WellMed Charitable Foundation is teaming up with Blessed Angels Community Center. Photo: google
WellMed Charitable Foundation is teaming up with Blessed Angels Community Center to offer the one-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 shot. Everyone who gets the vaccination will receive a free Fiesta Texas ticket provided by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, and will have a chance to win one of 100 Visa gift cards worth $50, courtesy of Kym Rapier Verette. People who pre-register will receive a box lunch from Jason’s Deli, provided by the community center. Visit SignUp to register. Walk-ins will also be accepted. (WellMed, 2021)
Wednesday, July 7, 2021 8a.m. to 12p.m.
Blessed Angels Community Center 14078 Nacogdoches Road San Antonio, TX 78247
There will be a drawing to win $50 Visa gift cards every 15 minutes until all 100 are given away. Insurance is not required. Vaccines are free to anyone 18 and older who has not previously received a COVID-19 vaccine. Proof of Texas residency required.
San Antonio resident Jonathan Rodriguez selected as one of ten students from around the world. Photo: google
SAY Sí is thrilled to announce that recent high school graduate and SAY Sí alum, Jonathan Rodriguez, has been awarded the Adobe Design Circle Scholarship, a globally competitive design scholarship. To help reach untapped youth communities and foster diversity in the design industry, Adobe’s Design Circle Scholarship awards 10 annual college scholarships – up to $25,000 per year, for each year of the recipient’s undergraduate education (up to four years or $100,000). Rodriguez’ application was selected as one of 10 students from around the globe and will be applied toward his studies in UX Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) this fall, which intersects with his web design background and passion for creativity, technology and leadership. (SAY Sí, 2021)
As an industry underrepresented by Latinos, Rodriguez believes he will make a difference in driving UX Design innovation of products, services and systems inclusive of his culture, which will help to be made possible by this generous scholarship.
“This award means I will be able to do what I love doing, which is being a creative professional. I was so happy when I found out that I called my mom right away and messaged my two SAY Sí Instructors, Stevan and Ned. I will be studying UX Design at SCAD, and with the Adobe Design Circle Scholarship Program, I will have the opportunity to job shadow and be mentored by creatives at Google, Adobe and many other companies. This is a life-changing award and sets a new standard and path forward.”
scholarship recipient and SAY Sí alum, Jonathan Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is one of SAY Sí’s studio liaisons, acting as an ambassador for the nonprofit arts organization. SAY Sí’s mission is to support and amplify the voices of young artists, regardless of their socioeconomic status by providing hands-on training in digital and tech-based work, visual arts and new media. Rodriguez credits SAY Sí for encouraging and helping him to achieve his goals and hopes his success story will inspire others to do the same.
Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.
This Fourth of July, Project Pollo is offering 1,000 free Smart Dogs, tasty menu samples, a chance to shop local vendors, and a hot dog eating contest to support local nonprofits. Photo: Project Pollo, used with permission.
This is a July Fourth celebration that is going to the dogs—hot dogs, that is. On Sunday, July 4, from noon to 4p.m., San Antonio’s only vegan chicken fast food restaurant chain invites the public to its 303 San Pedro location, where 1,000 Vegan Lightlife Smart Dogs will be given away. The free dogs are part of a day filled with food, philanthropy, and doggone fun designed for both the plant-based and plant-curious diners alike. (Project Pollo, 2021)
Project Pollo has been disrupting the fast-food industry with its vegan chicken concept since opening its doors in the fall of 2020 and it shows no signs of slowing down. With five new restaurants throughout San Antonio, nine more scheduled to open across Texas by the end of the year, and a long range plan of 100 locations in the U.S. by the year 2024, the locally based restaurant is committed to making plant-based options affordable, accessible, and most of all, delicious.
FOOD Smart Dogs are not the only thing on the holiday menu. Guests will be able to try FREE samples of some of Project Pollo’s newest items, including the decadent double chocolate cookie or creamy strawberry shortcake milkshakes made with Oatly Milk. In addition, the full menu, complete with the signature Original Project Chickn sandwich, the loaded Papas smothered in Credo Cashew Queso, and the vegan Mac n Cheese will be available for purchase. It is the perfect time to exercise your freedom to explore just how good plant-based eating can be.
