Experience new exhibitions and and guest lectures at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.
Beat the heat this fall at the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA). From hands-on family activities to expert lectures and master artisan trunk shows, SAMA’s autumn lineup offers something for art lovers of all ages. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2026)
Upcoming Fall Events
Mata Ortiz Trunk Show
When: Friday, September 11 (5:00–7:00 PM) & Saturday, September 12 (10:00 AM–5:00 PM)
Details: Meet master potters Hector Gallegos and Laura Bugarini. Friday opens with a preview reception at 4:30 PM featuring artist remarks and first access to purchase pottery. Saturday includes talks by Charmayne Samuelson (Mata Ortiz: Poetry of the Clay) at 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, plus a live traditional quema (open-air firing) at 1:30 PM.
Admission: Free with museum admission.
The O’Neil Ford Lecture: Lessons in Looking
When: Tuesday, September 29 | 6:00–7:00 PM
Details: Michelangelo Sabatino, Director of UTSA’s School of Architecture + Planning, explores historic preservation, architectural innovation, and San Antonio’s unique sense of place. Presented by SAMA and UTSA.
Admission: Free (Registration required). Update: The in-person program is sold out. Registration is for the live stream access.
Free Family Day: Archaeology Adventures
When: Saturday, October 17 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Details: Celebrate International Archaeology Day with free admission, hands-on art activities, archaeologist meet-and-greets, and a scavenger hunt gallery guide.
Current Exhibitions
Canvas to Clay: Georgia O’Keeffe & Maria Martinez to Mata Ortiz & Tonalá
Samurai Spirit: Swords, Accessories
Paintings, Microhistories of the Andes
Renoir to Picasso: The Robertson Family Collection
Free Admission Opportunities (Bexar County Residents):
Tuesdays: 4:00–7:00 PM (Supported by Art Bridges Foundation)
Second Sundays: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
About the San Antonio Museum of Art
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains more than 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Located in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city.
Selena Forever/Siempre Selena opens on June 4, 2026. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Briscoe: New Selena Exhibition & Summer Film Series
The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio is set to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Queen of Tejano music with Selena Forever / Siempre Selena, a special photographic exhibition opening June 4, 2026, in the museum’s Kate Marmion Gallery. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)
Featuring photographs by acclaimed San Antonio photographer John Dyer, the exhibition captures Selena at a pivotal moment in her rise to international stardom. It offers an intimate look at an artist whose talent, charisma, and determination transformed Tejano music and helped redefine representation for Mexican American women in popular culture.
📸 The Exhibition: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena
Photographed by Dyer on multiple occasions between 1992 and 1994, this showcase brings together some of the most recognizable and widely published images of Selena’s career. It is considered the most complete and comprehensive exhibition of large-scale Selena portraits ever presented.
Visitors can expect:
Monumental Portraits: Iconic large-scale images from her rise to stardom.
Historical Ephemera: Magazine covers and memorabilia offering an expansive look at her life and artistry.
On Display: June 4, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027
Carrying the Spirit of the West
“Selena was a trailblazing Tejana whose influence reached far beyond music,” says Liz Jackson. “She embodied the independence, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that have long defined the American West, while proudly carrying her culture and community with her every step of the way.”
At a time when Tejano music was largely dominated by men, Selena broke barriers with confidence and authenticity. Much like generations of Tejanos who helped shape Texas through perseverance and innovation, Selena forged her own path while carrying the traditions of her community forward.
About the Photographer: John Dyer
John Dyer is a Texas-based photographer renowned for documenting the people, culture, and spirit of the American Southwest. His work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions nationwide, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the McNay Art Museum. Dyer’s work documenting Selena remains some of the most iconic imagery associated with the beloved cultural icon.
🎬 Briscoe Summer Film Series: “Siempre Tejano”
To complement the exhibition, the Briscoe’s annual Summer Film Series will present Siempre Tejano, celebrating Selena, Tejano music, and the cultural legacy shaping Texas today.
The Details:
When: The third Sunday of June, July, and August at 2:00 PM.
Perks: Included with general admission. Tickets include complimentary beer provided by Ranger Creek and classic movie snacks. (Pro-tip: Purchase tickets in advance online)
A Netflix documentary tracing the band’s rise from local South Texas gigs to international fame, featuring rare archival footage from the Quintanilla family archive.
The beloved feature film starring Jennifer Lopez charting Selena’s extraordinary journey. Inducted into the National Film Registry, it famously features San Antonio’s own River Walk.
