San Antonio Museum of Art offering new ‘Learn’ platform

The San Antonio Museum of Art has a new ‘Learn’ tab on their website for educators and families. Photo: google

The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) has just launched the “Learn” tab on their website, a new platform that allows educators/students, families, and adults to experience SAMA’s collection using virtual and in-person programs, online resources, lesson plans, and more. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)

For educators, SAMA’s “Learn” tab will provide resources that will help to integrate the arts into any virtual or in-person classroom, including detailed lesson plans and story time videos for all ages; bilingual videos are also available.

For families, SAMA’s “Learn” tab provides inspiring at-home art activities and story time videos to encourage the integration of arts at home.

For adults, SAMA’s “Learn” tab offers a variety of virtual learning opportunities, including webinar and program recordings and an interactive deep dive into art jargon, from composition to medium, and more.

The San Antonio Museum of Art enriches lives through exceptional experiences with art. Its mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret significant works of art, representing a broad range of history and world cultures to strengthen our shared understanding of humanity.

Exhibitions at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

There is still time to experience Visual Voices: Contemporary Chickasaw Art at the Briscoe. The exhibit runs until Monday, January 18, 2021. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is welcoming 2021 with a wide range of exhibitions and programs, celebrating the new year immersed in the art and beauty of the West. The term “Western Art” may suggest cowboys on the range, yet the genre is as expansive as the region itself, showcasing the rugged beauty of the area alongside the diverse people and wildlife who call it home.  The following are the museum’s 2021 exhibitions. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)

VISUAL VOICES:  Contemporary Chickasaw Art

Through January 18, 2021

The new year opens with the final weeks of a modern view of Native American art that showcases stories of the West far beyond boots and spurs. VISUAL VOICES:  Contemporary Chickasaw Art includes 15 Chickasaw artists and more than 55 artworks, features the artworks of present-day Chickasaw painters, potters, sculptors, metalsmiths, and weavers. In San Antonio on the last stop of its national tour, the exhibition tells a beautiful and compelling contemporary visual story. From oil and watercolor paintings to textiles and metals, glass and bronze, the artworks are unique, intrinsically Southeastern in design and distinctive among contemporary tribal artists. Chickasaw artists featured in the exhibition include San Antonio native Brenda Kingery.

2021 Night of Artists

March 27, 2021 Celebration and Auction

March 28 – May 9, 2021 Public Exhibition and Sale

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s 2021 Night of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale marks 20 years of celebrating Western Art with an opening event that includes both in-person and virtual celebrations. The Night of Artists includes the viewing and sale of nearly 300 new works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media by 80 of the country’s leading contemporary Western artists. When COVID forced the 2020 in-person event to be cancelled, the museum successfully hosted the Night of Artists sale online. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Night of Artists, the Briscoe will again welcome a virtual audience, as well as host the event in-person, ultimately allowing more art lovers to participate than ever before through the Briscoe’s first-ever hybrid Night of Artists event. The public exhibition and sale will also span in-person and online.

Still in the Saddle:  A New History of the Hollywood Western

May 28 – September 6, 2021

Premiering this summer at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western tells the dramatic story of the Hollywood Western from the late 1960s to the 1980s. Against a historical backdrop of social unrest, political turmoil, economic uncertainty, and generational change, competing cinematic visions of the Old West vied for Americans’ attention within the popular culture of the day. “True Grit,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” and “The Outlaw Josey Wales” are just a few of the classic Western films highlighted in this exciting new exhibition organized by the Briscoe. Featuring costumes, props, and dozens of vintage movie posters, Still in the Saddle immerses visitors in the history and artistry of the Western, Hollywood’s greatest genre.

Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo: Photography of the Contemporary Northern Mexican Cowboy

September 16, 2021 – January 17, 2022

Making its United States debut, Vaqueros de la Cruz Del Diablo features celebrated photographer Werner Segarra inviting audiences to peer into the world of the Northern Mexican Vaquero – not as a casual tourist, but as an intimate observer. With almost 40 images that span more than 20 years of the lives of the vaqueros, Segarra reflects a complex contemporary composition of the everyday life of the vaquero. Offering realistic moments of how they view themselves, surrounded by the tools of their trade, intertwined with the realities of their existence, the images detail a legacy that reaches back over generations and is the birthplace of the modern cowboy.

