John and Elise Russ, Esaul Ramos Jr., and Grecia Ramos join forces for a one-night-only six-course prix-fixe menu, a heartfelt celebration of remembrance, flavor, and community.

Evening Highlights:

  • Mariachi performances and a stunning community ofrenda on the patio
  • Guests can write love affirmations for departed loved ones and place them on the ofrenda
  • Interactive beverage tasting stations featuring a curated selection of wines

To close the evening, Elise and Grecia will present Día de los Muertos-inspired desserts, including creative takes on pan de muerto, calabaza treats, mini sundaes, and sweet mignardises.

Reservations:

  • $135 per person (excluding tax and gratuity)
  • Optional wine pairing: $65
  • Book via OpenTable

Clementine’s annual dinner is a beautiful tribute to loved ones, where food, music, and shared memories bring the community together in true Día de los Muertos spirit.

Celebrate, Remember, and Reconnect

From Pearl’s grand installations to intimate culinary experiences at Clementine, San Antonio offers countless ways to celebrate life and honor those who came before us. This Día de los Muertos season, immerse yourself in the city’s rich blend of culture, remembrance, and community spirit.

Hotel Contessa’s Monthlong Día de los Muertos Festivities

Hotel Contessa will host various spirited activations for Día de los Muertos. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Celebrate Día de los Muertos All Month Long at Hotel Contessa

This October, Hotel Contessa invites guests and locals alike to experience a vibrant monthlong Día de los Muertos celebration along San Antonio’s iconic River Walk. The festivities will feature colorful cultural traditions, hands-on workshops, culinary delights, and live entertainment designed to honor remembrance and bring the community together. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

🎉 Día de los Muertos River Parade Celebration

📍 River Level Atrium & River Patio
🗓 Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

San Antonio’s Day of the Dead River Parade returns with elaborately decorated floats, catrinas, and costumed riders. Guests staying at Hotel Contessa can enjoy front-row seats to the parade, plus face painting, mariachi music, a live DJ, and local tacos and food vendors.

🎟 Tickets: $50–$110 (via Eventbrite)
Status: Sold Out

🌺 Día de los Muertos River Parade – VIP Terrace Experience

📍 Private Rooftop Terrace
🗓 Friday, Oct. 24 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an elevated view of the River Parade from Hotel Contessa’s private rooftop terrace. This exclusive VIP experience includes two specialty cocktails, private bar access, DJ entertainment, and a flower crown-making station. VIP guests will also be entered into a raffle to win a one-night stay at Hotel Contessa in 2026.

🎟 Tickets: Starting at $175 per person (Eventbrite)

🌮 Street Taco Cook-Off with St. Philip’s College

📍 River Patio
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Watch as culinary students from St. Philip’s College compete to create the best taco in town. Guests can enjoy complimentary light bites and refreshments while cheering on the chefs.

🎟 Free and open to the public — no RSVP required.

🎨 Make Your Own Altar: Kids Workshop

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 2–3:30 p.m.

Perfect for kids 12 and under, this interactive workshop led by local artist Mary Carmen Sessions teaches the traditions of Día de los Muertos through hands-on art projects. Children will create tissue paper marigolds, colorful papel picado, and mini pan de muerto from modeling clay while learning the meaning behind each symbol.

🎟 Tickets: $25 per child (includes supplies, drink, and snacks) — purchase tickets [here].

🍸 Spirits & Sips Altar Workshop (Adults Only)

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 6–7:30 p.m.

An evening for adults to sip, socialize, and create. Guests will design their own mini altar while enjoying a signature cocktail and learning about the cultural significance of altar traditions.

🎟 Tickets: $55 per person (includes cocktail and altar kit) — purchase tickets [here].

🖼️ Monthly Art Fair: Día de los Muertos Edition + CAST School Art Reveal

📍 River Level Atrium
🗓 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

This special edition of Hotel Contessa’s monthly art fair transforms the atrium into a lively marketplace of local artists and artisans, featuring Día de los Muertos–inspired works. Guests can also enjoy a student art reveal from CAST School, where young artists collaborate with professional mentors.

🎟 Free and open to the public — no RSVP required.