PHILANTHROPY What is a Fourth of July party without an eating contest? Project Pollo is inviting representatives from local nonprofits to participate in a “dog-off.” For every Smart Dog consumed, $25 will be donated to the organization. The grand prize winner will walk away with a $500 donation. A supply drive will be held for supporters to drop off donations and show their support for the participating organizations. It is all part of Project Pollo’s “people over profits” philosophy that extends to the community year-round. Through the “People Project,” charitable initiative, Project Pollo donates two additional sandwiches for the sale of every $5.50 People Project Crispy Strip sandwich. This effort allows the company to give away a minimum of 1,000 sandwiches on a designated day each quarter to those in need. In addition, for those who cannot afford the $5.50 cost, a “pay what you can” option is available, making it easier for everyone to enjoy sustainable foods.
FUN Ate too many Smart Dogs? Walk it off as you browse local vendors who will be showcasing their wares during the Fourth of July event. Artists, plant sellers, and other merchants will be on hand with unique items to purchase. Shop, snack, and support local.
Established in 2020 by vegan entrepreneur Lucas Bradbury, Project Pollo gives a cluck about the planet and the people who inhabit it. The first of its kind plant-based fast-food chicken concept, Project Pollo is built on bold flavors and bolder principles, including fair wages, sustainability, and people over profit. The scratch-made menu offers delicious vegan chicken sandwiches, wraps, and strips, as well as plenty of mouthwatering sides, including crispy Papas, smothered in cashew queso, and Mac N Cheese. Project Pollo is committed to changing the face of the fast-food industry by offering affordable, delicious, convenient access to quality, plant-based options that everyone from the veteran vegan to the curious carnivore will enjoy. With locations across Texas (some drive-thru), Project Pollo hopes to spread its wings to 100 stores by 2024.
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. Photo: google
As a history enthusiast, I enjoy visiting historical sites and learning all I can about them. Unknown to some residents, this area has an extensive amount of history, historical markers, and parks. One example is the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park. On May 8, 1846, U.S. and Mexican troops clashed on the prairie of Palo Alto. Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park preserves the site of this battle and examines the causes, events, and consequences of the U.S./Mexican War. (Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, 2021)
This park is hosting a Summer Speaker Series to educate and inform the public about the Battle of Palo Alto and related topics. I have attended the previous two lectures and sincerely appreciate the effort put through by the volunteers and speakers to bring us these events. These presentations are very interesting and appeal to local history buffs. They are held in the visitor center at 10a.m. and seating is limited to 25. Below is a brief synopsis of each.
Saturday June 19 Riverboat Trade Joe Matthews, a valley native, presented the discussion about riverboats of the Mexican-American War, including the history of riverboats and the people involved. As a visual aid, Aurelio Romo brought in his 7ft. replica of Bessie, a shallow-draft boat, which he put together during the COVID quarantine. Riverboats like these were first used mostly by ranchers and small businesses to move supplies. During the Mexican-American War, they were used to move troops up and down the Rio Grande River. Back then, the river was so much wider and ferries were commonly used. Some of the earlier traders included Charles Stillman, who came from Europe at the age of 18 and was instrumental in setting up the riverboats. After the war, the riverboats were used mostly for trade and during the Civil War, they helped smuggle cotton into the South by “Confederate sympathizers” who most likely were only interested in making money.
Highlight: General Zachary Taylor developed a reputation as an outstanding man, known for upholding treaties with the native people and often stated “we’re at war with the Mexican army, not the people.”
Saturday June 26 – Texas Rangers, Scouts, Spies of the U.S. Mexican War Wade Marcum, a teacher, presented the discussion about the early Texas Rangers in three parts: ranger history, ranger descriptions, and a show and tell/Q&A. Visual aids included several pistols, rifles, and revolvers as well as two different horse saddles.
Most of the early Texas Rangers were volunteers, which was Stephen F. Austin’s idea. Their reputation was that they “ride like a Mexican, trail like an Indian, shoot like a Tennessean, and fight like the devil.” They took the best from each culture that they came across. In 1846 with the Mexican/American War looming, these volunteers operated under the Law of Retaliation because they had scores and grudges to settle with the Mexican people.
