San Antonio Charter Moms kicks off largest School Discovery Days series

The first School Discovery Days event will be this Saturday October 22 at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden. Photo: San Antonio Charter Moms, used with permission.

Nowadays there are over 150 schools of choice in the San Antonio area alone. How do you define school choice? Simply put, school choice is the process of allowing every family to choose the PK-12 educational options that best fit their children’s learning needs regardless of zip code. Every child is unique, and all children learn differently. Some children might succeed at the neighborhood public school, while others might fit in better at a charter, magnet, online, private, or home learning environment. With so many options, parents and caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed. That is where the nonprofit San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) goes to work. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2022)

Considered the leading authority for assisting local families in their school search, the nonprofit is designed to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions. San Antonio Charter Moms provides easy access to extensive school resources such as online discussion groups with over 10K members, articles, live videos, enrollment guides, podcasts, a school finder app, and perhaps the most anticipated and impactful of all, their in-person School Discovery Day Series held annually during enrollment season.

SACM hosts its largest series yet, with six School Discovery Days kicking off on October 22^nd at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden and concluding with their final event on March 4, 2023. Families will have the opportunity to meet school representatives from 15 to nearly 30 top San Antonio choice schools at each event, ask questions, get on interest lists and learn about application processes and deadlines. Families will also be able to enjoy a variety of fun activities during the event series, including DJs from The AM Project and animal show-and-tell with Once in a Wild, food trucks, and more. Families can receive hands-on guidance from the SACM team on navigating the nonprofit’s online tools and resources designed to simplify the search and application process. The events are free and open to the public and include great raffle prizes to boot.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR (Fall)

Saturday, October 22, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Hemisfair is a landmark park in downtown San Antonio. Families visiting School Discovery Day at Hemisfair can meet with over 15 top schools as they enjoy the fantastic amenities of Yanaguana Garden, including a splash pad, sand play area, table games, swings, climbing structures, picnic area, restaurants, and more.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT O.P. SCHNABEL PARK

Saturday, November 12, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Graff Pavilion at O.P. Schnabel Park, 9606 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78250

O.P. Schnabel Park is a regional park on the Northwest Side of San Antonio with a YMCA, sports fields, hiking trails, and more. Families visiting School Discovery Day at O.P. Schnabel Park can meet with 14 top schools as they enjoy the playground, sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT THE DOSEUM (Flagship Event | National School Choice Week)

Saturday, January 21, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

The theater at The DoSeum, 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209

School Discovery Day is a free event in The DoSeum’s theater space. Guests will be greeted by the beats of the young DJs of The AM Project. With admission, guests can navigate The DoSeum’s 68,000 square feet of wow-worthy galleries designed to cultivate curiosity, ignite learning, and discover the power of play through interactive fun. Information on ticket prices and discounts for The DoSeum is available online.

National School Choice Week, January 22–28, is a celebration of the process of allowing every family to choose the K–12 educational options that best fit their children. SACM will host nearly 30 schools during this, the flagship event of the series.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH

Saturday, February 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Second Baptist Church Community Center, 3310 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78220

Second Baptist Church is a historic Black congregation dating back to 1879, now located on the Eastside of San Antonio near the AT&T Center. Inside the Community Center, event guests can sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HANGAR 9

Saturday, February 18, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Hangar 9 at Brooks, 8081 Inner Circle Dr., San Antonio, TX 78223

Hangar 9, built in 1918, is the oldest wooden aircraft hangar of its kind still standing in its original location; now it’s an event space at Brooks, a vibrant community on the site of a former Air Force base. Guests at School Discovery Day at Hangar 9 can meet with 25 top schools as they sample specialty hot dogs by Doolittle’s Mobile Kitchen, dance to the beats of The AM Project, catch Once in a Wild mobile zoo’s animal program, and get creative with face painting.

SCHOOL DISCOVERY DAY AT HEMISFAIR (Spring)

Saturday, March 4, 11a.m. – 2p.m.

