Category: Community news

SAY Sí Announces March community programming

SAY Sí will have a student art contest, complimentary art kits, and a community survey raffle. Photo: google

This March, San Antonio nonprofit SAY Sí is offering area students and educators the opportunity to recognize local teachers and engage with the arts, in addition to enlisting feedback from the San Antonio community on the nonprofit’s latest efforts. (SAY Sí, 2021)

With Spring Break just around the corner, SAY Sí has partnered with the Alamo Colleges to provide community members with local and virtual resources that everyone can enjoy, including free art supplies for kids. Free art supply bags will be available for curbside pickup for parents with elementary- and middle school-aged children on a first come, first served basis this weekend; limit two bags per car. 1,250 art kits will be available for pickup from the Palo Alto College Arts Center from 4p.m. – 6p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021, and another 1,250 art kits will be available for pickup from 10a.m. – Noon at the ACD District Support Operations building (2222 N. Alamo St.) on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Those interested in receiving an art supply bag should complete an interest form. Each kit will include a transportable bag with watercolors, markers, glue, a sketchbook, pipe cleaners, and sidewalk chalk. The community can consult SAY Sí online for additional ideas for at-home art projects.

Now through March 21, 2021, San Antonio students in grades Kinder-9 can submit original portraits of their teachers for a chance to win a $100 H-E-B gift card, (for the educator) as well as an art kit for their class (supplies for a class size of 25). A total of 10 teachers will be selected, one educator per grade level, and will be chosen by SAY Sí staff. To enter, students can visit here to fill out their application and upload an image of their original artwork, as well as explain why their teacher should be chosen. Any medium is accepted, including painting/drawing/coloring, photography, mixed media/collage, song/spoken word, written poem, sculpture, comic, digital drawing, or other creative outlets.

SAY Sí is also offering the San Antonio community an opportunity to win an H-E-B gift card by completing their community impact survey. To enter for a chance to win an H-E-B gift card, entrants must be 13 years of age or older. Four winners will be chosen on Monday, March 22, 2021; gift card amounts are valued at $10, $15, $25 or $50. 

In 2019, SAY Sí announced its relocation to the Westside of San Antonio with an all new, expanded campus. The new location, a former industrial warehouse located at 1310 S. Brazos, boasts nearly 98,000 square feet of space that will allow for the integration of three new programs into their existing offerings, including: Culinary Arts, Digital Music Composition and Journalism. SAY Sí’s diverse programming and state of the art technology and resources make the arts program one of the best in the world. While currently closed for in-person programs and community visits during construction, SAY Sí continues to offer virtual programs and resources to encourage participation in the arts from home.

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.

Harlingen Public Library hosting Virtual Spring Art Show

The Harlingen Public Library is putting out an official call for art submissions for its Virtual Spring Art Show. Photo: Harlingen Public Library, used with permission.

The Harlingen Public Library is once again hosting a Virtual Art Show and is reaching out to the community for submissions. The Harling Public Library is putting out an official call for art submissions for a Virtual Spring Art Show. Artists should send a photo of their work and responses to the Entry Form. The photo should be high resolution (at least 1000 x 1000 pixels), suitable for a family show and any medium is acceptable.  All ages are invited to participate but may submit only one piece of art. Participants will have a chance to win some new art supplies via a raffle. Submission deadline is Monday, March 29, 2021. The library website and social media will display the Virtual Spring Art Show on the Harlingen Public Library Facebook page on April 5 at 10a.m. to kick off National Library Week. More information, as well as the Entry Form, is available online. (Harlingen Public Library, 2020)

The Harlingen Public Library provides dynamic and engaging services for a diverse and evolving community.  Mission statement: “We exist to build bridges that strengthen the ties of our community. We create innovative pathways for people to connect with information and each other. Working together, the people of our community can experience infinite opportunities and growth. We are the bridge builders; we make ways where none exist.”

Brownsville Guitar Festival presented by Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts

On Sunday February 28, the Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts presented The Brownsville Guitar Festival Concert with Connie Sheu, Xavier Jara, and Matt Palmer live-streamed on Facebook. This was an excellent opportunity for the community to hear a variety of guitar performances by some of the best guitarists around.

This hour and a half concert consisted of three outstanding guitarists who each brought their best a-game and performed almost a half-hour each of inspiring music. Connie Sheu began her set with a few words about what music means to her and it would have been nice to hear some personal words from the other guitarists. They performed classical guitar selections from Vicente Asencio, Dilermando Reis, Sergei Rudnev, and other composers.

