Category: art exhibitions

Sizhu Li’s Art at Contemporary at Blue Star: A Bold Reinterpretation of Modern Aesthetics

Sizhu Li’s site-specific exhibition at HoCo Arts Council. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star is happy to announce our next exhibition, a site-specific installation of Sizhu Li’s Moonment. Moonment is an ongoing installation project inspired by a Chinese ancient poem “海上生明月，天涯共此时” by Tang poet Zhang Jiu Lin. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)

Sizhu Li’s Moonment at the Contemporary
Opening First Friday, February 7, 2025 6p.m. – 9p.m Free admission

This work describes a surreal and poetic night-sea view that resonates with people of different locations. Aluminum sheets and programmed fans create a live moving percussive environment of waves. These constructions become a contemporary landscape where space is a physical material as much as a piece of metal or wood etc.

Li’s works are animated, poetic, and tell a story. Materials, though often unrefined, are treated as fleshy, melancholic, nostalgic characters. Their movements are direct, satisfying, repeated, comforting, and mesmerizing. Together, they immerse viewers in an echo of simplicity within the chaos of modern life—evoking live phenomena like moonlight on the flowing water or wind on young leaves. Li is influenced by Minimalism, Futurism, and Chinese painting, poetry, and philosophy. In ancient times, people lived simpler lives, but still had rich intellectual and spiritual experiences. Li believes that we have something to learn from a spirit of wonder that feeds the human soul and brings communities together.

Before the opening:

Taco Talk with Sizhu Li

Friday, February 7, 2025
10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m.
Free with registration

The Contemporary welcomes visitors for breakfast tacos and a gallery walk through with exhibiting artist Sizhu Li.

Sizhu Li is a Chinese-born kinetic installation artist based in New York and New Jersey. She holds a BFA from Central Academy of Fine Arts and an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art with the Toby Devan Lewis Fellowship.

Also at Contemporary Blue Star

San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star seeks applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany. In 2013, the Contemporary began sending San Antonio artists to Berlin and we are excited to embark on the 11th cycle of the program. Deadline to Apply: Monday, February 10, 2025  at 12p.m. (Noon) CST. Learn more and register here.

In partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien, the Contemporary awards four artists annually the opportunity to live and conduct their studio practice in one of the world’s most significant art  centers, Berlin, Germany.

The four selected artists will be awarded one of four residency slots at Künstlerhaus Bethanien as a grantee of Contemporary at Blue Star and a $2,000 stipend to aid with travel to the residency and living costs. The Contemporary covers costs of all program fees associated with residency: studio and living space, inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine, curatorial visits, workshop access, etc. With support from the City of San Antonio’s Global Engagement Office, resident artists will also travel to Darmstadt, Germany (a sister city of San Antonio) to meet with fellow artists and cultural leaders and visit cultural institutions. An additional stipend is provided for this trip. Each selected artist will participate in a public program following the completion of the residency.

Contemporary at Blue Star established the Berlin Residency Program to connect Bexar County artists with the international art community and enrich their artistic practice through their experiences in Berlin. Contemporary’s 2024-25 Berlin Resident Artist Jason Willome reflected on his creative evolution: “Being in Berlin has forced me out of my comfort zone – encountering new materials leads to shifts in the work, as you get to know the material and how it behaves.”

The selection process is highly competitive, with a panel of jurors evaluating a pool of talented Bexar County artists. Interested artists can learn more and apply at the Contemporary’s website.  Selected artists will be announced on March 7, 2025 at 6p.m., during the Contemporary’s exhibition opening and the Contemporary Art Month Kick-Off. 

Artist Eligibility

  • Artists must currently reside in Bexar County and conduct a significant portion of their artistic practice/outreach in San Antonio. Artist must have established residency for 12 months prior to application period.
  • Artists must have at least five years of relevant work experience and/or specialized arts training, such as a degree or certificate, or intensive period developing their skill and knowledge base.
  • Artists should demonstrate a clear investment of time and resources into their artistic practice and/or derive a portion of individual earned income from their artistic practice or areas related to the field.
  • Artists must have a professional portfolio that includes publicly displayed and possibly published works.
  • The four residency cycles are July 15–October 8; October 15–January 8; January 15–April 8; April 15–July 8. Applicants must be able to attend during ANY of these time periods. Artists should not apply if their schedule does not allow them the flexibility to attend during any of these time periods and/or for the duration of the residency. Cycles are assigned after residents are selected and through group dialogue.
  • Students are not eligible to apply.
  • Artist collaborative teams/collectives not eligible to apply.
  • Literary artists are not eligible to apply.
  • Curators, arts writers, and critics are not eligible to apply
Workshop space at Künstlerhaus Bethanien. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Briscoe Western Art Museum: Your Guide to Upcoming Events and Programs

The Briscoe kicks off 2025 with stories, art, and nature. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum invites everyone to start the new year on the right foot with art, storytelling, wildlife, and inspiration as it closes its acclaimed Storytellers: Narrative Art & the West exhibition. From a special conversation with celebrated artist Billy Schenck to the museum’s wildest day of the year, the Wild West Wildlife Festival, 2025 gets off to a great start at the Briscoe. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

See the Stories of the Southwest through Narrative Art

Blending visual elements with symbolism, narrative art invites connection with stories on a deeper, more emotional level. On view now, Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West explores the many ways artists have told stories about the Southwest in their art, including religious, migratory, historical, and rural subjects. From Indigenous stories passed down through generations to the contemporary interpretations of Western life, Storytellers showcases how artists use visual narratives to capture the spirit, landscapes, and people of the West. It is on display now through January 19, 2025.