Central Games Plaza in Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Hemisfair

Magik Theatre presents Eddie & Vinnie as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month

This heartwarming tale fosters understanding of dyslexia challenges through theater’s meaningful messaging program. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

A boy, a girl…and a gecko? No, it is not a fairytale. It is the story of Eddie & Vinnie, a heartwarming tale of a young boy who desperately wants to raise his grades to avoid attending summer school. The problem is that unless Eddie, who struggles with dyslexia, gets his grades up, his dreams of fun in the sun may be heading for a wipeout. (Magik Theatre, 2022)

Commissioned by Celebrate Dyslexia Founder and Executive Director Jasmin Dean and written by playwright Jenny Millinger, Associate Artistic Director at Childsplay Arizona, this first-of-its-kind show makes its world premiere at the Magik Theatre from October 15-28 during National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Opening night will be a fun-filled celebration filled with crafts, interactive experiences and a VIP reception to delight both the young and the young at heart. Special touring shows will take place from November 1-18, and March 27-May 21, 2023, taking Eddie & Vinnie’s message to the masses as far as they are summoned. Educators can enjoy a unique Dyslexia 101 Workshop with Jasmin Dean on October 22 to help understand the challenges dyslexic students face and empower themselves with tools to support those student’s unique learning needs.

Part of what makes this production so special is that it appeals to a wide age range, providing a unique glimpse into the dyslexic brain to lessen the stigma and foster awareness, understanding, and acceptance for not only the children diagnosed with this neurobiological difference, but their families, teachers, coaches, and the community at large as well. It is part of Magik’s new “Meaningful Messaging” programming that is designed to shine a light on the social issues children and their families face today.

With up to 20% of the population experiencing dyslexia, it is surprising that so many misconceptions continue to exist. Dyslexia is not an intellectual deficit. In fact, some of the world’s most innovative, creative and brilliant minds are dyslexic. Early identification and intervention are paramount to leveling the playing field for dyslexic learners so they can stay on track to read at grade level. Raising awareness within the community through creative, engaging performances such as Eddie and Vinnie is just the type of initiative to facilitate conversation in the family and enact change within the community. It is an undertaking that has caught the attention of many notable champions.

Eddie & Vinnie is made possible through the support of grants from Texas Cultural Trust, Texas Commission on the Arts, the Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation, and is sponsored by the H-E-B Read 3 initiative. The production also marks the second time in its 27-year-history that Magik Theatre has received grant funding through the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Magik Theatre is committed to educating through entertainment—and no child or family is ever left out. In keeping with that commitment, the 2022-23 season boasts some upgrades to include the following special performances below.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance – Saturday, October 22 at 5p.m.

Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons who require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Sensory-Friendly Performance – Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30a.m.

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or may have sensory sensitivities. The integrity of the performance remains the same, while production elements are modified to accommodate individuals with sensory needs allowing families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performances – Friday, October 28 at 5p.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.

Mask Required Performances – Saturday, October 22 at 2p.m.

If you would like to attend a mask-required performance, this option is for you. We have adopted a model that allows us to go above and beyond standard schedules. It also provides you with peace of mind knowing that all of our performers and staff continue to follow strict health and safety protocols including the option to select your experience while in the theatre.

2022-23 Season Subscriptions and Flex Passes are on sale now, priced at $48, $60, $75, and $87. Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators | $22.50 for adults | Children under 2 years old are free. Season Subscriptions, 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.-5p.m., Monday through Friday. 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 offered to parties of ten or more people.

A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to use the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds, and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community.

Magik Theatre

2022 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival

Brackenridge Park Conservancy announces this year’s Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival in Brackenridge Park. Photo: Google

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Texas Butterfly Ranch, is proud to present the 2022 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival. The event will take place Saturday, October 8 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. in the Pecan Grove at Brackenridge Park as part of a month-long celebration of pollinators. Festivities include the People for Pollinators Parade, a monarch butterfly migration obstacle course for kids, butterfly tagging, live bee hive demonstrations, and more. (Brackenridge Park Conservancy, 2022)

The festival is free and open to the public and brings together more than 20 community partners to educate the community on the importance of the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Activities for the whole family will take place starting at 10a.m. with the Caterpillar Train launching from the train depot in the park. The train was transformed with the assistance of local landscape architecture firm MP Studios and the beloved and nostalgic San Antonio Zoo train will be converted to a monarch butterfly caterpillar for the month of October.