For a live-streamed concert, the quality of the sound and visuals was exceptional and the transition between performers went smoothly. Hopefully, the community appreciates the efforts of the BSPA to bring this level of performances to the masses. Congratulations to everyone involved and may there be more in the future, whether in person or live-streamed.

Performer profiles:
Connie Sheu studied U.S. History and Music at Columbia University and earned a Master of Music from the Juilliard School. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Southern California. She is a dynamic guitarist, devoted teacher, and ardent advocate of classical guitar.

Xavier Jara earned his master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in May 2020. He is the 1st prize winner of the 2016 Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition. A native of Minnesota, he was a student of Alan Johnston at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis until 2011 when he moved to Paris, France to study with Judicaël Perroy.

Matt Palmer holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Arizona and has appeared as a soloist throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, Canada, South America, and the Caribbean. A recent recipient of the “Up and Coming Guitarist of the Year” award by Guitar International Magazine, Matt has been described by critics as “a young artist about to make a real dent in the world of classical guitar.” (Premier Guitar Magazine)

The Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts (BSPA), located in Brownsville, Texas, was founded in 1994, and its mission is to enhance quality-of-life in the community through cultural entertainment, striving to produce quality programming to a largely underserved community. Of special interest to the BSPA are performing arts that are mostly inaccessible to a large portion of the community. To the best of its ability, the BSPA generates performance opportunities, organizes competitions, endows scholarships, provides financial assistance, holds master classes and clinics, and supports similar activities with a clear educational value. BSPA helps those that pursue a career in music and dance education or other work in the performing arts field.

Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage exhibit at The DoSeum

Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage is on display at The DoSeum until Sunday, March 28. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

The DoSeum is celebrating learning in all its forms by inviting students to participate in their current exhibition Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage by submitting works of art. The exhibition encourages our community to reflect on attitudes and assumptions about individuals who learn differently and inspire us to be a more inclusive and equitable society. Joyful learning is at the core of The DoSeum’s mission. Everyone learns differently, and there is amazing potential in every child to be the best learner they can be. (The DoSeum, 2021)

The popular exhibition, which opened last fall, is currently being updated. In addition to displaying works of art by students, a newly installed resource center features learning elements to inspire all minds to play, but especially for students diagnosed with dyslexia. These updates include 3D puzzles, building manipulatives, graphic novels, and gestalt images. The DoSeum’s education department has also planned art-themed pop-ups in the galleries through the run of the show, which closes March 28.

Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage is an art and science exhibition that explores the successes of those who think outside the box when faced with the challenges of dyslexia. The exhibition defines some of the tools and resources for identification, intervention, and pathways to success. Families learn about what dyslexia really is, and the truth behind some of the negative myths perpetuated in society. Guests have fun playing various spatial and word games learning how the right and left sides of the brain are engaged, including an oversized tile spelling game, color block puzzles, and digital interactive educational games for all ages. A unique local feature will be listening to stories from San Antonio youth and local world changers about their experiences growing up with dyslexia before and after intervention. Children and caretakers walk among the life-size illustrations of some of the most influential visionaries who have changed history.

During the exhibit run at The DoSeum, a unique portion of Beautiful Minds will feature Artist in Residence Sarah Sudhoff’s interactive installation The Reading Brain. The installation will allow families to be immersed in the reading brain’s inner workings through a multi-sensory, data-driven interactive installation.

The DoSeum has longer timed sessions for guests. As always, it has taken care to implement the best cleaning and sanitation practices and continues to implement new measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and continue prioritizing the health and safety of its staff and guests.

Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage is a Science Museum Oklahoma and Whiteboard Exhibits Project. The DoSeum thanks supporters of Beautiful Minds: Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage

“Dyslexia and the Creative Advantage has already been enjoyed by over 16,000 visitors. During the final weeks of the exhibit, we have enhanced our galleries with new components and opportunities for families to interact and reflect in ways in which learning with Dyslexia offers a creative advantage. At The DoSeum, we are in the business of helping children achieve their full potential by providing opportunities for outside of the box learning, this exhibition and its recent new additions do just that.” – Meredith Doby, VP of Exhibits

The DoSeum is one of the leading children’s museums in the nation; a place where minds are always at play. The DoSeum offers innovative exhibits and experiences to get children excited about concepts in science, math, art, and literacy and encourages them to take their excitement into the world. Through joyful learning and discovery, The DoSeum Experience grows curious minds, connects families, and transforms communities. The DoSeum is a 501 c3-non-profit organization.

Spring Break at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

Spring Break at the Briscoe includes Briscoe’s Lil Partners Saddlebags. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

This spring gather the family and head West with the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Lil Partners Saddlebags. A fun way to learn about the West, each Lil Partners Saddlebag tells the tale of the West from multiple perspectives and includes six activities for children and families to enjoy. Packed in the Saddlebag is a museum pass admitting two adults to the Briscoe. Children under 12 always receive free admission, making the Saddlebags the perfect way for your family to head West this spring. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2021)

Briscoe is extending its monthly “Locals Days” programming to include March 11-14, in addition to its regular monthly third Sunday, March 21. To thank the San Antonio community for its support, “Locals Day” at the Briscoe greets locals with 50% off general admission. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission, as do active duty members of the military, making the Briscoe a terrific spot for local families to enjoy during spring break.

Lil Partners Saddlebags activities include crafting Puebloan-inspired pottery, making a roaming bison torn paper collage, creating Papel Picado, fashioning your own cowboy boot and paper cowboys, as well as western coloring sheets. All the supplies and directions are included along with the museum pass for two, as well as a special one-time 15% discount on children’s items in the Briscoe’s Museum Store so Lil Partners can head home with more western fun to enjoy. Lil Partner Saddlebags are $20 for Briscoe members and $25 for future members. The admission for two alone is a $24 value, making the kits a terrific spring break deal. To pick up a kit, Lil Partners and their families can visit the Museum Store in person or online or call 210.299.4499 to arrange for a curbside pickup. Saddlebags are available through March 31 and can be shipped for an additional fee.

A must see for all ages – and the perfect place to sit and enjoy your Saddlebag crafts – is McNutt Sculpture Garden, the Briscoe’s lush public outdoor space featuring a beautiful courtyard surrounded by bronze sculptures that depict iconic figures of the American West. The sculpture garden offers the perfect respite during any River Walk visit, with tables, chairs, and benches to rest and enjoy the view.

Due to COVID restrictions, the Briscoe’s Lil Partners program also offers story times online to introduce little ones to the excitement and adventure of the American West. Museum visitors may enjoy self-guided tours, watch short videos and learn more about the artists behind the works through the Briscoe’s app, available on Google Play and in the Apple Store. Lil Partner activities for children are also available on the app, as well as the museum’s website through the museum’s “Beyond the Briscoe” program. The entire family can enjoy a museum scavenger hunt that explores the museum, play musical match-up or musical bingo, bringing the museum’s extensive collection to life for all ages.

Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online. The museum is operating at reduced capacity with health and safety protocols that require both staff and guests to wear masks as well as visitor temperature checks upon entry.

Preserving and presenting the art, history, and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio 2021

Black Restaurant Week is taking place from February 21 to 28 to benefit the community and black owned restaurants. Photo: San Antonio Food Bank, used with permission.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio (BRWSA), Tim Duncan Foundation and Spurs Give are joining efforts to support the San Antonio Food Bank through donations and a matching effort. BRWSA is February 21-28 with more than 30 Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, and businesses participating this year. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

Each restaurant will have a featured special on the menu that will serve as a give-back for the week and for each one purchased, BRWSA participants will give back 21 meals to kids and seniors facing hunger. In addition, the Tim Duncan Foundation and Spurs Give have each pledged $100,000 to the Food Bank, funding 1.4 million meals to help feed those in need.

Visit the full list of participating restaurants on the Black Restaurant Week San Antonio website. Curbside and delivery options will also be available to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into its second year, families continue to face hunger, many for the first time. This partnership strives to help feed those with the greatest need, while also raising awareness for locally Black-owned restaurants to help them thrive during this time. The campaign to raise $2.5 million is still going strong until February 28 and anyone wishing to donate may do so online.

Black Restaurant Week San Antonio was founded in 2019 to focus support on and highlight Black owned businesses and Black professionals in the culinary field in San Antonio. The goal is to not only bring awareness but to celebrate “Cuisine, Culture and Community” through an assortment of events and charitable giving.

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

About Spurs Give: We are a family – a team – passionate about sports. We are passionate about what sports can do for our community – especially our youth. At the heart of it, we believe sports can provide a family with a common goal, and a hope for a better future. We are Spurs Give – the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Since our founding in 1988, we have invested $30 million in our community. Through our players’ passions, our grants, and our impact programs, we are changing lives and leaving a lasting impact. You give. We give. Spurs Give.

“This is our biggest Black Restaurant Week San Antonio to date. With over 30 participants, there’s something for everyone. I am also excited about supporting these Black-owned businesses and the diversity and cultures that they represent. And, I am grateful to be able to help out community members in need by helping to raise funds for the San Antonio Food Bank.” – Ryane Smith, organizer for Black Restaurant Week San Antonio.

