Category: Community news

Carriqui announces new lunch menu and Las Coronelas residency

Carriqui in San Antonio just launched a new lunch menu. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.

Potluck Hospitality and Carriqui are announcing some exciting new updates at the restaurant where South Texas flavor meets fire. Beloved mariachi group, Mariachi Las Coronelas, will have a residency at the restaurant every Sunday throughout August. In addition to the music residency, Carriqui will launch a lunch menu starting Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The midday menu will feature some familiar favorites like the smoked pecan mole enchiladas, in addition to all the new dishes guests have been requesting, like the new La Fortaleza Burger. (Potluck Hospitality/Carriqui, 2023)

“We are so excited about these new additions at Carriqui. Las Coronelas is a wonderfully talented group of performers and we love the energy they bring to the space when they play at the restaurant.” – Potluck Hospitality CEO Elizabeth Fauerso.

Mariachi Las Coronelas will perform August 13, August 20, and August 27 from 11a.m. to 2p.m. during ‘Smokehouse Sundays’ at Carriqui. Mariachi Las Coronelas is composed of all female performers and directed by founder Vanessa Del Fierro. Some performances of note for the mariachi include From Dusk Till Dawn the Series, Machete, Netflix’s Seis Manos, The Jimmy Kimmel Show with Bill Murray, Will Ferrel’s Funny or Die Music/Comedy Showcase, and SXSW to name a few.

Las Coronelas will only perform at Carriqui on Sundays, but Carriqui’s lunch menu will be available every day. In keeping with Carriqui’s affinity for Texas-style meats drawing flavor from fire in its smokehouse, the restaurant’s lunch menu will feature items like the new Texas Brisket Pastrami on Rye, served with grain  mustard and homemade seasoned chips, and the Pecan Mole Enchiladas, served with Carriqui’s signature smoked achiote chicken, toasted sesame seeds, onion, queso fresco, and rice and beans. Carriqui will also introduce the much anticipated La Fortaleza Burger, as a permanent feature on the lunch menu, made with beef from La Fortaleza and served with cheddar cheese, house pickles, new homemade seasoned chips, and salad. Other favorites that are now available on the lunch menu include the Blackened Fish Tacos, Brisket Tacos, and more.

“The team’s fired up about introducing a dedicated lunch menu at Carriqui. We’ve been listening to our guests’ feedback, and testing recipes as lunch specials and on Smokehouse Sundays – adding the lunch menu is part of our continuous evolution of the restaurant.” – Chef Jaime Gonzalez, General Manager at Carriqui.

During lunch, guests can also enjoy all of Carriqui’s popular margaritas, which are always a featured special and available for half-off all day during Tequila Tuesdays at the restaurant.  New cocktails are also arriving, just in time for this Texas heat – try the new Smoked Pineapple Mojito, Sandía Daiquiri, and Santa Fresca perfect for cooling off on Carriqui’s patio while listening to Mariachi Las Coronelas who will be performing every Sunday during Carriqui’s Smokehouse Sundays.

Founded in 2022, Potluck Hospitality conceives, operates, manages, and partners on culinary and experiential brands in San Antonio, TX. Potluck’s team is made up of chefs, designers, strategists in culture-crafting, brand, and finance that all share a love of food and gathering. Potluck Hospitality’s name pays tribute to memorable experiences with great food, great music, and great company–where everyone has something to contribute.  Being together, sharing meals, and communally experiencing music is elemental to what it means to be human.

Las Coronelas will have an August residency at Carriqui. Photo: Carriqui, used with permission.

Percy Jackson trivia night and cast meet and greets at closing weekend

The Lightning Thief goes out with a bang during the closing weekend. Win big with Percy Jackson trivia night and cast meet and greets. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

This summer, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical hit the Magik Theatre with a bang, filling the theatre with sellout crowds and rave reviews. And like a flash, it is almost gone but there is still time to catch the mythical adaptation of San Antonio native Rick Riordan’s extraordinary bestseller with all the action and excitement Percy Jackson fans love. Closing weekend hits August 4 – 6 with an edge of your seat, interactive Trivia Night plus Meet and Greets with the cast and crew all weekend long. (Magik Theatre, 2023)

Know a thing or two about half-bloods, gods and monsters? Then you do not want to miss Magik Theatre’s Percy Jackson Trivia Night taking place this Friday, August 4 at 6:30p.m. Percy Jackson fans can engage in a battle of wits with trivia questions based on The Lightning Thief, the first book of the Percy Jackson series. Host Venny Mortimer will engage the crowd with questions only true Percy fans can answer. Do you know what kind of creature Percy’s best friend, Grover, is? Or how about the color of food Percy’s mother always cooks for him? If so, then you just might be the hero of the night and take home one of many trivia prizes up for grabs. And the fun does not stop there. During closing weekend, guests can meet the cast and crew after each show and take pictures with their favorite characters, Percy, Grover, AnnaBeth, Mr. Brunner, Auntie M, and more.

Percy Jackson Trivia Night
Friday, August 4, 6:30p.m. (Just before the 7p.m. show)

Meet and Greets with the Cast and Crew
Friday, August 4 – 6 (Just after the show, all closing weekend long)

Magik Theatre
420 South Alamo
San Antonio, TX 78205

Trivia Night and Cast and Crew Meet and Greets are Included with the Price of Admission during closing weekend on the dates specified above. Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.- 5p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Photo: Lynn Lane, used with permission.

New San Antonio rock ‘n’ roll bar Gimme Gimme announces opening date

New Southtown Rock ‘n’ Roll bar Gimme Gimme announces opening date of August 1, 2023. Photo: txtroublemaker, used with permission.

Gimme Gimme, a new rock ‘n’ roll bar coming to San Antonio, is excited to announce its official opening day, slated for Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Adjacent to the bar will be the concept A Perfect Day, a modern neighborhood wine bar, which will open on the same day. (Gimme Gimme, 2023)

Leading this exciting new concept are bar owners Roger Herr of Bar Loretta and Aaron Peña of Amor Eterno. Partners Michael Neff and Chef Paul Petersen of Bar Loretta will be overseeing the menu efforts, with Neff focusing on the bar program and Petersen leading the kitchen.

Gimme Gimme (think Ramones), will offer a rock ‘n’ roll experience with craft cocktails, a robust beer and wine list, and chef-driven food in the space formerly occupied by Francis Bogside.

“Growing up in San Antonio, I’ve always known our city as the home of rock ‘n’ roll. The inspiration for Gimme Gimme comes from wanting to create our own version of what we think a rock ‘n’ roll bar can be. Great music, great food, great cocktails, great service, and always a sense of humor. I’m super excited to share what our team has created,” said Owner Roger Herr.

The adjacent space, A Perfect Day, will offer a wine-forward, relaxed atmosphere with small bites, ready-made cocktails, and plenty of wine.

“I’m really looking forward to adding another space to Southtown that will be a totally different direction than our respective concepts that Roger and I are known for,” said Owner Aaron Peña. “Musically, the 14-year-old punk rocker version of my younger self is really excited to help curate the selection of tunes we will feature inside both Gimme Gimme and A Perfect Day – I think the neighborhood is going to love having an additional late night food and beverage option in the most walkable neighborhood in San Antonio.”

Operating hours will be as follow:
Gimme Gimme: Open 7 days a week from 6p.m. – 2a.m.
A Perfect Day: Open Monday-Friday from 4p.m. – 10p.m.; Saturday-Sunday from 12p.m. – 10p.m.

Gimme Gimme/A Perfect Day
803 South Saint Mary’s St
San Antonio, TX 78205

1690881940

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Summer 2023 exhibitions open at Contemporary at Blue Star

Public opening for the Summer 2023 exhibitions will be on First Friday, July 7 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star, used with permission.