“Brackenridge Park is thrilled to host the 2022 Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival. The Park means so much to the people, plants and animals in this city so we look forward to being a home to free and fun educational events like this.” – Lynn Osborne Bobbitt, Brackenridge Park Conservancy Director of Development and Special Events

Throughout the day, visitors can tag monarch butterflies with trained docents as part of the Monarch Watch citizen science initiative. Festival goers can also participate in the Forever Journey, a program started in 2020 that tags butterflies in honor of deceased loved ones.

“Just as San Antonio sits in the heart of the migratory flyway for monarch butterflies and other wildlife, Brackenridge sits in the heart of our city. It makes for an ideal roost for this year’s Festival.” – Monika Maeckle, Festival founder and director of the Texas Butterfly Ranch.

More initiatives from this year’s festival include a monarch migration obstacle course organized by Blooming with Birdie, butterfly bike rides with the Austin Bike Zoo, a birding tour of the park and adoption events for hundreds of trees provided by the San Antonio Parks Department and pollinator-friendly native plants made available by SAWS.

The Brackenridge Park Conservancy has listened to and been a voice for those who use this cherished San Antonio park and its facilities. The organization operates under a long-term Management Agreement with the City that is administered by the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. The only organization dedicated solely to protecting Brackenridge Park, the Conservancy raises funds for projects that benefit the Park, implements park-based programs and projects, advises City staff and elected officials, supports the evolution and implementation of plans for the Park, and acts as a forum for users to address common issues and build consensus.

The mission of the Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival is to raise understanding and appreciation of the insect pollinators that make one of every three bites of our food possible, underscore our inherent interconnectedness, encourage the use of native nectar and host plants in gardens and landscapes, and reinforce San Antonio’s strategic role in the monarchs’ annual migration as the First Monarch Butterfly Champion City.

Brackenridge Park

Pharm Table welcomes Scott Ota as Resident Sommelier

Pharm Table in San Antonio will be hosting two Wine Wednesdays. Photo: Google

Pharm Table, San Antonio’s nationally recognized plant-forward restaurant in Southtown, has added a notable new member to its team as Resident Sommelier, Scott Ota. Scott is one of San Antonio’s most celebrated sommeliers and brings his expertise of almost two decades within the restaurant and wine industry to Pharm Table, where he has built the restaurant’s new wine program from the ground up. (Pharm Table, 2022)

Under Scott’s leadership, Pharm Table’s dinner menu now features a small, grower-focused wine list of over 25 selections, with numerous sustainable, biodynamic and organic options. To encourage food and wine pairings, wines by the glass are available in a 3 ounce and a 5 ounce pour. Each wine has been hand-picked by Scott, taking into account flavors that pair especially well with the restaurant’s fresh, plant-forward fare. When selecting wines, Scott focuses on producers that mirror Pharm Table’s ethos of strong sustainable and regenerative farming practices, placing a special emphasis on highlighting female winemakers and owners.

Scott is well-known throughout Texas as an Advanced sommelier, having reached level III certification by the Court of Masters Sommeliers. Some of his most notable accolades include being named one of Wine & Spirits Magazine’s 2014 “Best New Sommeliers” and one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 2018 “Tastemakers to Revolutionize the Business,” among others.

Pharm Table now hosts periodic “Wine Wednesdays” tasting events that are curated and led by Scott. The evening event features a selection of approachable wines and small bites, and each one centers around a different theme, such as female winemakers, a specific varietal, or a specific region of the world. The next two events will take place on September 28 and October 19. Tickets for the September 28 event are available now for purchase.

Pharm Table is an entirely unique concept and one of just a few true anti-inflammatory restaurants of its kind. Its philosophy is to help heal the body through food by blending the principles of Ayurvedic medicine with naturally healthful and gourmet global cuisines. Featuring local San Antonio heritage foods as well as a fusion of diets from the East, West, and Mesoamerica, the evolving menu is shaped by locally sourced produce and a global spice library and is free of dairy, refined sugar, wheat, and processed foods. While plant-centric, the menu also offers diners a selection of sustainably raised meats and fish. In addition to physical health, soil health and regeneration is a top priority at Pharm Table, and it is the first commercial restaurant composter in San Antonio. Supporting local businesses is also a priority, and Owner and Executive Chef Elizabeth Johnson partners with numerous local farmers along with supplying produce from her own backyard organic micro-farm.

