St. Paul Square and Centro San Antonio partner together in search of local artists for its first-ever public mural project. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – St. Paul Square, San Antonio’s historic downtown district evolving into a world-class entertainment and cultural arts destination, is excited to announce a new partnership with Centro San Antonio as the two local organizations work together to commission the creation of a new public mural, a first of its kind for the 100-plus-year-old district. (St. Paul Square, 2024)
This mural will become a landmark attraction within St. Paul Square, marking a significant step in revitalizing the District by paying homage to the local businesses, communities, diverse cultures, and historical milestones that have defined its community over past decades.
To accomplish this goal, St. Paul Square and Centro San Antonio are actively requesting proposals from qualified San Antonio-based artists to create a new mural on an 11×38′ wall located near St. Paul’s Square’s central outdoor courtyard, offering a potential budget of up to $15,000 with installation in March 2025.
Dubbed “Ole Night at St. Paul Square,” this new mural open-call project will look to ultimately create a new outdoor art installation that will serve as a centerpiece for visitors and locals alike, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the rich history of this beloved area while symbolizing St. Paul Square’s transformation into an entertainment, culinary, and nightlife, and tourism destination.
The deadline to apply is 6p.m. CST on Friday, January 24, 2025. Finalists will then be selected in late January, with a selection announced in February. More information on the project can be found online.
“St. Paul Square is thrilled to host this artist open-call opportunity alongside our colleagues at Centro San Antonio, as we look to shine a light on all of the incredible artistic talent found here in San Antonio. By honoring the contributions of our early residents, artists, entertainers, and business owners who built St. Paul’s Square legacy, this project will celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures that make this District a growing destination for entertainment, hospitality, community, and creativity.” – Don Thomas, managing partner at St. Paul Square
“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with St. Paul’s Square on their new cultural initiative; our goal is to find opportunities for local artists and create vibrancy in San Antonio’s urban core, so supporting St. Paul’s Square leadership in their mission to fill the district with art is a perfect match.” – Andi Rodriguez, Vice President of Cultural Placemaking at Centro San Antonio
This mural open-call project was created in collaboration with Centro’s Art Everywhere Program, which celebrates San Antonio artists by applying a public art mindset through partnerships with private property owners and businesses to match local creatives with art opportunities. Since its inception in 2020, Art Everywhere has been responsible for 175+ art installations and counting across San Antonio.
Originally founded in 1778, St. Paul Square is a historic multi-acre district found near downtown San Antonio, Texas, located just one hundred yards north of the Alamodome and a short walk from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
The District’s name is derived from Old St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church constructed in the late 1800s. With a rich background rooted in San Antonio’s history, St. Paul Square is developing today into a vibrant entertainment and cultural arts district that showcases the beautiful history and diversity of the Alamo City. It is home to a wide variety of businesses including locally-owned restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and coffee shops as well as performance venues, hotels, retail, offices, and more.
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 BorderTribute to the Dia De Los Muertos CaminataInformation is presented in posters by decade. The victims of the times. Life & Death on the Border
The last PechaKucha of 2024 will take place at the historic Scottish Rite. Courtesy photo, 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 45 as the final event in the 2024 series. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown San Antonio (308 Ave E, San Antonio, TX 78205). The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m., followed by presentations starting at 7:30 p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2024)
The historic Scottish Rite building was completed in 1924 and serves as the headquarters and meeting place for the Scottish Rite Masonry in San Antonio and for the South Texas region, as well as frequently used for performing arts and other cultural events.
Volume 45 will feature a talented group of local speakers. The seven presenters include:
The evening’s emcee will be poet and author Jenny Browne – she has served as the Poet Laureate of both the City of San Antonio and State of Texas, and is a Professor of English and Creative Writing at Trinity University. The welcome reception will feature live music by musicians from the San Antonio Philharmonic. The San Antonio Philharmonic musicians are not only professionals, they are friends and neighbors, working to cultivate the vibrant arts culture that represents the community we all love.
The welcome reception will also include complimentary bites by San Antonio chefs and restaurants including in-kind sponsors Tandem, Naco Mexican Grayson, Beacon Hill Deli, and Olla Express. Additionally the event will feature cocktails available for purchase curated by local bar Amor Eterno.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online.
A note on venue accessibility: The historic Scottish Rite has stairs leading up to the event space; for an accessibility option from the street level, there will be a livestream watch room available on the ground floor ballroom.
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.
Previous PechaKucha event. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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
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
Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing at Pearl. Other events include Mariachi Mondays, Mercadito Cultural Night Markets, and Music on the Springs. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
San Antonio –Pearl is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lineup of events throughout September and into mid-October. Visitors can enjoy Mariachi Mondays featuring pop-up performances in Pearl Park, Mercadito Cultural night markets on Wednesdays showcasing Hispanic chefs and artisans, and Music on the Springs every Friday evening with live entertainment. These events aim to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic community in San Antonio through music, food, and art. (Pearl, 2024)
Mercadito Cultural Wednesday, September 18 & 25 from 5p.m. to 9p.m. Pearl Farmers Market presents “Mercadito Cultural” on September 18 and 25. Join Mercadito Cultural to celebrate the talented chefs, artisans, and captivating performances that showcase the richness of Hispanic culture including live performances by Mariachi Las Alteñaseach week. Starting Wednesday, October 2, these will transition into Harvest Markets that take place each Wednesday through the month of October.
Music on the Springs Every Friday through November 29 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Taking place every Friday at 1100 Springs Plaza, Pearl is hosting Music on the Springs featuring artisans, vendors, food and live music.
“This time of year gives us a wonderful chance to reflect on San Antonio’s place in the world with its unique and vibrant identity, shaped by the rich cultural stories and traditions that are deeply intertwined with our city’s Hispanic heritage. Our month-long celebration is all about creating meaningful connections and partnerships that highlight the spirit of San Antonio. The events and programs we’ve planned are designed to showcase the richness and diversity of our community, inviting everyone to share in our authentic selves.” – Mesha Millsap, Pearl CEO
Mariachi Mondays Every Monday thru October 14 6p.m. to 7p.m. Pearl continues the celebration all month long with a series of vibrant pop-up mariachi performances throughout Pearl Park. These lively musical events will take place all month long, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of mariachi music and its significance to the community.
Visitors can enjoy the enchanting sounds of traditional mariachi groups as they perform in various locations around the park, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the spirit of the month. Pearl aims to foster a sense of community and connection through these performances, inviting both locals and visitors to join in the festivities and appreciate the artistry and passion of mariachi musicians.
“Always Pa’delante” Mural Installation Now through October 15, 2024 – Pearl’s Shaded Structure Pearl is showcasing a new mural by renowned Oaxacan artist Edefroy “Froy” Padilla through October 15 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Titled “Always Pa’delante” (or “Always Forward”), the mural features notable figures César Chávez, Frida Kahlo, Gabriel García Márquez, and Selena, on a tandem bicycle, symbolizing Latino political and cultural achievements.
Padilla, known for portraying Mexican icons as Hollywood movie characters, completed the mural last week. The mural will remain on display at Pearl through October 15 and will serve as inspiration for future generations.
A tandem bike featuring César Chávez, Frida Kahlo, Gabriel García Márquez and Selena. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Movie Mondays are Coming Back Every Monday starting October 14 thru December 9, 2024 – 7:30 p.m. to 9p.m. Movie Mondays will make their return just in time for cooler weather. Movie titles to be announced – follow Historic Pearl on social media for more details.
Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River. Pearl is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. It is a vibrant district where the community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity.
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)
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
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.
Celebrate the legacy of the West at the Briscoe Western Art Museum this Saturday July 27, 2024. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
It’s time to celebrate the legacy of the West – the cowgirls, the cowboys, and vaqueros at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s National Day of the Cowboy celebration Saturday, July 27, 10a.m. – 4p.m. at the museum’s campus on the banks of the River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)
This free community event includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, as well as indoor and outdoor activities. This year’s event tips its hat to the role cowgirls play in the West while showcasing cowboy life, skills, art, and more. Cowboys and girls of all ages can enjoy live music, games, crafts, a chuck wagon with tasty cowboy treats straight from the trail, artist demonstrations, and hands-on fun. Pre-register in advance to enjoy the free Western fun.
One of the Briscoe’s most treasured annual events, National Day of the Cowboy highlights and preserves America’s cowboy culture and pioneer heritage. The day began in 2005 to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the American cowboy, cowgirl, and vaquero in the United States. The state of Texas declared it a day of honor in 2015 and the Briscoe annually hosts a free community day marking the occasion, throwing open the doors of the museum to honor the cowgirl, cowboy, and vaquero in us all.
Free event and museum admission and activities for the whole family, including the museum’s 14 galleries and the McNutt Sculpture Garden.
Cowpoke games and crafts, where you can create your own cowboy hat and spurs, play horseshoes, make your own stick pony and try your hand at barrel racing. All arts and crafts are free and supplies are provided.
Cowboy music with The Barditch Hippies, playing live in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, where the fantastic bronze sculptures and lush, shady greenery are the perfect backdrop for cowboy fun.
Authentic chuck wagon cooking with free samples of peach cobbler, along with food truck grub and tasty barbeque available from Cake ‘n Que to satisfy any hungry cowpokes.
Lassos and fun with local rodeo cowboys and the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and watch roper Cowboy Doug dazzle and delight with roping demonstrations.
Western art brought to life through live demonstrations:
Watch acclaimed, award-winning cowgirl artist Mary Ross Buchholz demonstrate illustration techniques using charcoal to create realistic imagery, sharing how to artfully capture Western scenes.
Enjoy a live sculpting demonstration by Jason Scull, one of the Cowboy Artists of America working to authentically preserve the culture of Western life through fine art.
See Texas cowboy artist Mike Capron showcase how he authentically portrays ranching and cowboy scenes.
Special appearances by Miss Rodeo Texas 2024, Ashlyn Williams, San Antonio River Walk Princess Annette Flores and Marina the Turtle, visiting to remind everyone “stuff the boat” to support this year’s Communities In Schools supply drive. Bring school supplies to National Day of the Cowboy and help Marina stuff the boat to benefit local children.
A display of escaramuza attire – what the talented women who participate in charreadas wear as they perform – and a local rider answering questions about what it’s like to be an escaramuza.
Storyteller Antoinette Lakey bringing the story of Mary Fields, the first African American woman stagecoach driver, to life. For many years, Fields traveled the West with her pet eagle, never losing a single horse or package. Hear her story as Lakey reads from “Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver.” A community leader, researcher, and dramatist, Antoinette Lakey currently serves as Artistic Director for Teatro Anansi, an organization with a mission to connect, celebrate and commemorate African American theatre, performing arts and history within the greater San Antonio community.
Cowboy poetry with poet Don Mathis, sharing his original poetry about the National Day of the Cowboy.
A look back at what it was like to be a trail rider and a black cowboy with a storyteller dressed in period attire, sharing about life in the West in 1875.
Nature’s beauty and resilience on display during the museum’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. A special mini-drawing lab also offers step-by-step instructions to draw animals and landscapes.
Briscoe Western Art Museum: Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.
Don’t miss the Scratchboard Art Workshop taking place today June 20 with Master Scratchboard Artist Sally Maxwell. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
There is always something interesting happening at the Briscoe Western Art Museum,especially in the summer. This week’s summer spotlight event at the Briscoe is the Scratchboard Art Workshop, taking place today with internationally recognized, local artist Sally Maxwell. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)
Scratchboard Art Workshop A hands-on session for all skill levels with San Antonio artist Sally Maxwell Thursday, June 20, 5:30p.m. – 8 p.m., $25 for members, $45 for non-members
Join San Antonio-based, internationally recognized artist Sally Maxwell to leave your mark in art. Scratchboard art, also known as scratch art, is a form of direct engraving where the artist scratches off dark ink to reveal a white or colored layer beneath. Following a presentation to introduce everyone to the scratchboard process and the different kinds of boards and techniques used, guests will work on a 5” x 7” personalized square to complete and take home. The workshop is for all skill levels and all supplies are included. Pre-registration is required.
Selected by the International Society of Scratchboard Artists to be designated as one of only 12 in the world with the status Master Scratchboard Artist, Maxwell is a Signature member in the Society of Animal Artists, a Silver Signature member of Artists Changing Tomorrow, and a Master Signature member of American Women Artists. Maxwell will have pieces of her work on display during the workshop, as well as copies of her book for purchase.
Can’t make it to the Scratchboard Art Workshop? No Worries. Here are some more events scheduled this summer.
Thanks to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, families can unleash fun and learning to keep kids engaged and educated all summer long with a wide array of programming that includes wildlife, cowboys, movies, art, and more. From free locals days and hands-on education sessions and story fun to a day celebrating cowboy life and a summer filled with art, the Briscoe is the place to be to survive this summer.
Cool Summer Fun: Free Admission and Scavenger Hunts 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 July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3 and December 1.Online registration for Locals Day is recommended. 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.
Unleash Hands-on Education: Monthly STEAM Learning The Briscoe’s free monthly education series Full STEAM Aheadeducates and entertains from 1p.m. – 3p.m. on the first Sunday of every month. Full STEAM Ahead is included with museum admission and all supplies are provided.
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. From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning.
Summer 2024 Full Steam Ahead dates and topics include:
July 7: Full STEAM Ahead – Whose Track is That? – Learn how to identify the tracks different animals leave behind. After a short presentation, families will have the opportunity to identify animal tracks and make some tracks of their own to take home.
August 4: Full STEAM Ahead – Creating Colors – Discover how color is harnessed from nature in this survey of dyes and pigments from around the world. After a short discussion, everyone will have the opportunity to make their own paint to take home or use in creating artwork to take home.
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.
Stories and More The younger set – and their caregivers – can stampede into the Briscoe on the third Saturday of the month, 10:30a.m. – 11a.m. to enjoy Storytime Stampede, then enjoy the Briscoe’s collection. 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, the short session 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.
Summer dates include: July 20: “Rio Ruby Invents the Pecan Pie” by Robin Davis. Rio Ruby makes the yummiest pies this side of the Rio Grande, but one day after she’s closed her pie shop, she finds out that she’s almost out of ingredients. Even worse, all the animals seem to have eaten all the pie-worthy fruit! She sets out to find a new ingredient to invent a new kind of pie, but one just as delicious and yummy.
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!
Wolfpen Branch Donation. Photo: Can’d Aid, used with permission.
Music and the arts are an important part of a well-rounded education, fostering creativity, expression, and critical thinking. In schools, they provide avenues for students to explore their emotions, develop empathy, and cultivate cultural understanding. They offer students alternative means of communication and self-expression, especially for those who may struggle in traditional academic subjects. By integrating music and the arts into education, schools nurture holistic development, preparing students for success in both their personal and professional lives while enriching communities with diverse perspectives and creativity. Now more than ever, it is essential that these programs continue to be a part of students’ curriculum.
In honor of World Music Day this June 21, I’d like to share the excellent work that Can’d Aid is doing to ensure that students have access to musical instruments and music education.
Can’d Aid has donated thousands of brand new instruments to underserved school systems, inspiring the next generation of musicians. Since its inception in 2013, Can’d Aid has donated nearly 3,700 instruments and hosted more than 160 educational music workshops across the country. (Turn It Up, 2024)
Through its Music + Arts program, Can’d Aid partners with nationally touring artists who donate their time, energy and passion while they’re on the road touring to facilitate instrument donations to classrooms across the country as TUNES Ambassadors. Longtime TUNES Ambassadors include Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps, Woody Platt and Charles Humphrey III of Steep Canyon Rangers, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more. Can’d Aid TUNES Ambassadors host live-music concerts for classes in underserved school districts, introducing kids to the joys of music.
Ambassadors tell their stories and teach hands-on, educational sessions, with the goal of getting kids excited about learning to play an instrument. Creative outlets are essential to fostering good mental health in children, yet arts programs in public schools are typically the first to be defunded, as they’re expensive to run and not considered “core curriculum” or necessary for graduation. The TUNES program is a way for Can’d Aid to offset the decline in arts program funding and keep music in schools.
Can’d Aid is a nationally recognized nonprofit that rallies volunteers from all walks of life to build thriving communities. Through their unique integrated approach, they increase access and opportunities for underserved youth to experience music, arts and the outdoors; and protect and restore the environment. Since its inception in 2013, more than 19,500 skateboards and bikes have been built for underprivileged youth, more than 3,700 instruments have been donated and nearly 2,000 tons of trash have been diverted from landfills. To donate, volunteer or learn more, please visit Can’d Aid online.
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