Category: art

Enter the Phenomenomaly: Meow Wolf’s Summer Spectacle Blends Theater, Puppetry, and Magic

Meow Wolf’s Phenomenomaly: a wild immersive performance this summer in Vegas and Denver. Photo: Paul Torres

Phenomenomaly: Meow Wolf Unleashes a New Immersive Spectacle This Summer

Santa Fe, NM — Imagine Sleep No More meets Theater of the Mind, then throw in a glowing puppet parade and a swirl of surrealist dance. That’s Phenomenomaly, Meow Wolf’s latest mind-bending experience unfolding inside their Las Vegas and Denver exhibitions from June 21 through August 9, 2025. (Meow Wolf, 2025)

A New Era of Interactive Art

Known for crafting wild, genre-defying festivals and installations, Meow Wolf is taking immersive storytelling to new heights. Phenomenomaly is part immersive theater, part art party, and part glow worm migration (yes, you read that right).

Set on a continuous loop, this interactive performance weaves live theater, dance, puppetry, and audience participation into the very fabric of Meow Wolf’s already-surreal multiverses.

What to Expect Inside Phenomenomaly

As guests explore the exhibition, they’ll encounter:

  • Otherworldly characters
  • Strange rituals
  • Moments of intimate magic
  • A crescendo that erupts into a luminescent parade—featuring massive puppets, strange instruments, and shimmering creatures known as Flickerwermz

These glowing, migrating beings are part of a multiversal mythos whose fate depends on the playful engagement of the audience. Each 90-minute loop is layered seamlessly into Meow Wolf’s fantastical environments, making for a performance that feels both spontaneous and deeply woven into the space.

Unique Every Time

Each location—Denver and Las Vegas—hosts over 15 performers per show: dancers, puppeteers, clowns, and more. New guest artists are introduced every week, ensuring that no two shows are ever the same.

Phenomenomaly is the result of collaboration with an incredible team of national and local creatives, including:

  • Basqo Bim, Iggy & Andy, Kate Major, and Monsters of the Underworld (Costume Designers)
  • Sam Johnson of Colossal Collective (Puppet Project Manager, Designer, Fabricator)

🎟️Each city also showcases a rotating roster of local artists, spotlighted weekly—check the Denver and Las Vegas event pages for full schedules, lineups, and ticket information.

Photo: Meow Wolf

📍 Event Details

  • Dates: June 21 – August 9, 2025
  • Times:
    • Denver: 3–7 p.m. (select dates)
    • Las Vegas: 2–6 p.m. (select dates)
  • Cost: Included with standard admission

About Meow Wolf

More than an arts and entertainment company, Meow Wolf creates extraordinary experiences that blur the line between reality and imagination. With millions of visitors across its locations, Meow Wolf collaborates with hundreds of visionary artists to build stunning, interactive worlds. As a certified B-Corporation, they’re committed to innovation, community, and play.

Step inside Phenomenomaly this summer and become part of a story that shifts with every step, every glance, and every imagination brave enough to follow.

Senses Awakened: Experience the Art of Botello, Menchelli & Willome

Nadia Botello, What the River Says. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Experience Three Immersive Solo Exhibitions at Contemporary at Blue Star

📍 San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star invites the community to experience three new solo exhibitions opening on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. Featuring artists Nadia Botello, Fabiola Menchelli, and Jason Willome, each exhibition offers a unique, sensory-driven experience where the audience is invited to interact with the art through touch, movement, and presence. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)

🎉 Opening Events

  • Taco Talk with the Curator
    🗓 Friday, July 11 | ⏰ 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Register Here
  • Public Opening Reception
    🗓 Friday, July 11 | ⏰ 6:00–9:00 p.m.

🖼 On View: July 11 – October 5, 2025

✨ Featured Exhibitions

Nadia Botello

Theophany

Sound artist and composer Nadia Botello explores the San Antonio River as a living entity—a shaping force with a voice of its own. A native Texan and fourth-generation San Antonian, Botello presents multimedia works in sound, sculpture, and film that ask: What might the river be saying for itself?

Her 16mm film series What the River Says reveals images formed solely by submerging film into the river—no human intervention, only the language of water.

Fabiola Menchelli

ombré

Blending photography with painterly process, Fabiola Menchelli introduces a new body of work from her Parallelograms series. Created in total darkness, her photograms are both intentional and accidental—revealing the mystery of creation when sight is removed.

In a fast-paced world of constant imagery, Menchelli’s slow, sensory process challenges viewers to pause and reflect.

Jason Willome

When a Mind Wanders

Jason Willome delves into memory, transformation, and the unknown through his deeply personal drawings. Sparked by the final moments leaving his father’s home and witnessing his father’s decline from Parkinson’s disease, Willome uses gouache, charcoal, and cattle markers to render consciousness in flux.

These abstract, layered drawings mirror the haze of memory and perception—reflecting both confusion and care.

This body of work was developed during Willome’s residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin through the Contemporary’s international residency program.

🏛 About Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star showcases artists from San Antonio and across the globe, presenting innovative exhibitions that spark empathy, action, and understanding. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary fosters fresh perspectives and cultural dialogue.

🎟 Admission is always free.
📍 116 Blue Star, San Antonio, TX 78204
📞 (210) 227-6960
🌐 Contemporary at Blue Star

🕒 Public Hours

DayHours
Mon–TuesClosed
Wed12 pm – 5 pm
Thu–Fri12 pm – 8 pm
Sat–Sun10 am – 6 pm
Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.

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.

Ironmouse, KAF, and JKT48v Lead a Mixed-Reality Revolution in LA

Fantastic Reality Presented by IRIAM debuts mixed-reality 3D live mini-fest at Vermont Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles on July 3. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

🎤 Fantastic Reality: A Mixed-Reality 3D Live Festival Debuts in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – Fantastic Reality presented by IRIAM is thrilled to unveil its debut mixed-reality 3D live mini-fest, bringing the world’s top virtual talent* to life on an IRL stage—complete with a live band, DJs, and immersive digital art. (Magnum PR, 2025)

This genre-defying event reimagines next-gen entertainment by uniting international virtual superstars like:

  • Ironmouse (Twitch’s top VTuber/performer)
  • KAF (Japanese chart-topping VSinger)
  • JKT48v (Jakarta’s virtual pop powerhouse)
  • and many more.

Together, this lineup commands over 9.5 million online followers.

📍 Event Details

🗓 Date: July 3, 2025
📍 Location: The Vermont Hollywood, Los Angeles
🕖 Doors Open: 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets
📺 PPV: Launch date & platform TBA

🎶 Lineup Highlights

Headlined by Ironmouse, the festival also features:

  • Mint Fantome
  • KAF & Kou Mariya
  • CottontailVA
  • Derivakat
  • Isaa Corva
  • JKT48v

Live music will be performed by a band directed by Daryl Vanessa Barnes (aka StarlightDaryl), with:

  • Riptidesan on bass
  • OfficeDrummer on drums
  • Chacha (appearing virtually) on guitar

Mariya will host the event as MC, while DJs Mono Monet (virtual) and JOENN will keep the energy high between acts.

🌐 About Fantastic Reality

Launched as a techno-optimistic antidote to global disconnection and decay, Fantastic Reality offers a vibrant future where human and virtual performers coexist through fantasy, innovation, and groundbreaking production.

“Fantastic Reality is doing something that has always been impossible. We’re uniting our community in an intimate IRL space with a cutting-edge live show featuring international luminaries Ironmouse, KAF, JKT48v and more.”
— Kou Mariya, FR co-producer, performer, and MC

🧬 About the Creators & Partners

  • Kou Mariya – VTuber/VSinger since 2020 and co-producer of FR. Known for visionary leadership and community-driven creativity. Signed by V4Mirai (Brave Group US) in 2023.
  • Daryl Vanessa Barnes – Award-winning composer and VTuber (aka StarlightDaryl). Sound architect for over 150 VTubers, including Ironmouse and Zentreya.
  • ETC (Emerging Technology Company) – Co-producers of cutting-edge pop culture experiences like the Dodgers Experience at TokyoNode.
  • Bulldog DM – Live video pioneers crafting premium livestreams for global audiences.
  • Rust – An enigmatic producer of unpredictable, inspiring live moments.
  • IRIAM – A VTuber-centric mobile streaming platform making real-time fan interaction magical and meaningful.

🤖 What is Virtual Talent?

Virtual talent includes VTubers, VSingers, and digital pop stars—not AI, but real performers using motion capture and digital avatars to create content.

Blending anime, gaming, music, and art, the global VTuber market is currently worth $7B and projected to exceed $20B by 2035.

Stay tuned and step into the future with Fantastic Reality—where dreams, tech, and performance collide.

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

A Mermaid Tale for the Whole Family: Don’t Miss This San Antonio Spectacle

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Little Mermaid, diving into the Majestic Theatre May 16 and 17. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Dive Into Magic: The Little Mermaid Comes to Life in San Antonio

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio invites audiences to journey under the sea with a dazzling, reimagined production of The Little Mermaid. On May 16 and 17, nearly 200 of San Antonio’s most talented young performers will transform the historic Majestic Theatre into Ariel’s underwater kingdom. This 90-minute spectacle promises a visual and emotional feast, blending stunning sets, acrobatics, and professional-level talent to enchant audiences of all ages. (The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2025)

Inspired by the beloved Disney adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale, this dynamic production brings together the best of classical and contemporary performance. Whether you’re a fan of ballet, Broadway, or bold visual storytelling, The Little Mermaid is not to be missed.

🎟️ Get Your Tickets Now

A Professional Experience for Young Performers

CBSA continues its nationally recognized mission to offer young artists a professional stage experience. This production features choreography by a powerhouse team:

  • Jennifer Hart (Ballet Austin)
  • Isabella Grosso, known for her work in music videos
  • Nurlan Kinerbayev, a visiting master from Kazakhstan and principal artist at the Dance Center of San Antonio

Kinerbayev will perform during the Friday night and Saturday matinee shows, joined by Aliaksandra Krukava, an internationally acclaimed artist formerly with the Russian National Ballet. For the Saturday evening show, Sophia Leune, a rising star from NEISD’s School of the Arts, will grace the stage.

Immersive Theater Like You’ve Never Seen

Prepare to be swept away—literally! With high-tech digital effects, a real pool onstage, and aerial acrobats flying through ocean-inspired scenes, the production immerses guests “under the sea.” The audience is encouraged to sing along with live renditions of hit songs from the animated classic.

This is not just a ballet—it’s a multi-genre extravaganza blending dance, music, and acrobatics to entertain the whole family.

A Perfect Family Outing

Looking for a belated Mother’s Day celebration or a special treat for a graduating theatre-lover? An afternoon or evening at The Little Mermaid is a magical way to make memories.

Before the show, visit the pre-show market in the Majestic Theatre’s lobby. Arrive early for:

  • Mermaid-themed merchandise
  • Face painting
  • Photo ops with the cast

Fans are encouraged to come in costume—mermaid tails, princess gowns, and sea-worthy outfits welcome!

A Show with a Mission

More than just a performance, The Little Mermaid supports the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s broader mission to make the arts accessible. Thanks to CBSA and the affiliated Dance Center of San Antonio:

  • Nearly 2,500 dancers have received life-changing training and opportunities
  • More than 35,000 Title I schoolchildren have attended performances
  • Over 2,000 underserved youth have been reached through outreach
  • $100,000+ in scholarships have supported students with financial or special needs

When you buy a ticket, you’re supporting the next generation of artists.

Showtimes & Location

📍 The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

🗓️ Showtimes:

  • Friday, May 16 at 7p.m.
  • Saturday, May 17 at 2p.m. & 7p.m.
    Pre-show market and photo opportunities begin one hour before curtain.

About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an award-winning, nonprofit organization offering young dancers a professional platform to shine. Through auditions and invitations, performers receive elite training and the chance to appear in full-scale productions that rival those of adult companies.

CBSA is also home to the Dance Center of San Antonio, which provides top-tier training to performers of all ages and abilities, embracing the motto: “The arts are for everyone.”

Whether you’re reliving a favorite fairy tale or witnessing it for the first time, The Little Mermaid is a magical experience you won’t forget. Dive in—the ocean awaits.

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