👻 Spooky Spa Halloween Party

📍 Rooftop Spa
🗓 Thursday, Oct. 31 | 6–9 p.m.

Cap off the month with an adults-only Halloween celebration at Hotel Contessa’s rooftop spa. Enjoy spa and jacuzzi access, themed demos, light bites, spooky cocktails, and a crystal sound bath experience. Guests can sign up for up to three spa sessions, including chair massages, Japanese head spa demos, infrared sauna services, and cold plunge stretch sessions.

The evening also includes adult trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and complimentary parking.

🎟 Sound bath tickets: $30 per person (limited availability; RSVP required)

📍 Hotel Contessa
306 W. Market St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Cowboys, Vaqueros & Paniolos Unite: Free Family Fun at the Briscoe Museum

Roping with Kevin Fitzpatrick at National Day of the Cowboy. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Saturday, July 26 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Briscoe Western Art Museum | 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio, TX
Free Admission | Free Activities | Family-Friendly Fun

Saddle up, San Antonio! The Briscoe Western Art Museum is bringing the Wild West to life for a full day of cowboy culture, family fun, and cultural celebration at its National Day of the Cowboy event on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

This free community event honors the spirit and traditions of the American cowboy, Mexican vaquero, and Hawaiian paniolo. Held in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the celebration features a wide range of hands-on activities, artist demonstrations, music, food, and more. Plus, enjoy free museum admission all day long—including access to the special exhibition “Aloha Vaqueros,” which explores the rich connections between cowboy cultures across borders and oceans.

🐴 Family Fun at the Lil Buckaroo Corral

Kids can kick up some dust and wrangle up excitement with:

  • Stick pony barrel racing
  • Horseshoe tosses & lasso lessons
  • Bull riding & cowboy crafts (make your own spur, hat, or brand!)
  • Lei making & silversmith etching with Nā Mamo cultural group, performing live at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

🤠 Cowboy Culture Comes Alive

Explore the museum’s 14 galleries, the McNutt Sculpture Garden, and enjoy:

  • Roping demonstrations from a talented trick roper
  • Rodeo fun with local cowboys and the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
  • An inside look at escaramuza attire and performances—featuring live Q&A with a local rider

🎨 Western Art in Action

See artistry in motion with live demonstrations from celebrated Western artists:

  • Wilson Capron – Silversmith & engraver
  • Leland Hensley – Rawhide braider
  • Jason Scull – Western sculptor
  • Mike Capron – Western painter

🎶 Music, Poetry & Storytelling

  • Cowboy poetry with Don Mathis – 12:30 p.m.
  • Cowboy ballads with Jesse White – 3 p.m.
  • Story time with Antoinette Lakey, featuring trailblazing cowboy Mary Fields – 1 & 1:30 p.m.

🌮 Cowboy-Approved Eats

Refuel with food truck favorites available for purchase all day:

  • Cake-N-Que
  • Hokulani Shave Ice
  • Plus, free chuck wagon cobbler samples while supplies last!

🐂 Why Celebrate?

Launched in 2005 and officially recognized in Texas since 2015, National Day of the Cowboy honors the legacy of the American cowboy, cowgirl, vaquero, and paniolo. The Briscoe’s annual celebration is a beloved tradition that preserves and highlights this rich cultural heritage.

🎟️ Admission is free, but space is limited—pre-register now to secure your spot for this unforgettable day of Western wonder.

Celebrate the cowboy way – Briscoe style!

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Enter the Phenomenomaly: Meow Wolf’s Summer Spectacle Blends Theater, Puppetry, and Magic

Meow Wolf’s Phenomenomaly: a wild immersive performance this summer in Vegas and Denver. Photo: Paul Torres

Phenomenomaly: Meow Wolf Unleashes a New Immersive Spectacle This Summer

Santa Fe, NM — Imagine Sleep No More meets Theater of the Mind, then throw in a glowing puppet parade and a swirl of surrealist dance. That’s Phenomenomaly, Meow Wolf’s latest mind-bending experience unfolding inside their Las Vegas and Denver exhibitions from June 21 through August 9, 2025. (Meow Wolf, 2025)

A New Era of Interactive Art

Known for crafting wild, genre-defying festivals and installations, Meow Wolf is taking immersive storytelling to new heights. Phenomenomaly is part immersive theater, part art party, and part glow worm migration (yes, you read that right).

