Category: Art News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

📍 Screening Venues

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

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

🎥 Festival Highlights

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

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

🌟 Headlining Documentaries

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

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

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

🎬 Featured Films

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

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

🏆 Texas and San Antonio Showcases

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

🎞️ Shorts & Youth Films

The festival also proudly presents:

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

🤝 Supported By

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

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

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

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

Aloha Vaqueros: Celebrating the Cultural Fusion of Mexican Vaqueros and Hawaiian Paniolos

Aloha Vaqueros: Briscoe Western Art Museum explores the western spirit across oceans. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Aloha Vaqueros: Where the American West Meets the Pacific

On view June 13 – September 1, 2025 | Briscoe Western Art Museum

This summer, the Briscoe Western Art Museum invites you to journey beyond the mainland and explore an extraordinary chapter of the American West that stretches across the Pacific Ocean. Aloha Vaqueros, presented in partnership with the Museo del Vaquero de las Californias (MuVaCa), unveils the surprising and powerful ties between Mexico’s legendary vaqueros and Hawaii’s storied paniolo cowboys.

Member Preview Party – June 13, 6–8 p.m.

Briscoe members are invited to an exclusive preview party to celebrate the opening of the exhibition. Enjoy:

  • Beer, wine, and specialty cocktails
  • Light bites
  • Complimentary valet service

👉 RSVP here.

The Roots of a Cross-Cultural Cowboy Culture

Long before Hawaii became a U.S. state, Mexican vaqueros traveled across the Pacific in the early 1800s to teach cattle handling to Hawaiian islanders. These expert horsemen brought with them tools, techniques, and traditions that took root and evolved into Hawaii’s distinct paniolo culture—a unique blend of island spirit and Western grit that still thrives today.

“This exhibition beautifully illustrates the rich cultural exchange that helped shape the cowboy traditions of the Pacific. It’s a compelling reminder that the spirit of the West is both diverse and far-reaching, stretching from the plains of Texas to the mountains of Maui.”
— Liz Jackson, President and CEO, Briscoe Western Art Museum

What to Expect from the Exhibition

Through a rich collection of artwork, artifacts, and immersive storytelling, Aloha Vaqueros explores:

  • The deep-rooted traditions shared by vaqueros and paniolos
  • The artistry, attire, and music of island cowboys
  • The resilience and horsemanship central to both cultures
  • A hands-on educational area showcasing traditional island crafts

Developed by MuVaCa in El Triunfo, Baja California Sur, the exhibition challenges the conventional boundaries of the American West—broadening the story to include the Pacific’s enduring cowboy legacy.

Visit the Briscoe

📍 Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
🕘 Museum hours, parking, and admission information available online.

About the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Located on the San Antonio River Walk in the beautifully restored 1930s former public library, the Briscoe preserves and presents the art, history, and culture of the American West. Named in honor of Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum features:

  • The Jack Guenther Pavilion for events and programs
  • The McNutt Sculpture Garden, an outdoor tribute to Western heritage

Don’t miss this chance to experience a chapter of Western history that redefines borders and celebrates a shared spirit of grit, grace, and tradition.

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

In the Shadows and Beyond: Contemporary at Blue Star’s Summer Exhibitions

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.

🖼️ Admission is always free.
🔗 Read our full story

🕒 Visiting Hours

Monday–Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12p.m. – 5p.m.
Thursday–Friday: 12p.m. – 8p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 10a.m. – 6p.m.

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

PechaKucha San Antonio Presents: Volume 46 at the Sunken Garden Theater

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: 

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. 

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Empowering Women Through Art: The Magic of Flourish and Femme

Hotel Contessa to host Flourish and Femme Art Fair on March 30, 2025. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa is excited to host Flourish and Femme, a community art fair and immersive installation celebrating over a dozen local female artists of all generations. On Sunday, March 30 from 11:30a.m. to 3p.m., the public is invited to step into a colorful world of creativity right on the Riverwalk, where art, flowers and femme energy will come together and established artists will mentor emerging talent. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

More than just an intergenerational art showcase, the art fair will feature a number of artisans who inject fun and flavor into every moment. This event is a celebration of female artistry, craftsmanship and community that is free and open to the public, benefiting local nonprofit Magdalena House, which empowers families to eliminate cycles of abuse and neglect in the community.

