Category: art

Pearl announces January programming

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Fitness classes are just one series of events taking place at Pearl in 2020. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

For 2020, Pearl is excited to announce Thinking & Drinking at Pearl—the newest offering in the array of amazing programming already hosted throughout the year. In addition, Pearl will bring back free weekly fitness sessions open to the public to begin the first week in January and continue into the warmer months. (Pearl, 2019)

Thinking & Drinking at Pearl
Join us for a series of philosophical conversations about music. Why do we listen to sad songs if they make us sad? Should Bob Dylan have been eligible for the Nobel Prize in Literature? If an improvisation is made up on the spot, how can we expect it to sound good? These are just a few philosophical questions about music—fundamental conceptual questions raised by the way we make and listen to music. Led by Trinity University professor Dr. Andrew Kania, guests will get a chance to think through some of these issues out loud—helped along by libations from the best of the Pearl’s drinking establishments. Each session is capped at 15 participants and includes two beverages. Tickets available online.

    • Wednesday, January 15 at 6p.m. – High Street Wine Co.
      Sad Songs Say So Much: Music and Emotion – If music is just sounds, how can it be happy or sad? What is the significance of our emotional responses to music? And why do we listen to sad music if it makes us sad?
    • Wednesday, January 22 at 6p.m. – Southerleigh
      Strange Sounds: What is Music, Anyway? – Musicians seem to be able to incorporate just about any sounds into their compositions. But what makes those sounds music? How can one note be higher than another? What can the musical experiences of deaf people tell us about music?
    • Wednesday, January 29 at 8p.m. – Jazz, TX
      Making Music: Performance, Improvisation and Recording – What is the difference between being overheard making music and performing for an audience? Are recordings just that – records of performances – or are they an art form in their own right? What makes a performance an improvisation? This conversation is followed by a live performance.

Pearl is thrilled to continue free community workout classes led by local fitness providers weekly on Tuesday evenings beginning in 2020. Throughout the year, partners will include Pilates Platinum, Smart Barre, Nomadik Yoga, Zumba with Mau Garcia and Joy Ride.

    • Tuesday, January 7   | Pilates Platinum | 5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
    • Tuesday, January 14 | Pilates Platinum |  5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
    • Tuesday, January 21 | Pilates Platinum |  5:30p.m. | Pearl Park
    • Tuesday, January 28 | Pilates Platinum |  5:30p.m. | Pearl Park

“Pearl is dedicated to bringing San Antonians and visitors together through compelling, dynamic events. The thoughtful 2020 programming will help everyone start the new year off right and further enhance Pearl’s offerings.” – Elizabeth Fauerso, chief marketing officer, Pearl

Pearl Brewery
303 Pearl Parkway, Suite 300
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 36 at the Tobin Center

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PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 36 will take place this Wednesday December 11. Photo: Jessica Giesey, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format, is excited to announce the lineup for its Volume 36 edition, scheduled for Wednesday, December 11 at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m. followed by presentations starting at 7:30p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2019)

Vol. 36 will feature a talented group of locals. The six presenters include:

  • Michael “Mikey” Nye, Photography & Audio Documentarian
  • Reggie De La Garza, Upholstery Sorceress
  • Robert Lopez Flynn, Native Texas Cotton Chopper
  • Missi Smith, Artist
  • Alyson Alonzo, Electronic RnB Producer/Singer
  • David Zamora Casas, Multi-disciplinary Contemporary Artist

Emcees for the evening include News 4 San Antonio anchor Randy Beamer as well as founder of the Rivard Report, Robert Rivard. The welcome reception will feature live music by Travis Buffkin and complimentary bites curated by local chefs and restaurants.  Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased online. PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with the Las Casas Foundation.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. It hosts 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 1000 cities around the world.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
100 Auditorium Cir
San Antonio, TX 78205

City of San Antonio announces citywide Day of the Dead celebration

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Day of the Dead San Antonio will be a citywide celebration of Dia de los Muertos. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

This November, San Antonio, will host a new heritage festival marking Día de Los Muertos, Mexico’s holiday of remembrance. The City of San Antonio, Visit San Antonio and Day of the Dead San Antonio have partnered to launch Day of the Dead San Antonio, a citywide celebration destined to become a new tradition. Beyond a three-day festival to be hosted in La Villita from Friday November 1 through Sunday November 3, Day of the Dead San Antonio creates an official period of Día de los Muertos observation across the city, bringing authentic Mexican traditions to San Antonio and inviting residents and visitors to join in the festivities. (City of San Antonio, 2019)

Day of the Dead San Antonio, presented by H-E-B, offers an inclusive and diverse slate of events for the entire city. From a new River Walk parade to lectures, museum exhibitions, festivals, live music and performances, a 5K race and more, Day of the Dead San Antonio brings Mexican traditions to San Antonio to celebrate culture, family and life. Day of the Dead San Antonio’s activities will reach across the city to educate, enlighten and entertain.

Highlights of the festival include “Catrineras on the River”, a new river parade illuminating the San Antonio River with the spirit of the Day of the Dead. Co-hosted by official parade partner Rey Feo Consejo Educational Foundation, Catrineras on the River will feature more than 22 barges spotlighting local San Antonio organizations, with local children aboard many of the barges. This first-ever river parade will feature custom-made barges that mirror the colorful, flat-bottom gondola-like traijneras in Xochimilco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just south of Mexico City.

The river parade also serves as the grand opening of Day of the Dead San Antonio, launching the festival with a special ceremony afloat a barge on the San Antonio River. Mariachis and Day of the Dead dancers portraying La Danza de Los Mojigangas will fill the Arneson River Theater as part of the kick-off. Mojigangas, or giant dancing puppet figures, are a traditional part of Day of the Dead celebrations, providing the perfect start to the Day of the Dead San Antonio festival in La Villita.

From November 1 through 3, everyone can join in the festivities in La Villita Historic Art Village. Visitors can experience the picturesque Altar de Muertos, have their faces painted with traditional calavera designs and immerse themselves in the experiences surrounding the Day of the Dead. Among the decorations on display in La Villita will be 15 giant skulls painted by local artists and businesses to add a special local touch. Decorated skull sculptures will line downtown’s Houston Street, turning it into Mexicraneos Street, leading revelers to Frost Tower.

Traditions and art are woven throughout Day of the Dead San Antonio. A Catrina depicting Selena will reign over the Day of the Dead festivities from her customized altar at the corner of S. Alamo and Market Streets. Standing more than 8 feet tall and adorned with more than 2 million beads, the Catrina was handcrafted by more than 40 indigenous Huichol artisans in Mexico and took two months to produce. There will be fifteen more Catrines and Catrinas displayed across the city.

Day of the Dead San Antonio links San Antonio with Mexico’s enduring Día de Los Muertos traditions, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This bridging of cultural heritage will build upon the city’s profile as a place of historic richness, enduring traditions, memorable tastes and unforgettable hospitality.

“…The Day of the Dead celebration will be a time for San Antonio to celebrate our ancestors, community, heritage and neighbors. As we look forward to a holiday that’s focused on the memories we’ve created, I look forward to the memories our community will create through this celebration for years to come.”- San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg

 

‘Art and the Animal’ exhibition at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

briscoecommunitydayThe Briscoe Western Art Museum invites everyone to get wild during ‘Art and the Animal,’ an exhibition featuring more than 100 paintings and sculptures reflecting the beauty of animals from around the world. The Society of Animal Artists’ 59th Annual Exhibition and Tour, ‘Art and the Animal,’ opens at the Briscoe with a weekend of special events September 19 through 22 and will be open to the public September 20, 2019 through January 5, 2020. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2019)

Opening weekend began with a Sneak Peak party on Thursday. Guests had a chance to be among the first to see this new exhibit while mingling with the artists and enjoying light bites and specialty cocktails created to celebrate ‘Art and the Animal.’ The exclusive preview reception at the Jack Guenther Pavilion also featured remarks by Wes Siegrist, artist and Executive Director of Society of Animal Artists.

The Society of Animal Artists (SAA) is devoted to promoting excellence in the artistic portrayal of the creatures sharing our planet. SAA’s membership represents a who’s who of artists from around the world and the Society’s work has been on display at more than 100 institutions across North America. ‘Art and the Animal’ is SAA’s first San Antonio exhibit. The exhibition is free with museum admission and will be on display during regular museum hours.

Other opening weekend activities include:
Wild West, Wildlife! Community Day Saturday, September 21 from 12p.m. to 4 p.m.
Walk on the wild side of the West and enjoy ‘Art and the Animal’ as it comes to life with a free community day. Meet some real wildlife with animals from San Antonio Zoo, make memorable wildlife crafts, experience hands-on demonstrations, enjoy special animal-themed story times and leave your mark on a special mural created by Wes Siegrist, Executive Director of SAA. Seigrist has created a 5’ x 10’ mural of bison in the west for visitors to help complete. The piece will then be displayed at the Briscoe during ‘Art and the Animal.’ Admission to Wild West, Wildlife! is free for the entire family and includes access to the museum.

Wildlife of West Texas Film Screening Sunday, September 22 at 1p.m.
The Briscoe has partnered with Wild Texas Film Tour to share a collection of short films that showcase wildlife, adventure and conservation stories from West Texas. Featured films include Lions of West Texas, Pronghorn Revival and Return of the Desert Bighorn. The screening is included with museum admission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is open daily and admission is free for children 12 and under, as well as active duty members of the military and up to four members of their family. Regular museum admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $5 for retired military, first responders, educators, fireman and police officers. The Briscoe Western Art Museum has extended hours and free admission every Tuesday from 4p.m. to 9p.m.

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

Hopscotch announces San Antonio opening

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Hopscotch is now accepting submissions through August 15. Photo: Hopscotch, used with permission. 

Hopscotch, a new and uniquely curated immersive art experience created by Texas entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, recently announced its permanent home of San Antonio, TX at the Travis Park Plaza Building, opening late 2019. Hopscotch has just released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for artists and is now accepting submissions through August 15, 2019. (Hopscotch, 2019)

Criteria for the RFP includes preference for immersive works which utilize multimedia, visual and sound elements. Suggested approaches include, light art installations, projection mapping, experimental architecture, surreal environments and more. Themes of inclusivity, social commentary and ‘art that leaves a lasting impression on visitors beyond their Instagram feed’ are encouraged. The budget range for most accepted proposals is between $5,000 to $20,000.

All interested artists may submit a proposal to showcase their creative works to proposal@letshopscotch.com. Written proposals should be in PDF format; video and sound clips that further illustrate the concept will be accepted. The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2019. Full RFP, as well as guidelines to submit, is available online. 

Hopscotch will be located at Travis Park Plaza at 213 East Travis Street on the corner of Travis and Navarro Streets, near The St. Anthony Hotel. The Hopscotch gallery and event space will be over 18,000 square feet. The two-story space will be comprised of individual gallery rooms. Each artist or collective of artists, selected to create an installation, will work within their independent room. Hopscotch aims to showcase works from a number of talented local, national and international artists.

Jensen and Inman are also currently hiring for several full-time positions including a number of creative and design roles. For hiring opportunities, please email join@letshopscotch.com.

“We are excited to have a permanent home in downtown San Antonio and are grateful to have the opportunity to work with so many talented artists. Community is very important to us and we are eager to become a valued participant of this one.” Nicole Jensen, co-founder.

Co-founded in 2018 by Austin entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, Hopscotch provides distinct experiences through the curation of local-centric, immersive and experiential art. Recently, Hopscotch presented an exhibition in Austin, TX that featured 13 distinctive installations and showcased works from a variety of local Austin artists as well as a selection of national and international artists. Following the limited run exhibition, Hopscotch announced their move to a permanent gallery and event space in downtown San Antonio. This space will rotate similar interactive and immersive exhibitions beginning in late 2019/early 2020. These exhibitions will feature different Central Texas based artists as well as a selection of national and international artists.

PechaKucha San Antonio Vol 33

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Carmen Tafolla, State Poet Laureate, will be one of the presenters at this year’s PechaKucha at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo: Josh Huskin, used with permission. 

PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format, is excited to announce the lineup for its Volume 33 edition, scheduled for Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at the San Antonio Museum of Art. The night will begin with a welcome reception at 7p.m., followed by presentations starting at 8:15 p.m. PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with the Las Casas Foundation. (PechaKucha, 2019)

Vol. 33 will feature a talented group of locals that includes writers, authors, artists and more.
Presenters include:
· Michaele Thurgood Haynes, Cultural Anthropologist
· Annie Montgomery Labatt, Gallery Director/Professor
· Jesse Mata + Elaine Wolff, Fiesta’s Fifth Column
· Franco Mondini-Ruiz, Compulsive Artsessive
· Michael Quintanilla, Disco Confessionist/Glue Gun Expert
· Carmen Tafolla, State Poet Laureate

Emcees for the evening include popular News 4 San Antonio anchor Randy Beamer as well as artist Justin Parr. The welcome reception will feature live music and complimentary bites curated by local chefs and restaurants. Tickets are $5 per person and are available online.

PechaKucha San Antonio would not be possible without the support of annual sponsors, including Centro Properties, Lake Flato Architects, Zurich International Properties, Schroeder Art, MBS Fitness, San Antonio River Foundation, RYNO General Contractors and Artist Gary Sweeney.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20-image x 20 second arts and cultures series that hosts 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 1000 cities around the world.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Ave.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Hopscotch: Light and Sound art exhibit launches this week

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Infinity Boxes by Matt Elson. Courtesy photo, used with permission. 

In art news: Hopscotch, a new, uniquely curated immersive art experience created by local entrepreneurs Nicole Jensen and Hunter Inman, is debuting in Austin this week as an interactive pop-up located at 6100 Airport Blvd. From February 14 through March 31, Hopscotch: Light and Sound will feature 13 distinctive installations and showcase works from a variety of local Austin artists, as well as a selection of national and international artists. (Hopscotch, 2019)

Each room in the 10,000 square foot space contains a different exhibit with colorful design elements from LED lights to live videos and music. Hopscotch is constructed by various artists, the majority of which are Austin-based. Every art activation within the project requires participation from guests and Hopscotch: Light and Sound invites guests to explore the surreal surroundings in a playful manner.

Interactive experiences range from controlling the clouds and weather via balloons to painting with light through an infrared brush by hand. Olya, presented by the only international artist, invites viewers into an immersive space of complicated multidimensional structures and light. Infinity Boxes by Matt Elson uses color, lights, and mirrors to construct beautiful boxes that draw viewers in; it’s an optical illusion project that asks visitors to take a closer look at human perception and social interaction, much like the public’s relationship to social media.

Hours of operation for Hopscotch are 4p.m. to 11p.m. on Fridays, 1p.m. to 11p.m. on Saturdays and 1p.m. to 8p.m. on Sundays. Additional hours and dates will be added. Tickets are $23 for ages 13 and up, $15 for children ages 4 to 12 and children 3 and under are free. Hopscotch is 18 and up after 7p.m. For this exhibit, Hopscotch has collaborated with local artists, collaboratives, non-profits and creative brands like Deep Eddy Vodka and neighboring Brewtorium. Hopscotch Austin will also have a bar on site and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from Deep Eddy Vodka.

Proceeds from the Light & Sound exhibit will be donated to a local art focused non-profit. Following the limited Austin pop-up series, Hopscotch will be opening in downtown San Antonio for a permanent, new exhibition in late summer 2019 and is set to feature different San Antonio-based artists. More details will be announced at a later date.

Hopscotch
1600 Airport Blvd
Austin, TX 78752

June events for Ole, San Antonio at Pearl

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Ole, San Antonio begins on Friday June 15 and runs through Sunday September 16 at Pearl. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial and its Spanish heritage, Pearl announces Olé, San Antonio: When San Antonio Meets Spain. This summer-long celebration will take place from Friday June 15 to Sunday September 16 to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary. There will be events and activities related to four main pillars: gastronomy, music and dance, arts and architecture. Events will include new programming while also incorporating existing Pearl activities. Tickets are now on sale for select performances along with a VIP Olé Ticket Package, which includes reserved seating, complementary valet parking, and more. (Pearl, 2018)

The entire Pearl neighborhood will come together to create experiences and memories unique to Olé. Restaurants will feature Spanish menus and chef collaboration dinners, retailers will feature specially curated Spanish items and Pearl Park will feature performances and parades which showcase San Antonio’s connection to Spain.

On June 21, the official opening day of Olé, Pearl kicks off with Dia Mundial de la Tapa (International Day of the Tapa) with chefs from 10 different regions of Spain, Flamenco in the Park with Primitivo Daza and Company, and the launch of Tapas Tuesday at Pearl restaurants.

Recurring Events:
Galería Olé
Beginning in June, Pearl’s pop-up shop site will be transformed into Galería Olé, a one-stop shop for the Summer of Spain. Time: Tuesday through Friday, 2p.m. to 6p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10a.m. to 6p.m. Location: Suite 110 at Pearl (behind Local Coffee)

Tapas Tuesdays: Taste Spain at Pearl
Every Tuesday during Olé, San Antonio, select Pearl restaurants and bars will embrace the Spanish tapa. Multiple locations. Check participating restaurants and bars for details.

Spanish Sipping Thursdays: Sip Spain at Pearl
Tour Pearl every Thursday evening during Olé, San Antonio and experience unique Spanish wines, cava sangrias and sherries. Must try: the official drink of summer: the Spanish Gin. Multiple locations. Check participating restaurants and bars for details.

June Events:
June 15 through August 15 (free event)
Photography Exhibition
Beatrix Molnar: ALMA
Time: Tuesday through Friday, 2p.m to 6p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10a.m. to 6p.m. Location: Galería Olé

June 21 (ticketed event)
Dia Mundial de la Tapa
A journey through the cultural and culinary diversity of Spain with its most recognized and universal concept: Ticket price includes an extensive sampling of tapas—showcasing the food and flavors of Spain—with wine tastings from various regions of Spain and a cava tasting bar. Time: 5:30p.m. to 8p.m. Location: Pearl Stable Tickets: $100

June 21 (free event)
Flamenco in The Park: Primitivo Daza and Company
Time: 7:30p.m. to 9p.m. Location: Pearl Park

June 23 (ticketed event)
Flamenco Tablao: Primitivo Daza and Chef Johnny Hernandez
Doors open at 11a.m. and performance begins at 11:30 a.m.
The Entertainment: Primitivo and his dance company, Pure Flamenco.
The Fare: Chef Johnny Hernandez creates a brunch worthy of the occasion—complete with a Paella cooking demonstration. Location: Pearl Stable Tickets: $125

June 23 (ticketed event)
Flamenco Tablao: Primitivo Daza and Chef Johnny Hernandez
Doors open at 6p.m. and performance begins at 6:30p.m.
The Entertainment: Primitivo and his dance company, Pure Flamenco
The Fare: Chef Johnny Hernandez creates a dinner worthy of the occasion—complete with a Paella cooking demonstration. Location: Pearl Stable Tickets: $150

June 26 (ticketed event)
Intercambio Dinner Series: Chefs Patxi Zumarraga and Steve McHugh Time: 6p.m. Location: Cured
Contact restaurant for reservations and details.

June 27 (ticketed event):
Gastronomy Monograph Series: Olive Oil
The Day of Olive Oil
Multiple sessions throughout the day. Supper Dinner: 8:30p.m. to 11p.m. Location: Hotel Emma Tickets: $25 for sessions and $50 for dinner at Supper

June 27 (free event)
Sound Cream Sunset Sessions – Olé Edition: DJ Riobamba
Sound Cream Sunset Sessions is a weekly dance party and DJ showcase, featuring every genre from Cuban salsa to House, mixed by locals and guest DJs from across the country. Time: 5:30p.m. to 9p.m. Location: Pearl Park

June 29 (free event) Canciones: Sounds of Spain and South Texas Las Migas and Azul Barrientos
Canciones is a free concert series dedicated to Texas music from a South Texas sensibility. Time: 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. Location: Pearl Park

June 30 (free event) Cabezudos Parade
A mainstay in Spanish festivals and parades are Cabezudos (“giants” or “big heads”), which feature large papier-mâché heads paired with ornate costumes—often inspired by religious figures and popular culture. The Tricentennial-inspired Cabezudos Parade will debut at the Pearl Farmers Market and culminate in a live performance by Volcán, the 13-piece Indie-Latin Orchestra based in South Texas. Parade starts at 10a.m. and live music from 11:30a.m. to 1p.m. Location: Pearl Farmers Market and Pearl Park

Unveiling of newest art on San Antonio River this Thursday

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‘CoCobijos’ will be unveiled to the public on Thursday May 17. Photo: artist rendering of “CoCobijos” used with permission.

Mel Chin is a conceptual visual artist from Houston who is motivated by political, cultural and social circumstances. He works with a variety of media to examine modern life and places art in landscapes, public spaces, galleries and museum exhibitions. “CoCobijos” is his newest art piece.

“CoCobijos,” the public art installation by internationally exhibited artist Mel Chin, will be unveiled to the public at a free event on Thursday, May 17 from 10a.m. to 12p.m. at Mission County Park. This project will bridge the gap between the historic themes of Mission San Jose and the natural world of the San Antonio River. Later in the day, from 6p.m. to 7p.m. at the Mission San Jose Visitor Center, the artist will give a free, public lecture about his development as an internationally exhibited artist and the concept behind the project’s design. (San Antonio River Foundation, 2018)

“CoCobijos,” a name invented by the artist, means “co-shelters.” Two faceted cactus-like pads arc in a supporting embrace, appearing to hold each other up. After seeing prickly pear cactus on a roof of Mission San José, the artist thought about how these plants nurture people and animals alike and their resiliency in the face of time and Texas’ climate. Echoing the geometry and beautiful lattice pattern of the internal structures from actual San Antonio nopal plant specimens, this shade structure stands in Mission County Park to give relief from the sun.  In planters above, living plants create a green canopy.  The abstract form of the structure is intended to visually change shape as people pass through and around it, while the shadows shift as the day progresses.

This public art installation is a San Antonio River Foundation project as part of their Art Portals located at the connection of each Mission and the San Antonio River.  It is designed to entice visitors on the river to venture street-level and engage with the historic Missions.

“A tough plant like prickly pear thriving in hard, hot weather can be equated with rugged Texan individuality. The two cactus-based pads arcing over to create an unbreakable geometry speaks to the beauty and service of what coming together can do.” – Mel Chin

Mission County Park
6030 Padre Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78214
(210) 335-7275

Second annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival

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The second annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival is scheduled for October 20 through October 22, 2017. Photo: Monarch Butterfly Festival, used with permission.

The second annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival will take place this month from Friday October 20 to Sunday October 22, 2017. This three-day event is organized by the Texas Butterfly Ranch and the theme this year is Butterflies without Borders. The goal is to raise awareness and appreciation of the insect pollinators that make food possible. This celebration takes place during peak Monarch migration week in San Antonio, which generally occurs during the last two weeks of October. Each year, millions of the migrating black-and-orange butterflies move through the “Texas Funnel” on their way to Mexico to roost for the winter. Studies suggest the eastern migrating Monarch population has dropped more than 60% in recent years and the insect has been petitioned for listing as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. A full schedule of planned events is available online. (Monarch Butterfly Festival, 2017)

With the generous support from The Pearl, The San Antonio River Authority, HEB, the Rivard Report, Trinity University and the Mexican Cultural Institute, the Festival begins on Friday October 20, with an international scientific symposium at the Pearl Stable. Scientists from Mexico, the U.S. and Canada will explore the intersections of pollinators and politics in a Butterflies without Borders panel discussion: The Monarch Migration and our Changing Climate. On Saturday, there will be various art and education events throughout town including a teacher training workshop at the San Antonio River Authority, a “bug lunch” at the Witte, a butterfly walk and talk at the San Antonio Botanical Garden and art events at Yanaguana Gardens and the Mexican Cultural Institute.

On Sunday October 22, there will be a “People for Pollinators Parade” at the Pearl and costumes are encouraged. The parade route will march down Pearl Parkway and trained docents will teach kids the citizen science of tagging Monarch butterflies. More than 20 educational booths will offer education, engagement and fun. Tagged Monarch butterflies will be released at the Pearl amphitheater at noon. There will be numerous activities including Pedaling Pollinators Butterfly Bikes, face painting, kite making, story time by the Book Fairy, food and music.