Set on a continuous loop, this interactive performance weaves live theater, dance, puppetry, and audience participation into the very fabric of Meow Wolf’s already-surreal multiverses.

What to Expect Inside Phenomenomaly

As guests explore the exhibition, they’ll encounter:

  • Otherworldly characters
  • Strange rituals
  • Moments of intimate magic
  • A crescendo that erupts into a luminescent parade—featuring massive puppets, strange instruments, and shimmering creatures known as Flickerwermz

These glowing, migrating beings are part of a multiversal mythos whose fate depends on the playful engagement of the audience. Each 90-minute loop is layered seamlessly into Meow Wolf’s fantastical environments, making for a performance that feels both spontaneous and deeply woven into the space.

Unique Every Time

Each location—Denver and Las Vegas—hosts over 15 performers per show: dancers, puppeteers, clowns, and more. New guest artists are introduced every week, ensuring that no two shows are ever the same.

Phenomenomaly is the result of collaboration with an incredible team of national and local creatives, including:

  • Basqo Bim, Iggy & Andy, Kate Major, and Monsters of the Underworld (Costume Designers)
  • Sam Johnson of Colossal Collective (Puppet Project Manager, Designer, Fabricator)

🎟️Each city also showcases a rotating roster of local artists, spotlighted weekly—check the Denver and Las Vegas event pages for full schedules, lineups, and ticket information.

Photo: Meow Wolf

📍 Event Details

  • Dates: June 21 – August 9, 2025
  • Times:
    • Denver: 3–7 p.m. (select dates)
    • Las Vegas: 2–6 p.m. (select dates)
  • Cost: Included with standard admission

About Meow Wolf

More than an arts and entertainment company, Meow Wolf creates extraordinary experiences that blur the line between reality and imagination. With millions of visitors across its locations, Meow Wolf collaborates with hundreds of visionary artists to build stunning, interactive worlds. As a certified B-Corporation, they’re committed to innovation, community, and play.

Step inside Phenomenomaly this summer and become part of a story that shifts with every step, every glance, and every imagination brave enough to follow.

Senses Awakened: Experience the Art of Botello, Menchelli & Willome

Nadia Botello, What the River Says. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Experience Three Immersive Solo Exhibitions at Contemporary at Blue Star

📍 San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star invites the community to experience three new solo exhibitions opening on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. Featuring artists Nadia Botello, Fabiola Menchelli, and Jason Willome, each exhibition offers a unique, sensory-driven experience where the audience is invited to interact with the art through touch, movement, and presence. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)

🎉 Opening Events

  • Taco Talk with the Curator
    🗓 Friday, July 11 | ⏰ 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Register Here
  • Public Opening Reception
    🗓 Friday, July 11 | ⏰ 6:00–9:00 p.m.

🖼 On View: July 11 – October 5, 2025

✨ Featured Exhibitions

Nadia Botello

Theophany

Sound artist and composer Nadia Botello explores the San Antonio River as a living entity—a shaping force with a voice of its own. A native Texan and fourth-generation San Antonian, Botello presents multimedia works in sound, sculpture, and film that ask: What might the river be saying for itself?

Her 16mm film series What the River Says reveals images formed solely by submerging film into the river—no human intervention, only the language of water.

Fabiola Menchelli

ombré

Blending photography with painterly process, Fabiola Menchelli introduces a new body of work from her Parallelograms series. Created in total darkness, her photograms are both intentional and accidental—revealing the mystery of creation when sight is removed.

In a fast-paced world of constant imagery, Menchelli’s slow, sensory process challenges viewers to pause and reflect.

Jason Willome

When a Mind Wanders

Jason Willome delves into memory, transformation, and the unknown through his deeply personal drawings. Sparked by the final moments leaving his father’s home and witnessing his father’s decline from Parkinson’s disease, Willome uses gouache, charcoal, and cattle markers to render consciousness in flux.

These abstract, layered drawings mirror the haze of memory and perception—reflecting both confusion and care.

This body of work was developed during Willome’s residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin through the Contemporary’s international residency program.

