Category: community events

Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder at Magik Theatre

Magik Theatre presents the world premiere of Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder. Photo: Darcell Bios, used with permission.

This world-renowned children’s book star is coming to life on stage. Magik Theatre proudly presents a never-before-seen production to premiere in the Alamo City –Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder. It opened May 6 and will run through June 12, 2022 at Magik Theatre in Hemisfair, 420 S. Alamo. The production will be adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory, based on the hit book series written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus. (Magik Theatre, 2022)

Artistic Associate, Rosa Gardner, stars as Junie B. the toothless wonder that adventures through the first grade. Watch the story unfold as we see Junie B. face the trials of her age group and handle them the best way she knows how – with boundless energy, unbridled imagination, and buckets of enthusiasm. One of Junie B. Jones’s top front teeth is loose! Only Junie B. is not that thrilled about this development because what if she looks like toothless Uncle Lou? And even worse – what is all this tooth fairy business? Experience the child-like wonder Junie B. undergoes as she maneuvers through yet another big life change. The feisty and fun-loving character will bring laughter and smiles to audiences of all ages.

The production is approximately one-hour  and recommended for ages 5 and up. Kids under 2 are free. This performance is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts. Performance times vary. Programs and dates are subject to change.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES           

Military Appreciation Day: Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 3p.m.

Active or retired members of the military with I.D. pay $11.50 (Reg. $26.50) per ticket for their entire party.

Pay What You Wish: 

  • Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 5p.m.
  • Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 10:30a.m.

Purchases are only available at the door on the day of the show. Our way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theater with a donation of any amount.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted Performance: Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2p.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: Saturday, June 4, 2022 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.

TICKETS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Tickets are now on sale. Single tickets are on sale now for $25 per adult and children $20 for ages 3 to 17, educators, military, students, and seniors. Children under 2 must sit on an adult’s lap. 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. For questions and further inquires, contact Magik Theatre.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

Due to recent news, Bexar County is considered to be at the LOW community level for Covid-19. Because of this, we are offering two performance experience options to our patrons. As a patron, you have the ability to choose a mask-required performance or a highly recommended but not required performance experience.

Below you will find the list of performances that will continue to be a mask-mandated performance – 

  • Saturday, May 7 at 5p.m.
  • Saturday, May 14 at 5p.m.
  • Saturday, May 28 at 5p.m.
  • Sunday, May 22 at 3p.m.
  • Friday, June 3 at 10:30a.m.
  • Wednesday, June 8 at 10:30a.m.

Please visit HERE for current safety protocols.

Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s professional family theater. Founded in 1994, it has presented more than 160 main stage and touring productions for more than 2 million children and their families. Magik Theatre’s mission is to utilize 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 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Photo: Darcell Bios, used with permission.

Cosmic Couture and more at Blue Star Contemporary

Blue Star Contemporary presents Cosmic Couture open call on First Friday, May 6 and Readings on Loss and Grief on May 7. Photo: Blue Star Contemporary

Blue Star Contemporary (BSC) is pleased to offer two unique public programs which encourage reflection and honor personal history and identity. Cosmic Couture takes places on First Friday, May 6 from 6p.m. to 9p.m., the public is invited to wear their best “cosmic couture” or a space-inspired suit to apply for galactic citizenship and receive a MASAporte. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2022)

In BSC’s current exhibition Threads Bare, artist Luis Valderas presents cosmic couture as a part of his ongoing Project:MASA (MeChicano Alliance of Space Artists). His Alien Skins are articles of clothing that metaphorically represent the outside “skin” that people develop and wear to navigate social and cultural spaces. Cosmic couture is imaginative clothing that can be assembled or created out of anything. Artist Luis Valderas in collaboration with Jojo Dancer Photos will be onsite at BSC taking portraits and issuing MASAportes during First Friday.