The Sunday art fair will unveil an extraordinary exhibition with a collective of local female artists, transforming the hotel’s spaces into a vibrant canvas of creativity. Through the theme of flowers, artists Kathy Sosa, Stephanie Pena Frost, Mary Carmen Sessions, Geri Garcia, and Ludi Smith will present a stunning installation that weaves together personal narratives and artistic expression. Launching on March 30, this immersive exhibit will extend through June 2025, with select guest rooms becoming intimate galleries that demonstrate the artists’ flower-themed works, inviting visitors to experience art that blooms through each individual’s storytelling.

Guests are encouraged to sip, savor and celebrate the impressive stories of a group of talented female artists and other prominent local women, many of whom are mentoring the next generation of artists in San Antonio. The creative space will also include culinary components with a special touch from Mijenta, a female-owned tequila distillery, where samples of their award-winning spirit will be available for tastings. Attendees can indulge in chocolate hand crafted by local female chocolatier Chef Alessia Benavides of CHOCOLATL. Additionally, Ambler will be open and serving their menu of creative plates and craft cocktails during the event.

This immersive experience celebrates the incredible works of over a dozen local female artists and artisans, including:

San Antonio–based artist Kathy Sosa, whose colorful works have been displayed across North America and is behind the famous Contessa painting at Hotel Contessa. Kathy will also do a book signing for her latest book, “Mestizaje: The Feminist Art of Kathy Sosa.” Kathy’s Contessa painting will be a muse/inspiration for the attending students.

Renowned San Antonio artists Stephanie Pena Frost, Geri Garcia, Mary Carmen Sessions, and Ludi Smith. Featured room artists will host mini-exhibitions spotlighting their broader portfolios and promote their work in the guest rooms.

Eight student artists from CAST School will be mentored by the featured professional artists. Students and artists will be paired up on March 30 for students to create and display their works at the Sunday Art Fair on April 27.

Chef Alessia Benavides of San Antonio’s celebrated female chocolatier, CHOCOLATL. Awarded Best Pastry Chef of 2024 by the Texas Culinary Association, Alessia Benavides is a passionate pastry chef and chocolatier dedicated to the art of baking and chocolate-making.

Mijenta Tequila, female-owned distiller based in Texas. Known for bridging eco-friendly tequila-making with female empowerment.

Proceeds from the art fair sales will be donated to Magdalena House, a neighborhood of transitional homes in San Antonio that serves mothers and their children who have fled danger and abuse. Utilizing a dual-generation approach, they provide safe shelter, basic needs, educational programming and therapeutic services. Hotel Contessa’s Flourish and Femme initiative partners with established artists and the CAST School to foster community mentorship and support, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to enhancing San Antonio’s local cultural landscape.

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

An intimate, all-suite retreat set directly on San Antonio’s beloved River Walk, Hotel Contessa delights arriving guests with stylish suites that take their design cues from the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Discover stylish suites and unwind at our spa, complemented by Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serving up agave cocktails and authentic Texas fare.

A Celebration of the American West: The Briscoe Museum’s 2025 Night of Artists

2025 Night of Artists celebrates the best in contemporary Western art. Opening weekend is this March 28-29. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum proudly presents the 2025 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale, a premier celebration of the American West and one of the nation’s leading Western art events. Taking place Friday and Saturday, March 28-29, this year’s event showcases over 270 exceptional works by more than 85 of today’s top contemporary Western artists, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and artists from across the country. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)

The two-day celebration includes exclusive collector experiences, artist demonstrations, a live auction and the highly anticipated Luck of the Draw sale. A public exhibition of the works follows, running March 30 – May 11. Limited tickets remain for Saturday, March 29. Art lovers are encouraged to secure their spots now. Can’t attend? Register to set-up absentee purchases.

“Night of Artists is always our most anticipated event of the year. But the overwhelming interest in this year’s event is a testament to the deep love of the American West – and the appreciation of the fantastic art that highlights the stories and traditions of our Western heritage and culture. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and showcase the body of work presented by this year’s artists. The exhibition is stunning, and we have no doubt that art enthusiasts will find works that compliment, or even kick-off, their collections.” – Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum

For the first time, the Briscoe is featuring a Small Works Sale, offering collectors and art enthusiasts the chance to acquire smaller-scale pieces from renowned contemporary Western artists. These intimate, high-quality works will be available during the evening celebration on Friday, March 28, and buyers will be able to take their purchases home immediately. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, this sale provides a rare opportunity to own an original piece of Western art in an accessible format.

