Category: community events

Valentine’s Day activities at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

The Briscoe’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Let romance take root in the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden during the museum’s “Sips and Sounds of the West” series on Friday, February 11. With live music, dinner and dancing under the stars, kick up your heels with your Valentine or grab your posse and enjoy a night out with friends surrounded by the beauty of the fantastic bronze sculptures and lush greenery that create the perfect getaway on the banks of the River Walk. Doors open at 6:30p.m. with music, drinks, and food until 8:30p.m. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

Sips and Sounds of the West features singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Clint Tomerlin, with fantastic food truck fare available from Benjie’s Munch. Tickets are $5 per person for museum members, $15 per person for non-members, and include two free beer/soda/water tickets, with beer generously provided by Ranger Creek Brewery. Adding a sweet note for Valentine’s, each ticket also includes a complimentary chocolate covered strawberry.

Guests can also partake in the Briscoe’s annual tradition of penning a Pony Express Love Letter to be hand delivered by the museum as a tip of the hat to the historic horse-mounted riders mail delivery system. This year, the museum will be hand delivering letters to local frontline and healthcare workers. Guests can also pen a mad-lib to show their love to their honey or their friends. In addition to Sips and Sounds, visitors can stop by the museum during regular hours to craft letters of encouragement, thanks and support for our healthcare heroes, February 4 through 13.

The museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden offers the perfect respite during any River Walk visit. With the lights of downtown in the background, the garden becomes magical at night, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends. If weather conditions turn frosty, the event will overlook the River Walk from the Briscoe’s Jack Guenther Pavilion.

The Briscoe’s collection of Western art and artifacts highlights the stories of the West through visual art. Collection highlights include Santa Anna’s sword, works by Frederic Remington, Pancho Villa’s last known saddle, a fantastic Alamo diorama and artifacts, contemporary and historic paintings and sculptures, as well as cowboy and Native American relics, weapons and photography. The museum 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.

San Antonio area Valentine’s Day specials and events

La Panadería’s Red Velvet Cruffin. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, San Antonio area businesses are having specials and events for that special day. These events and specials include romantic dinners, themed brunches, irresistible desserts, and gift ideas to plan a memorable Valentine’s Day. Below is a list of exciting Valentine’s Day offerings in San Antonio. (Bakery Lorraine, Pearl, Naco 210, Hotel Contessa, La Panadería, EVO Entertainment Group, 2022)

Valentine’s Day Specials & Events:

Bakery Lorraine
For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday at their San Antonio and Austin Locations. The sweets include Red tart, Red Velvet Cake, Caramel Tart, Heart Moonpie, Pop heart, Japonaise, and Cherry Tart. In addition to their themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is also partnering with Mother Flower Design in San Antonio, who will have a popup set up at each San Antonio location on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13. In addition to their popup, guests can purchase a 12pk of macarons with a petite bouquet from Mother Flower Design for only $60. Pre-orders are now available and can be ordered online through Tuesday, February 8.

306 Pearl Pkwy, #110
San Antonio, TX 78215

Pearl
Dance the night away with loved ones as SoundCream Airstream returns to Pearl for a special Galentine’s Day edition. Enjoy a night of dedications with The Rolling Disco, including music by Southtown Vinyl. Dedicate a tune for a free and family-friendly activity where you can explore Pearl’s many shops to find unique artisan gifts for your loved ones. Pearl will also have an Amor wall for fun photo opportunities to memorialize the night, including the chance to purchase Amor merch by Feliz Modern Pop’s popup cart situated by the wall on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday February 13.
Sunday, February 13 from 4p.m. – 7:30p.m.