Resident Sommelier Scott Ota. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Pharm Table

Texas Pinners Conference & Expo celebrates educators

Texas Pinners Conference & Expo combines shopping and hands-on classes and brings online creativity to life. Photo: Texas Pinners, used with permission.

As the new school year begins and as a way to celebrate Texas educators with a special back-to-school gift, Texas Pinners Conference is providing them with two free general admission tickets to its conference on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. (Texas Pinners Conference & Expo, 2022)

Texas Pinners Conference is an annual fun-filled event focused on artistry, crafting, beauty, fashion, photography, food arts and more, with a trade show inspired by creativity and Pinterest-like projects. In addition, more than 200 vendors and exhibitors will be on site with over 100 Pinterest-based classes and some of the best Texas shopping opportunities.

“As a former educator, I know that teachers are some of the most inspiring individuals, especially in our children’s lives. So, what better way to encourage their creativity and show appreciation than to give them access to one of the largest creative events offline. We’re excited to provide access to Texas Pinners Conference in the hopes they can spend a weekend enjoying our Pinterest-inspired classes, shopping floor, make-and-takes and so much more. We can’t wait for them to experience a fun-filled and creative experience.” – Roxanne Bennett, co-founder of Pinners Conference.

The expo was established in 2013 to bring people together who share the common interest of learning, creativity, hobbies and do-it-yourself projects. The tradeshow floor is a unique design combining a shopping conference environment with hundreds of small business vendors selling various goods and services. Attendees will have a chance to explore their creativity outside the classroom and experience two full event days focusing on inspiring others.

Texas Pinners Conference will showcase learning, connecting and shopping through scrapbooking, arts, fashion, beauty, self-improvement, party-planning, food arts, do-it-yourself projects, home décor, and more. The expo will also have several hour-long classes taught by exceptional presenters.

Texas Educators can get into the event for free and general admission tickets for the public start at $10. Some ticket packages include access to classes and passes to both event days. Helping Texas Pinners Conference host the event through sponsorships include The Home Depot, Ryobi, Chalk Couture, Joann’s, Plaid Crafts, Texas Appliances, Janome, and MakerFlo Crafts.

Texas educators must reserve their tickets in advance of the show by using the code TEACH. Educators are limited to two complimentary tickets and are encouraged to bring their school ID badge with them.

A list of available presenters, classes, exhibitors and vendors is available online as well as tickets and class passes. Texas Pinners Conference will be held on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, located at 3401 W Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

Texas Pinners Conference encourages attendees to stay updated with the latest news on all social platforms. Visitors are also encouraged to use the #PinnersTX and #pinnersconf tags to follow and share their content featuring one of the most unique events this fall.

The Pinners Conference features two great events in one—a conference featuring 100+ Pinterest-based classes taught by the best presenters in the nation and a show with 200 top businesses providing beautiful options in the world of DIY, crafts, cooking, self-improvement, photography, party planning, scrapbooking, holiday, beauty and fashion, and more. It will feature local artists, shops and offer awesome creative classes from some of the best presenters that explore creativity and the fun of learning new techniques.

Will Rogers Memorial Center

First impression: Angelita’s Casa de Cafe

Angelita’s Casa de Cafe on Boca Chica Blvd. Photo: Sandra Cruz

It is no secret that I love to read and half the fun is discovering new authors. Book readings are rare around here, the closest ones are usually in McAllen so when I hear about one nearby you bet I will be there. Combine that with a coffee shop and the chances of me being in the area go up considerably. Last Friday there was a book reading/signing with local author William Steele at Angelita’s Casa de Cafe in Brownsville and I decided to check it out. Now I had never heard of this place or the author, all I knew was that his new novel “The Spark” is a science fiction novel and that is one my favorite genres.