Guiding questions throughout the exhibition invite visitors to take a closer look at the works on display – and dive into the stories they tell – while stations throughout the exhibition ask visitors to share their own stories. Visitors can then hang their story on the exhibition’s community story wall, while a mini-drawing lab offers visitors the opportunity to practice the techniques of gesture drawing – a quick sketching technique that helps capture the essence of a subject’s pose, movement, or expression – to create their own narrative art.

Artist Talk and Book Signing: Billy Schenck

Storytellers and the Modern West with Billy Schenck: January 18, 2025, 1:30p.m. – 3:30p.m., included with museum admission.

Renowned artist Billy Schenck, a founding figure of the Western Pop Art movement, shares insights into his bold and iconic depictions of the American West. Known for his striking, cinematic style, Schenck’s work bridges the gap between Western tradition and contemporary artistry. Schenck will share how he weaves together the story of his artistic process from film stills to paintings and creating new narratives. His approach offers a critical perspective on classic and contemporary Western iconography. Learn about Schenck’s early career, artistic inspirations, and the influences that shape his work during this conversation with Tim Newton, Publisher Emeritus of “Western Art & Architecture” and the Briscoe’s Curator of Night of Artists and Special Exhibitions. Hear more about Schenck’s role in “Western Pop,” his Native pottery collection and his new book “Women Artists of the Ancient Southwest: A Tribute to Timeless Creators.”

Walk on the Wild Side: Wild West Wildlife Festival

January 25, 2025, 10a.m. – 4p.m., free admission

A celebration of the animals and natural beauty of the West, featuring crafts, animal encounters, and activities focused on the wildlife of the American West, one of the pillars of Western art. The Wild West Wildlife Festival celebrates the flora and fauna that define the West with a beastly day of animal fun, education and hands-on crafts and activities highlighting the truly wild side of the West.  The festival features art, storytelling, and more to inspire everyone to explore the nature all around them.

Extended Hours & Programming Make 2025 a Great Time to Head West

The Briscoe is committed to engaging the community with a variety of family-friendly and educational programs for all ages – all included in museum admission. The museum offers extended hours on Thursday, 10a.m. – 8p.m. and is open 10a.m. – 5p.m. Friday – Monday.

Children 12 and under always receive free admission at the Briscoe, making these programs affordable family fun:

Highlights Tour – Enjoy a guided tour through the museum’s galleries through these 45-minute tours each Thursday at 2 p.m., with stops at some of the most significant and striking pieces in the Briscoe’s collection. With frequently rotating artworks on display, this tour is ideal for both first-time visitors and long-term friends of the museum.

Locals Day – Come say howdy and explore the West for free as a San Antonio local. San Antonio and Bexar County residents enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Upcoming dates: February 2, March 2.

Scout the Briscoe – Hunt and enjoy a fun interactive way to see more of the Briscoe’s collection in an educational scavenger hunt on the first Sunday of each month. Completing the hunt is a family affair and you’ll learn fun information about works throughout the museum. Upcoming dates: February 2, March 2.

Storytime Stampede – Enjoy a storytelling session designed for young children and families on the third Saturday of each month at 10:30a.m. Sing songs, engage in movement activities and create artwork together as you learn about the West. Even better: Adults bringing children to Storytime Stampede receive half-off general museum admission.

An oasis of Western beauty just off the River Walk, the Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden and the museum grounds feature 35 sculptures portraying various aspects of Western life. The museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building, includes 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and the Hendler Family Museum Store, providing art, culture, history and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

Uncovering the Stories of Life and Death on the Border: A Visit to the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum

The exhibition ‘Life & Death on the Border 1910-1920’ will be on view until February 2025.

Remembering our historical past, both the good and bad, is essential for staying connected to our roots and understanding how we arrived at the present. Acknowledging past triumphs can inspire pride and unity, while reflecting on mistakes offers valuable lessons in avoiding repetition of errors. By examining history, we gain perspective on social, political, and cultural progress, helping us navigate contemporary challenges with wisdom. Moreover, remembering history fosters empathy, respect, and a deeper sense of identity, ensuring we honor those who came before and build a more informed, inclusive future. History guides us in shaping a better tomorrow.

Earlier this month, I attended the opening reception for the traveling exhibition Life & Death on the Border 1910-1920 at the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum.

Speakers included Aleida Garcia, San Benito Cultural Arts Department Director, Ricardo Madrigal, and Rudy Garcia, local writer and poet who shared the story of the Jacinto Treviño. Jacinto Treviño is the subject of a well-known Border corrido, or ballad, in which the hero successfully escapes after a run-in with the Texas Rangers.

The exhibition itself is filled with local history and interesting historical facts including Border Renaissance-Literature, Prejudice and Racial Strife, and the history behind the formation of the League of United Latin American Citizens. One of the highlights is the tribute to the annual Día de los Muertos Caminata, which includes original artwork and an altar that features the names of known victims of border violence during those years, especially those who were denied due process and indiscriminately killed.