312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215

Naco 210
At their new Los Patios location, Naco will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a full weekend of picture perfect brunch items perfect for a Galentine’s celebration. Their brunch specials include strawberries & chamoy Mexican shaved ice ($6), pitaya & orange mimosa mocktail ($5), fresas con crema & Mexican vanilla cake ($5), hart of pork opus quesadillas (chicharron prensado and octopus) ($6), pink shrimp Chilaquiles ($12), and strawberry fields salad ($7).
Friday, February 11 – Sunday, February 13

2015 NE Interstate 410 Loop
San Antonio, TX 78217

Hotel Contessa
Situated by San Antonio’s Riverwalk, Hotel Contessa’s dining restaurant, Ambler, will be serving a three course pre-fixe dinner in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Romance is not lacking within this menu, it includes starter of lobster amuse, receive the first course option between roasted beet carpaccio and creamy corn & lemongrass soup, choose an entrées of grilled filet mignon, seared gulf snapper and scampi prawns, or vegetarian risotto, and finally finish off the night with red velvet mousse cake or a chocolate tiramisu tart. The pre-fixe menu is $75 per person, with the option of including romance flight pairings at $45 per person. The options are Cupid’s Delight (French 75, Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial, Moet & Chandon Imperial, Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial) and Lover’s Delight (Boulevardier, Woodinville Rye Whiskey, Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Woodinville Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Port Finished). Reserve your table online now.
Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14 for dinner hours
306 W Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205

La Panadería
La Panadería is once again the best place in town for Valentine’s Day treats. The signature Strawberry Mousse Hearts will be available for pre-order and in-stores for a limited time. The heart-shaped treat is a rich vanilla mousse with strawberry cremeux coated with a festive red chocolate mirror glaze. If that is not enough, guests can also indulge in the Red Velvet Cruffin and a 5-pack of the deliciously gooey S’Mores Cookies. Whether celebrating with a significant other, Galentine friends, or treating yourself to a self-care day, La Panadería has all the pan dulce and brunch offerings you could want.
February 4 – February 15

8305 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

301 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

17030 Fiesta Texas Dr. Suite 105
San Antonio, TX 78256

EVO Entertainment Group
This Valentine’s Day, EVO Entertainment is the ultimate date night spot. On February 14 only, EVO Entertainment’s Schertz location will offer a free 30-minute game card with the purchase of a bowling lane reservation. Couples can enjoy the state-of-the-art bowling alley while indulging in cocktails and food from the scratch-made kitchen before exploring the wide range of arcade games available.
Monday, February 14

18658 IH-35N
Schertz, Texas 78154

1644865500

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Krause’s Café & Biergarten’s upcoming events

Krause’s Café & Biergarten in New Braunfels has exciting new collaborations, live music, themed dinners, farmers markets, and more coming up. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce some of the exciting events that they have coming up in 2022. In the new year, Krause’s will continue to host live performances by nationally, and internationally, renowned polka and folk acts in addition to amazing parties, themed dinners, Dachshund races, and more. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)

See below for a sampling of upcoming events:

Mollie B with Squeezebox and Ted Lange – February 4 – 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.

In 2022 Krause’s continues to provide its guests with world-class live musical performances. On February 4th, New Braunfels staple Terry Cavanagh will open for Polka Hall of Fame musicians Mollie B and Squeezebox with Ted Lange. Doors open at 4pm. 

Daddy Daughter Dinner – February 9 – 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m.

Krause’s Café welcomes all father-daughter pairs to their Daddy Daughter Dinner. A dinner for two is available for $50, which includes a 14oz. ribeye, chicken tenders with “stuffed” mashed potatoes, and tableside s’mores for dessert. This special night also includes a performance from All Mixed Up Variety Band. Tickets are available here, with the option to include additional children’s tickets for larger families at $15 per child. 

The New Braunfels Farmers Market (Valentine’s Market) – February 9, 11, and 12

Visit the New Braunfels Farmers Market during the month of February and find local vendors located in the Krause’s Biergarten for a convenient shopping opportunity for Valentine’s Day. Guests can purchase one of a kind baked goods, flowers, chocolates, and many more local gifts to celebrate the Holiday. The schedule is as follows:

  • Friday, February 9th 5p.m. to 9p.m.
  • Friday, February 11th 4p.m. to 9p.m.
  • Saturday, February 12th 1p.m. to 4p.m.

Halfway to Oktoberfest & Masskrugstemmen Season Kickoff – March 11 to 13 

Join Krause’s in celebrating the beginning of the Masskrugstemmen season and begin the countdown to Oktoberfest. Pech & Schwefel will be joining Krause’s all the way from Austria to kick off the halfway point to Oktoberfest, in addition to returning in September for the official Oktoberfest celebrations.

Dachshund Race – March 20 – 2p.m. to 5p.m.

Krause’s is off to races with one of their most popular events. Guests can cheer on the racing pups at 2p.m. until approximately 5p.m. on March 20. Spectator tickets for the event are available on Eventbrite here for $5 (ages 12 and up), or you can choose to register your Dachshund and enter the race online. In addition to the race, Krause’s will be accepting food and supply donations for the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area. Prizes will also be awarded for the best dressed Dachshund as well as the race winner.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a Bierhalle and ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.

Blue Star Contemporary accepting submissions for 2022 Open Call for Artists

There is no application fee to apply and the deadline is March 1, 2022. Photo: Blue Star Contemporary

Blue Star Contemporary (BSC), San Antonio’s first and longest running contemporary art non-profit, is currently accepting applications for their 2022 exhibition cycle. Artists based in Texas, nationally, and internationally are eligible for this open call and are invited to submit a portfolio of their work to be considered for future exhibition opportunities, public programs, and other special projects. Exhibitions in development draw from competitive applicants whose work aligns with BSC’s mission and core values. San Antonio artists founded BSC in 1986 as a space to show their work, thus supporting and exhibiting work by our region’s artists remains a central part of our programming, in addition to working with artists from across the globe. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2022)

Artists should submit a portfolio to give the organization an understanding of the visual and conceptual themes within their practice and their voice as artists. The submission helps BSC identify artists that align with the organization’s creative vision and audiences. Exhibitions are planned approximately two years in advance.

BSC’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion are foundational to our mission to serve all artists. These values are demonstrated by creating the conditions for an approachable application process, by continuing efforts to support artists of all backgrounds, and by working towards inclusivity and accessibility for applicants. Blue Star Contemporary inspires the creative genius in us all by nurturing artists through innovative contemporary art and fulfills this mission guided by five core values– being artist-centric, forward-thinking, inclusive, educational, exceeding expectations, and surprising visitors. Artists we engage share in these values and conduct themselves with integrity and respect when collaborating with BSC and its staff.

BSC is a W.A.G.E. certified organization. We pay all exhibiting artists an honoraria based on our operating budget and W.A.G.E. guidelines. Artists participating in or leading public programs are also paid an honoraria.

Artists can visit Blue Star Contemporary for more information on eligibility and application guidelines. There is no application fee, deadline to apply Is March 1, 2022. Direct questions regarding the submission process should be directed to Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray, Curator and Exhibitions Manager by phone at jack@bluestarcontemporary.org.

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.

Upcoming events at San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art is bringing visitors new exhibitions, new art installations, and a new executive director. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art is kicking off the New Year with a new executive director, new installations and new exhibitions in 2022. Following an international search, the Museum recently named Emily Ballew Neff, PhD, as its new executive director, just in time to welcome new works and exhibitions from renowned artists, including Wendy Red Star. From February 11 through May 8, 2022, contemporary artist Wendy Red Star will evaluate identity, cultural heritage, and American history in her mid-career survey and latest exhibition, Wendy Red Star: A Scratch on the Earth. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2022)

New Art Installations
Now through June 26, 2022 visitors can explore new acquisitions from San Antonio artists in SAMA’s Contemporary gallery. SAMA acquired nine artworks by eight San Antonio-based artists, including Jennifer Ling Datchuk, Jenelle Esparza, Joe Harjo, Jon Lee, Ethel Shipton, Chris Sauter, Naomi Wanjiku Gakunga, and Liz Ward. SAMA acquired the works as part of an initiative developed to support the city’s visual artists and reflect the vibrancy of the community and its rich cultural landscape. All of the artworks, which include textiles, painting, photography, prints, and sculpture, mark first entries by the artists to SAMA’s collection.