An acclaimed documentary exploring the influence of legendary TV host Johnny Canales, whose variety show helped launch the careers of countless Tejano artists.
🏛️ More to Experience at the Briscoe This Summer
Located right on the River Walk near La Villita in downtown San Antonio, the Briscoe preserves the art, history, and culture of the American West. Beyond Selena, visitors can experience massive programming updates this summer:
Opening July 24, 2026 (running through Jan. 18, 2027), this is the most ambitious exhibition in the Briscoe’s history.
Features more than 100 rare artworks and artifacts.
Includes pieces loaned from Mexican institutions—considered national historical heritage—on display in the U.S. for the very first time.
Don’t Miss: The museum’s annual National Day of the Vaquero / Día Nacional del Vaquero celebration on July 25.
Tejano Legacy National Tour Dates
Can’t make it to San Antonio? The landmark exhibition will be hitting the road to introduce audiences across the country to the story of Tejano identity:
March 4 – September 5, 2027: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (Scottsdale, AZ)
October 30, 2027 – February 13, 2028: Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin, TX)
🎟️ Admission Deals & Discounts
The Briscoe is offering several free and reduced admission opportunities throughout the summer:
Kids 12 and under: Always FREE.
Active-Duty Military Families: FREE via Blue Star Museums through Labor Day.
Bexar County Residents: Monthly free “Locals Days”.
Community Programs: Proud participant in Museums for All and Museums on Us.
Plan your summer visit to the Briscoe and immerse yourself in the vibrant history, art, and music that define Texas,
Night of Artists celebrates 25 Years of defining the future of western art. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
A Quarter-Century of the West: The 25th Anniversary of ‘Night of Artists’
For 25 years, San Antonio has served as the heartbeat of the Western art world. It began as a single evening event in 2001 and has blossomed into the Briscoe Western Art Museum’sNight of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale, one of the premier Western art events on the planet. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)
While the exclusive opening weekend is a legendary sold-out celebration, the beauty of this collection belongs to everyone. From March 29 through May 10, the public is invited to experience (and even purchase!) works from this landmark 25th-anniversary show.
Why This Year is Special
The 2026 exhibition is a powerhouse of contemporary talent, featuring over 300 new works. It reinforces San Antonio’s reputation as a top-tier destination for the genre, showcasing:
Renowned Icons: Legends like Thomas Blackshear II, Greg Beecham, G. Russell Case, and Sean Michael Chavez.
New Voices: Exciting artists who are currently redefining what “Western Art” means today.
Diverse Media: A stunning array of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.
The Briscoe Purchase Award: Every year, the museum selects one piece to acquire for its permanent collection, ensuring the best of today’s Western art is preserved for future generations.
Go Behind the Canvas: Artist Events
Want to see how the magic happens? The Briscoe is hosting two exclusive opportunities to learn directly from the masters:
The Experience: Join West Texas native Mary Ross Buchholz for an intimate look at her graphite and charcoal process. All materials and lunch are included! Space is limited—register early.
🖌️ Artist Demonstration with Teal Blake
When: Thursday, May 7 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Cost: Included with museum admission
The Experience: Watch Teal Blake lead a live watercolor demonstration. It’s a casual setting where you can ask questions about his authentic portrayals of cowboy life and his creative journey.
Plan Your Visit: Dates & Special Offers
The six-week public exhibition is the only time this specific collection will be available for viewing in one place.
Public Exhibition & Sale: March 29 – May 10
Locals Day (May 3): Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents.
Mother’s Day (May 10): Free admission for all moms—the perfect final day to catch the show.
Visiting the Briscoe
Located on the south end of the River Walk, the Briscoe is an “oasis of Western beauty.” Beyond the Night of Artists gallery, you can explore the McNutt Sculpture Garden and 14 galleries of history and art.
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays)
Admission: Always FREE for children 12 & under and active-duty military.
Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market St San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 299-4499
Mini Art Museum at the Contemporary’s Family Day, 2024. Photo by Bria Woods, used with permission.
Upcoming Exhibitions & Programs at Contemporary at Blue Star
San Antonio, Texas – In 2026, the Contemporary at Blue Star centers its exhibition programming around the theme of community, marking a major milestone: the organization’s 40th anniversary in June 2026. Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray frames the year as an opportunity to reflect on the Contemporary’s history, the role community has played in shaping the institution, and the ways exhibitions can actively build and strengthen local, national, and international relationships. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2026)
Below is a look at the upcoming exhibitions and programs.