Overall, it’s an excellent reminder of the early history of the Rio Grande Valley. It is worth checking out, especially for those who are native to the area; you might just learn something new.

More information:

Life & Death on the Border 1910–1920 is a traveling exhibition created by the Refusing to Forget Project in partnership with the Bullock Museum. This powerful exhibition explores a turbulent period in Texas history, shedding light on the violence, resistance, and resilience that shaped the U.S.-Mexico borderlands during the early 20th century. (San Benito Cultural Arts Department, 2024)

Through a compelling collection of panels, on loan from The Mexican American Museum of Texas, depicting historical artifacts, photographs, and narratives, visitors will gain insight into the societal struggles and cultural transformations that defined this era. The exhibition serves as a platform for reflection and dialogue, honoring the voices and stories of communities profoundly impacted by these events.

As part of the exhibition, the San Benito Cultural Center is thrilled to acknowledge and pay tribute to the annual Dia de los Muertos Caminata, organized by Mr. Ricardo Madrigal. Now in its fifth year, the caminata is a 3-mile trek from San Benito’s Heavin Park to the State Historical Marker placed at the Southbound Exit 16 rest area memorializing the lives lost during this turbulent time in our history. Original artwork for four of the five years will be on display and paired with an altar in remembrance.

The exhibition is on view at the San Benito Cultural Center, located at 225 E. Stenger Street, San Benito, TX 78586, and will run through February 8, 2025. Admission for this exhibition is part of the general admission for the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, and the public is invited to explore this important chapter in border history.

San Benito Cultural Center
225 E Stenger St
San Benito, TX 78586

Map of the US/Mexico Border
Tribute to the Dia De Los Muertos Caminata
Information is presented in posters by decade.
The victims of the times.
Life & Death on the Border

Exploring the Vibrant Art Scene at Brownsville Museum of Fine Art: Current Exhibitions You Can’t Miss

Brownsville Museum of Fine Art

Art museums are vital for preserving and showcasing creative expressions that reflect human experience, history, and culture. They offer a space where visitors can experience the transformative power of art, sparking imagination, emotion, and intellectual curiosity. People are drawn to art museums for their ability to inspire, provoke thought, and connect individuals across time and place. Viewing masterpieces or contemporary works allows people to engage with different perspectives and cultivate a deeper appreciation for creativity. Art museums also provide a sense of tranquility and reflection, offering visitors a break from the fast pace of daily life while fostering cultural enrichment and understanding.

Recently I visited the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art to check out their latest exhibitions. They change frequently, so each visit is an opportunity to discover a new artist. Right now there are four exhibitions on view, each as unique as the experiences of the artist and all of them are a joy to experience.

I enjoyed Guillermo Vasquez’ The Journey, The Path, And The Quest because the paintings are larger than life and the colors are so vibrant. A big plus is that it’s an outdoor exhibit, so that if you’re in the area, you can enjoy it without going inside the museum. I also like José Antonio Chaurand’s Idiosyncrasy of Luck because of the overall theme of ‘luck.’ Is what happens to us a matter of luck, or circumstances?

If you love art, do yourself a favor and plan your next museum adventure at the BMFA. There’s still time to check them out since they’re on view until December 11. Museum hours and ticket information is available online.

Current exhibitions are as follows: (Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, 2024)

The Journey, The Path, And The Quest
Guillermo Vasquez
Exhibition Dates: November 8 – December 11

Originally from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Vasquez graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Technological Institute of Matamoros. A self-taught painter, he began his artistic journey a decade ago, focusing on acrylic painting techniques. His skills were further refined through classes at BMFA with mentors Diana and Nerea Anzaldúa, who were instrumental in his development. As a committed member of the BMFA, he aims to create art that invites contemplation and intellectual engagement.

This exhibition offers viewers a journey through humanity’s evolution, from the origins of the universe to a utopian vision of society. Through large-scale acrylic paintings on treated wood, Guillermo Vasquez explores key moments such as the Big Bang, the rise of philosophy, the influence of religion, and societal transformations throughout history, including the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. By displaying the pieces in the BMFA garden, Vasquez seeks to create an engaging, accessible environment where the public can interact with art and reflect on our shared human experience.

Frutos Del Tiempo
Alonsa Guevara
Exhibition Dates: November 2 – December 11

Alonsa Guevara (b. 1986, Rancagua, Chile) is a visual artist based in Los Angeles, California. Guevara holds an MFA in painting from the New York Academy of Art (2014), and a BFA from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (2009). Guevara works primarily with painting, and her multidisciplinary practice extends to sculptures, installations, sound pieces, and video performance. Her works blur the lines between fantasy and reality while celebrating the connection between humankind and nature. As a Latin-American woman whose life has unfolded across three distinct countries—Chile, Ecuador, and the USA—Guevara’s art serves as an exploration of questions surrounding identity, belonging, and womanhood, offering her personal understanding and appreciation of beauty.

“Frutos del Tiempo” presents a variety of artworks by Chilean-American artist Alonsa Guevara, exploring the artistic and spiritual “fruits” that have emerged from her journey over the years. Featuring paintings and sculptures made from 2018 to the present, this exhibition invites viewers into a celebration of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, examining the deep connections between nature, humanity, and spirituality. As a Latin-American woman whose life has unfolded across Chile, Ecuador, and the USA, Guevara uses her art to explore identity, belonging, and womanhood. Her works offer a personal understanding of beauty, blending reality with fantasy to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience. With a ceremonial and ritualistic ambiance, her pieces pay homage to fertility, spirituality, and life cycles, commemorating the enduring connection between humankind and nature—one that has evolved and adapted through time.

Idiosyncrasy of Luck
José Antonio Chaurand
Exhibition Dates: November 2 – December 11

José Antonio Chaurand (b. Mexico, 1974) also known as JACH, is a visual artist, publisher, and economist. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics (1998) and continued his education in art history, journalism, graphic design, drawing, and cultural management as self-taught while running La Tempestad, considered by experts the fundamental magazine and media outlet of international art in México. (1998-2017)

The idea that the individual can forge his/her own destiny has become predominant around the world. This notion began during the Industrial Revolution, but became popular after the end of World War II propelled mainly by American mass media, and continued growing throughout the twentieth century. During the new millennia, Social media has become the receptacle for ‘‘prophets of human autonomy,” people attempting to profit by convincing others that success, happiness, and abundance are a decision and not a circumstance. The message has now become embedded in mostly all of our contemporary narratives, even reaching the spheres of health and longevity. This project aims to de-dogmatize this notion, manifesting that luck is a variable that must be included in every equation of the human endeavor; once randomness is acknowledged it is easy to see the myth of autonomy. The way luck works can be seen at plain sight, its idiosyncrasy has been revealed, yet we have chosen not to see it.

Iman, Al Safa WAl Marwa: Faith in the Pilgrimage
Ibtisam Tasnim Zaman
Exhibition Dates: November 2 – December 11

Ibtisam Tasnim Zaman is a New York based Black Lesbian American, interdisciplinary, and conceptual artist. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ibtisam moved at six years old to the UAE. This forced migration was shortly after 9/11, to escape the violence that Black Muslims, Muslims of color, and all immigrants are still facing today.

Ibtisam Tasnim Zaman’s solo exhibition, ‘Iman, Al Safa WAl Marwa: Faith in the Pilgrimage,’ is a feature of works that use figurative surrealism to narrate the layers of systemic structures. A constant state of revealing ‘manufactured nature’ through everyday life: in the mundane, journey to work, and overall culture of normalization. Zaman contrasts these dense realities, through depicting acts of intimacy, tenderness, paradox of motherhood, and love as acts of resistance in the midst of chaos.

Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
660 E Ringgold St
Brownsville, TX 78520

Pueblos del Maíz: Celebrating the Flavors of Corn and Culture

Pearl to host UNESCO Chefs for Pueblos del Maíz. Chef Jaime Gonzalez of Carriqui. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

San Antonio has blossomed into a vibrant culinary hub, blending rich cultural influences and innovative gastronomy. Its diverse food scene, rooted in Tex-Mex and traditional Southern flavors, showcases local ingredients and culinary traditions. The city has attracted renowned chefs and restaurants, earning accolades in national food rankings. Events like the San Antonio Restaurant Week and the annual Fiesta highlight local talent and foster a strong sense of community. The city’s burgeoning food markets, food trucks, and artisan producers further enrich its culinary landscape, making San Antonio a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking unique and flavorful experiences.

The culinary scene is active throughout the year, with various locations hosting events to highlight the chefs and cuisine that makes San Antonio shine. One of these is the Pearl downtown and this week they are hosting Pueblos del Maíz events.

Pearl is proud to host Pueblos del Maíz events this week on October 10-11, 2024. This celebration highlights San Antonio’s role as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and showcases the importance of maíz (corn) in global culinary traditions. San Antonio UNESCO Chef Ambassadors, including Chef Jaime Gonzalez of Carriqui, will showcase the diverse flavors of maíz by preparing small bites inspired by UTSA’s Special Collections cookbooks. (Pearl, 2024)

Thursday, October 10, 2024 – Ticketed event at Carriqui

The event kicks off on October 10 with an exclusive ticketed dinner at Carriqui from 6p.m. to 8p.m. This reception style experience will also feature maíz inspired signature cocktails and tastings of maíz derived spirits prepared by UNESCO Chef Ambassadors. Tickets are $70 per person and available online.

Friday, October 11, 2024 – Free Event at Pearl Park

On October 11, the celebration expands to a free community event at Pearl Park from 5:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. Visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations by UNESCO Chef Ambassadors from Bergamo, Italy; Tucson, Arizona; Merida, Mexico; and San Antonio, Texas. The event will also feature live music, art installations, and a variety of food and beverage vendors showcasing maíz-inspired creations.

Carriqui
239 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215

Cultural Highlights: Exciting Events Coming to the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Events include Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West, Native American Film Series, and Día de los Muertos activities. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

San Antonio, TX – Opening a window into the rich history, culture and landscapes of the Southwest, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is proud to host Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West, an exhibition that reveals the breadth of narrative art produced in the Southwest from the early twentieth century to today. The exhibition features more than 70 remarkable works curated from the prestigious collections of the New Mexico Museum of Art, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Briscoe, and private lenders. Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West will be on view October 4, 2024, through January 19, 2025, and is included with museum admission. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)

“Narrative art tells a story. It can illustrate historic events or bring the imagination to life. The traditions of storytelling in the Southwest go back to ancient times and the Indigenous populations of the region. From the simple carved forms of Helen Cordero to the narrative realism of Martin Grelle and Navajo artist Ed Natiya, the exhibition celebrates the intricate tapestry of the American Southwest’s artistic heritage. We’re proud to share these works and the stories they tell.” – Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum

The exhibition explores the various ways artists have told stories about the Southwest in their work, including illustrations of historic events such as Diego Romero’s image of the Pueblo Revolt and paintings of local religious ceremonies such as William Penhallow Henderson’s “Holy Week in New Mexico” and ruminations on spiritual traditions as in Partocinio Barela’s “Last Supper,” as well as reflections on modern art and iconic images of the West inspired by pop culture, including Andy Warhol’s “Geronimo” and Billy Schenck’s “Cliff.”

The range of artists and the stylistic variation represented in Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West offer a variety of lenses, allowing audiences to engage with the region’s complex and evolving history and culture. Storytellers showcases the talents of renowned artists like Fritz Scholder, Gerald Cassidy, Alan Houser and Henry Balink, who bring diverse perspectives on cowboy, Native, and Spanish cultures, alongside works by Frederic Remington, Andy Warhol, Logan Maxwell Hagege, Martin Grelle and Mark Maggiori.

Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West was organized by the New Mexico Museum of Art. The exhibition is sponsored in part by The City of San Antonio, Jan McCaleb Elliott, Jessica Elliott Middleton and The Texas Commission on the Arts.

Storytellers: Conversation with the Curator
Exhibition tour with guest curator Christian Waguespack
Friday, October 4, 2p.m. – 3p.m., included with museum admission
Saturday, October 5, 2p.m. – 3p.m., included with museum admission

Talk with a leading expert in the field of narrative art and enjoy a tour of the exhibition with curator Christian Waguespack as he provides unique insight into the art and discusses the special connection Storytellers has with New Mexico.

Community Ofrenda, Art and Día de los Muertos: Sharing the Stories of the Departed
Ofrenda: October 3 through November 4, included with museum admission
Painting with DiZurita: October 19, 6p.m. – 8p.m., $45, $25 for museum members
Sugar Skull Pinatas: October 27, 1p.m. – 2:30p.m., 3p.m. – 4:30p.m., $20, $15 for museum members
Calaveritas: October 27, 1:30p.m. – 4:30p.m., included with museum admission

In celebration of Día de los Muertos, the community is invited to participate in the Briscoe’s community ofrenda honoring influential figures in Western art and the American West. Everyone is welcome to add photos of lost loved ones and personal offerings to help celebrate their lives. The ofrenda will be on display in the museum lobby and free Día de los Muertos-themed crafts will be available for those who would like to participate. The Briscoe’s Hendler Family Museum Store will have Día de los Muertos items available for those who wish to add to their offerings.

Enjoy a Día de los Muertos painting session led by energetic and charismatic international artist Gio DiZurita. Based in San Antonio, DiZurita tells stories through her art, an everlasting transformation of life experiences. Create your own Catrina or sugar skull masterpiece while sipping beer, wine, or prickly pear margaritas. You’ll create an acrylic painting on an 11 x 14 canvas in a hands-on session with Gio as she guides guests through a take-home work of art. Registration for this 21+ event is per person and includes beer, wine and all supplies. Class size is limited, so register today to secure your spot.

For more Día de los Muertos celebration, join local artist Adriana Gamez as she leads guests through a sugar skull piñata class, sharing cultural insights and crafting techniques while helping everyone create a sugar skull piñata filled with Mexican candy. Light refreshments and all supplies needed to create an 11” inch piñata, as well as the candy, are included. Participants also receive admission to the museum. One ticket per person, both adults and children, is required. Two sessions are being held to accommodate everyone, but spots are limited so register now to avoid missing out.

Stop in on October 27 as artist Renée Letapi-Gamez leads everyone in painting miniature sugar skull canvases you can take home to commemorate Día de los Muertos. A student at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Renée Letapi-Gamez draws inspiration from Latin culture and is a Día de los Muertos aficionado. Her focus is on small works inspired by catrinas, calveras and alebrijes. She’ll share her passion for these traditional elements of Día de los Muertos and help everyone create their own miniatures. The drop-in activity is included with museum admission and all materials are provided.

Native American Film Series Returns

Storytelling is a vital tradition in Native American heritage, serving as a powerful way to pass down knowledge, history and cultural values from one generation to the next.

As part of the Storytellers exhibition, the Briscoe is proud to announce the reboot of its Native American Film Series, a celebration of Indigenous storytelling through the lens of contemporary cinema. This series spotlights films created by Native American filmmakers and artists, offering audiences a unique opportunity to engage with the stories, cultures and histories of Indigenous communities from the American West.

All films were directed, written, produced by and/or star Native Americans. Matthew Davila, a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Sioux Tribe, curated the series and will lead a short presentation before each film. The films are included with museum admission and are free for members. The series includes:

  • “Rez Ball,” Sunday, October 20, 2p.m.
  • “Windtalkers,” Sunday, November 17, 2p.m.
  • “Indian Relay,” Sunday, January 12, 2p.m.