COVID-19 Rental Relief Program registers thousands of Texans

There were more than 21,000 account registrations in statewide COVID-19 Rental Relief Program. Photo: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, used with permission.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) received approximately $1.3 billion in emergency relief funds from the national Coronavirus Relief Bill Rental Assistance Program. TDHCA launched the statewide Texas Rent Relief program to help income-eligible Texans struggling to keep up with rent and utility payments during the pandemic. (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, 2021)

Low to moderate income tenants who have suffered financial hardship during the pandemic can register and apply for aid by visiting Texas Rent Relief or calling 1-833-989-7368. Landlords can also apply with tenant approval. The application process has two parts: registering your account and requesting payment. Assistance on the website and call center is available in multiple languages.

In the first 24 hours of application opening, Texas Rent Relief saw:
• More than 42,000 calls at the call center.
• About 90% of those calls were from tenants.
• More than 21,000 total account registrations.
• 2,921 landlord accounts registered.
• 6,556 tenant account registered by landlord invitation
• 11,578 tenant accounts registered on their own
• More than 5,700 payment requests submitted, totaling more than $20 million; these payment requests have not been reviewed and approved; this is only the number of submitted requests.

Households must have incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income and meet several other criteria. Full eligibility details are available online. Per federal guidelines, TDHCA is prioritizing applications for an initial time period for households at or below 50% of the area median income level and households where one or more members are currently unemployed and have been for at least 90 days.

The Texas Rent Relief Program can help renters with costs starting as far back as March 13, 2020:
Past due, current, and up to 3 months of expected rent costs
Past due, current, and up to 3 months of expected utility and home energy expenses
After the initial 3 months of forward assistance, you can apply for 3 additional months of assistance if funds are still available.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is committed to expanding fair housing choice and opportunities for Texans through the administration and funding of affordable housing and homeownership opportunities, weatherization, and community-based services with the help of for-profits, nonprofits, and local governments. For more information about fair housing, funding opportunities, or services in your area, please visit Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs or the Learn about Fair Housing in Texas page.

San Antonio Food Bank emergency distributions

The San Antonio Food Bank will be hosting mega mobile distributions this weekend. Photo: San Antonio Food Bank, used with permission.

The San Antonio Food Bank is ramping up emergency outreach on the backside of the recent, crippling weather system. Volunteers are in critical need, with more than 500 needed over the weekend alone. Volunteers can register online to support a mobile food distribution. (San Antonio Food Bank, 2021)

For individuals needing to restock their shelves this weekend, the Food Bank is hosting 7 mega mobile distributions (details below). Pre-registration is recommended for all who have access to the internet. Those without the ability to pre-register will not be turned away and can access food while it lasts at each site. Additional information for those seeking help this weekend is available by calling the Food Bank’s helpline: 210-431-8326 on Friday or Saturday during normal business hours.

Upcoming Mobile Food Distributions: Friday -Sunday
WHEN: Friday-Sunday (February 19 – 21)
TIME: 10a.m.- 4p.m.
WHERE: San Antonio Food Bank main facility, with pre-check required beforehand at Camargo Park: 5738 Castroville Rd (78227)
WHAT: 1,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

WHEN: Friday, February 19
TIME: 11a.m. – 1p.m.
WHERE: NISD Gustafson Stadium: 7001 Culebra Rd (78238)
WHAT: 2,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

WHEN: Friday, February 19
TIME: 2p.m. – 4p.m.
WHERE: Rackspace Technology: 1 Fanatical Pl (78218)
WHAT: 2,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

WHEN: Saturday, February 20
TIME: 1p.m. – 4p.m.
WHERE: Harlandale ISD Memorial Stadium: 1109 Apollo St (78214)
WHAT: 1,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

WHEN: Saturday, February 20
TIME: 9a.m. – 11a.m.
WHERE: River City Church: 16765 Lookout Rd (78154)
WHAT: 2,000 households (more than 5,000 individuals) get 100+ pounds of food, water

The San Antonio Food Bank is a 501c3 non‐profit organization providing millions of pounds of food to over 530 charitable organizations in Southwest Texas serving those in need. In addition to food distribution, the San Antonio Food Bank provides numerous programs that not only solve the immediate problems of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long‐term food security.

“Our community is hurting. We have been meeting the emergency food needs all week for the homeless and those in shelters across our community. Now it’s time to reach those in homes through our distributions and home deliveries.” – Eric Cooper, President & CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank.