Tag: art

New Selena Exhibition Opening at San Antonio’s Briscoe Museum This Summer

Selena Forever/Siempre Selena opens on June 4, 2026. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

Briscoe: New Selena Exhibition & Summer Film Series

The Briscoe Western Art Museum in San Antonio is set to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Queen of Tejano music with Selena Forever / Siempre Selena, a special photographic exhibition opening June 4, 2026, in the museum’s Kate Marmion Gallery. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)

Featuring photographs by acclaimed San Antonio photographer John Dyer, the exhibition captures Selena at a pivotal moment in her rise to international stardom. It offers an intimate look at an artist whose talent, charisma, and determination transformed Tejano music and helped redefine representation for Mexican American women in popular culture.

📸 The Exhibition: Selena Forever / Siempre Selena

Photographed by Dyer on multiple occasions between 1992 and 1994, this showcase brings together some of the most recognizable and widely published images of Selena’s career. It is considered the most complete and comprehensive exhibition of large-scale Selena portraits ever presented.

Visitors can expect:

  • Monumental Portraits: Iconic large-scale images from her rise to stardom.
  • Boutique Photographs: Never-before-seen, intimate snapshots.
  • Historical Ephemera: Magazine covers and memorabilia offering an expansive look at her life and artistry.

On Display: June 4, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027

Carrying the Spirit of the West

“Selena was a trailblazing Tejana whose influence reached far beyond music,” says Liz Jackson. “She embodied the independence, determination and entrepreneurial spirit that have long defined the American West, while proudly carrying her culture and community with her every step of the way.”

At a time when Tejano music was largely dominated by men, Selena broke barriers with confidence and authenticity. Much like generations of Tejanos who helped shape Texas through perseverance and innovation, Selena forged her own path while carrying the traditions of her community forward.

About the Photographer: John Dyer

John Dyer is a Texas-based photographer renowned for documenting the people, culture, and spirit of the American Southwest. His work has been exhibited in prestigious institutions nationwide, including the National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the McNay Art Museum. Dyer’s work documenting Selena remains some of the most iconic imagery associated with the beloved cultural icon.

🎬 Briscoe Summer Film Series: “Siempre Tejano”

To complement the exhibition, the Briscoe’s annual Summer Film Series will present Siempre Tejano, celebrating Selena, Tejano music, and the cultural legacy shaping Texas today.

The Details:

  • When: The third Sunday of June, July, and August at 2:00 PM.
  • Perks: Included with general admission. Tickets include complimentary beer provided by Ranger Creek and classic movie snacks. (Pro-tip: Purchase tickets in advance online)

Film Lineup:

DateFilmDescription
Sunday, June 21Selena y Los Dinos (2025)A Netflix documentary tracing the band’s rise from local South Texas gigs to international fame, featuring rare archival footage from the Quintanilla family archive.
Sunday, July 19Selena (1997)The beloved feature film starring Jennifer Lopez charting Selena’s extraordinary journey. Inducted into the National Film Registry, it famously features San Antonio’s own River Walk.
Sunday, Aug. 16Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood (2025)An acclaimed documentary exploring the influence of legendary TV host Johnny Canales, whose variety show helped launch the careers of countless Tejano artists.

🏛️ More to Experience at the Briscoe This Summer

Located right on the River Walk near La Villita in downtown San Antonio, the Briscoe preserves the art, history, and culture of the American West. Beyond Selena, visitors can experience massive programming updates this summer:

Landmark Exhibition: Tejano Legacy: Another American Origin Story

Opening July 24, 2026 (running through Jan. 18, 2027), this is the most ambitious exhibition in the Briscoe’s history.

  • Features more than 100 rare artworks and artifacts.
  • Includes pieces loaned from Mexican institutions—considered national historical heritage—on display in the U.S. for the very first time.
  • Don’t Miss: The museum’s annual National Day of the Vaquero / Día Nacional del Vaquero celebration on July 25.

Tejano Legacy National Tour Dates

Can’t make it to San Antonio? The landmark exhibition will be hitting the road to introduce audiences across the country to the story of Tejano identity:

  • March 4 – September 5, 2027: Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (Scottsdale, AZ)
  • October 30, 2027 – February 13, 2028: Bullock Texas State History Museum (Austin, TX)

🎟️ Admission Deals & Discounts

The Briscoe is offering several free and reduced admission opportunities throughout the summer:

  • Kids 12 and under: Always FREE.
  • Active-Duty Military Families: FREE via Blue Star Museums through Labor Day.
  • Bexar County Residents: Monthly free “Locals Days”.
  • Community Programs: Proud participant in Museums for All and Museums on Us.

Plan your summer visit to the Briscoe and immerse yourself in the vibrant history, art, and music that define Texas,

Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum

Magik Theatre Summer Camps 2026: San Antonio’s Best Youth Theatre Programs

Magik Theatre unleashes super charged summer camps, including musical theater camp. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Beat the Summer Heat with Magik Theatre’s 2026 Summer Camp Blockbusters

Attention parents! The region’s hottest ticket in summer childcare is back and better than ever. The Magik Theatre, San Antonio’s premier theatre company for young audiences, has officially unveiled its 2026 summer camp program featuring a back-to-back schedule of blockbusters, more convenient schedules, and a newly renovated, icy-cool facility. (Magik Theatre, 2026)

Whether your child is a fresh preschool graduate stepping onstage for the first time or a seasoned high school performer, Magik has a stage waiting for them.

Why Choose Magik Theatre Camps?

At the heart of every Magik camp is a core mission: to ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Magik’s teaching artists are a rare combination of working performers, skilled technicians, and seasoned arts educators. By weaving social-emotional learning into every session, they build confidence and creativity in a way that’s genuinely fun, deeply engaging, and surprisingly educational.

Plus, thanks to recent renovations, campers will enjoy enhanced accessibility, safety, softer theatre seats, and, most importantly, brand-new HVAC to keep everyone cool during the San Antonio summer.

🎭 2026 Camp Lineup by Age Group

From June to August, Magik Theatre is offering flexible one- and two-week sessions tailored to every age and interest. (Note: All campers must be fully potty-trained to participate).

🧸 Little Legends (Rising K – 1st Grade)

  • The Vibe: Creative play, imagination, and storytelling.
  • The Themes: Inspired by children’s favorites like Bluey, Paw Patrol, and classic tales of pirates and fairies.
  • The Schedule: Half-day, two-week sessions running from June 8 through July. Sign up for one, or book all four to cover your summer.

🌟 Rising Stars (Elementary Ages)

  • The Vibe: Mainstage musical sessions designed to let young talents shine.
  • The Themes: Eight themed options catering to whatever they’re obsessed with, from Wicked and K-Pop Demon Hunters to Legos and Pokémon.

🎬 Drama Crew (Middle Schoolers)

  • The Vibe: Skip the acting and dive behind the scenes.
  • The Focus: A technically focused camp featuring music, puppetry, prop making, lighting, and sound design.

🎤 Intro to Musical Theatre (Rising 9th – 12th Graders)

  • The Vibe: High-energy skill-building for teens.
  • The Focus: Master the elements of modern musical classics like Beetlejuice and Mean Girls, concluding with an exciting end-of-session showcase.

🎭 Center Stage Players (High Schoolers)

  • The Vibe: A special series of Saturday workshops for serious high school actors looking to hone their craft.
  • The Focus: Deep dives into character work, script analysis, and public speaking, all without the burden of memorizing lines. Features a must-see evening performance on August 1.

🗓️ Special Specialty Weeks

Don’t need a full two-week commitment? Check out these standalone options:

  • Theatre Explorers Camp (June 1–5 | Grades K–8): Perfect for those who want to dip a toe into the theatre world. Introduces newbies to theatre basics through games, voice/dance exercises, and acting activities.
  • Summer Send-Off (August 3–7 | Rising K–8th): Beat the dog days of August with a camp that focuses on stagecraft, heavy on the “craft,” including puppetry, costume design, and more.

🚙 Perks for Parents: Stress-Free Logistics

Magik has designed this supercharged season with busy families in mind:

  • Consistent Schedules: Mainstage Musical, Drama Crew, and Intro to Musical Theatre all run for two weeks from June 8 – July 31 (9a.m. – 4p.m.).
  • Extended Care: Optional extended care is available one hour before and one hour after standard camp hours.
  • One Stop, Multiple Kids: Camps for different age groups are held at the same location with the same start times. No convoluted commutes.
  • Discounts: Save money with sibling and multi-session discounts.

🎟️ Spaces Are Limited—Book Your Spot Today

Because the Magik team took time earlier this year to revamp programming during building renovations, this year features the widest variety of day camps in recent history.

But hurry, Magik’s day camps are some of the hottest tickets in town and prone to sell out quickly.

👉 View Session Availability Here and Secure Your Family’s Summer Fun Today

About Magik Theatre

Established in 1994, Magik Theatre is a professional theatre for young audiences. Our mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.

ThoroughFare Austin: New Mueller Hybrid Bakery & Café Announces Block Party

Austinites invited to join the newly opened bakery, café, deli and grocery for a lively block party. Photo: Meraki Narrative, used with permission.

** Update: Due to forecasted inclement weather, this event has been rescheduled for Thursday June 4, 2026. ** 5/20/2026

Neighborhood Spot ThoroughFare Announces Epic Mueller Block Party

If you haven’t checked out ThoroughFare yet, now is the perfect time. The newly opened bakery, café, deli, and grocery hybrid has quickly become a favorite daily ritual for Mueller residents since quietly opening its doors in March. (Juice Consulting, 2026)

To celebrate, they are throwing a massive neighborhood Block Party, and you’re invited!