Upcoming Exhibitions
Wendy Red Star: A Scratch on the Earth: February 11, 2022 – May 8, 2022
Drawn from the collection of The Newark Museum of Art and museums across the country, Red Star’s mid-career survey will include photography, textiles, and film and sound installations, produced over a period of fifteen years. An immersive video will be screened inside a sweat lodge recreated within the gallery at the heart of the exhibition. An enrolled member of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Tribe, Red Star works across disciplines to explore the intersections of Native American ideologies and colonialist structures, both historically and in contemporary society. Drawing on pop culture, conceptual art strategies, and the Crow traditions within which she was raised, Red Star pushes photography in new directions—from self-portraiture to photo-collage and altered historical photographs—to bring to life her unique perspective on American history. The importance of family, Indigenous roots of feminism, Crow mythology, history of the Montana landscape, and the pageantry of Crow Fest are among the subjects that Red Star brings to life in this exhibition.

Upcoming Events
24th Annual Mays Symposium: Contemporary Perspectives on Native American Art

Native American cultures have often been romanticized, appropriated, or erased from the canons of art history. This symposium seeks to provide greater context, understanding, and inclusivity through fresh insights into the personal and societal narratives that are woven into the practice of contemporary Native American artists.

Virtual Keynote with artist Wendy Red Star
Friday, February 25, 2022 at 6p.m.
(Virtual)

Lectures and Panel Discussion
Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m.
(In-person and live-streamed)

Artist Presentations by:
Joe Harjo, Artist, Chair of Photography, Southwest School of Art
Ruben Olguin, Artist, Educator

Panel Discussion by:
Joe Harjo
Dakota Hoska, Assistant Curator of Native Arts, Denver Art Museum
Risa Puelo, Independent Curator, Writer
Ruben Olguin
Moderator: Dr. Annette Portillo, Professor, University of Texas, San Antonio

Visit here for tickets.

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 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic 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.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio hosting auditions for ‘Aladdin’

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is searching for San Antonio’s most talented dancers, gymnasts, actors, performing artists and special needs artists ages 3-19 as they host auditions for ‘Aladdin’ on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Young artists will have a chance to train with the best of the best in San Antonio and perform in this spectacular professional level production at the beautiful Majestic Theatre. This spring production marks the first time CBSA has brought ‘Aladdin’ to the stage and it promises to be an extraordinary experience for all. (The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)

Genies are not the only ones who can make wishes come true. The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA), has been in the business of wish-granting for almost seven years, turning young performers’ dreams of taking center stage into a reality. This year, the company is holding open auditions for Aladdin 2022 at the Dance Center of San Antonio on Saturday, January 22, from 12:30p.m. to 5p.m. All dancers, gymnasts, actors, and performing artists ages 3-19, including those with special needs, are invited to register for an audition time online. All performers will be cast in roles that highlight and highlight their individual talents and strengths and allow them to soar—–no magic carpet required.

‘Aladdin 2022’ is a brand-new production for CBSA, and it promises to be filled with all the magical sights and sounds that fans of the original have come to know and love. Taking place at the Majestic Theater, on May 6 and 7, this world-class production will have something for the whole family. From spectacular digital and physical scenery to grand special effects, live music, and interactive elements, it will expose audience members to a whole new world.

‘Aladdin 2022’ offers young performers the chance to train with the best of the best from Master Ballet Teachers to the most talented local choreographers. They will also have the unique opportunity to work with Vanessa Bessler, former Prima Ballerina, and founder of CBSA. Bessler, who has earned the Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award for the past seven consecutive years, is world-renowned for discovering and cultivating young, local talent. Under her guidance, these 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 performing arts world.

Awards and accolades aside, what sets CBSA apart is that it is the only professional-level dance company in Texas to offer lead roles to dancers as young as eight-years-old. Designed to bridge the gap between young students and professional dancers, it serves as a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career, pointing their toes in the right direction.

Dance Center of San Antonio
126 W. Rector, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78216

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions highlighting 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.

Acclaimed polka musician Alex Meixner partners with Krause’s Café

A live music event to welcome Alex Meixner is scheduled for January 27. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce that nationally acclaimed musician, performer, bandleader, educator, and a leading advocate of polka music, Alex Meixner, is partnering with the restaurant and venue to expand its entertainment programming and community events. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with Alex on an ongoing basis and leverage his talents and presence in the community into improved entertainment options and educational opportunities. Alex’s experience as a touring entertainer, educator and talent agent can do a lot to enhance the entertainment at Krause’s for both guests and the musicians.” – Krause’s Café & Biergarten’s owner Chris Snider

Alex Meixner is a Grammy-nominated musician with performances on more than 50 albums, including 17 where he was the bandleader or soloist. His band performs approximately 180 shows per year across the nation. Alex also devotes his time to guest speaking in lectures and hosting master classes. 

Alex Meixner, under the umbrella of his talent agency, AM Management, will be working to build the repertoire of entertainment at Krause’s, as well as creating engaging and fun community programming. His band will also be performing at Krause’s throughout the year, including sets at Maifest and Oktoberfest later this year. Alex will also have a role in coordinating a New Braunfels Citizenship Program with Krause’s, a monthly event where participants can learn about the town’s history, traditions, institutions, events, and culture. 

“I am super excited to collaborate with the team at Krause’s – they’ve established a national reputation for representing the history of New Braunfels’ German culture through food, music and gemütlichkeit.” My ideals as a musical entertainer are encapsulated in this synergy and will allow us to bring more creative offerings to downtown’s scene throughout the year.” – Alex Meixner

On Thursday, January 27 from 6p.m. – 9p.m., there will be an event at Krause’s Café to officially welcome Alex to New Braunfels with music by Terry Cavanagh & The Alpine Express featuring  performances by Alex. The event is open to the public and tickets are $5 in advance or at the door. A limited amount of VIP tables seating eight are available for $120 a table.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap.

Dynamic accordionist Alex Meixner mixes an array of musical styles into traditional, exuberant Central European party music, letting die-hard polka fans to enjoy the evolution and letting hipsters discover all there is to love in the innately fun genre. Solo and with his band, he has performed at major venues and festivals around the world, as well as at uncountable accordion-centric events. His virtuosic yet quirky style has made him a sought-after collaborator. He worked alongside Jack Black in the Sundance-screened, Netflix film, The Polka King and with Postmodern Jukebox on one of their viral musical mashups.

Celebrate National Popcorn Day with free popcorn at EVO Entertainment

National Popcorn Day is Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Photo: google

EVO Entertainment is celebrating National Popcorn Day by giving away free popcorn on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at all EVO locations in Texas (with the exception of Fritztown). Guests can snag their complimentary popcorn during standard hours of operation before catching films like Spider-Man: No Way Home or while enjoying EVO’s state-of-the-art gaming centers. Quantities are limited to one regular-sized bag per customer with no bottomless refills and the purchase of a movie ticket is not required. (EVO Entertainment, 2022)

EVO Entertainment Group is an Austin based out-of-home entertainment operator made up from several innovative brands including EVO Entertainment, EVO Cinemas, and EVO Concerts. Since its launch in 2014, EVO has gained a reputation as a leader in innovation, as well as one of the fastest growing independent cinema circuits in the country.

Photo: EVO Entertainment Group, used with permission.

Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa announces new kitchen trio

Signature restaurant at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa, the award-winning destination set atop the highest elevation point in San Antonio, has welcomed a new trio to the kitchen of its Signature Restaurant. Lead by San Antonio local John Carpenter as executive chef, the team also includes Executive Sous Chef Jaime Torres and Pastry Chef Stéphane Leopoldo. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2022)

Since joining Signature in September of last year, Chef Carpenter has united with Chef Andrew Weissman. The result is a new menu with some of Weissman’s greatest hits, plus new creations by Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres like the Hamachi Crudo and Spanish Octopus.

While their paths crossed most recently at Signature, Carpenter was inspired by the four-time James Beard-nominated Weissman long before. “Ten years ago, I visited Andrew Weissman’s Osteria Il Sogno and had an eye-opening experience. That meal taught me a lot about keeping things simple and letting the ingredients shine. I still consider it one of the best meals of my life.” Now, Carpenter is bringing that guiding principle to the seasonally driven fare at Signature.

