The JL Bar Concert series continues this October with Randall King. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa.
Coming up at the JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa this fall is a concert featuring Randall King on October 14, 2023. Garth Brooks expressed that Randall King “is what country music is all about.” This West Texas Plains native has been deemed the country artist to watch as he surpassed 120+ million career streams. King is taking Texas by storm in October after an extensive number of performances in places like Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, and the UK. This JL Bar concert is currently his only West Texas scheduled event. Opening the night will be second-generation musician, Tyler Booth, who has performed with legendary country music stars such as Brooks & Dunn and Dwight Yoakam. This lineup will bring a concert like you have never seen before. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2023)
Purchase your tickets now, for this exclusive pure Texas event. The venue doors and bar will open at 6p.m., the opening act will begin at 6:45p.m., and the headliner will take the stage at 8:30p.m. General admission tickets for on property guests are $35 while off property tickets are $45.
There is no need to drive hit the road after the concert. Not to mention, for astronomy buffs, the first of two solar eclipses is set to take place: The Ring of Fire – where the moon crosses in front of the sun during the daytime, casting a shadow that will turn light into darkness, for several minutes. Reserve a weekend staycation to unplug, relax, unwind, and recharge on this eventful fall weekend.
Make sure to browse through the extensive list of indoor and outdoor activities to plan an enhanced, customized experience during your stay. Use the BOOK NOWbutton to be directed to the online reservation system or you can contact Guest Service Team for an added personal touch: call (855) 414-3337 or email Guest Services.
The Magik Theatre announces their season shows for 2023-2024. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
One of the most powerful things about childhood is imagination. It is a time when we believe in fairy tales, wish upon stars, and that no dream is too big or too far out of reach. Magik Theatre’s 2023-24 season reminds us that within every dream lies hope through classic tales and new adventures that keep the magic of dreams alive. (Magik Theatre, 2023)
“All of our main characters this season are dreamers in one way or another. We want our audience to see that if you can dream it, you can do it.” – Artistic Director Anthony Runfola says.
As always, the theatre brings the magic to life for ALL children with Sensory-Friendly, Pay What You Wish, and American Sign Language Interpreted performances for each production. These measures are in place to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where children can develop a life-long love of theatre and believe in the wonder of Magik.
Magik announces the introduction of the Magik Circle which includes exclusive perks for season subscribers to include discounts on camps, academies, additional single tickets, and merchandise. Season ticket holders will also have access to sneak peek performances, special VIP invitations and other surprises throughout the season.
MAGIK THEATRE PRESENTS: 2023-2024 SEASON (Performance times vary. Programs and dates are subject to change.)
CARMELA FULL OF WISHES – October 14 – October 22, 2023 Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios from the book by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson Recommended for ages 5+
If you have ever blown on a dandelion and sent your wishes into the wind, then you will relate to the story of Carmela, a young girl who believes that those wishes do come true. This touching tale takes place on Carmela’s birthday and follows her as she tags along with her big brother on family errands. Along the way, she discovers a dandelion and makes several wishes, including one special wish for her father to return home. But when an accident crushes her dandelion before she can make her biggest wish, Carmela has to put her faith in something bigger than wishes, luck, or magic—the power of hope. “Carmela Full of Wishes” is a touching play based on the acclaimed book by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson, celebrating family, dreamers, and the unexpected magic of hope.
THE VELVETEEN RABBIT – November 18 – December 24, 2023 By Margery Williams Adapted by Michelle Hoppe-Long Recommended for ages 5+
There is no better time than the holidays to believe in a little magic. This is why Magik Theatre is bringing back “The Velveteen Rabbit,” a timeless classic that captures everything we love about the holiday season. This heartwarming play is based on a beloved children’s story and follows the journey of a shy toy rabbit made from velveteen who longs to become real. Through his adventures with the Boy, the Velveteen Rabbit learns about love, friendship, and the true meaning of being real. The play is set in a cozy and enchanting world and is full of touching moments that will leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted.
DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS – February 10 – March 17, 2024 Based on the book “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus!” by Mo Willems Published by Hyperion Books for Children Script by Mo Willems and Tom Warburton Lyrics by Mo Willems Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma Dramaturgy by Megan Alrutz Recommended for ages 4+
A tenacious bird who will not take no for an answer is at the heart of the rollicking, hilarious production, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: The Musical.” Based on the popular book by Mo Willems, the story follows a determined pigeon who dreams of driving a bus, but the audience must convince him that it is not the best idea…but maybe there is something he can do. With catchy songs, colorful characters, and a heartwarming message about responsibility, this production promises to be a joyous experience that will keep your wings flappin’! Don’t miss your chance to join the fun when it pulls into the theatre in 2024.
THE BFG (BIG FRIENDLY GIANT) – May 4 – June 2, 2024 Adapted for the stage by David Wood From the book by Roald Dahl Recommended for ages 6+
Contrary to some famous fairy tales, not all giants are ogres. In other words, never judge a book by its cover. That is an overarching theme in “The BFG” (Big Friendly Giant), one of Roald Dahl’s most endearing classics. This stage production brings the 24-feet-tall Big Friendly Giant and a little orphan named Sophie to life as they team up to save the children of England from the child-eating giants Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, Bonecruncher, Meatdripper, Childchewer, and Gizzardgulper. In Dahl’s uniquely creative combination of fantasy meets reality, the duo receives help from the Queen of England and the Heads of the Army and Airforce, who provide modern-day helicopters to aid in the mission. Along the way, Sophie finds a friend she can count on and the BFG finds a friend who accepts him for who he is.
The BFG promises to deliver a captivating mix of thrilling adventures, playful wordplay, and even some explosive whizzpopping moments guaranteed to make you smile.
2023-2024 TICKET OPTIONS Season subscriptions and Flex Passes are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale September 8, 2023.
SEASON SUBSCRIPTION PRICING Four Show Subscription $66 per person (Savings of 34% off single ticket prices) Three Show Subscription $54 per person (Savings of 28% off single ticket prices)
Magik’s new season brings exciting new benefits! Introducing Magik Circle which includes exclusive perks for season subscribers such as discounts on additional single tickets, merchandise and camps and academies. Season ticket holders will also have access to sneak peek performances, special VIP invitations and other surprises throughout the season. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date.
A Flex Pass is a package of 10 or 20 tickets that can be used for any production at Magik Theatre. Flex passes can be used any way patrons wish throughout the season. Use them one or two at a time, or all together. No fees to exchange unexpired tickets to another date. Applicable to public performances only.
SINGLE TICKETS ● $25 for adults ● $20 for children (ages 3-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students ● Children under 2 years old are free.
Purchase season subscriptions, flex passes and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9a.m. – 5p.m.
If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact the Magik Theatre.
The Lightning Thief goes out with a bang during the closing weekend. Win big with Percy Jackson trivia night and cast meet and greets. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
This summer, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical hit the Magik Theatre with a bang, filling the theatre with sellout crowds and rave reviews. And like a flash, it is almost gone but there is still time to catch the mythical adaptation of San Antonio native Rick Riordan’s extraordinary bestseller with all the action and excitement Percy Jackson fans love. Closing weekend hits August 4 – 6 with an edge of your seat, interactive Trivia Night plus Meet and Greets with the cast and crew all weekend long. (Magik Theatre, 2023)
Know a thing or two about half-bloods, gods and monsters? Then you do not want to miss Magik Theatre’s Percy Jackson Trivia Night taking place this Friday, August 4 at 6:30p.m. Percy Jackson fans can engage in a battle of wits with trivia questions based on The Lightning Thief, the first book of the Percy Jackson series. Host Venny Mortimer will engage the crowd with questions only true Percy fans can answer. Do you know what kind of creature Percy’s best friend, Grover, is? Or how about the color of food Percy’s mother always cooks for him? If so, then you just might be the hero of the night and take home one of many trivia prizes up for grabs. And the fun does not stop there. During closing weekend, guests can meet the cast and crew after each show and take pictures with their favorite characters, Percy, Grover, AnnaBeth, Mr. Brunner, Auntie M, and more.
Percy Jackson Trivia Night Friday, August 4, 6:30p.m. (Just before the 7p.m. show)
Meet and Greets with the Cast and Crew Friday, August 4 – 6 (Just after the show, all closing weekend long)
Magik Theatre 420 South Alamo San Antonio, TX 78205
Trivia Night and Cast and Crew Meet and Greets are Included with the Price of Admission during closing weekend on the dates specified above. Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.- 5p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Photo: Lynn Lane, used with permission.
Enjoy a night of live music in the heart of the River Walk at the next Sips and Sounds of the West this Friday August 4, 2023. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Kick back and kick up your heels on the banks of the River Walk at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Sips and Sounds of the West. Filling the museum’s Jack Guenther Pavilion and McNutt Sculpture Garden, the evening features live music, drinks and food flowing through the pavilion and under the watchful eyes of the fantastic bronze sculptures that call the garden home on Friday, August 4. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)
San Antonio’s preeminent classic country cover band The Texases will fill the evening with your favorite country hits from ‘66 to ’96 for a great date night or a night out with friends. With the option to be in the garden or indoors enjoying a cool breeze thanks to air conditioning, the evening is the perfect summer treat. The ticketed event begins at 6:30p.m. with music from 7p.m. – 8:30p.m. and drinks and food until 9p.m. from La Gloria’s food and margarita truck.
Sips and Sounds of the West tickets are $15 for museum members and $20 for nonmembers. The event is for ages 18 and up. Tickets will be sold at the door as available. 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.
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
New Southtown Rock ‘n’ Roll bar Gimme Gimme announces opening date of August 1, 2023. Photo: txtroublemaker, used with permission.
Gimme Gimme, a new rock ‘n’ roll bar coming to San Antonio, is excited to announce its official opening day, slated for Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Adjacent to the bar will be the concept A Perfect Day, a modern neighborhood wine bar, which will open on the same day. (Gimme Gimme, 2023)
Leading this exciting new concept are bar owners Roger Herr of Bar Loretta and Aaron Peña of Amor Eterno. Partners Michael Neff and Chef Paul Petersen of Bar Loretta will be overseeing the menu efforts, with Neff focusing on the bar program and Petersen leading the kitchen.
Gimme Gimme (think Ramones), will offer a rock ‘n’ roll experience with craft cocktails, a robust beer and wine list, and chef-driven food in the space formerly occupied by Francis Bogside.
“Growing up in San Antonio, I’ve always known our city as the home of rock ‘n’ roll. The inspiration for Gimme Gimme comes from wanting to create our own version of what we think a rock ‘n’ roll bar can be. Great music, great food, great cocktails, great service, and always a sense of humor. I’m super excited to share what our team has created,” said Owner Roger Herr.
The adjacent space, A Perfect Day, will offer a wine-forward, relaxed atmosphere with small bites, ready-made cocktails, and plenty of wine.
“I’m really looking forward to adding another space to Southtown that will be a totally different direction than our respective concepts that Roger and I are known for,” said Owner Aaron Peña. “Musically, the 14-year-old punk rocker version of my younger self is really excited to help curate the selection of tunes we will feature inside both Gimme Gimme and A Perfect Day – I think the neighborhood is going to love having an additional late night food and beverage option in the most walkable neighborhood in San Antonio.”
Operating hours will be as follow: Gimme Gimme: Open 7 days a week from 6p.m. – 2a.m. A Perfect Day: Open Monday-Friday from 4p.m. – 10p.m.; Saturday-Sunday from 12p.m. – 10p.m.
Gimme Gimme/A Perfect Day 803 South Saint Mary’s St San Antonio, TX 78205
Public opening for the Summer 2023 exhibitions will be on First Friday, July 7 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.
Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio’s first and longest running exhibition space for contemporary art, proudly announces the opening of three solo exhibitions on July 7, 2023. These exhibitions feature new work by Brittany Ham, Adam Schreiber, and Michael Velliquette, three artists with strong ties to the San Antonio community. Ham and Schreiber are alumni of the Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program and Velliquette is a former San Antonio resident, now based in Madison, WI. This year marks the 20-year anniversary since his first solo exhibition at the Contemporary. These exhibitions offer unique perspectives on self-portraiture, urban landscapes, and intricate paper sculptures, captivating audiences with their distinct artistic visions. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2023)
Brittany Ham: Unmooringreaches into the exploration of interior and exterior spaces, both architecturally and psychologically. Through oil paintings, Ham chronicles her personal experiences with lockdown, social distancing, and the challenges of early motherhood. The seemingly longing subjects in her artworks often escape claustrophobia through imagined landscapes. Her works draw inspiration from sculptures, woodcuts, and paintings of exhausted women, including the Virgin Mary which she researched during her time at Künstlerhaus Bethanien International Studio Program as a grantee of Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program. Ham’s works employ line and value to create molded planes that provide multidimensional perspectives. The curious contortions and collapsing of space in her pieces evoke a melancholic humor, inviting viewers to reflect on challenging times and the unknown horizons ahead.
Adam Schreiber: Stadtwald showcases photographs created during and since his residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien as part of Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program. Employing large format film cameras, he adopts the role of a photographic surveyor to document the city’s quiet and suspended scenes devoid of action. Schreiber’s images of isolated and decontextualized objects ignite viewers’ curiosity. Some of Schreiber’s photographs are visually dense with textural descriptions of the subject, yet they leave the viewer to decipher what exactly the subject is and what its significance might be. Grids, recurring in his work, hint at the artist’s camera lens and reflect the meticulous process of inspection. By presenting his subjects as unknown and encouraging active observation, Schreiber’s work engages viewers in a delightful game of curiosity and concentration.
Michael Velliquette: The Direct Path features an extraordinary display of intricate paper sculptures, making it the most comprehensive exhibition of these works to date. Velliquette’s installations create intimate spaces that invite viewers into these structural collages. Through layering, complexity, and vibrant colors, his works communicate a sense of ornate preciousness. However, their material and meditative creation process—meticulously measuring, cutting, composing, and gluing paper—reveal a delicate yet ordinary quality. This convergence of methods symbolizes transformation, showcasing unexpected metamorphoses of materials and offering moments of reflection to viewers as they visually enter these temple-like constructions.
As an artist-centric organization, the Contemporary is delighted to showcase the work of these talented artists and to nurture their creative practices. This commitment to supporting artists highlights the vital role that accessible spaces play in fostering a vibrant and dynamic art scene, encouraging artistic growth, and amplifying the diverse voices and perspectives that contribute to the richness of our cultural landscape.
7 Brew announces arrival in San Antonio, elevating the city’s beverage landscape. Photo: 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee.
Attention coffee lovers: 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, a leading brand in the beverage industry, is celebrating the Grand Opening of its San Antonio location with several events in anticipation of the big day. (7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, 2023)
Leading up to the grand opening of its 100th location, 7 Brew Coffee is celebrating soft openings including three special charity days. 7 Brew Coffee will offer a 50% beverage discount to guests and donate 100% of all proceeds made to three dedicated charities, CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Morgan’s Wonderland, that they actively support.
When: • June 29 – Proceeds to CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation • June 30 – Proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital • July 1 – Proceeds to Morgan’s Wonderland
7 Brew Coffee will also host Community Hours leading up to SWAG Day, the grand opening of their first location in the city of San Antonio and 100th location overall. During these hours, customers can stop by and enjoy a free small drink on the house.
When: Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14 from 7a.m. to 8a.m., 1p.m. to 2p.m., and 5p.m. to 6p.m.
Lastly, join 7 Brew Coffee for the coffee stand’s Grand Opening Event, SWAG Day, in celebration of its first location in San Antonio. For every large drink purchased, customers will receive one free 7 Brew Coffee t-shirt. Additionally, the first person in each drive thru line will win free coffee for one year.
When: July 15 from 5:30a.m. to 11p.m.
7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee is a coffee concept that is all about cultivating kindness and sharing the essence of community. The rapidly growing coffee chain offers over 20,000 unique drink options, including sugar, dairy, and gluten-free customizations. They pride themselves on providing premium quality coffee to customers in record time while making friends along the way. The Brew Crew goes by the saying, “If you can think it, we can make it,” creating a tailored experience for each customer and showcasing that people are at the heart of what they do.
7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee 2901 Pat Booker Rd Universal City, TX 78148
The Magik Theatre announces its electrifying summer blockbuster production The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
Like a bolt from the blue, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical hits the Magik Theatre from July 1-August 6. This adaptation of San Antonio native Rick Riordan’s extraordinary bestseller features all of the action and excitement Percy Jackson fans love, set to an original rock score by Rob Rokicki that will electrify audiences. This mythical adventure deemed “worthy of the gods” by Time Out New York, follows everyone’s favorite 12-year-old demi-God Percy Jackson as he descends to the underworld and back on the most dangerous quest of his life. (Magik Theatre, 2023)
Author Rick Riordan, a San Antonio native, published “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” in 2005. It is the first in the award-winning series created by the Alamo Heights High School alumni and former St. Mary’s Hall teacher. Originally created as a bedtime story for his oldest son, the Percy Jackson series features a modern-day 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. In The Lightning Thief, we meet young Jackson who is just discovering his lineage and his uncontrollable powers, neither of which he wants. When he is falsely accused of stealing the master lightning bolt of the Greek god Zeus, he must accept his destiny, prove his innocence, and prevent a war between the gods by finding and returning the bolt. The hero’s journey demands that Jackson travel to the underworld and back, solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend, and finally come to terms with his father who abandoned him.
Magik Theatre takes pride in using only professional actors in their productions. These talented, trained, working actors are masters of their craft, transporting audiences to faraway and magikal places via cherished, timeless literature, and storytelling. In The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, the titular character is brought to life by James Cazares, making his Magik Theatre debut. He is joined by Izabella Montes as Annabeth Chase, the demigod daughter of Athena, and Ian Eller as Jackson’s best friend Grover Underwood. The rest of the cast includes Jon Renee Tucker as Luke, John Michael Hoke as Mr. Brunner aka Chiron, Jessica Willis as Sally, and Emma Gervasi as Clarisse. Artistic Director Anthony Runfola is the director with choreography by Kaity McSalis and music direction by Christopher Bailey. The design team includes scenery by Christopher Boneta, costumes by Stormie Brennan, lighting by Carlos Nine, and sound design by Jo Villanueva. Together this talented team weaves a “magikal” spell that will resonate with audiences young and old.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is made possible in part by the generous support of a grant from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts.
Who says lightning doesn’t strike twice? To celebrate The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical making its Magik appearance, the theatre is hosting The Percy Jackson Musical Theatre Experience. This week-long summer camp will have students on their feet learning catchy tunes and action-packed choreography from the musical. Ideal for aspiring young performers, Percy Jackson fans, or a combination of both, participants will have the unique opportunity to attend master classes led by professional artists from the show. Not only will the students be able to catch a full matinee performance, but on the last day of camp, they will get their turn on the professional stage to share what they’ve learned with family and friends. Camps will be held from 9a.m. to 4p.m. July 10-14 and July 17-21. Final sharing events will be held at 3p.m. on Friday, July 14, and Friday, July 21.
Magik Theatre is committed to making theatre accessible to everyone. “We are here to make theatre accessible to every family and remove any existing barrier,” says Magik Theatre CEO Frank Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2023 season boasts some upgrades to include the special performances below.
American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, July 29, 2p.m. Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.
Sensory-Friendly Performance | Wednesday, July 26, 10:30a.m. Sensory-friendly performances create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. Modifying certain production elements to accommodate these individuals allows families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.
Pay What You Wish Performance | Thursday, July 20, 2p.m. Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.
Single Tickets are $33.50 for Orchestra Rows A – I and $23.50 for Orchestra Rows J-N and Balcony., Military, Seniors, and Educators. Children under two are free. Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. If a child under two uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available to parties of ten or more people.
Events include a Father’s Day celebration and other art events. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Hands-on fun, free family activities and saddling up with sci-fi fill the summer with art and adventure at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The Briscoe is hosting an array of programming to explore the Southwest influence on Western art during Southwest Rising: Contemporary Artand the Legacy of ElaineHorwitch Now through September 4. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)
The summer exhibition celebrates one of the most powerful and influential art dealers in the Southwest. Horwitch was responsible for launching the careers of hundreds of artists and was a leader in fostering “new Western art” or “Southwest pop.” During the exhibition, Southwest Rising artists will demonstrate their techniques and lead sessions where everyone can create a masterpiece of their own. Along with artist talks, monthly hands-on learning, free Locals Days and the museum’s annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on July 22, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The summer line-up includes:
Celebrate the opening of Southwest Rising by exploring the way light and color interact with one another. In the exhibition’s interactive gallery, visitors can construct a display that will allow them to experiment with how light can change the way our eyes see color. This hands-on program is family-friendly, and all ages are welcome. Children 12 and under always receive free admission to the Briscoe.
Southwest Rising with Mark McDowell – Saturday, July 8, 1p.m. – 3p.m. $25 for non-members, $20 for museum members
Southwest Rising artist Mark McDowell leads guests in creating a work of art with colored pencils on wood, his preferred technique. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, McDowell has been featured in more than 40 one-man shows and numerous group exhibitions in museums, art centers and galleries across the United States and Europe. His work is in many public, corporate, and private collections. Class size is limited, so register today to ensure your spot. All skill levels are welcome and supplies are included with registration.
Art-FULL Summer: Painting Sessions
Enjoy painting sessions 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.
Two summer dates include:
Father’s Day Fun: Painting with Gio – Saturday, June 17, 10a.m. – Noon, 2p.m. – 4p.m.
Bring your dad jokes and have some hands-on fun. Fathers and their children (5 years or older) can enjoy a creative and fun family painting adventure, creating a Western scene in acrylic on an 11 x 14 canvas. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration is needed for each participant over the age of 12 and includes all supplies. The class size is limited, so register early to ensure your space.
Create Together: Painting with Gio Date Night at the Briscoe – Thursday, July 13, 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m.
Let love and creativity bloom during a hands-on date night under the stars. Create a work of art during a relaxing evening sipping beer and wine in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. Couples will enjoy a creative painting adventure creating a Western scene in acrylic on an 11 x 14 canvas. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration is per person and includes beer, wine, and all supplies. The class size is limited, so register today to ensure your spot.
Add Some STEAM to Your Summer: Hands-on Learning
The Briscoe’s free monthly education series “Full STEAM Ahead” sprinkles educational fun into the summer the first Sunday of each month. Learners of all ages work together and learn about the American West by engaging in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences. Full STEAM Ahead is designed for all ages to enjoy, making it a terrific family activity. Enjoy STEAMing with your family 1p.m. – 3p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at the Briscoe – the same day that locals are welcome to enjoy the museum for free.
Summer 2023 Full Steam Ahead dates and topics include:
August 6: Full STEAM Ahead – Gone for the Winter
Learn more about wildlife and the fall migration of hummingbirds. After a short presentation, families will have the opportunity to create a hummingbird feeder using found and recyclable materials.
September 3: Full STEAM Ahead – Art in the Sky
Study the night sky through Kim Wiggins’ “Colonel Crockett’s Return to Cibolo Creek.” After a short study of the painting, everyone will create a bedroom planetarium to take home.
Free Cowboy Fun: National Day of the Cowboy Celebration
Tippin’ its hat and celebrating the legacy of the cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents its annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 22, 10a.m. – 4p.m. at the Briscoe. The free community event, which includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, features indoor and outdoor activities for cowpokes of all ages. Saddle up with your family and head west for a day you will not forget.
Lhora Amira, IRMANDADE: The Shape of Water in Pindorama, 2018-2020, HD video, single channel sound, film still. Image courtesy of SMAC Gallery, copyright Lhora Amira.
Blue Star Contemporary announces Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology, an exhibition curated by Sharmila Wood and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI) on view from June 2 through September 3, 2023.Actions for the Earth is a traveling exhibition that considers how artistic practices use kinship, healing, and restorative intervention to foster a deeper consciousness of our interconnectedness with the earth. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2023)
This exhibition turns to a group of interdisciplinary artists to engage with the overlapping, worldwide crises of our time. Ongoing climate change, entrenched social inequity, and renewed concerns over public health have all underscored the need for approaches that take on global responsibilities while caring for our local environment. For decades, artists have sought to find new antidotes to oppressive structures of power, and promoted greater understanding of the many ways that nature, health, and sustainability are intertwined.
Actions for the Earth presents the work of eighteen intergenerational artists and collectives who place action, instruction, reciprocity, and exchange at the forefront of their practices. By sharing their participatory artistic interventions and healing strategies alongside research in ecology, science, and ancient beliefs, these artists remind us that we are connected within a constellation of living networks, inseparable from the planet and its environments. Artworks on view create space for the honoring of ancestors, foreground the significance of Indigenous knowledges, and engage in speculative imaginings through science fiction and network sciences—organic, digital, and spiritual.
In its curatorial approach, Actions for the Earth acts as a resource for studying our current times. The works on view not only emphasize themes of learning, care, and intimacy, but offer concrete knowledge by inviting the public to participate in actions such as instruction-based meditation and deep listening activities. The life of these works, and the interventions they propose, extends far beyond the scope of the exhibition to engage people in their personal contexts.
Artists: Ackroyd and Harvey, Lhola Amira, Arahmaiani, Sayan Chanda, Hylozoic/Desires (Himali Singh Soin & David Soin Tappeser), lololol, Ana Mendieta, Zarina Muhammad, Patrina Mununggurr, Pauline Oliveros, Yoko Ono, Tabita Rezaire, Eric-Paul Riege, Cecilia Vicuña, Katie West, and Zheng Bo
Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions with artists from San Antonio and around the world sharing their global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action, fulfilling our mission to inspire, nurture, and innovate. Like most non-collecting contemporary art spaces, the Contemporary contributes fresh insights and perspectives on larger issues affecting society and culture by highlighting trends, movements, and conversations happening in art. Admission to the Contemporary is always free.
SA Examiner 