The Details: When & Where

  • Date: Thursday, May 21
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Mueller Neighborhood, 1905 Aldrich St. (Next to the Thinkery)
  • RSVP: Click here for the public RSVP link

The event will feature a total takeover of the Aldrich St. walkway by ThoroughFare and an incredible lineup of adjacent local businesses.

What to Expect

Whether you’re bringing the family, heading out for date night, or just love good food, there is something for everyone:

  • Good Vibes: A vinyl-curated DJ set from Dart Collective.
  • For the Kids: Complimentary face painting.
  • ThoroughFare Exclusives: Fresh bread and cookie tastings, plus $2 off wine by the glass and draft beer.
  • Shopping Perks: 20% off all Made In Cookware and fun merch giveaways to grab as you roam.

Participating Vendors & Pop-Ups

ThoroughFare is teaming up with neighborhood favorites to bring you awesome activities, freebies, and discounts:

  • The Thinkery & Toy Joy: Hosting a “Franken-TOY” pop-up where guests can build and take home their own custom toys.
  • Buddy Bear: An arts-and-crafts station pop-up for both kids and adults.
  • Veracruz All Natural: Serving up complimentary samples of their famous agua frescas.
  • Aviator Pizza: Featuring free merch, swag, pizza giveaways, and a prize wheel spinner.
  • Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken: Catch their mascot on-site, grab food samples, and spin their prize wheel.
  • Lick Ice Cream: Scooping up sweet discounts at their ice cream cart.
  • Blue Lacy: Offering exclusive dine-in discounts.
  • BD Riley’s Irish Pub: Serving up discounts on adult beverages.

What is ThoroughFare?

Brought to you by the team behind the nationally recognized Austin bakery ThoroughBread (named by Food & Wine as one of the 100 Best Bakeries in America), ThoroughFare is an elevated food shopping experience.

The new space features:

  • A Full-Service Drink Bar: Serving coffee, matcha, smoothies, and fresh juices.
  • A Café & Bakery: Serving up signature toasts, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
  • The Market: Stocked with 170 house-made products including condiments, salad dressings, butters, jams, and nut butters, all of which are the exact same ingredients they use on their own café menu.

The ThoroughFare Promise: They pride themselves on making as many products as possible completely in-house. That means zero seed oils, artificial additives, preservatives, colors, flavors, gums, or fillers. No shortcuts. Just real food.

The Story Behind the Concept

The seed for ThoroughFare was planted back in 2015 during a trip to Maine taken by Co-Founder and CEO Ryan Goebel and his mother. Eating almost entirely from local producers, Ryan noticed the food tasted richer and left them feeling noticeably better.

He realized the magic lay in how the food was produced and the short distance it traveled to the table. Ryan brought this holistic philosophy back to Austin, opening ThoroughBread in 2018 to immediate critical acclaim. ThoroughFare is the natural evolution of that dream, reimagining the way grocers operate by letting you take home the exact ingredients used in their kitchen.

“This began years ago with a simple belief – that food should just be food. Made with real ingredients, without unnecessary shortcuts, and brought to people at its best. ThoroughFare is built on that standard, and we’re proud to finally open our doors and share it with our community.” — Ryan Goebel, Co-Founder & CEO

See you at the block party!

Make sure to RSVP and come hungry. What vendor are you most excited to check out? Let me know in the comments below.

The Future of Justice: ‘Robolex’ Reimagines the Legal System in 2040

‘Robolex’ is Juan Manuel Sánchez Fernández’ latest thriller. Photo: Amazon

Book Review: Robolex by Juan Manuel Sánchez Fernández

**Spanish Version** – The year is 2040, and the scales of justice are being recalibrated. In a world where the line between silicon and soul is blurring, Juan Manuel Sánchez Fernández delivers a gripping futuristic legal thriller that explores the fragile boundary between technology and humanity.

Synopsis: Justice Reborn

Justice has changed: lawyers are no longer only human. After the mysterious murder of a brilliant lawyer from Almeria, an unscrupulous corporation decides to create AGF 40, the first robot lawyer with a built-in human brain.

The mission seems straightforward: relive the victim’s final moments to identify the murderer. However, within the machine, something awakens that was never part of the code: conscience, ethics, and memory. In a system corrupted by power, AGF 40 faces a dangerous dilemma: obey its creators or seek the truth, even if it leads to its own destruction. With the help of Natalia Domene, a young lawyer struggling between reason and heart, AGF 40 discovers that justice does not always reside in codes, but in the difficult decisions that define us as humans. (Amazon, 2026)

The Review: A Cyborg’s Quest for Truth

The Catalyst

The story opens with a shock: Aniceto Gázquez Figueroa is assassinated in a public restaurant during a business meeting. The investigation, led by Sgt. Castillo and Lt. Rupérez, yields frustratingly few clues, only a specific gun type and a getaway car.

Aniceto’s family donates his brain to Novus Robotics, headed by the narcissistic Edward Carver. The result is AGF 40 (named after the donor’s initials and the year of creation), a cyborg intended to revolutionize the Spanish justice system.

Man vs. Machine

It begins as a corporate experiment and quickly evolves into a complex moral struggle. AGF 40 realizes that Novus Robotics intends to use him for financial gain rather than the betterment of humanity. This realization prompts a daring escape.

The narrative shines as AGF 40 reunites with his former law partner, Natalia Domene. Together, they navigate a legal landscape that forces both characters and readers to confront uncomfortable questions, including the ethical minefield of defending those they believe are guilty.

Character Dynamics

  • AGF 40: A groundbreaking blend of code and memory. His evolution from a calculated tool to a moral agent drives the tension of the book.
  • Edward Carver: While character development is lean in some areas, Carver stands out as a “Dr. Frankenstein” figure. He is a complicated, narcissistic visionary who views his creation with a mix of pride and growing dread.
  • Natalia Domene: She provides the emotional heartbeat of the story, representing the human struggle between logic and compassion.

Final Verdict

Sánchez Fernández’ prose is vivid and descriptive, utilizing a non-linear narrative to keep the reader off-balance. “Castillo exhale un suspiro frustrado y miró por la ventana, observando cómo las olas del mar de Cabo de Gata hacían bailar la noche oscura.”

While the setting is sci-fi, the themes are deeply rooted in contemporary concerns about AI replacing human professions, from maids and guards to, eventually, lawyers.

Robolex ultimately asks: Is justice defined by rules, or by the courage to challenge them?

  • For fans of: Science fiction, legal procedurals, and philosophical thrillers.
  • Key takeaway: A detailed look at the intersection of bio-engineering and the law.

“Por primera vez desde su reactivación, AGF 40 sintió una punzada de duda. ¿Era él, el mismo abogado que alguna vez luchó por la justicia? O era simplement una version mejorada de un hombre que ya no existía.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Juan Manuel Sánchez Fernández is a practicing lawyer from Almeria with over two decades of experience, including defense work in high-profile murder cases. He turned to writing as a therapeutic hobby during a personal crisis, leading to the success of his debut novel, El Abogado Adicto.

His second novel, El Abogado y La Mafia, has reached international audiences across North America, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Robolex continues his streak of blending deep legal expertise with high-stakes storytelling.

San Antonio Fiesta 2026: Live Music at Bar 414 and Playoff Treats at La Panadería

La Panadería will have Fiesta Mini-Conchas during Fiesta. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Celebrate Fiesta & Playoff Fever: Your Ultimate San Antonio Guide

Fiesta San Antonio is officially here! From April 16 through April 26, the city transforms into a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and flavor. Whether you’re looking for the best rooftop views or late-night jazz, here are three must-visit spots to add to your itinerary. (Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar, The Gunter Hotel, La Panadería, 2026)

1. Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar: Southtown’s Fiesta Hub

Rosario’s is bringing its signature contemporary Mexican cuisine and rooftop energy to the heart of the celebration. It’s the perfect home base before or after hitting NIOSA or the King William Fair.

Fiesta Exclusives

  • The Fruit Cup Margarita: A limited-time specialty served on the rocks and topped with candy straws (available while supplies last).
  • Merch: Grab this year’s Fiesta medal for $10 or a commemorative T-shirt for $15.
  • Tequila Tastings (April 25): Join the fun during the King William Fair with El Tequileño and Carabuena on the rooftop, or Patrón, Lunazul, and Cazadores at the downstairs bar.

The Rooftop Experience

Enjoy skyline views, themed décor, and a festive photo booth.

Note: The rooftop lounge is reserved for guests 25 and older.

Special Rooftop Hours:

  • Friday: 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.
  • Saturday: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
  • Sunday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.

2. Jazz & Spirits at Bar 414 (The Gunter Hotel)

Step back in time at one of the “Top 25 Most Historic Speakeasies for 2025.” Located inside the iconic Gunter Hotel, Bar 414 is hosting a Live Music Residency Series featuring diverse acts and elevated bites.

Performance Lineup (9 p.m. – Midnight)

All live music events are FREE for patrons!

DateArtistGenre
April 16 & 30Aaron Prado TrioJazz
April 17 & 24The Dirty River Jazz BandTraditional Jazz
April 18Vanita LeoCumbia Night
April 23Faith Evangeline & FriendsSoul/Contemporary
April 25Victoria RosaLa Fiesta del Mariachi

Pro Tip: Pair the music with their new menu items, like the Truffle Pomme Frites or a curated charcuterie board.

3. Sweet Wins at La Panadería

La Panadería is blending Fiesta flair with basketball fever! Starting Thursday, April 9, you can pick up their new Fiesta Mini Conchas, a vibrant, multi-colored twist on the classic Mexican sweet bread.

The Playoff Bonus

The NBA Playoffs kick off on Saturday, April 18, and La Panadería is rooting for the home team.

  • The Deal: After every San Antonio Spurs playoff win, the first 50 guests at each location will receive a FREE Fiesta mini concha with any purchase.

Valid at all La Panadería locations throughout the playoff rounds!

