Category: community events

Free Family Saturday at Blue Star Contemporary

Free fun and art making for families at Blue Star Contemporary’s Family Saturday. Photo: google

Blue Star Contemporary (BSC), San Antonio’s first and longest- running contemporary art nonprofit, welcomes the public on Saturday, June 25 for Free Family Saturday. From 1p.m. to 4p.m., families with children of all ages are invited to enjoy free hands-on art making activities, led by artists on view Jenn Hassin, Sarah Sudhoff, and Jill Ewing with Bihl Haus Arts. Also in attendance will be Vicki Johnson, who will be leading a letter writing activity with Operation Gratitude, a nation-wide nonprofit dedicated to providing people across our great country with opportunities for hands-on volunteerism to say ‘thank you’ to our Military, Veterans, and First Responders. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2022)

This free family event focuses on BSC’s current exhibitions and gives families an opportunity to interact with local artists and community organizations. The artworks on view inspire art making that encourages children to look deeply and understand contemporary art better through fun activities. Families are invited to enjoy BSC’s exhibitions as well as complimentary food and refreshments.

On View at Blue Star Contemporary
BSC’s main gallery features Travel Distance, curated by independent curator and interdisciplinary artist Amber Zora. The exhibition features the work of Miridith Campbell (Kiowa), Joe Devera, Claudia Hare, Jenn Hassin, Gina Herrera, Monte Little (Diné), Jessica Putnam–Phillips, Daniel Rios Rodriguez, Renee Romero, and Sarah Sudhoff. The artworks featured represent how veterans and their families have processed, moved through, purged, and reclaimed their experience around military service.

The Learning Lab at BSC presents The Veterans Book Project, a library of books authored collaboratively by artist Monica Haller and dozens of people who have been affected by, and have archives of, the American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In their printed format, the books provide a place, or “container,” that slows down and materializes the great quantity of ephemeral image files that live on veterans’ hard drives and in their heads. Each book re-deploys volatile images with the aim of rearticulating and refashioning memories. It stands both independent of and in concert with the larger collection.

These exhibitions coincide with the Blue Star Museums program, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums. Running from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2022, museums across the United States offer free general admission to active-duty military personnel and their families. BSC participates in this program in an effort to say “thank you” to our military community.

Opening on July 1, Andreas Till: De Ami, focuses on the influence of the presence of American troops in artist Andreas Till’s hometown Heidelberg, Germany and the relationship between Germans and Americans between 1945 and 2013 born out of this presence. The Other Side, is a selection of films referencing ideas of transitions and events that foundationally change someone, i.e. “to be on the other side of something.” The video works also allude to ideas of mortality and the spiritual concept of metaphysical selves entering a new plane. The films were selected from Darmstadt Sezession’s 2021 prize shortlist for our collaborative Projection/Projektion grants and screenings program, and feature the work of Faezeh Nikoozad, Aki Pao-Chen Chiu, Breech Asher Harani, and Fumiko Kikuchi. Fake Plastic Forest features the work of France Dubois, Annette Isham, Işık Kaya, and Leigh Merrill, contemporary photographers and lens-based artists dealing with themes of artifice, truth and fiction, and the theatricality of our interactions with nature.

BSC 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, BSC contributes fresh insight and perspective on larger issues affecting society and culture by highlighting trends, movements, and conversations happening in art.

BSC was founded for artists by artists in 1986 in a grassroots movement sparked by the cancellation of the first major museum exhibition of contemporary art in San Antonio. Six arts supporters and artists founded Contemporary Art for San Antonio to provide an exhibition venue for artists and the public. With the support of a handful of donors and property developers, the founders, artists, and volunteers converted an abandoned warehouse into a gallery for the first annual Blue Star Exhibition. Over the years, BSC has grown to encompass a professional staff, a robust calendar of onsite and offsite exhibitions, community collaborations, creative youth development programs, international exchange opportunities for artists, and public art projects.