On Saturday, May 7 at 3p.m., artist Megan Harrison presents Readings on Loss and Grief. During this intimate reading, Harrison will share her personal writings included in her current solo exhibition, From Your Brow Rise Leaf and Lyre, inviting a collective reflection on loss and grief and connection through these shared life experiences. The writings and exhibition center on Harrison’s loss of her son as an attempt to “find the right combination of words and images that can move matter, reverse time, to find that invisible door through which I must have tumbled.” Registration required. The Project:MASA series (MeChicano Alliance of Space Artists) was co-founded in 2005 by Luis Valderas and Paul Karam in San Antonio, Texas. This series of exhibitions featured latin@ artists from across the nation who use of cosmic and space iconography to comment on Mestizo issues, culture, and/or the Chicano consciousness. 

In 2016 The Project:MASA exhibit series was featured in the award winning Chicano Futurist anthology “Altermundos Latin@ Speculative Literature, Film, and Popular Culture” by Cathryn Merla-Watson Ph.D. and Ben Olguin Ph.D. Soon after in 2017 a contingency of the group was featured In Mundos Alternos-Art and Science in the Americas that was part of the Pacific Standard Time LA/LA sponsored by the Getty Foundation. It was curated by Rob Hernández, Assistant Professor of English at UCR; Tyler Stallings, Artistic Director of the Culver Center of the Arts; and Joanna Szupinska-Myers, Senior Curator of Exhibitions at the California Museum of Photography. Kathryn Poindexter, CMP Assistant Curator, as part of the Pacific Standard Time LA/LA. Currently another contingency of the group is being featured in Mundos Alternos-Art and Science in the Americas at the Queens Museum and in Alien Skins-Mundos Alternos at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art in SOHO until the end of 2019.

Cosmic Couture. Photo: Blue Star Contemporary, used with permission.

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents ‘Interview With a Mexican!’

‘Interview With a Mexican!’ is scheduled for May 6 and 7 at the Guadalupe Theater. Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center proudly presents ‘Interview With A Mexican!,’ scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, 2022 at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., San Antonio. The performance begins at 8p.m. with general admission tickets for $12. ‘Interview With A Mexican!’ is a touring production by Denver-based Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center.  (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2022)

‘Interview With A Mexican!’ is an original play by Su Teatro Executive Artistic Director and resident playwright Anthony J. Garcia. It was inspired by Gustavo Arellano’s column ‘Ask a Mexican’ using satire, humor, and political incorrectness to examine stereotypes, anti-immigration politics, and misconceptions outsiders hold about Mexican culture.

“We at Su Teatro are so excited to bring this explosive and humorous play to the Westside of San Antonio,” said Garcia. “The last time we performed at the Teatro Guadalupe was in the early 1990s,” he added. “Su Teatro’s work and contribution to theater is widely recognized,” said Guadalupe Theater Manager Jorge Piña. “I am very honored Su Teatro is returning to the Guadalupe stage.” 

The production is made possible with support from the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture and the National Performance Network.

Su Teatro is one of the oldest Chicano theater companies in the United States and is currently celebrating their 50th anniversary. The company has established a national reputation for home-grown productions that speak to the history and experience of Chicanos. Garcia has created over forty original plays and adaptations. Su Teatro develops work focused on demystifying the Chicano identity and celebrating the experiences, history, language, and culture of Chicanos, Mexicanos, and Latinos throughout the Americas. They have performed throughout the country along with more than thirty theatrical seasons at their own cultural and performing arts center in Denver.

Wendy Red Star-inspired workshops at San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio Museum of Art’s Photography Workshop: The Visualization of Identity with local artist Mari Hernandez will be held on Saturday April 23, 2022. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

In support of Wendy Red Star’s “A Scratch on the Earth” exhibit, the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) is hosting two interactive events encouraging self-discovery and worldly exploration. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

Travel inward at SAMA’s Photography Workshop: The Visualization of Identity with local artist Mari Hernandez on Saturday, April 23, from 1p.m. – 4p.m. Guests will be given the knowledge and space to contemplate their identities and histories to create a portrait of self, a theme seen frequently throughout Red Star’s current work on display. Participants are asked to bring their phone with a working camera, a tripod and any personal objects such as clothing and props they would like to include in their portrait. After drawing connections to the provided artworks, participants can execute their vision on the grounds of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Tickets are available for purchase here starting at $50 for members and $60 for non-members. 