Storytellers: Sculpture Demonstration and Conversation with Artist Ed Natiya
Meet the Artist – Thursday, November 14, 6p.m. – 8p.m., included with general admission

From Cowboy Culture to Contemporary Art: A Guide to the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Upcoming Events

Killers of the Flower Moon is the next movie in the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Film Series. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

As summer heats up, there’s nowhere better to stay cool than the Briscoe Western Art Museum, where it’s always 70 degrees. Families can unleash cool fun and learning to keep kids engaged and educated, while adults can enjoy the flavors of West in a special after hours mezcal tasting. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)

From free locals days, hands-on education sessions and story fun to wild documentaries and art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Paired with new works on view and the blockbuster summer exhibition, Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four, Masterworks from the Rijksmuseum Twenthe and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Briscoe is the cool place to be to survive the summer.

Programs include:

Trade Talks – Trades of the West: The Art, Culture and Craft of Mezcal with Bruxo Founders Santiago Barreiro and Luis Edwardo Manrique and Flavors from Cuishe Cocina Mexicana

Thursday, August 22, 6p.m. – 9p.m., $60 per person, $30 for Briscoe members
Must be 21 and older to attend.

Experience the cool flavors of summer in this informative, educational and immersive program celebrating mezcal and the flavors of Mexico. Hear from the founders of Bruxo Mezcal as they share their stories about the people and the process of distilling this time-honored drink while enjoying samples paired with paired with traditional Oaxacan flavors through small plates of mole, bichos (bugs) and more, with a dash of sal de gusano – agave worm salt. Everyone will also enjoy light bites and small plates from Cuishe Cocina Mexicana. Advanced purchased tickets are required and include the program, mezcal tasting, light bites, small plates and specialty cocktails featuring Bruxo Mezcal, including the Mezcal Mule and Paloma Mezcal.

New Works to Enjoy: George Carlson

As the museum grows its collection, the Briscoe routinely shares newly acquired works in its first floor new works gallery. The museum is proud to share eight works by noted Western artist George Carlson. The works are gifts of Anne Postel, Estate of James Grey Postel and depict the Tarahumara people, an indigenous Mexican tribe native to the Sierra Madre Mountains, their ceremonies and daily life. Introduced to the Tarahumara in 1973, Carlson spent close to 15 years observing and documenting the tribe.

Monthly Fun: Free Admission, Scavenger Hunts and STEAM-y Hands-on Education

  • Locals Days: Free for Local Residents

First Sunday of the month, 10a.m. – 5p.m.

To thank the San Antonio community for its continued support, the Briscoe Western Art Museum greets locals with free general admission on the first Sunday of each month. Bexar County residents can enjoy the Briscoe’s Locals Days through 2024, with free admission on September 1, October 6, November 3, and December 1. Online registration for Locals Day is recommended. And if you can’t stop in on Locals Day, children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe every day, as do active duty members of the military, making the Briscoe a terrific spot for everyone to enjoy any time.

  • Scout the Briscoe:  Free Scavenger Hunt

First Sunday of the month, 10a.m. – 5p.m.

Visitors of all ages can learn about the American West in the Briscoe’s free monthly scavenger hunt. Test your skills navigating the museum’s 1.4 acre campus and 14 permanent galleries. Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt is rewarded with a 10% discount in the Briscoe’s Hendler Family Museum Store.

  • Full STEAM Ahead: Free Educational Series

First Sunday of the month, 1p.m. – 3p.m.

Learners of all ages work together and engage in hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences about the American West. Each of the activities ties back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts, bringing the West to life in a new way. Full STEAM Ahead is included with museum admission and all supplies are provided. Upcoming topics include:

  • September 1 – Full STEAM Ahead – Nature in Art

Bring nature and pottery together, learning about how Native Americans used nature for colors to create designs in their pottery. After the presentation, families will have the opportunity to create a pinch pot and decorate it with pressed flowers and leaves.

  • Storytime Stampede: Free Stories and More for Little Cowpokes

Third Saturday of the month, 10:30a.m. – 11a.m.

With stories told and acted out, books read aloud, movement activities, songs and art fun designed for young children ages 18 months to 5 years, Storytime Stampede is timed to keep young children engaged and entertained. Adults bringing children to Storytime Stampede receive half-off general museum admission and children 12 and under always receive free admission at the Briscoe, making Storytime Stampede affordable family fun.

  • August 17: “Way Out West Lived a Coyote Named Frank” by Jillian Lund. Frank’s the coolest coyote around. Whether he’s hanging out with his friends, chasing rabbits, mixing it up with a Gila monster, or pondering the setting sun, coyote Frank is one smooth character. Grab your shades, because you’re in for a bright and colorful cruise through the desert with Frank!

Survive the Summer with Wildlife and the “Big Four”:  Through September 8

Venture where nature’s beauty and resilience take center stage during the Briscoe’s summer exhibition, Survival of the Fittest: Envisioning Wildlife and Wilderness with the Big Four, Masterworks from the Rijksmuseum Twenthe and the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

The exhibition’s title references Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, which had a revolutionary impact on how people from Western cultures envisioned our relationship with the other animals on Earth. In the post-Darwin era, a group of classically trained painters now known as the “Big Four” emerged and helped establish a vision of wildlife and nature that remains with us today. German Richard Friese (1854–1918) is the Big Four’s elder, followed chronologically by Swede Bruno Liljefors (1860–1939), German Wilhelm Kuhnert (1865–1926), and German-American Carl Rungius (1869–1959).

  • Survival Screening – Texas Wildlife: Our Future, by Fin and Fur Films

Thursday, August 15, 5:30p.m. – 8 p.m., $14 General Admission, free for Briscoe members

In collaboration with KLRN, the Briscoe is proud to celebrate the natural world and wildlife of Texas with an after hours documentary screening of Texas Wildlife: Our Future by Fin and Fur Films. Join us as we explore current research and conservation efforts happening across Texas. From ocelots in the shadows down in the Rio Grande Valley to helping bats survive the increasing number of wind turbines high in the Texas sky, learn how Texans are protecting the “wild” West. Tickets for the screening are $14, with complimentary beer courtesy of Ranger Creek Brewery, wine and snacks. Museum members enjoy the screening free as part of their Briscoe membership. Tickets may be purchased online.

Make this Summer One for the Books:  Literary Cinema

The Briscoe’s Summer Movie Series explores Western movies based on popular novels on the third Sunday of each month. This summer’s screenings include a novel twist: the opportunity to win a visit to West Texas, a copy of the book featured in the movie and the chance to help fuel young readers by donating books.

All film series attendees will be entered to win a trip to stay at the Hotel Paisano in Marfa, Texas, where Hudson, Taylor and Dean stayed during the filming of Giant, the first screening in the Summer Movie Series, as well as tickets to the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, Texas, and dinner for two at Reata Restaurant, named after the ranch featured in Giant. A short presentation begins at 1p.m., followed immediately by the screening. Each movie is included in general museum admission, with complimentary beer courtesy of Ranger Creek Brewery, wine and movie snacks. Pre-registration through an online museum admission ticket purchase is encouraged to save your seat. Museum members enjoy the series for free as part of their Briscoe membership.

  • Briscoe Summer Film Series:  Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Sunday, August 18, 1p.m. – 4p.m., included with museum admission

Directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the non-fiction book by David Grann, this Oscar-nominated film shares the story of a series of murders of members of the Osage after oil was discovered on tribal and. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lilly Gladstone. Come to the movie with three books to donate to the San Antonio Independent School District Foundation’s Book Buddies program and receive a free copy of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” filling your bookshelf while sparking a love of reading for SAISD children in grades K-8. Tickets may be purchased online to guarantee your seat.

Head West All Summer Long

The Briscoe is open Thursday through Monday, 10a.m. – 5p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is free for children 12 and under and for active duty members of the military. The museum is proud to participate in Museums For All and Bank of America Museums on Us. The Briscoe is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

Current Highlights: What’s New at Contemporary at Blue Star This Summer

Installation view C& Center of Unfinished Business, HERE AND NOW at Museum Ludwig: Dynamic Spaces, Museum Ludwig, Cologne 2020, © Contemporary And, photo: Rheinisches Bildarchiv Köln, Cologne / Nina Siefke

The Contemporary at Blue Star is excited to announce three new exhibitions, The C&s Center of Unfinished Business, Kaysaypac: Portraits and Figures by Leeanna Chipana, and Cheng Xinhao’s Silver…and Other Elements. The summer exhibitions weave an unavoidable thread that sparks conversation around the history of colonialism, its presence in contemporary life, and encourages education and dialogue. They are currently on view until October 6, 2024. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2024)

The C&s Center of Unfinished Business
Contemporary is thrilled to partner with C&, a multimedia platform for contemporary visual arts, to present the Center of Unfinished Business, a reading room that encapsulates an array of books that explore the persistence of colonialism in various ways, from its origins to how it effects people and places today. You’ll find texts on the way land and culture have been forcibly stripped from native people due to colonialism alongside texts that explore how empire-building also connects to fashion, 21st century capitalism, and more.

Launched in 2017, the Reading Room has traveled to institutions around the world. As it travels, the room integrates books from each of its host venues (and their collaborators), who add text that is relevant to the place the Reading Room inhabits. For the Contemporary’s iteration of this installation, we have partnered with the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Latino Bookstore to include texts that touch on the themes of colonialism and borders that are present in the exhibitions in the surrounding galleries.

Kaysaypac: Portraits and Figures by Leeanna Chipana
Born in Long Island, New York to an immigrant Quechuan-Peruvian father and American mother, Leeanna Chipana draws from her Quechuan and American identity by incorporating Incan, Aztec, and Mayan iconography with classical European oil painting techniques and approaches. The blending and blurring of indigenous figures and Western techniques is an effort of disrupting colonial erasure by placing Indigenous-Latinx figures at the forefront of a very Euro-centric style of painting.

The exhibition title, Kaysaypac (pronounced cow-say-pak), a nod to Chipana’s Quechuan-Peruvian heritage, is a phrase often used while making a toast or a cheers and translates to “to live/to life.” Further cementing the presence of indigenous peoples, this sentiment incorporated into the title is a dedication to the descendants of the Incans continuing to live in community, surviving colonialism and violence.

Cheng Xinhao
Silver…and Other Elements
In this four-channel film, Cheng Xinhao investigates the Mang people’s (the indigenous people living at the border of Vietnam and China) adaptation to shifting borders and changing systems. To explore this moving borderline and the migration of its people, Xinhao follows the fluctuating use of currency.

These shifting borders create a state of in-betweenness and displacement—a sentiment many border communities around the world still struggle with, and yet adapt to. Xinhao’s video raises the question: what symbols are appropriated and survive under new regimes? Will they be incorporated into existing systems, or will new forms be created?

Contemporary at Blue Star
116 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204

Public visiting hours during exhibitions:
Monday – Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12p.m. – 5p.m.
Thursday – Friday 12p.m. – 8p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 10a.m. – 6p.m.

Admission is always free.

Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.

Experience Xicanx Dreamers + Changemakers at Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star presents Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers | Soñadores + creadores del cambio. Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star is honored to present Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers | Soñadores + creadores del cambio, opening Friday, June 7, 2024, from 6p.m. – 9p.m. at the Contemporary. The opening night will also include a performance by Robert Jose Gonzalez at 8p.m. As the exhibition title suggests, the artists in this exhibition are dreamers and changemakers. Of Mexican American origin, they self-identify as Xicanx, a term that crosses national borders and gender lines to encompass a multi-generational experience. This exhibition uses the term Xicanx to refer to Chicano, Chicana, and Chicanx. The term reflects those who fought for and claim this designation and incorporates the ‘X’ from the Spanish transcription of the Nahuatl sound ‘ch.’ Nahuatl is one of the major Indigenous languages in Mexico. The ‘x’ on the end signals gender-neutral and non-binary inclusivity. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2024)

Opening Night: Friday, June 7, 2024 | 6p.m. – 9p.m.
Performance by Robert Jose Gonzalez at 8p.m. | Free and open to the public
On View: June 7, 2024–October 6, 2024

The original conception of this exhibition came from a desire curators Jill Baird and Greta de León had to share the overlooked histories of American civil rights, including the Chicano/a civil rights movement of the 1960s and 70s, called El Movimiento. The installation at Contemporary at Blue Star is particularly significant due to El Movimiento’s roots in San Antonio, and the West Side of the city. From fighting for labor rights to equality for students, the work of San Antonio activists (and artists) played a crucial role in El Movimiento.

Some of the artists in Xicanx, began their work as part of El Movimiento. Much of the artwork created during this time sought to do the very things that this exhibition does: educate about the social inequity of Xicanx peoples, their history, and the importance of their culture. Other artists define themselves through their indigenous roots, and a younger generation expands the idea of Xicanx Art while continuing the work of addressing personal, social, and political issues of today.

In their curatorial statement, Baird and Greta note the importance of this work, “Artists were a major and critical part of El Movimiento over 50 years ago, and they continue to be strong activists fighting for equality and against racism and discrimination. Being Chicano or Xicanx* is an identity all of the artists in this exhibition choose. It is more than being just Mexican American; it is accepting the responsibility to fight for their community, their culture and their civil rights. The artists in this exhibition are dreamers and changemakers.”

Alongside the artwork are quotes, speeches, or sayings from prominent Xicanx authors, scholars, and exhibiting artists. A projection displays the work of murals across the United States, showcasing the reach and breadth of Xicanx voices in public art.

Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers | Soñadores + creadores del cambio was originally produced and presented by the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC and The Americas Research Network (ARENET), and curated by Jill Baird, former Curator of Education, MOA + Greta de León, Executive Director, ARENET. The presentation at Contemporary at Blue Star has been organized in collaboration with Mary Heathcott, Executive Director Contemporary at Blue Star; Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray, Curator and Exhibitions Director, Contemporary at Blue Star; and Jon Hinojosa, President, CREO Consulting.

Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions with artists from San Antonio and around the world sharing their global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action, fulfilling our mission to inspire, nurture, and innovate. Like most non-collecting contemporary art spaces, the Contemporary contributes fresh insights and perspectives on larger issues affecting society and culture by highlighting trends, movements, and conversations happening in art. Admission to the Contemporary is always free.

Contemporary at Blue Star
116 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204
(210) 227-6960

Public visiting hours during exhibitions:
Monday – Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 12p.m. – 5p.m.
Thursday – Friday 12p.m. – 8p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 10a.m. – 6p.m.

Al Rendon, Raúl Salinas, 1987. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Call for Luminaria 2024 festival artists now open

Interested artists can apply online to be feature in this year’s Luminaria. Photo by Mike Farquhar, courtesy Luminaria

Attention artists: Luminaria recently put out a call for artists for their next Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival tentatively scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024. The locations is TBA later but all interested artists are welcome to apply online.  (Luminaria, 2024)

Visual artists, theater performers, digital artists, installation artists, musicians, poets, and all other form of artists interested in showcasing their artwork at the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival 2024 can apply. There are stages and buildings eagerly waiting to be filled with the talented work of a few creative and passionate artists to be selected by extraordinary curators.

Applications will be evaluated by a curatorial committee made up of local working artists and art experts. Featured Artists will be notified in April followed by site-visits, consultations, mentorship, a photo shoot, spotlight videos, media interviews, and networking opportunities. A public announcement of the festival line-up will be held in September.

Luminaria is a dynamic nonprofit arts organization dedicated to producing and promoting the arts to the city of San Antonio. Luminaria is an inclusive organization celebrating the visual and multimedia arts in San Antonio through public engagement and active support for artists. It was founded in 2008 by local arts advocates wanting to create a communal celebration for the city’s arts organizations and artists. Since adopting a new strategic plan in 2021, Luminaria is dedicated to the innovative interpretation of San Antonio’s culture, history, and environment through creative placemaking and site-specific arts integration. Luminaria coordinates with anchor arts institutions, cultural and heritage organizations, and other community partners to foster a vibrant and internationally resonant arts culture in the city.