🏛 About Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star showcases artists from San Antonio and across the globe, presenting innovative exhibitions that spark empathy, action, and understanding. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary fosters fresh perspectives and cultural dialogue.

🎟 Admission is always free.
📍 116 Blue Star, San Antonio, TX 78204
📞 (210) 227-6960
🌐 Contemporary at Blue Star

🕒 Public Hours

DayHours
Mon–TuesClosed
Wed12 pm – 5 pm
Thu–Fri12 pm – 8 pm
Sat–Sun10 am – 6 pm
Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.

Film, Family, and Frida: What’s New at the 46th CineFestival San Antonio

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces the 46th CineFestival San Antonio. Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.

🎬 46th CineFestival San Antonio: A Celebration of Latinx Film, Music & Culture

July 9–13, 2025 | Multiple Venues Across San Antonio

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is thrilled to unveil the full program for the 46th annual CineFestival San Antonio, taking place July 9–13, 2025. As the city’s original and longest-running Latinx film festival, CineFestival promises a vibrant showcase of stories that reflect the diverse cultural tapestry of San Antonio, Texas, and the Latinx experience in the U.S. and beyond. (CineFestival San Antonio, 2025)

👉 Full schedule, festival passes, and tickets available online.

⚠️ Please Note: Due to mature content and unrated films, parental discretion is advised. All non-English films include English subtitles. Programming and times subject to change.

📍 Screening Venues

Hosted by the Carver Community Cultural Center, the festival will span four iconic locations across the city:

  • Little Carver Civic Center, 226 N Hackberry St
  • Jo Long Theatre, 226 N Hackberry St
  • Santikos Mayan Palace, 1918 SW Military Dr
  • SAY Sí, 1310 S. Brazos St

🎥 Festival Highlights

With 95 films on the lineup—including 12 features and over 25 screenings of short films—this year’s festival is an expansive tribute to Latinx voices in cinema.

  • 33 films by San Antonio-based artists
  • 38 films produced in or connected to Texas
  • 16 films nominated for the Mesquite Award for Best Texas Short Film

🌟 Headlining Documentaries

Two highly anticipated documentaries will lead this year’s program:

  • Selena y Los Dinos, directed by CineFestival alumna Isabel Castro, tells the story of the Queen of Tejano Music through never-before-seen footage. Produced in collaboration with Selena’s siblings, the film will premiere with Castro and some cast members in attendance.
  • Take It Away, by Adrian Alejandro Arredondo and Myrna Perez, follows the life and legacy of beloved Tejano music host Johnny Canales, whose show introduced legends like Selena and Ramon Ayala to mainstream audiences.

“At CineFestival, we share the pride that Selena y Los Dinos brought to Mexican American communities of Texas and beyond.” – Eugenio del Bosque, Festival Director

🎬 Featured Films

Here are some of the standout features included in the 2025 program:

  • Carnalismo (dir. José Luis Cano) – A vibrant film exploring cumbias, lowriders, and brotherhood in Durango, Mexico.
  • Hola Frida (dir. André Kadi & Karine Vézina) – An animated journey into the whimsical early life of Frida Kahlo.
  • Prodigal Daughter (dir. Mabel Valdiviezo) – A deeply personal documentary on family, immigration, and healing.
  • Spring of the Vanishing (dir. Andrew Glazer) – A chilling look into the crisis of disappearances along the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • The Ladder (dir. Emilio Miguel Torres) – A poetic sci-fi tale exploring age, ethics, and reinvention.
  • The Place In Between (dir. Laura Perez) – A San Antonio-shot road trip dramedy about grief, reconnection, and unexpected bonds.
  • Uvalde Mom (dir. Anayansi Prado) – A gripping portrayal of a mother’s courageous act during a tragedy that shocked the nation.
  • Valentina or the Serenity (dir. Ángeles Cruz) – A poignant story of Indigenous resilience and childhood love.

🏆 Texas and San Antonio Showcases

  • Mesquite Award Nominees: 16 Texas short films (13 narratives, 3 documentaries) showcasing local talent.
  • Vistas de San Antonio: Featuring My Rocking Chair by Alejandro Aldana and 17 shorts made by students and local creatives from Northwest Vista College, St. Mary’s University, UIW, and UTSA.
  • Texas Showcase: 15 short films from across the state, reflecting the bold and fresh perspectives of emerging filmmakers.

🎞️ Shorts & Youth Films

The festival also proudly presents:

  • U.S. Latinx Shorts Program – A diverse slate of award-winning and thematically rich short films by Latinx creators nationwide.
  • Youth Films – Projects by filmmakers aged 18 and under, representing schools and media programs in San Antonio, Texas, and neighboring states.

🤝 Supported By

The 46th CineFestival San Antonio is made possible with generous support from:

City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture,
San Antonio Film Commission,
Texas Commission on the Arts,
National Endowment for the Arts,
The Ford Foundation,
San Antonio Area Foundation,
H-E-B, and AARP.

🎟️ Don’t miss this landmark celebration of Latinx stories on screen!
Get your passes and explore the full lineup today:
👉 CineFestival San Antonio

Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.
Photo: CineFestival San Antonio, used with permission.

Ironmouse, KAF, and JKT48v Lead a Mixed-Reality Revolution in LA

Fantastic Reality Presented by IRIAM debuts mixed-reality 3D live mini-fest at Vermont Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles on July 3. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎤 Fantastic Reality: A Mixed-Reality 3D Live Festival Debuts in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – Fantastic Reality presented by IRIAM is thrilled to unveil its debut mixed-reality 3D live mini-fest, bringing the world’s top virtual talent* to life on an IRL stage—complete with a live band, DJs, and immersive digital art. (Magnum PR, 2025)

This genre-defying event reimagines next-gen entertainment by uniting international virtual superstars like:

  • Ironmouse (Twitch’s top VTuber/performer)
  • KAF (Japanese chart-topping VSinger)
  • JKT48v (Jakarta’s virtual pop powerhouse)
  • and many more.

Together, this lineup commands over 9.5 million online followers.

📍 Event Details

🗓 Date: July 3, 2025
📍 Location: The Vermont Hollywood, Los Angeles
🕖 Doors Open: 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets
📺 PPV: Launch date & platform TBA

🎶 Lineup Highlights

Headlined by Ironmouse, the festival also features:

  • Mint Fantome
  • KAF & Kou Mariya
  • CottontailVA
  • Derivakat
  • Isaa Corva
  • JKT48v

Live music will be performed by a band directed by Daryl Vanessa Barnes (aka StarlightDaryl), with:

  • Riptidesan on bass
  • OfficeDrummer on drums
  • Chacha (appearing virtually) on guitar

Mariya will host the event as MC, while DJs Mono Monet (virtual) and JOENN will keep the energy high between acts.

🌐 About Fantastic Reality

Launched as a techno-optimistic antidote to global disconnection and decay, Fantastic Reality offers a vibrant future where human and virtual performers coexist through fantasy, innovation, and groundbreaking production.

“Fantastic Reality is doing something that has always been impossible. We’re uniting our community in an intimate IRL space with a cutting-edge live show featuring international luminaries Ironmouse, KAF, JKT48v and more.”
— Kou Mariya, FR co-producer, performer, and MC

🧬 About the Creators & Partners

  • Kou Mariya – VTuber/VSinger since 2020 and co-producer of FR. Known for visionary leadership and community-driven creativity. Signed by V4Mirai (Brave Group US) in 2023.
  • Daryl Vanessa Barnes – Award-winning composer and VTuber (aka StarlightDaryl). Sound architect for over 150 VTubers, including Ironmouse and Zentreya.
  • ETC (Emerging Technology Company) – Co-producers of cutting-edge pop culture experiences like the Dodgers Experience at TokyoNode.
  • Bulldog DM – Live video pioneers crafting premium livestreams for global audiences.
  • Rust – An enigmatic producer of unpredictable, inspiring live moments.
  • IRIAM – A VTuber-centric mobile streaming platform making real-time fan interaction magical and meaningful.

🤖 What is Virtual Talent?

Virtual talent includes VTubers, VSingers, and digital pop stars—not AI, but real performers using motion capture and digital avatars to create content.

Blending anime, gaming, music, and art, the global VTuber market is currently worth $7B and projected to exceed $20B by 2035.

Stay tuned and step into the future with Fantastic Reality—where dreams, tech, and performance collide.