On Friday, April 29 from 5:30p.m. – 7p.m., art and culinary experiences converge at SAMA’s River Pavilion for a culinary journey with Chef Rebe Mariposa. This special interactive exhibition introduces duos to a personal connection to the land through food and native ingredients. Participants will create their own delicious amaranth polenta accompanied by various other natively-grown ingredients such as mesquite, juniper berries, pecans, and chile pequin. Participants will end the night with an understanding of the correlation between access to food and the knowledge of how to use wild ingredients to create meals. Tickets are available for purchase here, and prices are based on attendance for two, starting at $50 for members and $60 for non-members. 

Sound Cream Airstream returns to Pearl for special Bidi Bidi Party celebration

Thursday’s Bidi Bidi Party will be in honor of Selena’s birthday. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Pearl and Park Bar at the Food Hall at Bottling Department are excited to welcome Sound Cream Airstream back to the park to celebrate Selena’s birthday on Thursday, April 21 from 6p.m to 9p.m. Sound Cream Airstream is an “all-in-one mobile discotheque” that puts on a dance party and DJ showcase. DJ Manola Black will be spinning Selena hits, Tejano favorites, cumbia, and more in honor of the Queen of Tejano. The event is free and open to the public.

Enjoy treats from San Antonio’s first food hall, The Bottling Department, which includes the restaurants Tenko Ramen, Mi Roti, Chilaquil and Kineapple. The Food Hall offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with tableside delivery and option to use QR codes for customers seated at select outdoor tables.

Pearl Park
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

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. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer. 

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio debuts ‘Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp’

Aladdin dancers at Estancia del Norte. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

A poor young man, a beautiful princess, a wealthy Sultan, a powerful sorcerer, and a magical genie come together on stage in the enchanting, exotic adventure that is the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s debut production of ‘Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp’ at the Majestic Theatre. Set against the mystical background of the Arabian city of Agrabah, the ballet tells the story of Aladdin and how his quest for self-discovery ultimately becomes an adventure in true love. From flying carpets to other big surprises, this debut production will take audiences on a journey to far-off lands where wishes do come true. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)

Based on one of the most famous folktales from “The Book of One Thousand and One Nights,” the show features all the splendor and richness of the culture. Award-winning CBSA founder and artistic director Vanessa Bessler spent countless hours researching and immersing herself in all the details to provide the most authentic production for her audiences. The show will feature a combination of the classic Disney orchestral scores audiences loved from Aladdin, along with original live scores created specifically for CBSA by local French Lebanese composer Gabriel Nohra. Using traditional Arabic instruments including the Oud, Bendir, Darbuka, and Kanun, Nohra provides the musical backdrop for the talented array of young performers to showcase their skills. Award-winning choreographers Bessler and Nick Fearon, along with Feleacia Quezergue have created spectacular numbers that highlight the abilities of each dancer while integrating traditional numbers choreographed by Karen Barbee, who specializes in the cultural dances of the land of Aladdin. It is the perfect combination of culture and creativity, enhanced by the dazzling costumes brought in from London, Moscow, and the Far East. The final effect will cause the audience’s hearts to soar—no magic carpet required.

Featuring performers ranging from internationally acclaimed classical dancers to gifted special needs artists ages 3-19, the production showcases a variety of disciplines and talents. Award-winning dancers including hip-hop, jazz, tap, and contemporary will take the stage with a talented array of young performers including actors, musicians, gymnasts, and singers for this larger-than-life production. Leading this talented cast is founder and former Prima Ballerina and seven-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award winner Vanessa Bessler. Under her watchful eye, CBSA has become a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career. The elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the arts world.