Where are you headed first? Whether you’re chasing rooftop views or playoff treats, San Antonio has never looked (or tasted) better. ¡Viva Fiesta!

PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 48: Celebrating KRTU’s 50th Anniversary

Trinity University is hosting the first PechaKucha of 2026. Photo: Ben Yanto, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio Vol. 48: Celebrating 50 Years of KRTU

PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series, is back! Kicking off the 2026 season is Volume 48, a special event honoring the 50th Anniversary of KRTU 91.7 FM. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2026)

Join us for a night of rapid-fire storytelling, local flavors, and community celebration at the historic Laurie Auditorium.

Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
  • Location: Laurie Auditorium, Trinity University (One Trinity Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212)
  • 6:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception (Live music & bites)
  • 7:30 p.m. – Presentations Begin

Tickets: $10 per person. Available at the door or online (online orders subject to fees).

A Golden Anniversary for KRTU

For five decades, Trinity University has been the heartbeat of San Antonio’s jazz and indie scene. Since flipping the switch as a modest 50-watt station in 1976, KRTU has grown into a cultural powerhouse. It remains a vital hands-on learning lab and holds one of the largest in-studio jazz collections in the nation. This Volume is our tribute to the “grooves” that have defined our city for 50 years.

The Volume 48 Presenters

Our lineup features seven diverse local voices, each sharing their passion in the signature 20×20 format:

SpeakerBackground
Jake PickardPsychologist
Kate RogersWriter + Community Consultant
Sandrine SanosWriter + Scholar + Editor
Tirso SiggArtist + Entrepreneur
Burgin StreetmanWriter + Artist
Michael ThomasListener of Music
Sandra VelasquezCEO + Founder

Emcee: Bria Woods (Multimedia storyteller and Content Director at KRTU).

Live Music: JJ Lopez will be spinning soul, jazz, and disco-twist vinyl during the reception.

Food & Drink

Come hungry! The evening features complimentary bites from some of San Antonio’s favorites:

  • CheeseMé Charcuterie Boards
  • OK Kitchens
  • Roundabout
  • Olla Express Coffee
  • Tio Pelon’s Salsita

Cocktails and other beverages will be available for purchase.

What is PechaKucha?

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” this Japanese-inspired format (meaning “chit chat”) challenges speakers to be concise and engaging. Each presenter shows 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds. That’s exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds to tell a story.

Since its San Antonio debut in 2011, PechaKucha has become a quarterly staple, bringing together architects, artists, and community leaders to share the ideas that move them.

Presented in partnership with The Power of Preservation Foundation.

Photo: PechaKucha San Antonio, used with permission.

The Briscoe Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Night of Artists

Night of Artists celebrates 25 Years of defining the future of western art. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.

A Quarter-Century of the West: The 25th Anniversary of ‘Night of Artists’

For 25 years, San Antonio has served as the heartbeat of the Western art world. It began as a single evening event in 2001 and has blossomed into the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Night of Artists Exhibition and Art Sale, one of the premier Western art events on the planet. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2026)

While the exclusive opening weekend is a legendary sold-out celebration, the beauty of this collection belongs to everyone. From March 29 through May 10, the public is invited to experience (and even purchase!) works from this landmark 25th-anniversary show.

Why This Year is Special

The 2026 exhibition is a powerhouse of contemporary talent, featuring over 300 new works. It reinforces San Antonio’s reputation as a top-tier destination for the genre, showcasing:

  • Renowned Icons: Legends like Thomas Blackshear II, Greg Beecham, G. Russell Case, and Sean Michael Chavez.
  • New Voices: Exciting artists who are currently redefining what “Western Art” means today.
  • Diverse Media: A stunning array of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.

The Briscoe Purchase Award: Every year, the museum selects one piece to acquire for its permanent collection, ensuring the best of today’s Western art is preserved for future generations.

Go Behind the Canvas: Artist Events

Want to see how the magic happens? The Briscoe is hosting two exclusive opportunities to learn directly from the masters:

🎨 Masterclass with Mary Ross Buchholz

  • When: Saturday, April 11 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Cost: $100 Members / $135 Non-members
  • The Experience: Join West Texas native Mary Ross Buchholz for an intimate look at her graphite and charcoal process. All materials and lunch are included! Space is limited—register early.

🖌️ Artist Demonstration with Teal Blake

  • When: Thursday, May 7 | 6 – 8 p.m.
  • Cost: Included with museum admission
  • The Experience: Watch Teal Blake lead a live watercolor demonstration. It’s a casual setting where you can ask questions about his authentic portrayals of cowboy life and his creative journey.

Plan Your Visit: Dates & Special Offers

The six-week public exhibition is the only time this specific collection will be available for viewing in one place.

  • Public Exhibition & Sale: March 29 – May 10
  • Locals Day (May 3): Free admission for San Antonio and Bexar County residents.
  • Mother’s Day (May 10): Free admission for all moms—the perfect final day to catch the show.

Visiting the Briscoe

Located on the south end of the River Walk, the Briscoe is an “oasis of Western beauty.” Beyond the Night of Artists gallery, you can explore the McNutt Sculpture Garden and 14 galleries of history and art.

  • Hours: Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays)
  • Admission: Always FREE for children 12 & under and active-duty military.

Briscoe Western Art Museum
210 W. Market St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 299-4499

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Poison Ruin Announces New Album ‘Hymns from the Hills’ via Relapse Records

L-R: Allen Chapman (drums), Nao Demand (guitar), Mac Kennedy (vox, guitar), Will McAndrew (bass). Photo By Kat Bean, used with permission.

Scythes, Spirits, and Synths: Poison Ruin Announces ‘Hymns from the Hills’

Poison Ruin’s upcoming release, Hymns from the Hills, ambitiously rewrites the rules of punk. The Philadelphia outfit is pushing their sound into expansive new terrains without sacrificing an ounce of the bleak symbolism and uncompromising aggression that established them as one of extreme music’s most urgent voices. (another side, 2026)

Expanding their signature approach to grim mythmaking, these new songs feel equal parts natural, undeniably of this world, and phantasmal.

Release Date: April 3 via Relapse Records

Formats: Vinyl, CD, and Digital

Available for pre-order.

A Tapestry of Dispossession

On Hymns from the Hills, Poison Ruin’s previous stories of toil are revealed to be but one chapter etched upon a bleaker tapestry. This is a landscape populated by:

  • Spirits traversing sunless deserts and wilted hillsides.
  • Demonic torture objects lining the psyche.
  • Bodies transfigured into Luciferian snakes.
  • Sadean prisoners bound to the screaming silence of abandoned towers.

Lead Single: “Eidolon”

The band’s signature raw, anthemic aggression pummels through on the lead single “Eidolon,” recently released alongside its official video.

Frontman, lyricist, and guitarist Mac Kennedy explains the track’s bleak inspiration:

“‘Eidolon’ is about being stuck in a broken reality, a cog in a fate-machine doomed to play out the same cursed loop until it fully breaks down. The ones who had the power to affect change have abandoned the scene… Grim reminders of what could have, but will not be.”

Expanding the Sonic Mythos

The record acts as both a forceful restatement and a bold departure. While listeners will recognize the crackling, cassette-dubbed darkness, it is now supported by a carefully sculpted mosaic of new textures:

  • Killing Joke-style hacksaw primitivism.
  • Blast-beats worthy of the Relapse catalog.
  • Crisp analog synth lines.
  • Ambient serenades reminiscent of Scott Walker and The Durutti Column.

The Craft: DIY Grandeur

Meticulously composed and self-recorded, the LP saw Kennedy relocate to a private practice space to meet the record’s greater sonic demands. To polish this “hissing abyss,” the band enlisted top-tier talent for the final touches:

  • Mixing: Jonah Falco (with Kennedy splicing in gritty tape segments for tonal continuity).
  • Mastering: Arthur Rizk.

The result is a rich structure of unconventional frictions—crystalline flashes of polish ripping through low-end grime, only to shatter against the whipping sting of rusted chains.

Mythic Sensibilities

Lyrically, Hymns from the Hills reaches new poetic heights. While the record continues the tradition of employing medieval-inflected fantasy imagery, Kennedy is quick to note that these figures are not intended to be read as historically accurate, but rather as tools for cynicism and defiant bravado.

“I’m not very interested in conveying the historical facts of medieval culture. If we are to make sense of the present, we need to employ a more mythic mode of language and symbol to reach beyond the spiritual malaise that envelopes us. A mythic truth resonates within any time, but its echoes call from outside of time. Medieval and fantasy imagery are simply effective personal starting points for tapping into that mode of communication.”

Hymns from the Hills tracklist:
01 – Intro
02 – Lily Of the Valley
03 – Hymn from the Hills
04 – Eidolon
05 – Howls From the Citadel
06 – Pilgrimage
07 – Guts (Lay Your Self Aside)
08 – Turn To Dust
09 – Puzzle Box
10 – Serpent’s Curse
11 – Sleeping Giant (Interlude)
12 – Crescent Sun
13 – The Standoff

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Where to Celebrate Valentine’s Day in San Antonio: Date Night & Galentine’s Picks

The Study at Dean’s. Photo: Kimpton Santo, used with permission.

More Valentine’s Day Ideas in San Antonio 💕

San Antonio is turning up the romance this Valentine’s season. From heart-themed desserts and intimate chef-driven dinners to luxe hotel packages and festive Galentine’s gatherings, the city is full of ways to celebrate love — whether that’s with a partner, your best friends, or yourself.

Here’s your guide to more Valentine’s happenings around town.

🍰 Bakery Lorraine

Valentine’s & Galentine’s Treats
📅 February 1 – 15
📍 All Bakery Lorraine locations

Bakery Lorraine is offering a collection of sweet (and slightly edgy) Valentine’s treats perfect for gifting or indulging.

One highlight? Proceeds from the chocolate cherry macaron will benefit the San Antonio Food Bank throughout February, so your dessert does some good, too.

Available In-Store:

  • Sugar Skull Shortbread Cookies – Vanilla shortbread decorated with fondant and royal icing accents (individually bagged and gift-ready).
  • “Love You to Death” Vanilla Raspberry Skull Cakes – Moist vanilla cake with tart raspberry filling and buttercream flower eyes.
  • Heart Shortbread Cookie Stack – Pink vanilla shortbread cookies tied with string.
  • Dark Cherry & Chocolate Tiramisu – Coffee-soaked ladyfingers layered with dark cherry compote and mascarpone.
  • Raspberry Rose Japonaise – A delicate macaron filled with raspberry rose and mascarpone, topped with fresh raspberries and rose petals.

🌹Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa

📍 555 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Timeless Romance Hotel & Spa Package

📅 February 13 – 15

Enjoy a romantic retreat featuring:

  • $100 food & beverage or spa credit
  • Complimentary valet
  • A bottle of bubbles
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries

Book a spa treatment and receive a truffle takeaway, or purchase a $250 gift card and receive a $25 spa enhancement credit.

Where Love Lingers: Valentine’s Dinner at Corinne

📅 February 13 – 14
💲 $95 per person

Indulge in a chef-curated five-course meal at Corinne San Antonio, designed for an elegant and intimate evening.

Galentine’s: Leopard & Lace at Anaqua Garden Bar

📅 Friday, February 13
⏰ 7 PM – 10 PM

Celebrate Galentine’s in garden glam style with creative cocktails, interactive games, and playful activations. Expect a lively atmosphere designed for connection and fun.

Highlights Include:

  • Photo station
  • Temporary tattoo station
  • Lip gloss charm station
  • Bic lighter decorations
  • Hair tinsel & braid bar
  • Large Confession Burn Book
  • Card games at every table, including “We’re Not Really Strangers”

🥂Kimpton Santo San Antonio – Riverwalk

📍 431 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Lover’s Retreat Hotel Package

📅 February 13 – 15

Couples can enjoy:

  • Bubbles & chocolate-covered strawberries
  • Romantic welcome amenity
  • $150 food & beverage credit
  • Late checkout

Perfect for a relaxed, indulgent River Walk escape.

Dean’s Steak & Seafood Valentine’s Experience

📅 February 13 – 15
⏰ 11 AM – 9 PM

Located in a historic 19th-century schoolhouse, Dean’s offers prime steaks, A5 Japanese and Texas wagyu, and premium seafood.

Outdoor globe dining is available for a uniquely memorable experience. Valentine’s add-ons can be arranged through OpenTable.

The Valentine’s Reserve at The Study at Dean’s

📅 Saturday, February 13
⏰ 5 PM – 11 PM

An intimate celebration featuring:

  • Live cigar rolling
  • Expertly curated pours
  • A refined atmosphere made for unhurried conversation

Love is in the Air at Tenfold Rooftop

📅 February 13 – 15
⏰ 12 PM – 1 AM

Celebrate ten floors above the city with skyline views and curated cocktails.

Cabana and premium table reservations include:

  • A chilled bottle of bubbles
  • Chocolate fondue with strawberries
  • A bouquet of roses

💌The Gunter Hotel

📍 311 N St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX 78205

Make It a Moment Hotel Package

This romantic escape includes:

  • Complimentary sparkling wine
  • Curated romantic vinyl selections
  • $50 food & beverage credit
  • Luxurious his-and-her robes to take home

Jots Sweetheart Dinner for Two

📅 Saturday, February 14
💲 $150 for two

Enjoy a special three-course Valentine’s menu designed to delight the senses.

Paris Baguette Valentine’s Delights

📍 205 E Houston St

The international South Korean bakery is offering limited-time handcrafted cakes and Pink Velvet pastries, available while supplies last.

Galentine’s & Piano Love Songs at Bar 414

📅 Saturday, February 14
🎹 Live music from 9 PM – 12 AM

Toast to friendship at this speakeasy-inspired lounge inside The Gunter Hotel.

San Antonio–born pianist and vocalist Chris Guerrero will perform classic and guest-requested love songs, blending refined jazz with crowd-favorite sing-alongs.

💐The St. Anthony Hotel

📍 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Celebrating Love & Friendship at Esencia

📅 February 10 – 14

Esencia is offering prix fixe menus ideal for couples and Galentine’s gatherings alike. Guests can enjoy shared appetizers, two entrées, and a shared dessert, thoughtfully crafted and priced per person.

Toast to Romance at Anacacho Coffee & Cantina

📅 February 10 – 14

Enjoy special Valentine’s cocktails in a festive and romantic setting.

Candlelight & Jazz at Gallery on the Park

📅 Friday, February 13
⏰ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
💲 $205 per person

This four-course, chef-curated dinner includes:

  • Live Latin jazz by Grammy-nominated artist Henry Brun
  • A complimentary glass of champagne
  • Candlelit ambiance
  • Valet parking

An elevated evening designed for timeless romance.

🥧Otto’s Ice House

📍 111 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
🕚 Open daily at 11 AM

Located in the Historic Pearl District, Otto’s Ice House offers a casual, riverside setting perfect for low-key Valentine’s plans.

For something sweet, Goode Co.’s Brazos Bottom Pecan Pies are available to ship nationwide. Each pie comes in a handcrafted keepsake box with one of three limited-edition messages:

  • “Pie Love You”
  • “Ride or Pie”
  • “Bless Your Heart”

💲 $60 per pie

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a luxe dinner reservation, or a festive Galentine’s night out, San Antonio offers something for every kind of love story this season. 💗

Contemporary at Blue Star: 2026 Exhibitions, Events, and Artist Opportunities

Mini Art Museum at the Contemporary’s Family Day, 2024. Photo by Bria Woods, used with permission.

Upcoming Exhibitions & Programs at Contemporary at Blue Star

San Antonio, Texas – In 2026, the Contemporary at Blue Star centers its exhibition programming around the theme of community, marking a major milestone: the organization’s 40th anniversary in June 2026. Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray frames the year as an opportunity to reflect on the Contemporary’s history, the role community has played in shaping the institution, and the ways exhibitions can actively build and strengthen local, national, and international relationships. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2026)

Below is a look at the upcoming exhibitions and programs.

Mark Menjívar: Murmurations

Opening Night: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
Taco Talk: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.
On View: February 6 – May 3, 2026

San Antonio–based artist Mark Menjívar integrates social practice and participatory education models to create intentional community building. His work establishes frameworks for students, community groups, and leaders to engage in critical dialogue around the issues that shape their lives.

Menjívar’s participatory projects often incorporate oral history recording, archive building, publications, and installations that present collective conversations while inviting continued public engagement. Over the last two decades, he has completed more than a dozen multifaceted, long-term projects.

This mid-career survey highlights selected works—including The Luck Archive—while also debuting new projects. Menjívar is currently an Associate Professor in the Interdisciplinary School for Engagement at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Mini Art Museum

Honoring the Late Mary Cantú

Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026

The San Antonio arts community was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mary Cantú on February 18, 2025, at age 45. Cantú was a beloved advocate for arts education and served on the Contemporary’s Education Committee from 2014–2016, playing a key role in the development of the Creative Classrooms program and championing free access to art for San Antonio children.

In 2013, Cantú co-founded the Mini Art Museum with Gabriela Santiago. Using standard office binders as gallery “walls,” the Mini Art Museum invited artists to create miniature works sized to fit inside 8.5 × 11-inch plastic sleeves. Featuring original works by professional artists, the museum encourages close observation, often aided by magnifying glasses, creating a sense of wonder and intimacy.

In spring 2024, the Mini Art Museum collection was transferred to the Contemporary. Exhibited here in its entirety and in memoriam of Mary Cantú, the presentation includes over 100 works by artists such as Kim Bishop, Sarah Castillo, Michael Menchaca, and Vincent Valdez, reflecting the profound impact Cantú made on the community.

Roman Franc: Groups Collective

Opening Night: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 6–9 p.m.
On View: March 6 – June 7, 2026

Artist Roman Franc will travel to San Antonio to create new photographs as part of his ongoing Group Pictures / Collectives series. Since 2015, Franc has photographed groups across cultures and geographies, from residents of Tanna Island in the South Pacific to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.

San Antonio’s layered and interconnected communities provide a rich setting for this project. In alignment with the Contemporary’s 40th anniversary theme, Groups Collective offers glimpses into a larger whole, reflecting the city’s diversity and collective spirit.

Franc (b. 1983, Brno, Czech Republic) holds an MA in Education from Masaryk University and an MFA in Photography from the Institute of Creative Photography at Silesian University, Opava. His practice focuses on non-traditional portraiture and staged photography, alongside curatorial and publishing work.

Berlin Residency Program

2026–2027 Application Cycle Now Open

Contemporary at Blue Star is now accepting applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for its Berlin Residency Program. Launched in 2013, the program enters its 12th cycle in partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien (KB).

Each year, four artists are awarded three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany, with the opportunity to also visit San Antonio’s sister city, Darmstadt, Germany.

Residency Support Includes:

  • $2,000 stipend for travel and living expenses
  • Coverage of all residency program fees, including:
    • Studio and living space
    • Inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine
    • Curatorial visits and workshop access

Eligibility guidelines are available through the application link.
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 4 p.m.

About Contemporary at Blue Star

Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions featuring artists from San Antonio and around the world, sharing global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action. As a non-collecting contemporary art space, the Contemporary offers fresh insights into cultural and societal issues by highlighting current trends, movements, and conversations in art.

Admission is always free.

Contemporary at Blue Star
116 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204