The introduction of horses in the area made a difference in how Indians did battle and a revolution in firepower came with the invention of the Colt 5 shot revolvers by Samuel Colt. Captain Jack Hays bought them for this troops in the Texas Navy but when it disbanded, Colt was out of luck. He later met with Samuel Walker up east and designed the 6 shot .44 caliber revolver.
Coming up next: Saturday July 3 Grenadiers in the Mexican Army
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park 7200 Paredes Line Road Brownsville, TX 78526 (956) 541-2785
It is encouraging to see more restaurants offering healthier options in the Brownsville area. Most are small, locally owned businesses and Saturday it was time for me to finally visit Worthy Nutrition & Energy on Alton Gloor Blvd. I usually drive through this area but seldom have time to slow down and take a closer look. They had been advertising their Customer Appreciation Day all week so this was the perfect opportunity to stop by.
Being that it was close to noon, the place was already buzzing with activity. I was greeted by Mariah and automatically felt welcomed and appreciated; like I was among friends. As you are coming in, to the right they have a seating section made up of two chairs and a couch that has a cushion with the stitching “sit & stay awhile” proudly welcoming people to hang out. To the left there is a staging section with a half outline of balloons and the words “You Are Worthy” written on the wall that is meant for pictures and sure enough, most customers were taking pictures with it to post online. For the promotional day, they had pastries, a vegetable tray, and other goodies for customers to enjoy.
Since this was my first time there, the extensive menu seemed a little intimidating but Mariah explained all my options. I ordered the Twisted Apple Tea and it turned out so delicious, energizing, and refreshing for these South Texas hot days. They had a specialty menu for their Customer Appreciation Day which included the Twisted Apple Tea. It came festively decorated with a mini umbrella and I was pleasantly surprised to see they use paper straws. Big plus! I have my eye on the iced coffee with protein, maybe next time because I will definitely be back. With every purchase, customers had the option to sign up for a raffle that they were going to have at the end of the day. Sadly, I did not win. The prizes looked so nice.
Classified as a smoothie and juice bar, Worthy Nutrition & Energy is an outstanding place to hang out and get a healthy drink along with tasty baked treats. If you are not in a hurry, stick around and chill, there are many sitting options and the staff is so friendly and helpful. Thanks to Mariah as well as Ricky and Alex, the owners, for taking the time to talk to me and answer my questions. As Mariah mentioned, they strive to provide area residents with healthier options, especially during these COVID times when it is important to stay healthy. So remember, shop small, shop local, and maybe I will see you there the next time around.
“Worthy Nutrition & Energy is a place for high energy, good vibes, and a hub for a healthy, active lifestyle! We serve delicious protein shakes, energizing teas, iced coffee and so much more!” (Worthy Nutrition & Energy, 2021)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Price Range: $$
Worthy Nutrition & Energy 1501 E. Alton Gloor Blvd. Brownsville, TX 78526 (956) 667-1771
Business hours: Monday – Friday 7a.m. to 6p.m. Saturday 9a.m. to 4p.m. Sunday CLOSED
Yesterday the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) announced the acquisition of important historic Chinese artworks, including a gilt openwork crown and a gilt plaque decorated with a standing lion, both from the Liao dynasty (907–1125); a set of jade belt plaques from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and a set of gilt silver hairpins embellished with kingfisher feathers from the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). These new artworks expand SAMA’s stellar collection of Chinese art, which has particular strengths in ceramics from the dawn of Chinese civilization to modern time. The new acquisitions are part of an ongoing effort to enhance under-represented areas within the Museum’s wider Asian art collection such as metal work and jade. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2021)
“The artworks announced today capture the incredible artistry and skill of Chinese craftsman from across history, while also illuminating the importance of these objects—and the imagery and material they hold—to Chinese culture and society,” said Shawn Yuan, Associate Curator of Asian Art. “We are delighted to enhance the Museum’s Chinese art holdings with these stunning works, which further our ability to share narratives and develop understanding of Chinese material culture through time.”