Contemporary at Blue Star, San Antonio’s first and longest running exhibition space for contemporary art, proudly announces the opening of three solo exhibitions on July 7, 2023. These exhibitions feature new work by Brittany Ham, Adam Schreiber, and Michael Velliquette, three artists with strong ties to the San Antonio community. Ham and Schreiber are alumni of the Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program and Velliquette is a former San Antonio resident, now based in Madison, WI. This year marks the 20-year anniversary since his first solo exhibition at the Contemporary. These exhibitions offer unique perspectives on self-portraiture, urban landscapes, and intricate paper sculptures, captivating audiences with their distinct artistic visions. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2023)

Brittany Ham: Unmooring reaches into the exploration of interior and exterior spaces, both architecturally and psychologically. Through oil paintings, Ham chronicles her personal experiences with lockdown, social distancing, and the challenges of early motherhood. The seemingly longing subjects in her artworks often escape claustrophobia through imagined landscapes. Her works draw inspiration from sculptures, woodcuts, and paintings of exhausted women, including the Virgin Mary which she researched during her time at Künstlerhaus Bethanien International Studio Program as a grantee of Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program. Ham’s works employ line and value to create molded planes that provide multidimensional perspectives. The curious contortions and collapsing of space in her pieces evoke a melancholic humor, inviting viewers to reflect on challenging times and the unknown horizons ahead.

Adam Schreiber: Stadtwald showcases photographs created during and since his residency at Künstlerhaus Bethanien as part of Contemporary’s Berlin Residency Program. Employing large format film cameras, he adopts the role of a photographic surveyor to document the city’s quiet and suspended scenes devoid of action. Schreiber’s images of isolated and decontextualized objects ignite viewers’ curiosity. Some of Schreiber’s photographs are visually dense with textural descriptions of the subject, yet they leave the viewer to decipher what exactly the subject is and what its significance might be. Grids, recurring in his work, hint at the artist’s camera lens and reflect the meticulous process of inspection. By presenting his subjects as unknown and encouraging active observation, Schreiber’s work engages viewers in a delightful game of curiosity and concentration.

Michael Velliquette: The Direct Path features an extraordinary display of intricate paper sculptures, making it the most comprehensive exhibition of these works to date. Velliquette’s installations create intimate spaces that invite viewers into these structural collages. Through layering, complexity, and vibrant colors, his works communicate a sense of ornate preciousness. However, their material and meditative creation process—meticulously measuring, cutting, composing, and gluing paper—reveal a delicate yet ordinary quality. This convergence of methods symbolizes transformation, showcasing unexpected metamorphoses of materials and offering moments of reflection to viewers as they visually enter these temple-like constructions.

As an artist-centric organization, the Contemporary is delighted to showcase the work of these talented artists and to nurture their creative practices. This commitment to supporting artists highlights the vital role that accessible spaces play in fostering a vibrant and dynamic art scene, encouraging artistic growth, and amplifying the diverse voices and perspectives that contribute to the richness of our cultural landscape. 

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee makes San Antonio debut

7 Brew announces arrival in San Antonio, elevating the city’s beverage landscape. Photo: 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee.

Attention coffee lovers: 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, a leading brand in the beverage industry, is celebrating the Grand Opening of its San Antonio location with several events in anticipation of the big day. (7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee, 2023)

Leading up to the grand opening of its 100th location, 7 Brew Coffee is celebrating soft openings including three special charity days. 7 Brew Coffee will offer a 50% beverage discount to guests and donate 100% of all proceeds made to three dedicated charities, CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Morgan’s Wonderland, that they actively support.

When:
• June 29 – Proceeds to CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation
• June 30 – Proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• July 1 – Proceeds to Morgan’s Wonderland

7 Brew Coffee will also host Community Hours leading up to SWAG Day, the grand opening of their first location in the city of San Antonio and 100th location overall. During these hours, customers can stop by and enjoy a free small drink on the house.

When: Monday, July 10 through Friday, July 14 from 7a.m. to 8a.m., 1p.m. to 2p.m., and 5p.m. to 6p.m.

Lastly, join 7 Brew Coffee for the coffee stand’s Grand Opening Event, SWAG Day, in celebration of its first location in San Antonio. For every large drink purchased, customers will receive one free 7 Brew Coffee t-shirt. Additionally, the first person in each drive thru line will win free coffee for one year.

When: July 15 from 5:30a.m. to 11p.m.