Chef Carpenter and Chef Torres have worked together since 2015 when Carpenter was the Chef at San Antonio’s Culinary Institute of America restaurant, then-known as NAO. The two say that guests can look forward to the Signature experience they already know and love: beautiful scenery, high end service and delicious, traditionally inspired food made with fresh ingredients. They also say guests can expect a few surprises with Asian and Latin American influences gleaned from their own culinary adventures making its way to their plates.

“Joining the team at Signature is an incredible opportunity for me. I’ve really enjoyed the creative process behind our new menu and am energized by the different style of service we offer here. Signature’s unique, French-brigade style in the kitchen is exciting and collaborative for us and for the guests looking into our open kitchen. I’m looking forward to exploring what we can do in the future while staying true to the spirit of Signature.” – Executive Chef John Carpenter.

Briscoe Western Art Museum’s ongoing events

Briscoe Western Art Museum upcoming events include the new STEAM education series and The Art of Rodeo. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum is steaming into the 2022 with a new educational series, free days for local visitors, and a picture-perfect weekend to close out the U.S. premier of Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo, the fantastic photography exhibition highlighting the birthplace of the modern cowboy. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)

The museum’s upcoming calendar includes:

The Art of the Rodeo:  Student Western Art Competition Exhibit

On display January 7 – February 5, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Student Western Art Competition Exhibit fills the Clingman Education Gallery and is included with general admission. Featuring the ten winning entries in the 2022 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Western Art Competition, the pop-up exhibit displays the best work from the annual contest that includes 159 South Texas school districts across 48 counties. Each of the works show an appreciation of western heritage, something the Briscoe and the Rodeo happily share. The 2022 Best in Show, and 2022 Painting Watercolor Class Champion, scholarship recipient is Madelyn Teter from The Christian School at Castle Hills. Enjoy the rodeo exhibition during regular museum hours and be sure to stop by when you are downtown for the Rodeo’s Western Heritage Weekend.

Full STEAM Ahead:  New Education Series Offers Hands-on Learning Fun

Families and visitors of all ages are invited to learn about the American West in the Briscoe’s new education series, “Full STEAM Ahead.” Learners of all ages will work together and learn about the American West by engaging in hands-on, STEAM learning experiences. Sharing the American West through STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics – each of the activities ties back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts, bringing the West to life in a new way. From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy, and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning.

Closing Weekend Photography Celebration: Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo

Closing out its successful United States debut at the Briscoe, Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo features celebrated photographer Werner Segarra inviting audiences to peer into the world of the Norteño Cowboys from Sonora, Mexico – not as a casual tourist, but as an intimate observer. With almost 60 images spanning more than 20 years of the lives of the vaqueros, Segarra’s images display the expansive landscape, their daily work, and the intimacy of their homes, not merely documenting the vaquero, but celebrating his subjects and their way of life. The exhibition’s closing weekend, January 22-23, features artist talks and exhibition tours with Segarra. Closing weekend events are included with general admission and free for museum members.

Storytime at the Stagecoach: “Fearless Mary Fields”

On Saturday, January 29, 11a.m. – 1p.m., join the Briscoe for a special Storytime at the Stagecoach and learn about Mary Fields, the first African American woman stagecoach driver. For many years, Fields traveled the West with her pet eagle, never losing a single horse or package. Hear her story as Antoinette Lakey reads from “Fearless Mary: Mary Fields, American Stagecoach Driver” and enjoy arts and crafts. A community leader, researcher, and dramatist, Antoinette Lakey currently serves as Artistic Director for Teatro Anansi, an organization with a mission to connect, celebrate and commemorate African American theatre, performing arts, and history within the greater San Antonio community. The presentation is part of San Antonio’s Dreamweek and is included with general admission.

Howdy Neighbors:  First Sundays Free for Local Residents

To show how friendly the West is and to thank the San Antonio community for its continued support, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is making the first Sunday of each month “Locals Day,” greeting locals with free general admission. Bexar County residents can enjoy the Briscoe’s Locals Days through 2022, with free admission on February 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6 and December 4. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe every day, as do active duty members of the military, making the Briscoe a terrific spot for local families to enjoy any time.

The Briscoe is open Thursday through Monday, 10a.m. – 5p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is free for children 12 and under and for active duty members of the military. 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.