Crown China, Liao dynasty (907-1125) Gilt bronze H. 11 7/16” Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund 2021.1.1
The magnificent gilt crown is a mortuary item for a noblewoman of the semi-nomadic Khitan people, who lived in today’s northern China and Mongolia in the 11th to 12th century. The domed cap is covered with chased floral scrolls and surmounted by a lotus flower and a now-missing deity. On each of the attached standing “wings,” two glorious phoenixes, with wide spreading wings and long tails, are positioned among scudding clouds. This crown is an example of the luxurious lifestyle of the Khitan elite, who established the powerful Liao dynasty and controlled an enormous landmass bordering Korea to the east and central Asia to the west. Acquiring this crown helps the Museum to present a more complete image of the rich Liao dynasty material culture, along with the Museum’s expansive collection of Liao ceramics.
Plaque with a Standing Lion China, Liao dynasty (907-1125) Gilt bronze L. 8 3/8” W. 4 7/8” Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund 2021.1.2
The gilt bronze plaque decorated with a standing lion is an example of the impressive craftsmanship of the Liao dynasty. The energetic lion, hammered in low relief, stands on his left hind leg while thrusting the other forward. The lion’s broad chest rises, and his massive head turns backward as his flamboyant mane sweeps upward. Under the bushy eyebrows, the lion’s eyes focus intensely on a flaming pearl. The imagery has a Buddhist origin: the lion guards the Buddha’s teaching while the flaming pearl represents the Buddha’s wisdom. The images of a lion with protective power are rarely seen on other Liao works in the Museum’s collection.
Belt Plaques China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644) Jade Elongated tab: 3.5”x1.4”; rectangular: 3.1”x1.4”, 2.2”x1.4”, 1.4”x0.7”; tear-drop: 1.4”x1.3” Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund 2021.1.3.a-r
The set of eighteen jade plaques is the first important jade work to enter the Chinese collection. Jade has been China’s most valued gemstone since the dawn of its civilization. These plaques were once attached to belts worn by noblemen. The rectangular plaques are carved in high relief with lively scenes of male figures teasing frolicking lions with ribbons—an auspicious subject with a long history in Chinese art. The hardness of jade is second only to that of diamonds. The delicate carvings on these plaques present the impressive craftsmanship of the jade carver.
Hairpins China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911) Silver and kingfisher feather 5 ¾” to 5 ¼”x3 ¼” by 3 1/8” Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund 2021.1.4.a-c
The set of three gilt silver hair pins is an exciting addition to SAMA’s collection of Chinese dragon robes, embroidered brocade, shoes, and jewelry—all items from the wardrobes of upper-class families. All three hairpins are inlaid with kingfisher feathers, whose colors are as brilliant as azurite, lapis, cobalt, and turquoise. They were iridescent under the sunlight, creating a dazzling visual effect. Kingfisher feathers were a luxury material used on hair ornaments and crowns for thousands of years. The dominant image on each hairpin is a stylized bat with foliate wings outlined in thin silver. Bats are considered auspicious because the word bat is pronounced the same as luck and blessing.
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.
Plaque with a Standing Lion China, Liao dynasty (907-1125) Gilt Bronze L. 8 3/8″ W. 4 7/8″ Purchased with funds provided by the Bessie Timon Endowment Fund 2021.1.2 Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Blue Star Contemporary presents the work of Doerte Weber, Joanna Keane Lopez, and Terran Last Gun. Photo: google
Blue Star Contemporary (BSC), San Antonio’s first and longest-running contemporary art nonprofit, announces the opening of three new summer 2021 exhibitions, opening to the public on Thursday July 1, 2021. The solo exhibitions feature the work of Doerte Weber, Joanna Keane Lopez, and Terran Last Gun. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2021)
Doerte Weber presents Shed, a collection of weavings reflecting on COVID-19, everyday life during the pandemic, and climate issues. Joanna Keane Lopez is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blurs boundaries between contemporary sculpture and architecture through the medium of adobe mud. Her BSC presentation will include a newly commissioned sculptural work. Terran Last Gun presents an exhibition of ledger drawings, a form which rose to prominence among Native American artists in the mid-1800s and continues today.