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee is a coffee concept that is all about cultivating kindness and sharing the essence of community. The rapidly growing coffee chain offers over 20,000 unique drink options, including sugar, dairy, and gluten-free customizations. They pride themselves on providing premium quality coffee to customers in record time while making friends along the way. The Brew Crew goes by the saying, “If you can think it, we can make it,” creating a tailored experience for each customer and showcasing that people are at the heart of what they do.

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee
2901 Pat Booker Rd
Universal City, TX 78148

7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee announces first location in San Antonio. Photo: 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and summer camp coming to Magik Theatre

The Magik Theatre announces its electrifying summer blockbuster production The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Like a bolt from the blue, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical hits the Magik Theatre from July 1-August 6. This adaptation of San Antonio native Rick Riordan’s extraordinary bestseller features all of the action and excitement Percy Jackson fans love, set to an original rock score by Rob Rokicki that will electrify audiences. This mythical adventure deemed “worthy of the gods” by Time Out New York, follows everyone’s favorite 12-year-old demi-God Percy Jackson as he descends to the underworld and back on the most dangerous quest of his life. (Magik Theatre, 2023)

Author Rick Riordan, a San Antonio native, published “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” in 2005. It is the first in the award-winning series created by the Alamo Heights High School alumni and former St. Mary’s Hall teacher. Originally created as a bedtime story for his oldest son, the Percy Jackson series features a modern-day 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. In The Lightning Thief, we meet young Jackson who is just discovering his lineage and his uncontrollable powers, neither of which he wants. When he is falsely accused of stealing the master lightning bolt of the Greek god Zeus, he must accept his destiny, prove his innocence, and prevent a war between the gods by finding and returning the bolt. The hero’s journey demands that Jackson travel to the underworld and back, solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend, and finally come to terms with his father who abandoned him.

Magik Theatre takes pride in using only professional actors in their productions. These talented, trained, working actors are masters of their craft, transporting audiences to faraway and magikal places via cherished, timeless literature, and storytelling. In The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, the titular character is brought to life by James Cazares, making his Magik Theatre debut. He is joined by Izabella Montes as Annabeth Chase, the demigod daughter of Athena, and Ian Eller as Jackson’s best friend Grover Underwood. The rest of the cast includes Jon Renee Tucker as Luke, John Michael Hoke as Mr. Brunner aka Chiron, Jessica Willis as Sally, and Emma Gervasi as Clarisse. Artistic Director Anthony Runfola is the director with choreography by Kaity McSalis and music direction by Christopher Bailey. The design team includes scenery by Christopher Boneta, costumes by Stormie Brennan, lighting by Carlos Nine, and sound design by Jo Villanueva. Together this talented team weaves a “magikal” spell that will resonate with audiences young and old.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is made possible in part by the generous support of a grant from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts.

Who says lightning doesn’t strike twice? To celebrate The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical making its Magik appearance, the theatre is hosting The Percy Jackson Musical Theatre Experience. This week-long summer camp will have students on their feet learning catchy tunes and action-packed choreography from the musical. Ideal for aspiring young performers, Percy Jackson fans, or a combination of both, participants will have the unique opportunity to attend master classes led by professional artists from the show. Not only will the students be able to catch a full matinee performance, but on the last day of camp, they will get their turn on the professional stage to share what they’ve learned with family and friends. Camps will be held from 9a.m. to 4p.m. July 10-14 and July 17-21. Final sharing events will be held at 3p.m. on Friday, July 14, and Friday, July 21.

Magik Theatre is committed to making theatre accessible to everyone. “We are here to make theatre accessible to every family and remove any existing barrier,” says Magik Theatre CEO Frank Villani. In keeping with that commitment, the 2023 season boasts some upgrades to include the special performances below.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, July 29, 2p.m.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Wednesday, July 26, 10:30a.m.
Sensory-friendly performances create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory sensitivities. Modifying certain production elements to accommodate these individuals allows families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performance | Thursday, July 20, 2p.m.
Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

Single Tickets are $33.50 for Orchestra Rows A – I and $23.50 for Orchestra Rows J-N and Balcony., Military, Seniors, and Educators. Children under two are free. Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. If a child under two uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available to parties of ten or more people.