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 and up to four members of their families. The museum is proud to participate in Museums For All, Blue Star Museums 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. The museum is operating at reduced capacity with health and safety protocols that require both staff and guests to wear masks. Temperature checks are also conducted upon entry.

San Antonio Museum of Art to launch ‘No Oceans Between Us’ in February

Wilfredo Lam, Untitled, 1965, charcoal and pastel. Art Museum of the Americas Collection. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

On February 12, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) will open ‘No Ocean Between Us,’ an exhibition that explores the art of Asian migrations in Latin America and the Caribbean. The exhibition features approximately 65 works of modern and contemporary art by Latin American and Caribbean artists of Asian descent, including painter and printmaker Wifredo Lam; installation artists Carlos Runcie Tanaka and Eduardo Tokeshi; painters Manabu Mabe and Tomie Ohtake; and video artist Laura Fong Prosper, among numerous others. The works included range from paintings and works on paper to installation and new media. ‘No Ocean Between Us: Art of Asian Diasporas in Latin America & the Caribbean, 1945–Present’ will remain on view through May 9, 2021. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2020)

The exhibition is organized around Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. Panels within the exhibition provide brief descriptions of Asian diasporic communities and cultures in these countries as well as context for the histories of migrations from China, India, Indonesia, and Japan. Global forces such as colonialism, plantation labor, and war shaped the courses of Asian migration to Latin American and the Caribbean. 

Some artists featured in the exhibition engage directly with these histories of migration and diaspora, the intergenerational Asian Latin American experience, or the hybridity of cross-cultural exchange. Many of the featured artists converse with global artistic movements of their moment. For example, the art of Wifredo Lam engages with the legacies of colonialism and enslavement in his home country, Cuba, while deploying the aesthetic language of cubism and surrealism. Peruvian artist Carlos Runcie Tanaka has leveraged the formal qualities of ceramics, origami, glass, and video installations to break down and examine existing cultural understandings of identity and history. The exhibition also features American artists who identify as part of these communities, including Guyana-born, Denver-based artist Suchitra Mattai, whose works in painting, fiber, drawing, collage, and video question historical narratives and colonialism and reclaim cultural materials.

‘No Ocean Between Us’ was inspired by the permanent collection of the OAS AMA | Art Museum of the Americas of the Organization of American States, with additional loans from public and private collections. It was originally conceived by Adriana Ospina, OAS AMA’s Collections Curator and Educational Programming Manager, under the title Cultural Encounters: Art of Asian Diasporas in Latin America & the Caribbean, 1945–Present. At SAMA, the exhibition is being curated by Lucía Abramovich Sánchez, Associate Curator of Latin American Art, and Yinshi Lerman-Tan, Acting Associate Curator of American and European Art. Following its presentation at SAMA, the exhibition will conclude its tour at OAS AMA, opening there on June 5, 2021. 

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 nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed 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. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.

“Cross-cultural exchanges and dialogues have had an incredible impact on the development of global art movements and continue to shape the creation of art today. No Ocean Between Us offers an opportunity to learn about the under-explored influences of Asian artists in Latin America and Caribbean, as well as the history and contemporary identities of the region.” – Lucía Abramovich Sánchez, SAMA’s Associate Curator of Latin American Art

‘Seasons of Art – A SAMA Celebration’

The public can now enjoy San Antonio Museum of Art’s ‘Seasons of Art – A SAMA Celebration.’ Photo: google

Last Friday, December 4, the San Antonio Museum of Art held their first-ever virtual fundraiser, ‘Seasons of Art – A SAMA Celebration,’ which featured a beautiful live streamed performance by several area performers. As a gift to the San Antonio community this holiday season, SAMA has now made the virtual performance available to the public for viewing for free, with a suggested donation. The performance may be viewed on YouTube. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2020)

In addition, SAMA has opened their raffle to the public. Those interested can purchase raffle tickets starting at $25 for one ticket or $100 for five raffle tickets. Prizes include: 1) an exclusive dinner for eight in the Museum catered by Tre, Trattoria 2) a one-night stay at Hotel Emma and dinner for two at Supper 3) an autographed, limited edition Vincent Valdez print of former Spurs player Manu Ginobili and four courtside Spurs tickets (date to be determined) and 4) a spectacular piece of vintage Mexican silver from the SAMA shop.

Tickets may be purchased online. Raffle winners will be announced on Thursday, December 17, 2020. All proceeds will benefit SAMA, allowing the Museum to continue to provide extraordinary experiences with art, digitally and in person, to the San Antonio community.

Calling all artists: Virtual Winter Art Show

The Harlingen Public Library is hosting a Virtual Winter Art Show. Photo: Harlingen Public Library, used with permission.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Harlingen Public Library hosted a Virtual Art Show and reached out to the community for submissions. Artwork submissions came in from all over the Rio Grande Valley in all age groups and due to the positive response from the community, the library is hosting another one this winter. The Harling Public Library is putting out an official call for art submissions for a Virtual Winter Art Show.  Interested artists should send a photo of their work and responses. The photo should be high resolution, suitable for a family show and any medium is acceptable.  All participants will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win some new art supplies. Submission deadline is Tuesday, December 8.  The library website and social media will display the Virtual Winter Art Show. More information, as well as the Entry Form, is available online. (Harlingen Public Library, 2020)

The Harlingen Public Library provides dynamic and engaging services for a diverse and evolving community.  Mission statement: “We exist to build bridges that strengthen the ties of our community. We create innovative pathways for people to connect with information and each other. Working together, the people of our community can experience infinite opportunities and growth. We are the bridge builders; we make ways where none exist.”

Hopscotch gets ready for the holidays

Hopscotch lounge. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission.

Hopscotch, the uniquely curated immersive art experience that opened earlier this year in downtown San Antonio, is preparing for the holidays with decorations, giveaways, new festive cocktails, a holiday brunch and more. From November 27, 2020 through January 3, 2021, guests are invited to make Hopscotch a part of their holiday festivities this season. (Hopscotch, 2020)

Hopscotch Holidays will feature unique trees, including a white 12-foot tree, four seven-foot rainbow trees and two seven-foot zebra trees. There will also be plenty of holiday photo opportunities throughout the space.

The gallery’s food and beverage program is getting into the holiday spirit with festive cocktails that guests can sip as they stroll through the installations. Hopscotch’s seasonal cocktails that will be available from December 4th through January 3, 2021 include: Velveteen Rabbit (Hot) – Mexican Hot Chocolate – Hot Chocolate, Cinnamon and Jalapeno Infused Espolon Tequila; Mistletoe Marg – Desert Door Sotol, Lime Juice and Agave with a Floater of Pom and a Pomegranate or Cranberry Garnish; Sweater Vest – Chai and Orange Infused Treaty Oak Old Fashioned Cocktail and Año Nuevo – Deep Eddy Vodka, Simple Syrup and Prosecco with Cranberry Garnish.

Hopscotch will also host its second 2020 Hangover Brunch on Sunday, December 13. Guests are invited to say goodbye to the present year and usher in 2021 with specials from Smack’s Chicken Shack and music from vinyl DJ Aaron Peña. Hopscotch is closing out 2020 in the giving spirit and will offer 21 days of giveaways on its Instagram starting December 4, 2020 and ending January 1, 2021. The 21 items will be announced daily, and winners will be selected starting December 11, 2020. 

Guests who want to do some holiday shopping can pick up a unique item at the gift shop and support local artists by purchasing items like one-of-a-kind Justin Parr glasses, Amada Miller sculptures and earrings, books and prints from Eva Marengo and Matt Tumlinson. Shoppers can also purchase a custom postcard from Gary Sweeney to send to friends and family this year. Proceeds from the sale of each postcard will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Hopscotch also has a range of other gifts and merchandise available for purchase, including gift cards to experience the gallery. Shoppers can visit the gift shop without purchasing admission into Hopscotch.

Hopscotch offers three-hour complimentary parking in the Travis Park Plaza Garage, making it an ideal starting point for guests to visit downtown San Antonio this holiday season. The Christmas tree in Travis Park is located directly across the street from Hopscotch and the San Antonio River Walk is only a few blocks away.

During the era of COVID-19, Hopscotch will be taking precautions to make sure the experience is safe for both staff and guests—including state of the art automated air decontamination systems, limited touch points, mandatory masks and temperature checks for guests and employees, HEPA HVAC filters, professional deep cleans, hand sanitizer stations throughout, limited venue hours and strict capacity limits. 

Hopscotch brings together artists in collaborative environments to create distinctive shared experiences. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, Hopscotch provides distinct experiences through the curation of local-centric, immersive, and experiential art. Hopscotch creates platforms for local, national and international artists to experiment with a wide spectrum of mediums and technology. Hopscotch’s aim is to elicit a sense of joy and wonder in the curated spaces, where guests may explore beyond their day to day reality. Hopscotch strongly believes in cultivating lasting relationships and a synergy with artists and the local communities they are in.

“It goes without saying that this has been a difficult year for most, so we wanted to offer an opportunity to bring joy to our guests and show our appreciation for our fans who have helped make Hopscotch a success. There is so much to see and do in Downtown San Antonio during the holiday season, and we are happy to add to that experience in our own safe way.” – Nicole Jensen, Hopscotch co-founder.

 

Briscoe Western Art Museum celebrates Native American Heritage month

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Yanaguana celebration will take place November 21 and 22. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

November is Native American Heritage month and the Briscoe Western Art Museum is honoring the role that Native Americans played in shaping the American West with special events, exhibitions and family activities. The celebration spans both in-person events at the museum and activities to enjoy at home, as well as the museum’s annual Yanaguana:  Indian Arts Celebration, which will be a virtual event for everyone to enjoy November 21 – 22. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)

Named in honor of the Payaya people who were indigenous to the San Antonio area, “Yanaguana” was the word they used to describe what is now known as San Antonio River. Yanaguana: Virtual Indian Arts Celebration is free to enjoy online.

This year’s virtual event offers a glimpse into traditional and contemporary Native American culture, with musical performances and dancing, as well as storytelling and artist demonstrations. The celebration pairs with a visit to the Briscoe, where everyone can enjoy VISUAL VOICES:  Contemporary Chickasaw Art. Providing a modern view of Native American heritage from 15 contemporary Chickasaw artists, the traveling exhibition includes more than 55 artworks on display through January 18, 2021. The exhibition will be the main feature during Yanaguana, with both a virtual artists panel and the debut of the VISUAL VOICES virtual tour. Admission to VISUAL VOICES at the Briscoe is included with museum admission.

A traditional part of the Briscoe’s Yanaguana:  Indian Arts Celebration is an array of children’s activities focused on Native American heritage. With the event going virtual this year, the Briscoe invites everyone to “Bring Home the Briscoe” throughout the month of November. Part of the museum’s popular Lil Partners children’s programming, “Bring Home the Briscoe” features Western Art activities and hands-on art, letting children join in the celebration. The activity boxes are available for purchase both online and from the Museum Store.

Families who visit the Briscoe will also enjoy the family guide that accompanies VISUAL VOICES, providing a fun exploration of the exhibit, as well as Chickasaw art and culture. The guide is available for free within the VISUAL VOICES exhibition.

Yanaguana:  Indian Arts Celebration Schedule of Virtual Events

Saturday, November 21 – 10a.m. – Event Kick-Off and Blessing. Members of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation will open Yanaguana:  Indian Arts Celebration with a blessing.

11a.m. – Virtual Missions Tour. Join the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions to experience San Antonio’s Missions in a new way through a guided virtual tour by lineal descendants of Mission San José de Aguayo, Mission Concepción de la Purísima, Mission San Francisco de la Espada and Mission San Juan Capistrano. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the missions were built in the mid-18th Century by members of the Pampopa, Payaya, Sanas, Maraquitas, Pamaques, Quijanes, Tocanes and other tribes of the San Antonio area.

1p.m. – Ledger Art Workshop with George Curtis Levi. Ledger Artist George Levi leads participants through a historical and creative journey centered on ledger art—Plains-style narrative drawing.

2p.m.-  VISUAL VOICES Gallery Tour (Public Debut) – VISUAL VOICES program manager Laura Clark will lead a virtual tour of VISUAL VOICES:  Contemporary Chickasaw Art.

3p.m. – Flute Performance by Tim Blueflint Ramel. Artist, educator and performer Tim Blueflint draws his creative and musical influence from the memories and stories shared by his family and those who have graced his life. As a self-taught musician and artist, Blueflint has shared his improvisational traditional music, art and memories as a featured performer at venues throughout Indian Country and beyond.

Sunday, November 22 – 10a.m. Silversmithing Demonstration with Shane Hendren. A member of the Indian Arts & Craft Association (IACA), an organization committed to promoting the integrity of materials, Hendren shares his expertise as a silversmith.

11a.m. – Huichol Art with Karla Saenz. Karla Saenz will be demonstrating the ancient art of Huichol Art. While Huichol art is a relatively wide umbrella term, it is most commonly thought to encompass the production of beaded and string art, which is always brightly colored and features symbols, animals and designs which are centuries old and of great significance to the Wixáritari people.

Noon – Storytelling with Amy Bluemel. A gifted storyteller and educator, Amy Bluemel’s appreciation for cultural awareness came early. As the great-granddaughter of Eastman Kaney, an original Dawes Commission enrollee, Bluemel, a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation, often performs with the dance troupe Chikashsha Hithla during nationwide tours. She shares Chickasaw customs, and those of other southeastern tribes, with audiences of all ages.

1p.m. – Chickasaw Artist Board Panel Discussion. Join the Chickasaw Artist Board in a discussion about the VISUAL VOICES exhibition. Artists Joanna Underwood Blackburn, Kristen Dorsey, Margaret Roach Wheeler, Brent Greenwood, and Daniel Worcester will engage in a discussion of the show’s origins, the themes it is centered on and its significance for the Chickasaw Nation community.

2p.m. – Ty Defoe Dance Performance. Grammy-award winning performing artist and educator Ty Defoe (Oneida/Ojibwe) shares his culturally significant dance traditions through song, movement and storytelling.

The Native American Heritage “Bring Home the Briscoe” activity box includes many beautiful and diverse native groups of the West. Available for purchase through December 31, the box contains supplies to complete six different activities, plus a book and links to additional video content for added context. Activities include storytelling medallions, The Three Sisters, ledger art, mini canoe carving, basket weaving and pinch pots. The kits are ideal for children ages 6–12, making them perfect for keeping hands busy over Thanksgiving break. The kits are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members. Available in the Museum Store, “Bring Home the Briscoe” can be ordered online with curbside pickup or shipping available.

Texas Women for the Arts opens 2021 grant in support of local arts organizations

Texas Women for the Arts opens its 2021 grant application program. Photo: Texas Cultural Trust, used with permission.

Texas Women for the Arts (TWA), a membership program of the Texas Cultural Trust, recently announced the opening of its 2021 grant application. Applications will be invited and accepted through December 1, 2020 by 5p.m (Texas Cultural Trust, 2020)

Through this grant and since its inception in 2005, TWA has distributed more than $2.9 million to over 200 Texas organizations. Applications must be sponsored by a current member of TWA and must reflect their mission to “awaken and nurture the artist in every Texas child.” Organizations are encouraged to identify and request sponsorship from local TWA members. Applicants can submit their grant proposals through the Texas Cultural Trust website.

TWA unites the financial forces of more than 240 Texas women annually in support of arts education programs. These influential women represent all corners of the state and their investments have impacted more than a million Texas children. The program is currently accepting membership renewals and welcomes new membership applications. To join or learn more about the program, visit Texas Cultural Trust online.

Texas Cultural Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and increasing access and awareness for the arts across the state. Programs of the Texas Cultural Trust include the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, Art Can, Texas Young Masters, Texas Women for the Arts, Partners in the Arts and Arts Access. Texas Cultural Trust efforts are amplified by its partners who are instrumental in the success of leading a cohesive voice for the arts in education, advocacy, and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of our state.

Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) is a statewide giving circle and membership program. Since its inception in 2005, this philanthropic force and champion for the arts in education has awarded over $2.9 million to more than 200 arts organizations, impacting more than a million Texas children

Briscoe’s Sips and Sounds of the West series

Sips and Sounds of the West of the Briscoe this Friday October 16. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is offering guests the opportunity to kick back and kick up their heels on the banks of the River Walk with its new Sips and Sounds of the West series. Debuting Friday, October 16 in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, Sips and Sounds of the West features live music, drinks and food under the stars and the watchful eyes of the fantastic bronze sculptures that call the garden home. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)

The first of the planned quarterly music series features Clint Tomerlin, a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, aspiring author/poet and occasionally funny man who has performed with and opened for artists including Wade Bowen, Bruce Robison and Drew Kennedy. Tomerlin’s music will fill the air as everyone enjoys a socially distanced evening featuring a cash bar with specialty cocktails and tasty treats from food truck Mi Taquito Arandas Jalisco. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with music, drinks and food until 8:30p.m.

Sips and Sounds of the West will take place in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, a lush public outdoor space featuring a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures that depict iconic figures of the American West. The sculpture garden offers respite during any River Walk visit, with tables, chairs and benches to rest and enjoy the view. With the lights of downtown in the background, the garden becomes magical at night, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.

Advanced tickets for Sips and Sounds of the West are $12 per person and include three drink tickets, as well as an admission ticket to come back and enjoy the rest of the Briscoe during regular museum hours. The event is free for museum members. Space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis to guarantee a safe, socially distanced event and members must RSVP to attend. To safely ensure proper social distances are maintained, groups are asked purchase tickets in one transaction. A minimum of two tickets must be purchased to ensure guests are seated appropriately. Groups of three to five will be seated at a larger round table. Groups of two will be seated at intimate cocktail tables. Tickets will be available at the door but will be $20 per person.

Briscoe Western Art Museum’s fall exhibit: Visual Voices: Contemporary Chickasaw Art

Brenda Kingery Pow Wow. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is giving everyone a modern view of Native American art and showcasing stories of the West that go far beyond boots and spurs during its fall exhibition, VISUAL VOICES:  Contemporary Chickasaw Art. The traveling exhibition, which includes 15 Chickasaw artists and almost 60 artworks, will be on display at the museum from Friday September 25, 2020, through Monday January 18, 2021. The public was invited to enjoy a first view of the exhibition during its opening reception on Thursday, September 24 and there will also be a virtual curator’s talk on Saturday, September 26. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2020)

Featuring the artworks of present-day Chickasaw painters, potters, sculptors, metalsmiths and weavers, the exhibition tells a beautiful and compelling contemporary visual story. From oil and watercolor paintings to textiles and metals, glass and bronze, the artworks are unique, intrinsically Southeastern in design and distinctive among contemporary tribal artists. Chickasaw artists featured in the exhibition include Brenda Kingery, Brent Greenwood, Daniel Worcester, Billy Hensley, Margaret Roach Wheeler, Norma Howard, Maya Stewart, Lisa Hudson, Dustin Mater, Paul C. Moore, Tyra Shackleford, Erin Shaw, Lokosh (Joshua D. Hinson), Joanna Underwood Blackburn and Kristen Dorsey.

Featured in the exhibition, Dustin Mater’s “Cosmic Warrior II”, a 2015 mixed media work that includes acrylic on molded plastic, as well as rabbit fur, deer antler and black lip oyster shell, is the stunning stormtrooper helmet that goes beyond anything George Lucas ever envisioned. And is definitely not a typical Native American headdress.

VISUAL VOICES Virtual Curator’s Talk

Saturday, September 26, 11a.m. – Noon

Join Ryan Badger, the Briscoe’s Curator of Education, and VISUAL VOICES: Contemporary Chickasaw Art curators, Dr. Manuela Well-Off-Man and Karen Whitecotton as they discuss VISUAL VOICES. Well-Off-Man, chief curator of the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, and Whitecotton (Citizen Potawatomi), the director of collections at the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, will discuss the background of the VISUAL VOICES exhibition as it closes out its national tour at the Briscoe. Tickets are free for museum members and $10 for nonmembers. Briscoe members please RSVP by phone: 210.299.4499 or email: rsvp@briscoemuseum.org.

VISUAL VOICES: Contemporary Chickasaw Art is made possible by a grant provided by the Chickasaw Nation, guidance from the Chickasaw Artist Board and assistance from First Americans Museum. This exhibition is also made possible with funding from Humanities Texas and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the federal CARES Act. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The museum’s health and safety protocols require temperature checks and that both staff and guests wear masks. Additional sanitizing and cleaning protocols are observed throughout the day and both visitor services and the museum store feature plexiglass shields for additional protection.

Museum hours are 10a.m. through 3p.m. seven days a week. 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.