Aloha Vaqueros: Briscoe Western Art Museum explores the western spirit across oceans. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Aloha Vaqueros: Where the American West Meets the Pacific
On view June 13 – September 1, 2025 | Briscoe Western Art Museum
This summer, the Briscoe Western Art Museum invites you to journey beyond the mainland and explore an extraordinary chapter of the American West that stretches across the Pacific Ocean. Aloha Vaqueros, presented in partnership with the Museo del Vaquero de las Californias (MuVaCa), unveils the surprising and powerful ties between Mexico’s legendary vaqueros and Hawaii’s storied paniolo cowboys.
Member Preview Party – June 13, 6–8 p.m.
Briscoe members are invited to an exclusive preview party to celebrate the opening of the exhibition. Enjoy:
Long before Hawaii became a U.S. state, Mexican vaqueros traveled across the Pacific in the early 1800s to teach cattle handling to Hawaiian islanders. These expert horsemen brought with them tools, techniques, and traditions that took root and evolved into Hawaii’s distinct paniolo culture—a unique blend of island spirit and Western grit that still thrives today.
“This exhibition beautifully illustrates the rich cultural exchange that helped shape the cowboy traditions of the Pacific. It’s a compelling reminder that the spirit of the West is both diverse and far-reaching, stretching from the plains of Texas to the mountains of Maui.” — Liz Jackson, President and CEO, Briscoe Western Art Museum
What to Expect from the Exhibition
Through a rich collection of artwork, artifacts, and immersive storytelling, Aloha Vaqueros explores:
The deep-rooted traditions shared by vaqueros and paniolos
The artistry, attire, and music of island cowboys
The resilience and horsemanship central to both cultures
A hands-on educational area showcasing traditional island crafts
Developed by MuVaCa in El Triunfo, Baja California Sur, the exhibition challenges the conventional boundaries of the American West—broadening the story to include the Pacific’s enduring cowboy legacy.
Visit the Briscoe
📍 Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205 🕘 Museum hours, parking, and admissioninformation available online.
About the Briscoe Western Art Museum
Located on the San Antonio River Walk in the beautifully restored 1930s former public library, the Briscoe preserves and presents the art, history, and culture of the American West. Named in honor of Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum features:
The Jack Guenther Pavilion for events and programs
The McNutt Sculpture Garden, an outdoor tribute to Western heritage
Don’t miss this chance to experience a chapter of Western history that redefines borders and celebrates a shared spirit of grit, grace, and tradition.
Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Hotel Contessa to host Flourish and Femme Art Fair on March 30, 2025. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.
Hotel Contessa is excited to host Flourish and Femme, a community art fair and immersive installation celebrating over a dozen local female artists of all generations. On Sunday, March 30 from 11:30a.m. to 3p.m., the public is invited to step into a colorful world of creativity right on the Riverwalk, where art, flowers and femme energy will come together and established artists will mentor emerging talent. (Hotel Contessa, 2025)
More than just an intergenerational art showcase, the art fair will feature a number of artisans who inject fun and flavor into every moment. This event is a celebration of female artistry, craftsmanship and community that is free and open to the public, benefiting local nonprofit Magdalena House, which empowers families to eliminate cycles of abuse and neglect in the community.
The Sunday art fair will unveil an extraordinary exhibition with a collective of local female artists, transforming the hotel’s spaces into a vibrant canvas of creativity. Through the theme of flowers, artists Kathy Sosa, Stephanie Pena Frost, Mary Carmen Sessions, Geri Garcia, and Ludi Smith will present a stunning installation that weaves together personal narratives and artistic expression. Launching on March 30, this immersive exhibit will extend through June 2025, with select guest rooms becoming intimate galleries that demonstrate the artists’ flower-themed works, inviting visitors to experience art that blooms through each individual’s storytelling.
Guests are encouraged to sip, savor and celebrate the impressive stories of a group of talented female artists and other prominent local women, many of whom are mentoring the next generation of artists in San Antonio. The creative space will also include culinary components with a special touch from Mijenta, a female-owned tequila distillery, where samples of their award-winning spirit will be available for tastings. Attendees can indulge in chocolate hand crafted by local female chocolatier Chef Alessia Benavides of CHOCOLATL. Additionally, Ambler will be open and serving their menu of creative plates and craft cocktails during the event.
This immersive experience celebrates the incredible works of over a dozen local female artists and artisans, including:
San Antonio–based artist Kathy Sosa, whose colorful works have been displayed across North America and is behind the famous Contessa painting at Hotel Contessa. Kathy will also do a book signing for her latest book, “Mestizaje: The Feminist Art of Kathy Sosa.” Kathy’s Contessa painting will be a muse/inspiration for the attending students.
Eight student artists from CAST School will be mentored by the featured professional artists. Students and artists will be paired up on March 30 for students to create and display their works at the Sunday Art Fair on April 27.
Chef Alessia Benavides of San Antonio’s celebrated female chocolatier, CHOCOLATL. Awarded Best Pastry Chef of 2024 by the Texas Culinary Association, Alessia Benavides is a passionate pastry chef and chocolatier dedicated to the art of baking and chocolate-making.
Mijenta Tequila, female-owned distiller based in Texas. Known for bridging eco-friendly tequila-making with female empowerment.
Proceeds from the art fair sales will be donated to Magdalena House, a neighborhood of transitional homes in San Antonio that serves mothers and their children who have fled danger and abuse. Utilizing a dual-generation approach, they provide safe shelter, basic needs, educational programming and therapeutic services. Hotel Contessa’s Flourish and Femme initiative partners with established artists and the CAST School to foster community mentorship and support, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to enhancing San Antonio’s local cultural landscape.
Hotel Contessa 306 W. Market St. San Antonio, TX 78205
An intimate, all-suite retreat set directly on San Antonio’s beloved River Walk, Hotel Contessa delights arriving guests with stylish suites that take their design cues from the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Discover stylish suites and unwind at our spa, complemented by Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serving up agave cocktails and authentic Texas fare.
2025 Night of Artists celebrates the best in contemporary Western art. Opening weekend is this March 28-29. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum proudly presents the 2025 Night of Artists Exhibition and Sale, a premier celebration of the American West and one of the nation’s leading Western art events. Taking place Friday and Saturday, March 28-29, this year’s event showcases over 270 exceptional works by more than 85 of today’s top contemporary Western artists, drawing collectors, enthusiasts, and artists from across the country. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2025)
The two-day celebration includes exclusive collector experiences, artist demonstrations, a live auction and the highly anticipated Luck of the Draw sale. A public exhibition of the works follows, running March 30 – May 11. Limited tickets remain for Saturday, March 29. Art lovers are encouraged to secure their spots now. Can’t attend? Register to set-up absentee purchases.
“Night of Artists is always our most anticipated event of the year. But the overwhelming interest in this year’s event is a testament to the deep love of the American West – and the appreciation of the fantastic art that highlights the stories and traditions of our Western heritage and culture. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and showcase the body of work presented by this year’s artists. The exhibition is stunning, and we have no doubt that art enthusiasts will find works that compliment, or even kick-off, their collections.” – Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum
For the first time, the Briscoe is featuring a Small Works Sale, offering collectors and art enthusiasts the chance to acquire smaller-scale pieces from renowned contemporary Western artists. These intimate, high-quality works will be available during the evening celebration on Friday, March 28, and buyers will be able to take their purchases home immediately. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, this sale provides a rare opportunity to own an original piece of Western art in an accessible format.
One of the most anticipated events of the weekend, the Luck of the Draw Sale, takes place Saturday, March 29 during the Grand Exhibition Opening. This exciting sale format ensures all buyers have an equal chance to acquire their preferred piece, as names are drawn at random to determine the order in which collectors may purchase artworks. This process creates a thrilling atmosphere and makes collecting more accessible to all attendees.
New this year, collectors can guarantee their purchase of select artworks through the addition of green “Guarantee to Purchase” ballots in the sale process. By submitting a “Guarantee to Purchase” ballot, buyers indicate their commitment to purchasing a specific piece, ensuring they secure their desired work without the uncertainty of the option period. This exciting new option provides greater confidence and flexibility for collectors looking to expand their collections with exceptional contemporary Western art.
For those unable to attend in person, absentee options are available for all Night of Artists sales, including the Live Auction, Small Works Sale and Luck of the Draw Sale. This allows collectors worldwide to participate and acquire stunning works of Western art. Absentee purchasing registration closes at noon, Thursday, March 27. Everyone can tune into the live auction through a link on the Night of Artists website, while the live auction gallery is available for viewing now.
The 2025 Night of Artists welcomes an extraordinary lineup of returning favorites and exciting new voices in Western art. New artists include Thomas Blackshear II, Sean Michael Chavez, Scott Christensen, Quang Ho, Josh Elliott, Dean Mitchell, T. Allen Lawson, Sally Maxwell, Kyle Ma, Matt Smith, Daniel Sprick, Dustin Payne and Vic Payne.
Artists returning to the celebrated exhibition and sale include Martin Grelle, John Coleman, Greg Beecham, Eric Bowman, G. Russell Case, Bonnie Marris, Teresa Elliott, William Haskell, Jeremy Lipking, Ed Natiya, Don Oelze, Howard Post, Grant Redden, Gladys Roldán-de-Moras, Billy Schenck, Jim Vogel, Morgan Weistling and Jeremy Winborg.
Following the opening weekend, the Night of Artists public exhibition and sale will remain on view through May 11, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate the breathtaking collection of contemporary Western art. This extended exhibition offers an opportunity for those unable to attend the sale events to see the remarkable talent shaping today’s Western art scene and purchase any remaining works. The exhibition is included in museum admission. Works not sold during opening weekend will be available for purchase both in-person and online.
Briscoe Western Art Museum 211 W Market St San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 299-4499
Teen Night at Contemporary at Blue Star is this Friday March 21, 2025. Photo: Contemporary at Blue Star.
Join Contemporary at Blue Star for Teen Night on Friday March 21 from 6p.m. to 8p.m. Admission is free. Participants can view our exhibitions, enjoy artist-led art activities, perform at our open mic and mingle with other art-minded San Antonio teens. Teen Night is scheduled in conjunction with our exhibition, Mosh Now, Cry Later, reflecting on San Antonio’s love for sad rock music and its influence on visual culture and community building. Register for Teen Night here.(Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)
Teen night activities:
One aspect of alternative and independent rock genres, which you can also find in the artworks of Mosh Now, Cry Later, is the use of DIY aesthetics.
For Teen Night we’ll be exploring various methods of art making that align with this tendency. Some of the staff lead activities include creating zines, buttons, and screen printing.
Open Mic! Express yourself through poetry, music, and more. The stage is yours, literally. Bring your friends to cheer you on or come solo and make new connections with fellow creative teens.
Make a collage with Christie Blizard!
Led by Mosh Now, Cry Later exhibiting artist Christie Blizard, teens will take magazines, paper scraps, and other materials to create a unique artwork.
Blackout Poetry with Lilith Tijerina and Sarah Tijerina
In this activity, led by artists and performers Lilith Tijerina and Sarah Tijerina, teens will create a poem by taking found writing (from books, articles, etc.) and use a marker to blackout some of the words on a page. The words that remain will create a finished poem.
This event is exclusively for teenagers. In an effort to maintain a safe and relaxing environment for San Antonio teenagers, school IDs will be needed to enter. There will be Contemporary staff chaperoning, as well as two security officers for the duration of the event. Visiting hours during this time will also be exclusively for Teens.
More aboutMosh Now, Cry Later: San Antonio’s love of sad rock and its impact on visual culture. It is on view through June 8, 2025.
Featured Artists: Christie Blizard, Justo Cisneros, Joe De La Cruz, Juan Flores, Angela Fox, Brian Gonzalez, Nick Hay, Dom Jimenez, Ashley Mireles, Charlie Morris, Theresa Newsome, Ashley Perez, Kristy Perez, Anthony Rundblade
Mosh Now, Cry Later is an exploration of alternative and independent rock genres—from punk and post-punk to new wave, emo, screamo, hardcore punk, goth, and more—and their effect on San Antonio’s visual culture.
“The exhibition pinpoints the shared sensibilities of a cultural undercurrent within the visual art and music scenes of San Antonio and explores parallels in emotional undertones.” – Curator and Exhibitions Director Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray
In this exhibition, fourteen San Antonio-connected artists work with an array of media to create artworks that echo these musical subgenres, either through their emotional undercurrents or aesthetic approaches.
Emerging from a rebellious response to mainstream music and practice, these subgenres embrace an ethos of DIY principles that challenge conventional methods of music-making. Similarly, the featured artists operate within counterculture, deviating from mainstream practices in subject or material.