Francis Bogside announces grand opening weekend celebration

Popular modern Irish pub grand opening weekend celebration includes expanded food menu launching this Friday, June 23. Photo: TXTroubleMaker, used with permission.

Francis Bogside is now open in its new location at St. Paul Square and excited to announce its Grand Opening Weekend Celebration with the expansion of its food menu and the launch of brunch service on Sundays and live music. (Francis Bogside, 2023)

The Grand Opening Weekend is set for Friday, June 23 – Sunday June 25, and will include the expanded food menu including fan favorites from its previous location like the SmashBurger, Fish and Chips, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Chicken Wings, Devilled Eggs, Fried Pickles, and more. Brand new menu items include the Cauliflower Parm Pasta, Green Curry with fresh Steamed Rice, Braised Short Ribs, Blackened Shrimp Pasta, Focaccia Deep Dish Pizza, and more.

To celebrate the grand opening, Francis Bogside will also be launching Sunday Brunch Service with Mimosa and Bloody Mary specials, including menu items like Prime Rib, Crab Cakes with Eggs, Seafood Platter and more. Brunch service will kick off on June 25 and be held every Sunday from 12p.m. to 3p.m.

The grand opening celebration will include live music throughout the weekend, including Mike Ryan set to perform on Friday, June 23 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. and Christine Roberts and the So So’s performing from 9p.m. to 2a.m. Yacht Rock will be performing on Saturday, June 24 from 10p.m. to -1a.m.

Grand Opening Weekend: Friday, June 23 – Sunday, June 25
Brunch Service: Sunday, June 25 from 12p.m. to 3p.m.

New Operating Hours (Starting June 23):
• Tuesday through Saturday: 4p.m. to 2a.m.
• Sunday: 12p.m. to 2a.m.
• Closed Mondays

Francis Bogside
1170 E Commerce St. Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78205

Taco Cabana launches limited time Southwest Ranchero menu items and Breakfast Cabana Bowls

Taco Cabana’s ‘Gigante’ Breakfast Cabana Bowls are available during breakfast hours only. Photo: Taco Cabana

Arriving just in time for summer, Taco Cabana invites guests to enjoy its newest offerings, including the tasty Southwest Ranchero Cabana Bowl® and quesadilla, as well as three all-new “Gigante” Breakfast Cabana Bowls® and a country sausage breakfast taco. Launched on June 21, 2023, these menu items will be available at all Texas Taco Cabana locations while supplies last. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

TC’s latest culinary innovation – the new “Gigante” Breakfast Cabana Bowls® – served three different ways with the guests’ choice of new, deliciously seasoned country sausage and egg, chorizo and egg, or all egg served in a signature TC crispy tortilla shell. Each bowl includes seasoned potatoes, refried beans, queso and pico de gallo and will be available for $4.99 each. Those looking for extra flavor and crunch can add two strips of crispy bacon for $1.59.

A seasoned country sausage breakfast taco will also be introduced to the TC menu for $2.19. The “Gigante Breakfast Cabana Bowls®” and country sausage breakfast taco will be available for purchase during breakfast hours only.

TC’s new Southwest Ranchero offerings are a must-try this summer season. The Southwest Ranchero quesadilla consists of two TC flour tortillas filled with grilled Chicken Fajita, ranchero salsa made with black beans and roasted corn, melted Jack & Cheddar cheeses, pico de gallo and served with a side of sour cream and fresh guacamole and is available in two sizes: small for $6.99 and large for $10.99. The Southwest Ranchero Cabana Bowl® is filled with grilled Chicken Fajita, ranchero salsa made with black beans and roasted corn, rice, refried beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheese and sour cream in a crispy tortilla shell available for $8.39.

TC’s new Southwest Ranchero menu items, country sausage breakfast taco and “Gigante” Breakfast Cabana Bowls® can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, via the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or online while supplies last.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of June 8, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

“Great-tasting bowls have long been part of our TC menu. We invite everyone to TC to try our bowl variety. We’re proud of our continued culinary innovation and the introduction of these new bowl options and flavors across all of our TC dayparts – breakfast, lunch and dinner. The new seasoned country sausage breakfast taco and ‘Gigante’ Breakfast Cabana Bowl® also provide our guests an additional protein choice for breakfast. Guests have told us that they’re looking for new breakfast options and they’ll be amazed at not only the tastes, but the size of the new breakfast bowls, filled to the tortilla shell rim for just $4.99 each. We call them ‘Gigante’ for a reason.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana President and COO

Upcoming events at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Events include a Father’s Day celebration and other art events. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Hands-on fun, free family activities and saddling up with sci-fi fill the summer with art and adventure at the Briscoe Western Art Museum. The Briscoe is hosting an array of programming to explore the Southwest influence on Western art during Southwest Rising: Contemporary Art and the Legacy of Elaine Horwitch Now through September 4. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)

The summer exhibition celebrates one of the most powerful and influential art dealers in the Southwest. Horwitch was responsible for launching the careers of hundreds of artists and was a leader in fostering “new Western art” or “Southwest pop.” During the exhibition, Southwest Rising artists will demonstrate their techniques and lead sessions where everyone can create a masterpiece of their own. Along with artist talks, monthly hands-on learning, free Locals Days and the museum’s annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on July 22, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The summer line-up includes:

Celebrate the opening of Southwest Rising by exploring the way light and color interact with one another. In the exhibition’s interactive gallery, visitors can construct a display that will allow them to experiment with how light can change the way our eyes see color. This hands-on program is family-friendly, and all ages are welcome. Children 12 and under always receive free admission to the Briscoe.

  • Southwest Rising with Mark McDowell – Saturday, July 8, 1p.m. – 3p.m. $25 for non-members, $20 for museum members

Southwest Rising artist Mark McDowell leads guests in creating a work of art with colored pencils on wood, his preferred technique. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, McDowell has been featured in more than 40 one-man shows and numerous group exhibitions in museums, art centers and galleries across the United States and Europe. His work is in many public, corporate, and private collections. Class size is limited, so register today to ensure your spot. All skill levels are welcome and supplies are included with registration.

Art-FULL Summer: Painting Sessions

Enjoy painting sessions led by energetic and charismatic international artist Gio DiZurita. Based in San Antonio, DiZurita tells stories through her art, an everlasting transformation of life experiences.

Two summer dates include:

  • Father’s Day Fun:  Painting with Gio – Saturday, June 17, 10a.m. – Noon, 2p.m. – 4p.m.

Bring your dad jokes and have some hands-on fun. Fathers and their children (5 years or older) can enjoy a creative and fun family painting adventure, creating a Western scene in acrylic on an 11 x 14 canvas. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration is needed for each participant over the age of 12 and includes all supplies. The class size is limited, so register early to ensure your space.

  • Create Together:  Painting with Gio Date Night at the Briscoe – Thursday, July 13, 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m.     

Let love and creativity bloom during a hands-on date night under the stars. Create a work of art during a relaxing evening sipping beer and wine in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. Couples will enjoy a creative painting adventure creating a Western scene in acrylic on an 11 x 14 canvas. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration is per person and includes beer, wine, and all supplies. The class size is limited, so register today to ensure your spot.

Add Some STEAM to Your Summer:  Hands-on Learning

The Briscoe’s free monthly education series “Full STEAM Ahead” sprinkles educational fun into the summer the first Sunday of each month. Learners of all ages work together and learn about the American West by engaging in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences. Full STEAM Ahead is designed for all ages to enjoy, making it a terrific family activity. Enjoy STEAMing with your family 1p.m. – 3p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at the Briscoe – the same day that locals are welcome to enjoy the museum for free.

Summer 2023 Full Steam Ahead dates and topics include:

  • August 6: Full STEAM Ahead – Gone for the Winter

Learn more about wildlife and the fall migration of hummingbirds. After a short presentation, families will have the opportunity to create a hummingbird feeder using found and recyclable materials.

  • September 3: Full STEAM Ahead – Art in the Sky

Study the night sky through Kim Wiggins’ “Colonel Crockett’s Return to Cibolo Creek.” After a short study of the painting, everyone will create a bedroom planetarium to take home.

Free Cowboy Fun:  National Day of the Cowboy Celebration

Tippin’ its hat and celebrating the legacy of the cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero, the Briscoe Western Art Museum presents its annual National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 22, 10a.m. – 4p.m. at the Briscoe. The free community event, which includes free admission to the museum and its exhibitions, features indoor and outdoor activities for cowpokes of all ages. Saddle up with your family and head west for a day you will not forget.

Escape to the Texas Hill Country for an exciting experience this summer

Indoor Glamping is just one of the many options available at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Summer is right around the corner, and if you are looking for vacation ideas, check out what is new at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the list of summer activities at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The resort, superbly situated on 600 pristine acres of rolling hills and tree-lined vistas, offers grand views of the wide open Texas Hill Country. This iconic Lone Star retreat offers endless options of summer entertainment for guests of all ages making it a vacation standout. (JW Marriott San Antonio Country Resort & Spa, 2023)

The luxurious JW Marriott San Antonio features 1,002 newly refreshed guest rooms, a world class spa, 36-hole PGA TOUR golf facility, seven restaurant and lounge options, hiking and biking trails, sports court, Topgolf Swing Suite with a variety of virtual games for all ages, daily summer recreational activities, and more than 265,000 square feet of meeting and event space, making it one of the largest JW Marriott resorts in the world. 

The summer temperatures may be bigger in Texas, but JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa’s 9-acre River Bluff Water Experience offers an even bigger cool down –  float along the 1,100-foot lazy river, ascend the 35-foot tall Water Tower to experience the two 275-foot-long tube slides, or try the 60-foot tall body slides that soar above the Hill Country at speeds up to 20 miles-per-hour. There are plenty of pools, including a sand beach-entry pool, an activity swimming pool, a kid’s pool and an adult pool. Private cabanas at the Water Experience are available to reserve. 

Daily programmed summer recreational activities offer big fun for kids and families. Revel in the Zoomagination Wild Animal Experience, photos with a real-life longhorn, Build-A-Bear Workshop, nightly S’mores by the outdoor fire pit, outdoor movies at the pool, water balloon toss, finger painting party, face painting, balloon artist, family bingo, cookie decorating, and more. 

Did you know the Texas longhorn was designated by the state legislature as the state’s “Large Mammal” in 1995? The resort’s Longhorn Scavenger Hunt is available for children to participate in to find the eight stuffed longhorns hidden around the resort. Children are given clues to find the hiding spots, and once found, will take a picture with each longhorn and show the front desk for a tasty prize. 

JW Marriott Hill Country Resort offers guests a “Glamp in the Great Indoors” package experience which includes accommodations in a luxury suite designed to emulate an outdoor camp under the big starry night sky of Texas. This suite is a comfortable upgrade to the great outdoors with air conditioning, lots of surrounding comforts and entertainment, and mosquitos are NOT included! An indoor tent sleeps two to three people, and is outfitted with a cozy blanket, longhorn stuffed animal and sleeping bags for young glampers to take home. The Glamping Suite includes a connecting king or double queen room and features over 1,400 square feet of space, a dining table for eight people, and a small kitchenette. Guests can experience nature and make endless family memories, all while enjoying the comfort of the great indoors, room service, and perhaps a relaxing massage. The package is available for stays at the resort now through July 31, 2023, and can be booked online using the promotional code ARN. 

Adults have just as much fun as their children at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Golf enthusiasts can master the sport with the 36-hole PGA TOUR golf facility, TPC San Antonio, located within the resort and featuring two golf courses exclusive to resort guests and members. Both courses have played host to PGA TOUR events with The Oaks course serving as the host venue of the PGA TOUR’s Valero Texas Open since 2010. Super Twilight golf will be available for resort guests after 4p.m. during the summer months and is $125 plus tax per player. 

Everyone deserves to be pampered during vacation. Drawing upon the vibrant spirit and traditions that have defined the Texas Hill Country for centuries, the award-winning Lantana Spa offers personalized treatments with natural elements offering a holistic approach to revive the mind, body, and spirit. 

Located less than 20 minutes from the San Antonio International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa offers authentic experiences with influences from the heritage of the Texas Hill Country and the rich culture of the dynamic city of San Antonio, to provide something for everyone for a truly Texas experience.