In her work, Doerte Weber reflects on the emotions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic as she worked on more than 45 handwoven towels. As Weber worked on the loom, she experimented with patterns, colors, designs, and inscriptions. The resulting work is a direct reflection on the feelings of frustration, worry, and acceptance.
Joanna Keane Lopez is a multidisciplinary artist whose work blurs the boundaries between contemporary sculpture and architecture through the medium of adobe mud. By working with materials of adobe architecture, earthen plaster, and alíz (a clay slip paint) her work addresses sculpture’s relationship with land. Through the passing down of knowledge of the vernacular architecture techniques of the greater Southwest, Joanna creates work that seeks healing and reparation of fragmentation towards land, home, family, and community that is connected to her own multi-generational roots in New Mexico.
Terran LastGun creates a visual interpretation of nature, the cosmos, cultural narratives, and recollections in reduced geometric aesthetics and vibrant energetic color harmonies. Often referencing Piikani painted lodges and visual iconographic vocabulary, his work explores the varying relationships between color, shape, nature, and sky. Piikani or Blackfoot painted lodges are visual masterpieces of the Great Plains and are pre-European invasion classic art. Through various art making approaches, Terran Last Gun seeks to connect the ancient to the contemporary while creating visual color stimulation. His presentation at BSC, features ledger drawings which explore and visually dissect the three visual tiers of most Piikani painted lodges with a focus on the top and bottom zones, and the various narratives that accompany them and make connections to the land and sky.
For the first time at Blue Star contemporary, the exhibitions are accompanied by an interactive app featuring in-depth exploration through gallery texts, visitor prompts, and information aimed at giving visitors a broader context to engage with the works of art. The newly launched app is free to download and available at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
“Last month, we saw great energy and excitement in our galleries as people enjoy their new freedom and venture off to see art in person. This app has allowed our visitors to have an enhanced on-site experience, but it has also allowed them to spend more time with the exhibition content once they are back home and take time to reflect on the work they saw.”
Mary Heathcott, Executive Director
All BSC’s summer exhibitions will be on view through September 5, 2021. Terran Last Gun’s exhibition was made possible in part by First Peoples Fund. Blue Star Contemporary’s exhibitions are supported in part by the City of San Antonio Department of Arts and Culture, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, the John L. Santikos Charitable Foundation Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
Blue Star Contemporary (BSC) is the first and longest-running nonprofit space for contemporary art in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986, BSC arose from the need to provide a platform for the work and ideas of contemporary artists. As an artist-centric, educational, forward-thinking, inclusive institution that strives to exceed expectations, BSC welcomes 30,000 residents and cultural tourists each year to experience contemporary art through its exhibitions, public art projects, and education programs. In 2016, BSC became the first San Antonio arts organization to be W.A.G.E.-certified, solidifying its commitment to fair compensation of artists and creative professionals.
La Panadería’s red, white, and blue pan dulce, the Tres Leches Croissant. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.
Returning just in time for Independence Day Weekend, San Antonio staple La Panadería will bring back its patriotic-themed croissant, available at its Broadway, Houston St. and La Cantera Heights locations for a limited time July 2 through July 4. A delectable addition to this year’s July 4 festivities, La Panadería will offer its popular Tres Leches Croissant filled with strawberries and cream, and topped with red, white & blue frosting. The Independence Day treat will be available to order online and in-store. (Giant Noise for La Panadería, 2021)
Since opening La Panadería in San Antonio in 2014, the Cáceres brothers’ mission has been to share Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” bringing the art of their beloved pan dulce items to the Texas market that have since become a culinary staple for residents and visitors to San Antonio alike. La Panadería has seen great success in San Antonio and has shown resilience throughout the uncertain times the global coronavirus pandemic has brought on. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce, and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. All three of La Panadería’s locations offer indoor and al fresco dining as well as online ordering.
National Day of the Cowboy celebration spans day and night on July 24. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum presents the return of its National Day of the Cowboy celebration on Saturday, July 24, from 10a.m. to 2p.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. And there is no riding off into the sunset when the daytime National Day of the Cowboy celebration concludes. The fun continues with the Briscoe’s “Sips and Sounds of the West” series at 6:30p.m. with live music in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. The ticketed event is a night of music, drinks, and tasty bites under the stars. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)
Cowboy Fun Under the Sun – And Throughout the Museum
One of the Briscoe’s most treasured annual events, National Day of the Cowboy is held on the fourth Saturday of July each year. After a pause in 2020, the celebration returns, inspired by the Briscoe’s blockbuster summer exhibition, Still in the Saddle: A New History of the Hollywood Western. The exhibition tells the dramatic story of the Hollywood Western from the late 1960s through the 1980s, recreating a 1960s-era theater experience that features more than 60 original movie posters, authentic lobby cards and costumes worn by John Wayne. Do not be surprised if The Duke himself is roaming the exhibit, ready to take pictures with adoring fans.
Free admission and activities for the whole family, including guided tours of the Briscoe. The tours, with bilingual options, will highlight artworks that relate to cowboys, cowgirls and vaqueros.
Cowpoke games and crafts, where you can outfit yourself in a cowboy vest and spurs, make a stick pony and try out some barrel racing, learn how to rope and brand cattle, herd some balloon animals, do a little bull riding, show off your gunslinging skills, and more.
Lil Partners Reading Zone, offering up cowboy tales in the museum’s San Antonio Public Library Kampann Library Portal. Sit a spell and enjoy a book reading with Emily Wilson, the Briscoe’s Curator of Art. Wilson’s recently published children’s book, “Charlie Russell and the Gnomes of Bull Head Lodge,” crafts a modern fairy tale based on the life of one of the fathers of Western art, Charles M. Russell (1864–1926), and his many letters. Stop by to learn the art of gnome-making so you can craft your own cowboy gnomes.
Bruce Morgan, a stuntman who played a role in making scenes memorable in Hollywood Westerns in the 1970s, shares behind-the-scenes stories about movie stunts.
Dairy Farm Demo, with a traveling milking parlor featuring a live cow for all to learn how to milk, with a hands-on practice station with milking balloons.
Chuck wagon cooking with samples of peach cobbler and beans, along with food truck grub available to satisfy any hungry cowpokes.
The fun continues after the sun sets with the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Sips and Sounds of the West series at 6:30p.m. in the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden. With live music from singer/songwriter Marcy Grace and band, drinks and tasty bites under the stars, enjoy a night out celebrating all things cowboy. Surrounded by the beauty of the garden’s fantastic bronze sculptures and lush greenery, kick back and soak in the sounds of West with music, drinks, and food until 9:30p.m.
Named 2019 Solo Artist of the Year by “Formo” Magazine, Grace was nominated by the 2021 Texas Radio Music Awards for Best New Female Artist and has had three Top 40 singles on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. Her song “Margarita Man” is featured in the film “The Margarita Man” starring Danny Trejo and San Antonio’s own Jesse Borrego. Sips and Sounds of the West tickets are available online and are $15 for members, $25 for non-members and each ticket includes two complimentary beer tickets.
The National Day of the Cowboy was designated in 2005 as a day to celebrate and preserve the heritage of the American cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero in the United States. The state of Texas declared it a day of honor in 2015 and the Briscoe annually hosts a celebration event, throwing open the doors of the museum to honor the cowboy, cowgirl and vaquero in us all.
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. Per the latest CDC guidelines, vaccinated guests are welcome to enjoy the museum and Jack Guenther Pavilion without a mask. The Briscoe respectfully requests all non-vaccinated guests wear face coverings.
Blue Star Contemporary is collaborating with Darmstädter Sezession to support the global contemporary art community and strengthen ties between San Antonio and Darmstadt, Germany. Photo: google
Blue Star Contemporary (BSC) is delighted to announce its partnership with The Darmstädter Sezession (das), one of the oldest artist associations in Germany, for its 2021 Prize for Young Artists. Founded in 1919, The Darmstädter Sezession of Darmstadt, Germany is an organization whose promotion of young artists is an integral part of its activities. Every year, the artist association awards an outstanding young contemporary artist recipient as part of an open competition and exhibits their work. Projection/Projektion, this year’s program, will be presented in partnership with Blue Star Contemporary and includes video exhibition screenings in both cities and three monetary prizes. For the 2021 award, both organizations invite video artists to submit works for consideration. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2021)
San Antonio and Darmstadt have been sister cities since 2017. As an extension of their Sister Cities International partnership, BSC and das are excited to collaborate on this competition supporting the work of international contemporary artists. Like BSC, the das has a long-standing history of supporting artists, and particularly of promoting the careers of emerging artists.
The title Projection/Projektion refers not only to this year’s presentation format of video works, but also to the nature of the collaboration and the general need to develop new visions of the future. Projections, whether understood artistically, economically, politically, or psychologically, always have something to do with expectations. They can be a means of exploring paths into the near future and are thus an important tool in the navigation of societies.
This year’s awards are divided into three categories: Projection San Antonio, Projektion Darmstadt, and the Carlo-Mierendorff-Prize:
Projection San Antonio Blue Star Contemporary’s call for artist entries invites San Antonio-based artists who work with the camera. Applicants are invited to submit up to one video work of no more than 10 minutes in length through the online open call. A selection of up to 12 works will be chosen for the shortlist by a jury of curatorial professionals and screened at multiple sites in San Antonio. The shortlist works will be screened alongside audiovisual works by Darmstädter Sezession members and the Projection/Projektion Darmstadt winner. The San Antonio open air screenings will be presented in partnership with the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office during the 6th annual World Heritage Festival and are scheduled for presentation at the historic Mission Marquee Plaza on Wednesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 9. From this selection, a San Antonio artist will be chosen as the winner of the Projection San Antonio prize and will receive $6,000 USD. The prize-winning and shortlisted films will be presented as part of the open-air cinema in Darmstadt.
The Projection/Projektion San Antonio screenings and award are made possible by the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts and Culture and Office of Global Engagement. Information on the screenings is available online.
Projektion Darmstadt Each year, the Darmstädter Sezession hosts a competition for contemporary artists. This year, for the first time, the Darmstädter Sezession’s call for artist entries exclusively invites young artists who work with the camera. Open to all artists everywhere born after January 1, 1981, applicants are invited to submit up to one video work of no more than 10 minutes in length through their online platform. A selection of up to 12 works will be presented during a two-week open-air screening in Darmstadt. From this selection, a jury will choose the winner. The winner of the category Projektion Darmstadt will receive 5000€. The winning work will be shown alongside a selection of video works by members of the Darmstädter Sezession at screenings in San Antonio.
Carlo-Mierendorff-Prize For the first time, the Darmstädter Sezession will offer a prize for people who reflect on art through language. Whether this reflection takes place in writing, in the form of a podcast, or as a video contribution on the Internet is completely open. The Darmstädter Sezession seeks people who offer new approaches and perspectives on contemporary art. The competition is open to all applicants born after January 1, 1981, regardless of their nationality or place of residence. However, submissions must be in German or include a German translation. The call is directed at all persons who regularly publish texts, audio contributions, or videos about art. The winner will be selected by a jury of experts and will receive 1500€. The prize money includes the assignment to write an article about the winning artwork from Projektion Darmstadt.
Contributions for all categories can be submitted via the online CuratorSpace platform. Only applications that have been submitted completely and on time via this platform will be admitted to the competition. Information about how and what to submit can be found online.
The open calls are live now through July 16, 2021. Shortlists will be announced on August 16, 2021.
“After several months of facing a world-wide health crisis and the resulting isolation between nations, we could not be more proud to participate in a program that supports artists and reminds us we are still part of a global arts community. It’s truly special to find an organization whose values and goals align with ours, especially when it’s on the other side of the world and in one of San Antonio’s sister cities.”
Mary Heathcott, Executive Director of Blue Star Contemporary
Blue Star Contemporary (BSC) is the first and longest-running nonprofit space for contemporary art in San Antonio, Texas. Founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986, BSC arose from the need to provide a platform for the work and ideas of contemporary artists. As an artist-centric, educational, forward-thinking, inclusive institution that strives to exceed expectations, BSC welcomes 30,000 residents and cultural tourists each year to experience contemporary art through its exhibitions, public art projects, and education programs. In 2016, BSC became the first San Antonio arts organization to be W.A.G.E.-certified, solidifying its commitment to fair compensation of artists and creative professionals.
SA Examiner 