One of the most anticipated events of the weekend, the Luck of the Draw Sale, takes place Saturday, March 29 during the Grand Exhibition Opening. This exciting sale format ensures all buyers have an equal chance to acquire their preferred piece, as names are drawn at random to determine the order in which collectors may purchase artworks. This process creates a thrilling atmosphere and makes collecting more accessible to all attendees.

New this year, collectors can guarantee their purchase of select artworks through the addition of green “Guarantee to Purchase” ballots in the sale process. By submitting a “Guarantee to Purchase” ballot, buyers indicate their commitment to purchasing a specific piece, ensuring they secure their desired work without the uncertainty of the option period. This exciting new option provides greater confidence and flexibility for collectors looking to expand their collections with exceptional contemporary Western art.

For those unable to attend in person, absentee options are available for all Night of Artists sales, including the Live Auction, Small Works Sale and Luck of the Draw Sale. This allows collectors worldwide to participate and acquire stunning works of Western art. Absentee purchasing registration closes at noon, Thursday, March 27. Everyone can tune into the live auction through a link on the Night of Artists website, while the live auction gallery is available for viewing now.

The 2025 Night of Artists welcomes an extraordinary lineup of returning favorites and exciting new voices in Western art. New artists include Thomas Blackshear II, Sean Michael Chavez, Scott Christensen, Quang Ho, Josh Elliott, Dean Mitchell, T. Allen Lawson, Sally Maxwell, Kyle Ma, Matt Smith, Daniel Sprick, Dustin Payne and Vic Payne. 

Artists returning to the celebrated exhibition and sale include Martin Grelle, John Coleman, Greg Beecham, Eric Bowman, G. Russell Case, Bonnie Marris, Teresa Elliott, William Haskell, Jeremy Lipking, Ed Natiya, Don Oelze, Howard Post, Grant Redden, Gladys Roldán-de-Moras, Billy Schenck, Jim Vogel, Morgan Weistling and Jeremy Winborg.

Following the opening weekend, the Night of Artists public exhibition and sale will remain on view through May 11, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate the breathtaking collection of contemporary Western art. This extended exhibition offers an opportunity for those unable to attend the sale events to see the remarkable talent shaping today’s Western art scene and purchase any remaining works. The exhibition is included in museum admission. Works not sold during opening weekend will be available for purchase both in-person and online.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
211 W Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 299-4499

Unleash Your Creativity: Teen Night at Contemporary at Blue Star

Teen Night at Contemporary at Blue Star is this Friday March 21, 2025. Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star.

Join Contemporary at Blue Star for Teen Night on Friday March 21 from 6p.m. to 8p.m. Admission is free. Participants can view our exhibitions, enjoy artist-led art activities, perform at our open mic and mingle with other art-minded San Antonio teens. Teen Night is scheduled in conjunction with our exhibition, Mosh Now, Cry Later, reflecting on San Antonio’s love for sad rock music and its influence on visual culture and community building. Register for Teen Night here. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)

Teen night activities:

  • One aspect of alternative and independent rock genres, which you can also find in the artworks of Mosh Now, Cry Later, is the use of DIY aesthetics.

For Teen Night we’ll be exploring various methods of art making that align with this tendency. Some of the staff lead activities include creating zines, buttons, and screen printing.

  • Open Mic! Express yourself through poetry, music, and more. The stage is yours, literally. Bring your friends to cheer you on or come solo and make new connections with fellow creative teens. 
  • Make a collage with Christie Blizard!

Led by Mosh Now, Cry Later exhibiting artist Christie Blizard, teens will take magazines, paper scraps, and other materials to create a unique artwork.

  • Blackout Poetry with Lilith Tijerina and Sarah Tijerina

In this activity, led by artists and performers Lilith Tijerina and Sarah Tijerina, teens will create a poem by taking found writing (from books, articles, etc.) and use a marker to blackout some of the words on a page. The words that remain will create a finished poem. 

This event is exclusively for teenagers. In an effort to maintain a safe and relaxing environment for San Antonio teenagers, school IDs will be needed to enter. There will be Contemporary staff chaperoning, as well as two security officers for the duration of the event. Visiting hours during this time will also be exclusively for Teens.