Mark Menjívar: Murmurations
Opening Night: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. Taco Talk: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 a.m. On View: February 6 – May 3, 2026
San Antonio–based artist Mark Menjívar integrates social practice and participatory education models to create intentional community building. His work establishes frameworks for students, community groups, and leaders to engage in critical dialogue around the issues that shape their lives.
Menjívar’s participatory projects often incorporate oral history recording, archive building, publications, and installations that present collective conversations while inviting continued public engagement. Over the last two decades, he has completed more than a dozen multifaceted, long-term projects.
This mid-career survey highlights selected works—including The Luck Archive—while also debuting new projects. Menjívar is currently an Associate Professor in the Interdisciplinary School for Engagement at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Mini Art Museum
Honoring the Late Mary Cantú
Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026
The San Antonio arts community was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mary Cantú on February 18, 2025, at age 45. Cantú was a beloved advocate for arts education and served on the Contemporary’s Education Committee from 2014–2016, playing a key role in the development of the Creative Classrooms program and championing free access to art for San Antonio children.
In 2013, Cantú co-founded the Mini Art Museum with Gabriela Santiago. Using standard office binders as gallery “walls,” the Mini Art Museum invited artists to create miniature works sized to fit inside 8.5 × 11-inch plastic sleeves. Featuring original works by professional artists, the museum encourages close observation, often aided by magnifying glasses, creating a sense of wonder and intimacy.
In spring 2024, the Mini Art Museum collection was transferred to the Contemporary. Exhibited here in its entirety and in memoriam of Mary Cantú, the presentation includes over 100 works by artists such as Kim Bishop, Sarah Castillo, Michael Menchaca, and Vincent Valdez, reflecting the profound impact Cantú made on the community.
Roman Franc: Groups Collective
Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026
Artist Roman Franc will travel to San Antonio to create new photographs as part of his ongoing Group Pictures / Collectives series. Since 2015, Franc has photographed groups across cultures and geographies, from residents of Tanna Island in the South Pacific to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
San Antonio’s layered and interconnected communities provide a rich setting for this project. In alignment with the Contemporary’s 40th anniversary theme, Groups Collective offers glimpses into a larger whole, reflecting the city’s diversity and collective spirit.
Franc (b. 1983, Brno, Czech Republic) holds an MA in Education from Masaryk University and an MFA in Photography from the Institute of Creative Photography at Silesian University, Opava. His practice focuses on non-traditional portraiture and staged photography, alongside curatorial and publishing work.
Berlin Residency Program
2026–2027 Application Cycle Now Open
Contemporary at Blue Star is now accepting applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for its Berlin Residency Program. Launched in 2013, the program enters its 12th cycle in partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien (KB).
Each year, four artists are awarded three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany, with the opportunity to also visit San Antonio’s sister city, Darmstadt, Germany.
Residency Support Includes:
$2,000 stipend for travel and living expenses
Coverage of all residency program fees, including:
Studio and living space
Inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine
Curatorial visits and workshop access
Eligibility guidelines are available through the application link. Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m.
About Contemporary at Blue Star
Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions featuring artists from San Antonio and around the world, sharing global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary offers fresh insights into cultural and societal issues by highlighting current trends, movements, and conversations in art.
Admission is always free.
Contemporary at Blue Star 116 Blue Star San Antonio, TX 78204
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.
✨ 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.
The Briscoe announces its fall exhibition: Going To Texas. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
San Antonio, TX – This fall, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents a rare opportunity to experience one of the most significant private map collections in the country. Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps will be on view October 3, 2025 – January 19, 2026. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
The exhibition showcases 66 original maps from the Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection (on loan from the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine). Spanning nearly 500 years, from 1525 to 2006, these maps trace Texas’ transformation from “New Spain” to colonial days, statehood, and beyond. To enrich the story, the exhibition also includes more than 24 works from the Briscoe’s permanent collection and select private loans.
Interactive Elements
The Briscoe is bringing history to life with hands-on activities for all ages:
Compass Challenge – Learn how to use a compass, then navigate through the museum with coordinates leading to artwork and artifacts.
Augmented Reality Sand Station – Shape the sand and watch contour lines, rivers, valleys, and hills appear in real time, showing how terrain influenced settlement and culture.
📍 Thursday, Oct. 2 | 6 – 8 p.m. Be the first to explore the exhibition with Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe, and Dr. John Klingemann, Director of the Museum of the Big Bend. Includes valet, drinks, and light bites.
$25 for members (select membership tiers include 2 tickets)
$45 for non-members
Opening Weekend Tours
📍 Friday, Oct. 3 | 2 p.m. 📍 Saturday, Oct. 4 | 2 p.m. Guided tours with Dr. John Klingemann and historian Matt Walter. Free with admission; free for members.