Performance dates and times
Friday, May 6, 7p.m. to 9p.m.
Saturday, May 7, 2p.m. to 4p.m.
Saturday, May 7, 7p.m. to 9p.m.

The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website.

Admission proceeds directly benefit CBSA in fulfilling its mission to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds. Donations from the event will benefit dance scholarships for special needs and underserved youth, as well as the transportation and organization of several hundred Title 1 school students to attend each performance. Funds also go to the production costs of theatre, costumes, lights, and special effects that allow these dancers to perform in San Antonio’s top theatres in professional productions as part of their professional-level training.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s Landrace Dinner Series is back

The four course dinner, set for Thursday April 21, will be paired with spirits from Blackland Distillery. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk Dinner Series is officially back. This month, the hotel’s signature restaurant Landrace has partnered with Texas based distillery, Blackland Distillery. Blackland is a grain to glass distillery in Fort Worth, Texas that uses North Texas grains from TexMalt, a Fort Worth craft malt house that partners with local Texas farms to grow, produce, and source high quality grains from Texas farmers and supplies breweries and distilleries all over the state of Texas. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)

Similarly, Landrace, from James Beard Award finalist Chef Steve McHugh, is Steve’s ode to Texas products, farmers and producers. “Landrace” refers to an heirloom strain of plant or breed of animal that has been nurtured and allowed to remain unchanged. Guiding Steve’s concept is his fascination with ingredients, his deep appreciation for Texas’ heritage farmers and growers, and his belief that something tastes better when it is prepared and served near where it was grown.

Change up your date nights or dinner gatherings and join Chef Steve Mc for a four-course dinner on Thursday, April 21 from 7p.m. to 10p.m. This dinner will be paired with spirits from Blackland along with menu items including Tuna Ceviche, White Asparagus Salad, Coal Fired Roulade of Organic Chicken, and Springtime Smores. You can find the full menu below. Tickets are $120 per person.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Niche celebrates 25th anniversary with multiple events

Events include a fashion show, trunk shows, an in-store birthday party, stitching lessons, and more. Photo: Niche, used with permission.

Beloved local clothing store, Niche, is celebrating 25 years in business this spring and summer with multiple events from April through August. The fashion brand was founded in 1997 by mother/daughter team Nilgün and Ayse Derman. Niche’s flagship boutique is located at Pearl. In honor of the brand’s 25th anniversary, the clothing company will host sewing classes, trunk shows, a birthday party featuring special sales, a fashion show, and more. (Niche, 2022)

The Niche 25th Anniversary Fashion Show, scheduled for May 19, will be the highlight and largest event of the series, featuring an in-store fashion show with special discounts, a selfie wall, wine, cocktails, and gift bags for guests. Space is limited so guests are encouraged to reserve a spot through the Eventbrite link HERE.

“We are so excited to celebrate 25 years in business! People tell us that when they wear Niche, they can count on always getting compliments on their outfits,” said Niche Co-owner Ayse Derman. “Not only do we want you to feel good because you look good, but we pay attention to the cuts and the textiles so it also feels good to wear.” 

A full list of Niche’s 25th anniversary events include:

  • April 13, 2022: Stitch at Niche Sewing Workshop – Niche Store from 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m.
    • The topic for this class is the Sashiko method of mending. Participants will learn basic hand sewing stitches used to mend and reinforce garments. Materials will be provided. RSVP via the Eventbrite link HERE, space is limited.
  • April 28 – 29, 2022 – Fall Trunk Show – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Browse and place advance orders for the Fall 2022 collection, delivered in July/August. Each Niche clothing item is locally designed and made with the majority of products used being sourced from environmentally responsible companies. This both helps reduce the shipping cost and remove unnecessary waste associated with fashion.
  • May 7, 2022 – Claudia Lobao Trunk Show – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 3p.m.
  • Meet the designer and shop the new collection from San Antonio based jewelry designer Claudia Lobao
  • May 14 – Pop-Up with La Coronita hats – Niche at Pearl store from 11a.m. – 3p.m.
    • Shop handmade and customizable hats from local company La Coronita. In store with owner Roma Villavicencio.
  • May 19, 2022 – 25th Anniversary Fashion Show – Niche Store from 6p.m. – 8p.m.
    • Niche will host an in store retrospective fashion show during an evening that includes special discounts, wine, cocktails, and gift bags for guests. Space is limited – to reserve your spot on the guest list visit HERE.
  • May 20 to 31, 2022 – 25th Anniversary Gallery – Niche Store from 11a.m. – 6p.m. Monday – Friday / 10a.m. to 6p.m. on Saturday / 11a.m. – 4p.m. on Sunday
    • Visit Niche for a gallery style retrospective of highlights from 25 years of Niche collections. Guests can also shop special reissues of some of the most beloved styles from seasons past. Garments will be on view during store hours, and open to the public.
  • June 9, 2022 – Swap + Shop – Niche Store Courtyard from 4p.m. – 7p.m.
    • Guests are invited to bring a new or gently worn Niche item from past collections and swap it with another Niche garment. Wine will be available for customers 21+.
  • June 15, 2022 – Stitch at Niche Sewing Workshop – Niche Store from 5:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. 
    • The topic for this class is the Sashiko method of mending. Participants will learn basic hand sewing stitches to be used to mend and reinforce garments. Materials will be provided. RSVP via the Eventbrite link HERE, as space is limited.
  • June 25, 2022 – Nilgün & Ayse’s Birthday Party – Niche Store from 10a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Celebrate the dynamic mother-daughter duo’s birthday and their 25 years in business. Guests will receive 25% off one clothing item and will be able to enjoy some sweets and bubbles.
  • August 18 – 19, 2022 – Sidewalk Sale – Pearl from 11a.m. – 6p.m.
    • Join Niche and additional Pearl retailers for a sidewalk sale. Niche will have some deep discounts for guests to take advantage of on these two dates. Subscribe to Pearl’s newsletter for more information closer to date plus additional event information here.

Niche is a modern apparel collection with rich textiles & textiles and distinctive architectural details. It is available in high-end boutiques across the country. Designer Nilgün Derman founded the brand in the mid-90s in a small cottage nestled in a “niche” of live oak trees in Castle Hills, Texas. What started as a small artwear group evolved into the ready-to-wear collection it is today. Nilgun, her daughter Ayse Derman, and their dedicated team continue to design and make the collection in Central Texas. The flagship boutique, Niche at Pearl is located at the Historic Pearl in San Antonio, Texas across the San Antonio River from company headquarters. The collection draws inspiration from this energetic district of culture and creativity in the Alamo City. Stitch at Niche, a curated fabric store & project space, is also located within the boutique where you can find unique DIY kits, gorgeous textiles by the yard, trims, interesting buttons and sewing thread.

First taste of Ladino: an exclusive meal by Chef Berty Richter

Richter to partner with Chef John Brand for Ladino preview dinner on April 19; proceeds to benefit the San Antonio Food Bank. Photo: Ladino, used with permission.

For one-night only, the highly anticipated restaurant from Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, Ladino will be hosting a sneak peek ticketed dinner in the Elephant Cellar at Hotel Emma on Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30p.m. Executive Chef of Ladino, Berty Richter is partnering with Chef John Brand to create a pre-fix menu featuring some of the dishes that will be at Ladino, which is slated to open in summer 2022. A portion of proceeds from the dinner will go to San Antonio Texas Food Bank. (Ladino, 2022)

Tickets are $225 and will include wine pairings. The menu is as follows (please note items are subject to change):