Free Family Saturday at Blue Star Contemporary. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

County Line Community Band summer concert

The County Line Community Band will perform in the Buena Vista Theater on the UTSA downtown campus. Photo: google

On Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 3p.m., the County Line Community Band will perform their “Concert Favorites and Solos” in the beautiful Buena Vista Theater on the UTSA Downtown Campus from 3p.m. to 4p.m. This concert will feature world renowned Saxophonist, Dr. Andy Wen and Tyler Neufer, French Horn instrumentalist with the U.S. Air Force Band of the West. The band will also highlight music considered some of the favorites in band literature like, “Funiculi, Funicula,” “Bugler’s Holiday,” “Lassus Trombone,” and more. (County Line Community Band, 2022)

This concert is free and open to the public. Parking is free at the Cattleman’s Square parking lot across the street from the theater. Come out and support community music in San Antonio. Donations deeply appreciated.

The CLCB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and our mission and endeavor is to create an environment whereby our all-volunteer organization can further their musical education and enjoyment through the performance of concert and symphonic music, to further the efficacy of music as an integral piece of the culture of the local community, to advocate for the synergistic integration of music education, to work with our cultural partners in our communities for the advancement of the arts and to be a source of pride for our members and the communities we serve.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Teatro Salon presents La Niña Girasol

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center proudly presents the Teatro Salon’s world premiere of La Niña Girasol (The Sunflower Girl) by J. Cesar Duenas. Photo: The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center proudly presents the Teatro Salon’s world premiere of La Niña Girasol (The Sunflower Girl) by J. Cesar Duenas, scheduled for June 22 – 25, 2022 at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX 78207. Clint Taylor, who has over 25 years working with numerous theater companies in San Antonio and New York, will be directing this unique and imaginary children’s play. (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2022)

“Follow a brother & sister on a journey through their dreams to save their maternal line from being lost forever…. A magical tale of family, history, and the struggle to keep their roots alive,” this, according to playwright J. Cesar Duenas. Mr. Duenas is a local theatre actor and while La Niña Girasol is his first play, he has acted with VIVA 48hr Play, Teatro Audaz, Killer Productions, Overtime Theatre, and Jumpstart. He is a first-generation American and a US Army veteran who was born and raised in San Antonio. “I am so excited with this rare opportunity to have my first play produced and enjoyed by the community.”

Teatro Salon is a project of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center that provides opportunities to developing new plays and is sponsored by City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture, Texas Commission on the Arts, Trinity University and National Performance Network.

Show times include two morning performances on Wednesday and Thursday June 22 and 23 at 11a.m. and two evening performances on Friday and Saturday June 24 and 25 at 7p.m.. Admission is $12 Adults, $6 Teens and Seniors and $2 Children (13yrs and under). All performances will take place at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St. San Antonio, TX 78207.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center was founded in 1980 as a non-profit, multidisciplinary organization. Located in the heart of San Antonio’s westside, the Guadalupe is one of the largest community-based organizations in the United States. Its mission is to cultivate, promote, and preserve traditional and contemporary Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture through multidisciplinary programming.

Enjoy summer with Auberge Resorts Collection’s Commodore Perry Estate

Commodore Perry Estate in Austin. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resort Collection will charm guests this season with Father’s Day and July 4th celebrations and immersive activities that embrace Austin, a city with so much to offer travelers. Where Southern hospitality and European elegance meet – the Estate is Austin’s luxury urban escape for a summer getaway the family won’t forget. (Commodore Perry Estate, 2022)

Father’s Day at The Estate (June 19): Bring dad to an exclusive private session with Austin’s Trovador Custom Hats to design his personalized custom hat from scratch at their studio on South Congress. Afterward, join the Estate team for a Father’s Day Grill and Chill at the Mansion Loggia where award-winning chefs, Bradley Nicholson and Susana Querejazu will be serving up specials straight from the grill, paired with delicious frozen drinks to cool down.

Fourth of July at The Estate (Weekend of July 4): From July 1 – 4, Milk & Honey will be bringing mini versions of their signature organic treatments to the intimate property. Poolside facials, hand, and foot massages, lasting from 10a.m. to 2p.m. each day, are the perfect ways for guests and members to enjoy the holiday poolside. On July 2, a KUTX Show featuring Austin-based creative Mobley will take place from 6p.m. to 8p.m. with free entry and cocktails available for purchase. On July 3, join the property for a BBQ with old-school, finger-lickin’ good purveyors, LeRoy & Lewis; which will be open to the public. Tickets are $100 and include food and two (2) drinks. From 6p.m. to 11p.m., visitors can enjoy delicious locally sourced and inventive barbecue while roaming the beer garden (featuring oversized lawn games) and enjoying a live DJ at Lutie’s Cocktail bar. On July 4, sparklers & bubbles will be available on the Loggia to end off this picture-perfect weekend.

In addition, summer-long activities will be available, from curated hiking trails to traditional weekday punchbowls to the Summertime Poolside Theater series to tarot card reading.

The Briscoe heats up with sizzling events all summer long

Events at the Briscoe include artist demonstrations, paint-alongs, talks, movies, and family activities. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Fathers, sons and tons of fun await everyone at the Briscoe Western Art Museum this summer. Featuring the fantastic summer exhibition The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America, the Briscoe is hosting an array of programming to allow everyone to step into the West from the heart of the River Walk. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

Premiering at the Briscoe and including works from 17 public and private collections, The Sons of Charlie Russell features 70 works of art showcasing the forefathers of Western art and how their great works provide foundations, traditions and ideals for today’s contemporary artists. On display through September 5, the exhibition is the first and only time these works will be viewed together. To accompany the exhibition, the Briscoe is hosting a summer of programming that brings Western art to life through artist talks, demonstrations, and more. 

The summer line-up includes:

Cowboy Creations:  Learn from Cowboy Artists

Bringing the art of The Sons of Charlie Russell to life, members of the Cowboy Artists of America are appearing in a series of demonstrations and talks throughout the exhibition. Guests can enjoy meeting and watching these talented cowboy artists share the processes behind their work. All sessions are included in general museum admission.

  • Saturday June 25 – Mikel Donahue
  • Saturday August 6 – Chad Poppleton (Paint-along)          
  • Saturday July 23, 10a.m. – 3p.m. – Jason Scull (Sculpture demonstration, part of the Briscoe’s National Day of the Cowboy Celebration)
  • Saturday August 27, 10a.m. – 11:30a.m. – Bruce Greene (part of The Lessons of Our Fathers Panel)
  • Saturday September 3, 11a.m. – 1p.m. – Teal Blake (Paint-along)
  • Saturday September 3, 11a.m. – 3p.m. – Jason Scull (Sculpture Demonstration)

STEAMing into the West with The Sons of Charlie Russell

Families and visitors of all ages are invited to learn about the American West through the works featured in The Sons of Charlie Russell during the museum’s “Full STEAM Ahead” series on the third Saturday of each month. From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning. Full STEAM Ahead is included with museum general admission. Children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe.

  • Saturday June 18, 11a.m. – 1p.m. – Full STEAM Ahead:  Red Moon – Participants will learn about the lunar eclipse, and the significance the moon had on the people of the American West. Guests will also learn and practice perspective and contrast in creating art, exploring “Red Moon,” by CAA member Phil Epp and featured in The Sons of Charlie Russell. Children and families will paint their own fizzy moons using special combinations of baking soda and paint to create uniquely textured and colorful moons.
  • Saturday July 16, 11a.m. – 1p.m. – Full STEAM Ahead:  All A-Gnome – Families will make their own gnomes inspired by the beloved children’s book “Charlie Russell and the Gnomes of Bullhead Lodge” by renowned author and Briscoe curator Emily Wilson. Wilson curated The Sons of Charlie Russell exhibition.
  • Saturday August 20, 11a.m. – 1p.m. – Full STEAM Ahead:  Whimsical Windmills – While conservation and renewable energy efforts may seem like new solutions to the energy crisis, cowboys and settlers alike used renewable energy long before access to gas and electricity was ever invented. Guests will learn how windmills were some of our first sources of alternative energy.

What is a Western? Summer Film Series

The Briscoe’s popular Summer Film Series returns with a question:  What is a Western? What are the elements of a Western and how has the Western been re-interpreted through the years? The first film in the series will explore the traditional components of Western cinema. A short presentation discussing the foundations of the Western will begin at 1p.m., followed immediately by the screening. Each film is included in general museum admission, with free brews courtesy of Ranger Creek Brewery. Popcorn, drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.

  • Sunday June 19, 1p.m. “The Searchers” – In the 1956 movie considered by many to be the greatest Western ever made, John Wayne stars as a post-Civil War veteran on a journey to find his niece after Comanche Native Americans kidnapped her. Its influence is reflected in the works of Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and other critical filmmakers.
  • Sunday July 10, 1p.m. “Dances With Wolves” – In his directorial debut and breakout role, Kevin Costner stars as a post-Civil War veteran who comes into contact with the Lakota while on assignment in South Dakota. The 1990 film was nominated for 12 Academy Awards, winning seven, including Best Picture and Best Director, and received Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
  • Sunday August 21, 1p.m. “Wind River” – In this tense neo-western thriller, Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen star as a U.S. Fish and Wildlife hunter and an FBI agent investigating a murder on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The 2017 film was “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan’s directorial debut.

Books and Brews:  Briscoe Book Club

  • Thursday July 14, 6p.m. – Briscoe Book Club: “No Country for Old Men” by Cormac McCarthy

Weathered Souls Brewery, 606 Embassy Oaks #500, San Antonio, 78216

Join the Briscoe Book Club for a lively chat in a laid-back social gathering as we explore significant works of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction inspired by the vast and varied experiences of the American West. We will discuss a new book each quarter. Books are available for purchase at the Museum Store, or you may reserve a copy for check out through the San Antonio Public Library system before each meeting. There is no charge to participate in the book club. Reserve your spot by registering online.

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 23, 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. This year’s celebration will feature The Sons of Charlie Russell, with artist demonstrations to include leatherworking, metalsmithing and more. Saddle up with your family and head west for a day you will not forget.

The Lessons of Our Fathers:  Panel and Artist Presentation

With The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America, the Briscoe Western Art Museum casts a spotlight on the history and significance of the Cowboy Artists of America and its efforts to maintain and evolve the style and subject matter of traditional Western art. The museum is hosting a panel of Western art scholars to discuss the importance of preserving traditions and the necessity for tradition to evolve and undergo revision to remain relevant in a changing world. The panel will also examine the CAA’s success at executing its mission: to authentically preserve and perpetuate the culture of Western life through fine art. The panel will be moderated by Emily Wilson, Curator of Art for the Briscoe Western Art Museum and the curator of The Sons of Charlie Russell. The panel is Saturday, August 27, 2p.m  – 4p.m.  

Before the panel discussion at 10a.m. – 10:30a.m., CAA artist Bruce Greene, the 2022 President of the CAA, will do a presentation detailing his journaling techniques and how he uses his journal to help with the accuracy of his art Both the presentation and the panel are included in museum general admission.

210 West:  Gallery Talks

Join the Briscoe for in-gallery chats featuring selected works from The Sons of Charlie Russell. Using the exhibition gallery guide, Curator of Art Emily Wilson will provide an overview of the tools and strategies used to evaluate narrative art. Guests will leave with a deeper appreciation of the artistic strategy, methods and design choices made by the artists. Gallery talks are included in general admission and start at 1p.m.

  • June 24, July 8, Aug. 12

The Sons of Charlie Russell: Cowboy Artists of America is supported in part by Jan McCaleb Elliott, the Eddie Basha Collection, Mr. and Mrs. Marrs McLean Bowman, The Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992, the Klesse Foundation, Jessica Elliott Middleton, Debbie and John T. Montford, and Western Art Collector.

Admission to the Briscoe Western Art Museum is always free for children 12 and under and for active duty military members. The museum is proud to participate in Museums For All, Blue Star Museums and Bank of America Museums on Us. The Briscoe is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

 

Spa at Hotel Contessa Celebrates National Rosé Day

Hotel Contessa’s rooftop Spa will pair rosé infused treatments with signature rosé cocktails and complimentary rosé all day for guests purchasing a treatment only on June 11, 2022. Photo: Spa at Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Spa at Hotel Contessa is celebrating National Rosé Day on June 11 from 9a.m. to 6:30p.m. by offering specially curated services including a rose-infused facial, massage, and poolside reflexology. The national holiday falls on the second Saturday of June every year, making it perfect for a weekend ‘winedown.’ Rosé lovers can book a service by calling the Spa at Hotel Contessa directly at 210-298-8038 for a day to sip wine, relax, and look forward to the approaching summer at the Spa’s rooftop location. (Spa at Hotel Contessa, 2022)

The full services available for National Rosé Day are as follows: 

  •  Rose Water Facial – $160 for 50 minutes
    • Facials will take place in a spa treatment room
  • Lotus Rose Cold Stone Massage – $75 for 30 minutes or $160 for 50 minutes
    • Massage can take place poolside or in a spa treatment room
  • Rose Oil Reflexology – $75 for 30 minutes
    • Reflexology will take place poolside

Additional specials for guests who book a treatment on National Rosé Day include complimentary cold rose-infused towels offered both in the spa and poolside, and a complimentary glass of rosé. The spa will also offer a signature rosé cocktail for purchase.

Complimentary valet parking for spa guests is available at Hotel Contessa also located at 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205. Spa guests also have access to the hotel’s rooftop pool and fitness center.

Spa at Hotel Contessa
306 West Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Rooftop Level

Limatus Bespoke now open at Pearl

Custom clothier Limatus Bespoke now open in Pearl’s Oxbow Building. Photo: Josh Huskin, used with permission.

Pearl is excited to announce that San Antonio-based custom clothing company Limatus Bespoke is now open in the new Oxbow building at Pearl. Limatus Bespoke’s 1,500 square foot showroom and retail concept is now open from 10a.m. to 6p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12p.m. to 5p.m. on Sunday. (Pearl, 2022)

Limatus Bespoke will have its official grand opening weekend during Father’s Day weekend with cocktails, champagne, and special offers. The store will provide 10% off accessories during the week leading into Father’s Day. For Father’s Day on Sunday, June 19, the store will have a shoe shiner on-site – anyone who books an appointment for that day will receive a complimentary shoe shine. Additionally, cigars and cocktails will be available on June 19 to celebrate dad.

Limatus Bespoke was started by Devin Castleton in 2000 after he developed an appreciation for custom clothing while living abroad. Limatus is a Latin word meaning “refined” and bespoke refers to clothing made from scratch. The custom clothier makes suits, shirts, pants, jackets, vests, coats and skirts according to the customer’s precise measurements. The company also launched custom shoes and bags this year. Limatus Bespoke works with their clients to create a personalized style and fit that is unique to them.

“When we started Limatus Bespoke, we did it with a very direct intent to build a company that did not solely focus on the bottom line, but could promote our values like expressing individuality and creativity, supporting and championing other local businesses that build our community, and ultimately add to the character of San Antonio. Pearl aligns with our values and we are fortunate to be part of the community and thrilled to begin our next chapter.” – Devin Castleton, founder

Limatus Bespoke uses high quality fabrics from mills like Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana, Holland & Sherry, Dormeuil, and more and the company has dressed notable San Antonians like Doc Watkins, Jenna Saucedo Hererra, The Bachelorette contestant Mike Johnson, and more. Limatus Bespoke will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10a.m. to 6p.m. and Sundays from 12p.m. to 5p.m. at 1803 Broadway Street, Suite 106, San Antonio, Texas 78215. Parking is available in the Oxbow garage with validation.

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity.

Limatus Bespoke is an experience-based custom clothing and custom shoe company in San Antonio, Texas. Clients choose the fabric, fit, and design of their clothing and shoes, and every piece of clothing is hand-measured and tailored to fit each person’s body perfectly. Limatus Bespoke prides itself on customer service in a relaxed collaborative environment. With each private appointment, Limatus designers work with clients to discover their personal style and create clothing that speaks to their personality.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk hosts sensorial dinner series

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is hosting the first of a one-of-a-kind quarterly dinner series with partner Soular Therapy on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The special, six-course Sensory Dinner will be led by the hotel’s fantastic executive chef, Robert Cantu, and each course will be paired with a scent from Soular Therapy, a San Antonio based luxury fragrance company. Engaging all five senses, this immersive dinner will be creative, abstract, and executed beautifully. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

The cocktail hour will begin at 7:30p.m. and then guests will be seated in a square format on the terrace of The Moon’s Daughters and will be welcomed by avant-garde music of instrumental drums and chimes at 8p.m. Between each of the six courses, guests will be given a specialty washcloth saturated in a different scent to set the stage for the next dish. This multisensory experience of smell, sight, hearing, touch and taste will occur outside during sunset, and guests will be guided through the dinner by a spiritual escort, promising an unforgettable night.

Tickets are $380 and can be purchased here. Menu highlights include Scallop Crudo, Garlic Gnudi with Lobster, Black Squid Ink Poached Octopus, Crispy Braised Venison Shank, and more.

San Antonio Charter Moms launches new Summer of Play event series

The Summer of Play series is designed for families to gather, grow, and get to know one another. Photo: San Antonio Charter Moms, used with permission.

San Antonio Charter Moms invites families to have some fun in the sun, while learning a thing or two, during the new Summer of Play event series. The family-friendly meetups are designed to help children shed bad habits brought on by the pandemic while having fun along the way. From increasing finger strength and dexterity to balancing screen time and sharpening social skills – each event offers valuable educational tips from local experts mixed with creative, hands-on activities to keep kids entertained. (San Antonio Charter Moms, 2022)

Summer of Play brings San Antonio Charter Moms’ thriving online community to life through in-person playdates with an informative twist. The casual come-and-go events are free and open to the public at area splash pads around the city. San Antonio Charter Moms Founder and Executive Director, Inga Cotton and team will be on-site to answer education-related questions offering families an ideal opportunity to go straight to the source for expert advice. From discussing local school options to summer camps, enrichment activities around town, learning loss solutions, and more.

“Summer presents an ideal time for us all to regroup and get kids back on track by introducing and enforcing good habits and saying goodbye to the bad. After speaking with hundreds of parents, students and educators alike, there is no doubt the pandemic took its toll academically and socially. With all that has happened over the last few years; we can’t wait to come together to discuss post-pandemic challenges and solutions. But mostly, we look forward to having some fun as we laugh, learn and share.” – Inga Cotton, Founder and Executive Director of San Antonio Charter Moms.

Summer of Play is designed as a celebratory next chapter to the nonprofit’s award-winning Charter a Voyage of Learning campaign launched at the start of the pandemic to help parents navigate distance learning and parenting challenges while social distancing. Due to its success, the campaign continues to grow and evolve, offering activities and online support to keep children active, learning, and having fun through the summer and beyond. Summer of Play events are free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to bring a sack lunch and stay awhile.

STEMulate Curiosity: A Playdate with BASIS San Antonio – Build your child’s math and science skills through fun, hands-on activities with educators from BASIS San Antonio.

SPLASH PAD Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair
434 S Alamo St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 10a.m. – 12p.m.

Conversations to Connect: A Playdate with nextTalk – Kim Elerick, co-host of the nextTalk podcast on cyber parenting, offers advice for building good habits, balancing screen time, and keeping kids safe online.

SPLASH PAD at Voigt Park
700 El Portal
Hollywood Park, TX 78232

Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 10a.m. – 12p.m.

Strong Hands Strong Writers: A Playdate with TamboRhythms – Occupational therapist Jorge Ochoa explores fun ways to help kids use their fingers and build prewriting skills.

SPLASH PAD at Pearsall Park
4838 Old Pearsall Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78242

Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 10a.m. – 12p.m.

San Antonio Charter Moms (SACM) began as a blog in 2012 when Founder Inga Cotton was inspired to help San Antonio families more easily find good information about high-quality school options. Starting with a focus on the growing local charter school offerings, the blog has evolved into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that shares fair information about all types of schools. Established in 2018 as a nonprofit, SACM can accept funding that enables it to grow in ways that support accomplishing its mission of being the most trusted information source on education in the region. This growth includes Spanish-language blog post translations, surveying target publics, holding meetings with decisionmakers, supporting public speaking, community outreach and enhancing mobile technology.

Free admission to San Antonio Museum of Art for military members and their families

A Blue Star Museum partner, SAMA will extend free admission for eligible families for up to five guests. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

Kicking off this Memorial Day, active-duty military members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their families of up to five people can enjoy free admission to the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA). As a designated Blue Star Museum, SAMA offers this free admission for service members who present their military ID from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year, so those who cannot make it in May will still have ample opportunity to enjoy all that SAMA has to offer all summer long. More information on SAMA or the Blue Star Museums program is available online. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

Offer is valid Monday, May 30, 2022 – Monday, September 5, 2022 for active-Duty Military Members and their families.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 West Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 words representing 5,000 years of history in the historic former Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.