Texas Trails and Whiskey Tales with Andrew Braunberg
📍 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 6 p.m. Enjoy a whiskey tasting, signature cocktail in a keepsake glass, light bites, and a talk with author Andrew Braunberg about his book Fires, Floods, Explosions and Bloodshed: A History of Texas Whiskey.
The Briscoe offers extended hours on Thursdays (10 a.m.–8 p.m.) and is open Friday–Monday (10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Children 12 and under always receive free admission.
Highlights Tour – Thursdays at 2 p.m. | 45-minute guided tour through the museum’s most significant works.
Locals Day – Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents on the first Sunday of each month (Oct. 5, Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 4).
Full STEAM Ahead – Hands-on family activities blending science, technology, engineering, art, and math:
Finding Your Way – Sunday, Oct. 5 | 1–3 p.m.
Salt Maps – Sunday, Jan. 4 | 1–3 p.m.
Scout the Briscoe – Free scavenger hunt on Locals Day, plus a 10% museum store discount upon completion.
About the Exhibition
Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps was organized by the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.
✨ With its rare collection, interactive experiences, and community programming, this exhibition is more than maps—it’s a journey through Texas history.
Behind The Gallery presents: Alternative Nation: A Retrospective. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Alternative Nation: A Retrospective
A Raw, Unfiltered Look at the Rise of Alternative Music
Behind The Gallery proudly presents its latest exhibition, Alternative Nation: A Retrospective—a visceral journey through the explosion of alternative music and culture from the 1990s to the early 2000s. (Magnum PR, 2025)
Debuting in Chicago and hosted by After, the cocktail bar from Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy, the exhibition features never-before-seen and classic images of Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Meat Puppets, and more.
The Photographers Who Shaped an Era
This unprecedented show brings together the iconic work of five visionary photographers—Joseph Cultice, Jonathan Rach, Chris Cuffaro, Kevin Westenberg, and Scarlet Page—whose lenses helped define the way we remember the era.
“This show isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s a time capsule of a moment when music felt dangerous, emotional, and deeply human,” says Behind The Gallery founder and curator Stephen Dallimore.
Each photographer was trusted by the bands, capturing the raw, unfiltered moments that defined a generation. Their work documents the cultural shift when grunge, industrial, and alt-rock went from the fringes to the forefront—changing not only the sound, but the very image of music.
A Time of Creative Rebellion
The 1990s alternative scene gave voice to a generation navigating alienation, identity, and emotional extremes.
Grunge acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam rejected polished mainstream aesthetics, embracing vulnerability and grit.
Industrial pioneers like Nine Inch Nails fused electronics with rock, exploring darker, confrontational themes.
These photographs are more than concert shots—they’re portraits of authenticity, rebellion, and the raw pulse of an era when music was deeply felt.
Not Just for Nostalgia
While many of these artists are now considered legacy acts, the exhibition is curated for both longtime fans and a new generation craving authenticity.
“In a digital age where connection can feel shallow, there’s something powerful about experiencing these raw, analog images,” says Dallimore. “It was a time when music felt fresh, exciting, and dangerous—an era that still carried a sense of mystery.”
Photographer Inclusions by Artist
Chris Cuffaro: Alice In Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden Joseph Cultice: Aphex Twin, Björk, Danzig, Marilyn Manson, Meat Puppets, Smashing Pumpkins Jonathan Rach: Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Melvins Kevin Westenberg: Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, White Stripes Scarlet Page: Björk, Chris Cornell, Foo Fighters, Marilyn Manson, NIN, Placebo, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smashing Pumpkins
Event Details
📍 Location: After – Curtis Duffy’s Cocktail Bar 1338 W Fulton Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607
🗓 Exhibition Hours:
Opening Night: Friday, August 15, 2025 | 6:30–10 p.m.
Saturday, August 16 – Wednesday, August 20 | 4–10 p.m.
🎤 Artist Talk & Q&A:
Saturday, August 16 | 5:00 p.m. Curtis Duffy hosts a conversation with Jonathan Rach & Joseph Cultice
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
En Las Sombras, Nuestros Fantasmas Acechan, Installation View, 2024. On view at Laguna, Mexico City, Mexico. Photo by Rubén Garay, used with permission.
Contemporary at Blue Star Announces Summer Exhibitions
Exploring the Body, Perception, and the Unseen Through Conceptual Art
San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star is excited to present a compelling lineup of summer exhibitions that spotlight artists from Mexico and San Antonio. Through conceptual practices, these artists create work that transcends the physical, exploring how space, technology, memory, and sound influence the human body. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)
🌑En Las Sombras, Nuestros Fantasmas Acechan
(In the Shadows, Our Ghosts Lurk) Curated by Fabiola Iza On View: June 6 – October 5, 2025 Opening Reception: Friday, June 6 | 6–9 p.m.
Taco Talk with Curator Fabiola Iza Friday, June 6 | 10:30a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Kick off the exhibition with “Taco Talk,” a curator-led walkthrough paired with breakfast tacos and coffee. Learn about the works and themes with guest curator Fabiola Iza, and engage in an open conversation about the ideas behind the show.
Featuring Artists:
Alicia Ayanegui, Enrique Arriaga Celis, Daniela Bojórquez Vértiz, Virginia Colwell & Raquel Bañón Sodini, Manuela García, Leo Marz, Jonathan Miralda Fuksman, Daniel Monroy Cuevas, Paloma Rosenzweig, Oswaldo Ruiz
Inspired by the design of the panopticon, this exhibition examines the evolution of surveillance and the “omniscient gaze” in the age of modern technology. Originally exhibited at Laguna in Mexico City, the show has been reimagined for Contemporary at Blue Star by independent curator Fabiola Iza.
✨ Jason Willome
On View: July 11 – October 5, 2025 Opening Reception: Friday, July 11 | 6p.m. – 9p.m.
Fresh from his residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin, Jason Willome debuts a new body of work that delves into the cosmos, consciousness, and personal mythology. Incorporating a wide range of media, this exhibition invites viewers to examine our relationship with the universe and the stories we tell ourselves.
🌊 Nadia Botello: Theophany
On View: July 11 – October 5, 2025 Opening Reception: Friday, July 11 | 6p.m. – 9p.m.
Sound artist Nadia Botello presents a site-specific installation from her Bodies of Water series. Listeners must physically engage with translucent tank sculptures to activate the audio compositions—sonic works created from field recordings of the San Antonio River and original choral arrangements. Botello’s work invites reflection on the body as both listener and vessel.
📸 Fabiola Menchelli
On View: July 11 – October 5, 2025 Opening Reception: Friday, July 11 | 6p.m. – 9p.m.
In complete darkness, without even the glow of a safelight, Fabiola Menchelli constructs photographs that unfold like sculptures. This immersive, darkened gallery experience mimics her creation process, allowing viewers to “discover” the artworks just as the artist did. Her work challenges and expands the limits of photography, light, and perception.
About Contemporary at Blue Star
Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions by artists from San Antonio and around the world. Through a focus on global perspectives, we foster empathy, innovation, and action—fulfilling our mission to inspire, nurture, and innovate. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, we engage with current social and cultural issues through art.
The First PechaKucha of 2025 will be at the Historic Sunken Garden Theater. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – PechaKucha San Antonio – the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format – is excited to announce its Volume 46 as the first event in the 2025 series. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Historic Sunken Garden Theater (3875 N. St. Mary’s St. San Antonio, TX 78212), centrally located at Brackenridge Park. The night begins with a welcome reception at 7p.m., followed by presentations starting at 8p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2025)
The Historic Sunken Garden Theater has long been a local favorite for hosting annual events such as Fiesta’s Taste of New Orleans, as well as staging concerts featuring Carlos Santana and other well known national acts. Originally carved into an old Limestone Quarry in the 1930s, the San Antonio Civic Opera Society quickly established the site as a premiere performing arts venue. Renovated numerous times, and having played host for thousands of events, the Theater, centrally located in the heart of San Antonio, remains popular with concert goers of all ages.
Volume 46 will feature a talented group of local speakers. The six presenters include:
Emily Casso, Animal Advocate
David Carlos Garcia Jr., Creative Director & Designer
The evening’s emcees will be local artists and husband-and-wife duo Cruz and Olivia Ortiz, co-owners of Burnt Nopal creative studio and longtime San Antonio residents fiercely dedicated to the development and enrichment of the local community.
The welcome reception will feature live music by Primo y Beebe – based in Marfa, Primo Carrasco and David Beebe play traditional border music of the Chihuahuan desert. The evening will also feature complimentary bites by San Antonio chefs and restaurants including Liberty Bar, Melvin’s Homemade Ice Cream & Expresso Bar, and Pharm Table. Additionally the event will feature cocktails available for purchase curated by local bar Amor Eterno.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at Eventbrite.
Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. We host speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It showcases a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world.
SA Examiner 