Angelita’s Casa de Cafe, whose motto is “welcome home” is located on Boca Chica Blvd and it takes a little bit of work to get there but well worth it. As soon as you step inside, that motto starts to make sense. The décor gives the place warmth and it radiates a feeling of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance that few public places have. There is a small stage set up for live music complete with lights and a charming angel mural and several reading areas. The far back wall has a shelf full of books and yes, they do take donations. According to the manager Marty Leal, as long as the books are not educational or political, because people come there to relax and management wants to preserve a stress free environment. It being a coffee shop, I ordered an iced Mexican Mocha, made with Chocolate Abuelita and settled in for the reading.

William Steele is an artist and writer from the Rio Grand Valley. He is the creator of Beyond the Light Universe. His debut novel “The Spark” is book one of four in the Beyond the Light series. He seemed at home at a coffee shop and among fellow bibliophiles. The passion he has for the subject matter is evident while he read from Chapter 4, his favorite part of the book. After a quick Q & A he mingled with attendees and signed copies of his book. I have one more for my TBR (to be read) pile and my collection of autographed books.

“The Spark” synopsis:
Somewhere out beyond the boundary of our known universe, there exists another apex species that has long since eclipsed us in experience. Their faith in magic has dwindled, and the Era of Egal has passed. By marching forward into the Era of Capitol, and abandoning the magical link to their planet, the Thearians have decided to meet the trials of evolution head on. They have sealed their embrace of the New Way within the immortal city of Key-Rown, and choose the shelter provided by the great depths of the crystal flower. All have sealed their fate. All but one. This is his message.

Overall the night’s event was fun and I will definitely be back to Angelita’s. It is a bit of a drive for me, but you can not beat the positive and relaxing vibe of the place. By the way, that Mexican Mocha was delicious; my compliments to the barista. I love their banner out front by the picnic tale that reads: ‘Support Your Local Caffeine Dealer.” I agree wholeheartedly: support your local small businesses.

Angelita’s Casa de Café
2200 Boca Chica Blvd, Suite 116
Brownsville, TX 78521
(210) 621-3366

Business hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 11a.m. to 10p.m
Wednesday 12:30p.m. to 10p.m.
Sunday 2p.m. to 6p.m.

Angelita’s Casa de Cafe

disABILITYsa presents AbilitySTRONG Parade and AccessAbility Fest

This year’s downtown parade and march event’s motto “My Ability is Fierce” highlights important issues for people living with disabilities. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The fourth annual abilitySTRONG Parade, San Antonio’s annual Disability Pride Celebration, will take place on October 1 from 9a.m. – 10:30a.m. in downtown San Antonio. The abilitySTRONG Parade, presented by Wave Healthcare, LLC, is San Antonio’s only disability pride parade seeking to change the way people think about and define disability. It is presented by disABILITYsa, City of San Antonio’s Disability Access Office, and Hemisfair’s Inclusion Programming. (disABILITYsa, 2022)

The parade’s theme “Super Heroes: saving the world with unique abilities” will serve as the official kick-off event to the 16th annual AccessAbility fest, an annual free celebration, held in October during Texas Disability Awareness Month.

Currently, one in every seven individuals living in San Antonio has a disability. The parade is a public expression of the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.

This year’s motto is “My Ability is Fierce” and leading the parade and march with the parade banner will be the men and women of City Council followed by its 2022 Grand Marshals, Batman of San Antonio, and Tommy Flores, 2018 Fiesta Especial King.

Immediately following the parade, the 16th Annual AccessAbility fest will take place at Hemisfair’s Yanaguana Garden and the Magik Theatre parking lot from 9a.m. – 2p.m. and will feature numerous activities and exhibitors with information, products, programs and services that promote independence and inclusion where individuals with disabilities live, work and play. This FREE celebration also features live entertainment including Tejano artist Sunny Sauceda.

Parade Grand Marshal Batman of San Antonio; Tommy Flores, 2018 Fiesta Especial King; City Council and Civic Members.

Saturday, October 1, 2022
abilitySTRONG Parade (9a.m. – 10:30a.m.) – downtown
AccessAbility fest (10a.m. – 2p.m.) — Hemisfair and the Magik Theatre

Downtown – Parade will line up at 7:30a.m. and stage along Avenue E in front of First Presbyterian Church and the San Antonio Express-News building. The route will step off at Avenue E, heading west on E. Houston Street, South on N. Main Ave, West on E. Commerce Street, South on South Flores St, East on E. Nueva St., South on South Alamo St. and finish at the dismount location. The judges’ stand and VIP seating will be on East Nueva and South Alamo at Hemisfair. The parade is estimated to last 1.5 hours and will conclude at 10:30a.m. The parade route is 1.5 miles.

Immediately following the start of the parade, the 16th annual AccessAbility fest takes place from 9a.m. to 2p.m. This annual event is a free, family-friendly festival with a tree adoption, information booths, a costume contest, games, health screenings, food concessions, live entertainment, product and program demonstrations, and an adaptive climbing wall coming in from No Limits Tahoe. The fest is a gateway to information, resources and opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers to independence and inclusion due to physical, cognitive, sensory and mental health challenges. AccessAbility fest is inclusive of individuals of all backgrounds and diversities.

Established in 2016, disABILITYsa is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to educate, advance and engage individuals living with disabilities by sharing information, creating opportunities, and strengthening the disability service organizations in San Antonio.

Hemisfair Plaza

Briscoe’s new fall exhibition: Thomas D. Mangelsen – A Life In The Wild

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s new fall exhibition features renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen. Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life In The Wild will be on exhibit starting September 30, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Western Art celebrates the American West, including the wild places and wildlife that grace the land. The Briscoe Western Art Museum is transforming into a photographic zoo this fall, showcasing the beauty of the West and the animals that call it home in Thomas D. Mangelsen – A Life In The Wild, an exhibition containing forty of the renowned nature photographer’s most resonant photographs—images that take viewers on a journey across the West and around the globe. The exhibition will be on view at the Briscoe September 30, 2022 – January 29, 2023, and is included with museum general admission. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

The photographer personally selected forty classic photographs, which he refers to as his legacy photographs, for this retrospective exhibition making its Texas debut in San Antonio. Among photographs which members of the public will certainly be familiar with are “Polar Dance,” of polar bears appearing to dance, “Mountain Outlaw,” a grizzly bear charging through the snow, and “Catch of the Day,” which captures the exact moment that a spawning salmon, trying to leap over a waterfall along Alaska’s Brooks River, soars right into the waiting jaws of a massive brown bear. The image is not only one of the most widely circulated wildlife photographs in history, but also a monumental achievement in photography because it occurred before the advent of digital cameras and involves no digital manipulation.

Not all photographs in the exhibit, some of which measure 10 feet across, are of bears. The exhibition is truly a photographic zoo, with subjects captured in their native Western habitats include American bison, Arctic fox, bald eagle, black bear, bobcat, bohemian and cedar waxwings, brown bear, coyote, great gray owl, grizzly bear, ground squirrel, kestrel, moose, mountain lion, and Sandhill crane. Fantastic landscapes include Alaska’s Denali range and the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as fields of poppies and lupine and forests of redwood and aspen.

One of the most prolific nature photographers of our time, Mangelsen has been described as a spiritual descendant of pioneering American nature photographers Ansel Adams, Eliot Porter, and Edward Weston. Bill Allen, the now retired Editor-in-Chief of “National Geographic,” considers Mangelsen to be one of the most important nature photographers of his generation.

The photographer is as much a conservationist as he is an artist. He was named the 2011 Conservation Photographer of the Year by “Nature’s Best Photography,” placing his work in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. He was named one of the 40 Most Influential Nature Photographers by “Outdoor Photography,” and one of the 100 Most Important People in Photography by “American Photo” magazine. The North American Nature Photography Association has named him Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year, while the British Broadcasting Corporation gave him its coveted, prestigious award, Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Mangelsen has traveled to the wildest corners of North America, Africa, and beyond, for more than 40 years and produced a body of work second to none. At a time when digital technology is, notoriously, conditioning users to have shorter attention spans, A Life In The Wild stands as a testament to the rewards that can come to those, like him, who get close to nature.

To mark the exhibition’s opening, the Briscoe is hosting a preview party on September 29, followed by an opening weekend event that features an urban nature walk.

Opening weekend events include:

Thomas D. Mangelsen – A Life In The Wild Exhibition Preview Party – Thursday, September 29, 6p.m. – 8p.m.

Help the Briscoe kick off a fall steeped in the natural beauty of the American West with Michael Duchemin, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Briscoe. The event includes complimentary beer, wine, specialty cocktails and light bites. The event is $20 for museum members and free for Contributing and President’s Society membership tiers. Museum members may upgrade their membership by calling 210.299.4499. Nonmembers may purchase tickets for $30. Tickets are available online.

A Life In The Wild Urban Nature Walk, Animal Tracks and Pollinator Plants

Saturday, October 1, 10:30a.m. – 11:15a.m. Nature Walk; 11:30a.m. – 12:30p.m., Activity

Discover nature in the heart of San Antonio. Join Mitchell Lake Audubon Center educators as they lead you on a nature walk through the Briscoe Museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. After the walk, learn about animals you might have seen in your own backyard, how to match them to their tracks, and create your own track to take home. Then learn how pollinator plants help out these animals and other wildlife while making your own paper pot to fill with a nectar plant to benefit the visitors to your space. The nature walk and activities are included with museum general admission.

David J. Wagner, L.L.C, in partnership with Thomas D. Mangelsen, Inc., is producing The Thomas D. Mangelsen – A Life In The Wild tour. This exhibition is supported in part by Jan McCaleb Elliott, the Greehey Family Foundation, and Jessica Elliott Middleton.

Briscoe Western Art Museum

Selena Maria Sings opens at the Magik Theatre this week

Selena Maria Sings opens at the Magik Theatre on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Magik Theatre is proud to present Selena Maria Sings, featuring a Mexican American family starring a teenager, Selena Maria struggling to find her own voice after being named after Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla. Selena Maria has much to live up to, like her namesake, Selena Maria’s passion is music—but her heart belongs to indie sounds and songwriting. This is a story of music, family love, and the strength it takes to be yourself. Enjoy a mix of different genres and original music by Las Cafeteras’ Daniel French uniquely created for this production. (Magik Theatre, 2022)

“Selena Maria Sings is not Selena Quintanilla’s story, but it is the story of embracing your true self — that’s the legacy that she left us, and it is the legacy of all the special people in our lives who have touched our souls but left us too early. It is a story of how we humans survive tragedy, and how we must live fully and completely to honor the gift of life and those who have loved us into being by being exactly who we are — to “sing” forever.” – Playwright Miriam Gonzales

Selena Maria Sings will be playing at the Magik Theatre from September 10 – October 2. It is recommended for ages 6 and over.

Single tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators | $22.50 for adults | Children under 2 years old are free. 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 to parties of ten or more people

Special Performances

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance

Saturday, September 14 at 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, September 28 at 10:30p.m.

Pay What You Wish Performances

Friday, September 16 at 6:30p.m. and Friday, September 30 at 6:30p.m.

Our way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

MASK REQUIRED PERFORMANCES

Saturday, July 30 at 2p.m.
Sunday, August 7 at 3p.m.

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American Mariachi opens this week at The Public Theater of San Antonio

American Mariachi will have a limited four weekend run at The Public Theater of San Antonio. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio

Opening this week at The Public Theater’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater is American Mariachi. American Mariachi is set in the 1970s, where Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother but longs to shake up her life. When a forgotten record sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea: to create an all-female mariachi band. Infused with live music played by a live mariachi band, this “big-hearted, musical tugs at the heartstrings” and reminds us how music and love can make just about anything possible. This play with music is filled with well-known mariachi classics and depicts beautiful portraits of Latina women that any San Antonian can relate to. Written by José Cruz González, this premiere production marks the first time a Latino writers’ work will be produced at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater in the organization’s 100 years. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2022)

American Mariachi opens on Friday September 9 and tickets are now on sale: Adults $45, Military/Senior/Student $30, and Youth $15. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. There will be an entire weekend (September 16 – 18) of Pay What You Will Nights when tickets are as low as $5 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Directed by Claudia de Vasco, the cast includes Andrea Daniela, Giselle Galindo, Isabel de la Cerda, Abraham Zapata, Amy Mireles de la Rosa, Jai A. Gonzales Quintero, Bianka Nicole Torres, Crystal M. Bratton, and Jose de Hoyos.

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