This exhibition also examines how San Antonio’s Latinx youth are especially connected to these subcultures, drawing parallels between DIY aesthetics and rasquache, counterculture and machismo, and vocal techniques like screaming and the grito—a traditional emotional outcry in Mexican culture.
Central to this exhibition is the community archive and listening room or Mosh Pit, an interactive installation of photographs, ephemera, records, tapes, and more lining the walls. The Mosh Pit will highlight musicians from major and indie labels, local bands, and mixtapes and playlists contributed by the exhibiting artists. The inclusion of this installation serves to emphasize the dialogue and intersection of disciplines in San Antonio’s artistic community.
Contemporary at Blue Star 116 Blue Star San Antonio, TX 78204 (210) 227-6960
Sizhu Li’s site-specific exhibition at HoCo Arts Council. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star is happy to announce our next exhibition, a site-specific installation of Sizhu Li’s Moonment. Moonment is an ongoing installation project inspired by a Chinese ancient poem “海上生明月，天涯共此时” by Tang poet Zhang Jiu Lin. (Contemporary at Blue Star, 2025)
Sizhu Li’s Moonment at the Contemporary Opening First Friday, February 7, 2025 6p.m. – 9p.m Free admission
This work describes a surreal and poetic night-sea view that resonates with people of different locations. Aluminum sheets and programmed fans create a live moving percussive environment of waves. These constructions become a contemporary landscape where space is a physical material as much as a piece of metal or wood etc.
Li’s works are animated, poetic, and tell a story. Materials, though often unrefined, are treated as fleshy, melancholic, nostalgic characters. Their movements are direct, satisfying, repeated, comforting, and mesmerizing. Together, they immerse viewers in an echo of simplicity within the chaos of modern life—evoking live phenomena like moonlight on the flowing water or wind on young leaves. Li is influenced by Minimalism, Futurism, and Chinese painting, poetry, and philosophy. In ancient times, people lived simpler lives, but still had rich intellectual and spiritual experiences. Li believes that we have something to learn from a spirit of wonder that feeds the human soul and brings communities together.
Before the opening:
Taco Talk with Sizhu Li
Friday, February 7, 2025 10:30a.m. – 11:30a.m. Free with registration
The Contemporary welcomes visitors for breakfast tacos and a gallery walk through with exhibiting artist Sizhu Li.
Sizhu Li is a Chinese-born kinetic installation artist based in New York and New Jersey. She holds a BFA from Central Academy of Fine Arts and an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art with the Toby Devan Lewis Fellowship.
Also at Contemporary Blue Star
San Antonio, TX – Contemporary at Blue Star seeks applications from artists living and working in Bexar County for three-month residencies in Berlin, Germany. In 2013, the Contemporary began sending San Antonio artists to Berlin and we are excited to embark on the 11th cycle of the program. Deadline to Apply: Monday, February 10, 2025 at 12p.m. (Noon) CST. Learn more and register here.
In partnership with Künstlerhaus Bethanien, the Contemporary awards four artists annually the opportunity to live and conduct their studio practice in one of the world’s most significant art centers, Berlin, Germany.
The four selected artists will be awarded one of four residency slots at Künstlerhaus Bethanien as a grantee of Contemporary at Blue Star and a $2,000 stipend to aid with travel to the residency and living costs. The Contemporary covers costs of all program fees associated with residency: studio and living space, inclusion in the internationally distributed BE magazine, curatorial visits, workshop access, etc. With support from the City of San Antonio’s Global Engagement Office, resident artists will also travel to Darmstadt, Germany (a sister city of San Antonio) to meet with fellow artists and cultural leaders and visit cultural institutions. An additional stipend is provided for this trip. Each selected artist will participate in a public program following the completion of the residency.
Contemporary at Blue Star established the Berlin Residency Program to connect Bexar County artists with the international art community and enrich their artistic practice through their experiences in Berlin. Contemporary’s 2024-25 Berlin Resident Artist Jason Willome reflected on his creative evolution: “Being in Berlin has forced me out of my comfort zone – encountering new materials leads to shifts in the work, as you get to know the material and how it behaves.”
The selection process is highly competitive, with a panel of jurors evaluating a pool of talented Bexar County artists. Interested artists can learn more and apply at the Contemporary’s website. Selected artists will be announced on March 7, 2025 at 6p.m., during the Contemporary’s exhibition opening and the Contemporary Art Month Kick-Off.
Artist Eligibility
Artists must currently reside in Bexar County and conduct a significant portion of their artistic practice/outreach in San Antonio. Artist must have established residency for 12 months prior to application period.
Artists must have at least five years of relevant work experience and/or specialized arts training, such as a degree or certificate, or intensive period developing their skill and knowledge base.
Artists should demonstrate a clear investment of time and resources into their artistic practice and/or derive a portion of individual earned income from their artistic practice or areas related to the field.
Artists must have a professional portfolio that includes publicly displayed and possibly published works.
The four residency cycles are July 15–October 8; October 15–January 8; January 15–April 8; April 15–July 8. Applicants must be able to attend during ANY of these time periods. Artists should not apply if their schedule does not allow them the flexibility to attend during any of these time periods and/or for the duration of the residency. Cycles are assigned after residents are selected and through group dialogue.
Students are not eligible to apply.
Artist collaborative teams/collectives not eligible to apply.
Literary artists are not eligible to apply.
Curators, arts writers, and critics are not eligible to apply
Workshop space at Künstlerhaus Bethanien. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Art museums are vital for preserving and showcasing creative expressions that reflect human experience, history, and culture. They offer a space where visitors can experience the transformative power of art, sparking imagination, emotion, and intellectual curiosity. People are drawn to art museums for their ability to inspire, provoke thought, and connect individuals across time and place. Viewing masterpieces or contemporary works allows people to engage with different perspectives and cultivate a deeper appreciation for creativity. Art museums also provide a sense of tranquility and reflection, offering visitors a break from the fast pace of daily life while fostering cultural enrichment and understanding.
Recently I visited the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art to check out their latest exhibitions. They change frequently, so each visit is an opportunity to discover a new artist. Right now there are four exhibitions on view, each as unique as the experiences of the artist and all of them are a joy to experience.
I enjoyed Guillermo Vasquez’ The Journey, The Path, And The Quest because the paintings are larger than life and the colors are so vibrant. A big plus is that it’s an outdoor exhibit, so that if you’re in the area, you can enjoy it without going inside the museum. I also like José Antonio Chaurand’s Idiosyncrasy of Luck because of the overall theme of ‘luck.’ Is what happens to us a matter of luck, or circumstances?
If you love art, do yourself a favor and plan your next museum adventure at the BMFA. There’s still time to check them out since they’re on view until December 11. Museum hours and ticket information is available online.
Current exhibitions are as follows: (Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, 2024)
The Journey, The Path, And The Quest Guillermo Vasquez Exhibition Dates: November 8 – December 11
Originally from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Vasquez graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Technological Institute of Matamoros. A self-taught painter, he began his artistic journey a decade ago, focusing on acrylic painting techniques. His skills were further refined through classes at BMFA with mentors Diana and Nerea Anzaldúa, who were instrumental in his development. As a committed member of the BMFA, he aims to create art that invites contemplation and intellectual engagement.
This exhibition offers viewers a journey through humanity’s evolution, from the origins of the universe to a utopian vision of society. Through large-scale acrylic paintings on treated wood, Guillermo Vasquez explores key moments such as the Big Bang, the rise of philosophy, the influence of religion, and societal transformations throughout history, including the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. By displaying the pieces in the BMFA garden, Vasquez seeks to create an engaging, accessible environment where the public can interact with art and reflect on our shared human experience.
Frutos Del Tiempo Alonsa Guevara Exhibition Dates: November 2 – December 11
Alonsa Guevara (b. 1986, Rancagua, Chile) is a visual artist based in Los Angeles, California. Guevara holds an MFA in painting from the New York Academy of Art (2014), and a BFA from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile (2009). Guevara works primarily with painting, and her multidisciplinary practice extends to sculptures, installations, sound pieces, and video performance. Her works blur the lines between fantasy and reality while celebrating the connection between humankind and nature. As a Latin-American woman whose life has unfolded across three distinct countries—Chile, Ecuador, and the USA—Guevara’s art serves as an exploration of questions surrounding identity, belonging, and womanhood, offering her personal understanding and appreciation of beauty.
“Frutos del Tiempo” presents a variety of artworks by Chilean-American artist Alonsa Guevara, exploring the artistic and spiritual “fruits” that have emerged from her journey over the years. Featuring paintings and sculptures made from 2018 to the present, this exhibition invites viewers into a celebration of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, examining the deep connections between nature, humanity, and spirituality. As a Latin-American woman whose life has unfolded across Chile, Ecuador, and the USA, Guevara uses her art to explore identity, belonging, and womanhood. Her works offer a personal understanding of beauty, blending reality with fantasy to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience. With a ceremonial and ritualistic ambiance, her pieces pay homage to fertility, spirituality, and life cycles, commemorating the enduring connection between humankind and nature—one that has evolved and adapted through time.
Idiosyncrasy of Luck José Antonio Chaurand Exhibition Dates: November 2 – December 11
José Antonio Chaurand (b. Mexico, 1974) also known as JACH, is a visual artist, publisher, and economist. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in economics (1998) and continued his education in art history, journalism, graphic design, drawing, and cultural management as self-taught while running La Tempestad, considered by experts the fundamental magazine and media outlet of international art in México. (1998-2017)
The idea that the individual can forge his/her own destiny has become predominant around the world. This notion began during the Industrial Revolution, but became popular after the end of World War II propelled mainly by American mass media, and continued growing throughout the twentieth century. During the new millennia, Social media has become the receptacle for ‘‘prophets of human autonomy,” people attempting to profit by convincing others that success, happiness, and abundance are a decision and not a circumstance. The message has now become embedded in mostly all of our contemporary narratives, even reaching the spheres of health and longevity. This project aims to de-dogmatize this notion, manifesting that luck is a variable that must be included in every equation of the human endeavor; once randomness is acknowledged it is easy to see the myth of autonomy. The way luck works can be seen at plain sight, its idiosyncrasy has been revealed, yet we have chosen not to see it.
Iman, Al Safa WAl Marwa: Faith in the Pilgrimage Ibtisam Tasnim Zaman Exhibition Dates: November 2 – December 11
Ibtisam Tasnim Zaman is a New York based Black Lesbian American, interdisciplinary, and conceptual artist. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ibtisam moved at six years old to the UAE. This forced migration was shortly after 9/11, to escape the violence that Black Muslims, Muslims of color, and all immigrants are still facing today.
Ibtisam Tasnim Zaman’s solo exhibition, ‘Iman, Al Safa WAl Marwa: Faith in the Pilgrimage,’ is a feature of works that use figurative surrealism to narrate the layers of systemic structures. A constant state of revealing ‘manufactured nature’ through everyday life: in the mundane, journey to work, and overall culture of normalization. Zaman contrasts these dense realities, through depicting acts of intimacy, tenderness, paradox of motherhood, and love as acts of resistance in the midst of chaos.
Brownsville Museum of Fine Art 660 E Ringgold St Brownsville, TX 78520
On a more personal note, I consider myself first and foremost a writer even though I came into the game in my later years but as most people, I kept journals while growing up. I also took art classes and joined my school’s choir for a couple of years and in college, I took art and music appreciation. Art has always been a big part of who I am. I have always known I have an artistic eye, whether drawing or writing. As far as writing is concerned, I have had some of my poetry published and I enjoy blogging to keep people connected and informed.
Now during this pandemic, when most people are spending more time at home, I found myself with more time on my hands. In July, my husband and I made the choice to relocate to my hometown in the Rio Grande Valley, Los Fresnos to be more specific. I left my job to do this big move and to have more time to do the necessary renovations to our new home. This was the perfect time to dive into painting and put into canvas the many images I have clogging up my head. I have done several already and submitted a couple to local art shows and now I want to share them here.
This most recent one does not have a title yet, but that is okay, not all of them must have a title to make an impact. I have always believed in the duality of life: good/bad, yin/yang, etc. This is my version of it; I already painted a self-portrait, so this is similar in a way. I have always had dreams where I am flying and for anyone who has never had one, they feel awesome. The feeling of flying and freedom that comes with it is exhilarating, so I am obsessed with wings. This is me, a brown-eyed woman with wings and a big heart. The wings are pink/blue to represent the male/female side of me and the squiggly lines around the whole thing, well, they represent the bloodlines in the heart.
SA Examiner 