More about Mosh Now, Cry Later: San Antonio’s love of sad rock and its impact on visual culture. It is on view through June 8, 2025.

Featured Artists: Christie Blizard, Justo Cisneros, Joe De La Cruz, Juan Flores, Angela Fox, Brian Gonzalez, Nick Hay, Dom Jimenez, Ashley Mireles, Charlie Morris, Theresa Newsome, Ashley Perez, Kristy Perez, Anthony Rundblade

Mosh Now, Cry Later is an exploration of alternative and independent rock genres—from punk and post-punk to new wave, emo, screamo, hardcore punk, goth, and more—and their effect on San Antonio’s visual culture.

“The exhibition pinpoints the shared sensibilities of a cultural undercurrent within the visual art and music scenes of San Antonio and explores parallels in emotional undertones.” – Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray

In this exhibition, fourteen San Antonio-connected artists work with an array of media to create artworks that echo these musical subgenres, either through their emotional undercurrents or aesthetic approaches.

Emerging from a rebellious response to mainstream music and practice, these subgenres embrace an ethos of DIY principles that challenge conventional methods of music-making. Similarly, the featured artists operate within counterculture, deviating from mainstream practices in subject or material.

This exhibition also examines how San Antonio’s Latinx youth are especially connected to these subcultures, drawing parallels between DIY aesthetics and rasquache, counterculture and machismo, and vocal techniques like screaming and the grito—a traditional emotional outcry in Mexican culture.

Central to this exhibition is the community archive and listening room or Mosh Pit, an interactive installation of photographs, ephemera, records, tapes, and more lining the walls. The Mosh Pit will highlight musicians from major and indie labels, local bands, and mixtapes and playlists contributed by the exhibiting artists. The inclusion of this installation serves to emphasize the dialogue and intersection of disciplines in San Antonio’s artistic community. 

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

Sacred Echoes: The Power of Art in ‘Vestigios de lo Sagrado’ at the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum

Vestigios de lo Sagrado: A Solo Exhibition By Mitch D’arte is currently on view at the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum.

The San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum is delighted to introduce the decade-long collection of work by McAllen-based artist Mitch D’arte in her first solo exhibition of this scale in Cameron County. Vestigios de lo Sagrado: A Solo Exhibition by Mitch D’arte is on view from now until April 17, 2025.

Vestigios de lo Sagrado features over 30 paintings and installations — created with collected, donated, and found artifacts. Each of these is a meditation on the role of religious iconography and the role of the individual in the crafting and veneration of them. Inspired by the artist’s relationship with her late mother, there are intentionally unfinished elements that bring some of the work to a halt and invite the viewer to complete the image or reflect on their own relationship to it. In doing so, D’arte is creating a space of not only retrospection but a peek into potential, personal futures. (San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum, 2025)

The opening reception took place on Saturday February 8 and began with a speech from Aleida Garcia, Director of the San Benito Cultural Arts Department (CAD) where she welcomed everyone to the exhibit and expressed her thanks to everyone who worked hard to make it happen. She introduced the artist, Mitch D’Arte, and encouraged guests to ask questions and enjoy the artwork.

Guests to the event were able to enjoy classical and guitar music by Jorge Mascorro, guitar teacher at the San Benito CISD as well as light snacks while mingling with fellow art lovers from the community.

The exhibition captivates with its various religious exhibits as the artist explores the complexities of faith and ritual. It blends traditional religious imagery with contemporary artistry and each piece invites reflection on the intersection of art, spirituality, and cultural identity. D’Arte’s techniques and bold interpretations offer a fresh, profound perspective on the power of sacred visual language. It includes works in mixed media, canvas, and exquisitely delicate veil, some in various stages of completion and vivid colors that bring religious icons to life.

Religious art has captivated art lovers for centuries due to its deep emotional and spiritual resonance. Often depicting divine figures, sacred events, and religious symbolism, it serves as a bridge between the material and the divine. The intricate artistry and vivid colors invoke a sense of reverence and awe and often embodies cultural traditions, offering a window into history, beliefs, and rituals. With its ability to induce profound contemplation, it connects people to universal themes of faith, salvation, and the mysteries of existence, making it deeply compelling for art lovers. Art lovers, this is one exhibition you won’t want to miss. Stop by the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum to enjoy this exhibition by McAllen’s own Mitch D’arte.

Museum Hours:
Monday-Thursday
10a.m. – 4p.m.
Fridays
10a.m. – 1p.m.

Guided tours and in-person access are available throughout the exhibit dates, and virtual programs, such as video presentations, interviews, and virtual tours are available through the museum’s social medial platforms.

San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum
250 E. Heywood St.
San Benito, TX 78586

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.

Jazz, Art, and Community: Hotel Contessa Supports San Antonio’s Vibrant Hospitality Scene

Hotel Contessa to Host Jazz Night & ‘Love is in the Air’ Art Fair January 25-26. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Hotel Contessa is thrilled to announce a weekend dedicated to art, music, education, and preserving the heart of hospitality along the San Antonio River Walk. The property’s first ever Jazz Night will kick off on Saturday, January 25, followed by the “Love is in the Air” solo exhibition and an art fair taking place on Sunday, January 26. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)

Saturday, January 25 – Jazz Night 

This evening, the hotel invites San Antonio music lovers to enjoy jazz from musicians like the Fermata Jazz Trio. Food and cocktails will be available for purchase at Ambler Texas Kitchen, including an exclusive drink menu, where $1 of each drink sale from the featured drinks support River Walk Royalty. Hotel guests will receive a password at check-in for a complimentary “Bees Knee” cocktail. Bartenders and staff will embrace the theme, dressing as flappers and gangsters for the occasion.

Saturday’s event will be the inaugural Jazz Night among a series of Jazz Nights at Hotel Contessa, which will take place the last Saturday of each month from 5p.m. to 9p.m. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling Ambler at 210- 298-8040.

Sunday, January 26 – “Love is in the Air” Solo Art Exhibition and Art Fair

Following an evening of Jazz, Hotel Contessa will feature the work of over a dozen artists – including a variety of paintings, prints, jewelry, home décor, and more – along with a solo art exhibition from Mary Carmen Sessions and live music from Kyle Broll. Sessions is a Mexican-American artist who has called San Antonio home for over 20 years. Passionate about pushing the boundaries of traditional art, Sessions constantly experiments with different mediums, techniques and materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces infused with her rich Mexican culture. 

From 11:30a.m. to 3p.m., the show will take place at the bottom level of the hotel, which overlooks the San Antonio River Walk, in the Atrium and Cypress Room. The event is free to the public and proceeds from the event will be donated to Fireman Sam’s candidacy for River Walk King. 

“Aside from these fabulous events, what makes this weekend special at Hotel Contessa is our commitment to giving back to the community. We’ve made sure that Fireman Sam and River Walk Royalty are the beneficiaries. Proceeds from a portion of drinks sold at Jazz Night and sales from the Sunday Art Fair exhibit will be donated to these integral city figures.” – Director of Sales Miguel David

The River Walk Royalty initiative raises funds for scholarships for local students who aspire to work in hospitality, the core industry of San Antonio. Fireman Sam is a San Antonio native and local dad. As a child, he dreamt of becoming a chef. Growing up with a single mother who was raising three children while battling multiple sclerosis made that dream challenging to pursue. Lacking the financial resources for culinary school, he set his ambition aside and became a firefighter, helping the citizens of San Antonio. Sam takes pride in serving San Antonio and its citizens. As a member of River Walk Royalty, he aims to raise substantial funds to provide scholarships helping students achieve their dreams. He hopes to be a mentor to the next generation of San Antonio hospitality talent.

The hotel plans to continue Jazz Night as a new series and host various jazz musicians and artists the last weekend of every month. The destination has seen success with its complimentary mariachi events. This is part of Hotel Contessa’s ongoing initiative to provide San Antonians a place to gather and celebrate the city’s rich culture together along the lively banks of the San Antonio River Walk. Hotel Contessa will continue to announce 2025 programming that supports its mission to celebrate its core three pillars: art, music and education.

An intimate, all-suite retreat set directly on San Antonio’s beloved River Walk, Hotel Contessa delights arriving guests with stylish suites that take their design cues from the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Discover stylish suites and unwind at our spa, complemented by Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serving up agave cocktails and authentic Texas fare.

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