WELCOME DRINKS
Raki Cocktail

DIPS
(served with warm pita)
Zaalouk- fire roasted eggplant
Spiced green tahini
Muhamarra
Spicy whipped feta
Hummus
Schug, Amba

COLD MEZE
Fennel/Pomelo salad
Apio- Celery root in orange and olive oil

HOT MEZE
Saganaki- greek style fried cheese
Shishbarak- beef and chard dumplings, smokey tomato

MAIN
Lamb Shawarma- Roasted shoulder (think middle eastern “barbacoa”)
Fish Kebabs
Chicken-Halloumi Kebabs

Condiments
Onion Parsley sumac salad
Rocket
Beef fat “kaymak”

DESSERT
Knafe- with salted cream and smoke

Hotel Emma at Pearl
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

The team behind Emmer & Rye, the Austin-based, nationally renowned hospitality group, is excited to announce their latest concept and first concept for San Antonio, Ladino. Led by Executive Chef Berty Richter, Ladino will pay homage to Berty’s Sephardic roots with a menu centered around the charcoal grill which plays a lead role in the Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisines. Described as a Mediterranean Grill House, Ladino will be a celebration of all the cultures combined, starting from the decor, the ambiance and the music, to the beverages and food. Using a wood burning oven, Ladino will feature freshly made pita and other regional specialties accompanied by an abundance of Mezze, vegetables, spices, and herbs that are playful and bold. Ladino will be located in the Pearl at 200 E Grayson St #100, San Antonio, TX 78215 and is slated to open in summer 2022.

Celebrate National Poetry Month at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

The Briscoe Western Art Museum presents The Poetry of Art: National Poetry Month Celebration and Reading. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Celebrate National Poetry Month by enjoying an afternoon of poetry inspired by art as the Briscoe Western Art Museum hosts “The Poetry of Art:  National Poetry Month Celebration and Reading” in honor of San Antonio’s 2022 Ekphrastic Poetry Contest on Sunday, April 10, 2p.m. – 4p.m. The free reading and celebration is part of National Poetry Month San Antonio and will be held in the Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden, 210 W. Market Street, San Antonio. Admission to the reading is free. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

Showcasing poetry inspired by select artworks at the Briscoe Western Art Museum, the McNay Art Museum, Ruby City, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the Witte Museum, “The Poetry of Art” will feature local poet laureates reading their work and Jim LaVilla-Havelina, San Antonio’s National Poetry Month Coordinator, as well as adult and youth winners of San Antonio’s 2022 Ekphrastic Poetry Contest. Former San Antonio poet laureate Carmen Tafolla will read a poem inspired by a piece of art from the Briscoe, while other San Antonio poet laureates will be on hand to read their poems based on works from other local institutions. The pairings featured in this year’s ekphrastic poetry effort include Jenny Browne, the McNay Art Museum; Jim LaVilla-Havelin, San Antonio Museum of Art; Octavio Quintanilla, the Witte Museum and current San Antonio Poet Laureate, Andrea Vocab Sanderson, Ruby City.

An ekphrastic poem is based on a piece of art, taking an existing piece of visual art and using written words to describe and expand on the theme of that work of art. Many of these poems explore hidden meanings or an underlying story. Each local art institution selected one work from their collection to feature in the 2022 Ekphrastic Poetry Contest for adult and youth poets.

The featured works include:

  • The Briscoe Western Art Museum, With No Roof but a Resistol, Bruce Greene.
  • The McNay Art Museum, The Sole Sitter, Willie Cole.
  • Ruby City, Hub, 3rd Floor, Union Wharf, 23 Wenlock Road, London N1 7ST UK, Do Ho Suh.
  • San Antonio Museum of Art: Landscape of Four Seasons, Unkoku Togan.
  • The Witte Museum, Carretta Wheel from a Tejano Freighter.

From its McNutt Sculpture Garden to the museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building, the Briscoe’s collection spans 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and a fantastic Museum Store, providing art, culture, history and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden.