Arts Alive San Antonio

NEWS ROUNDUP, June 1, 2023

As is traditional, the end of spring also brings the end of the live concert season for most music organizations, including, of course, the San Antonio Philharmonic. The summer is not exactly a musical desert, however, with the Cactus Pear Chamber Music Fest coming up in July, and possibly another Mozart Festival later in the summer.

Fortunately, the other arts continue their programming. So, lets start with the visual arts.

The Contemporary at Blue Star has a lot going on, including the main show: “Actions for the Earth: Arts, Care & Ecology curated by Shamila Wood and produced by Independent Curators International, in collaboration with Jacqueline Saragosa McGilvray, the Contemporary ’s curator and exhibition manager. The exhibit is supported by a recent $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant will also support three additional solo exhibitions.

According to the press release, “Actions for the Earth” provides a platform for dialogue and reflection on pressing global issues related to the environment, social equity and health, by showcasing the work of 18 artists and collectives. The show emphasizes learning, care and intimacy, encouraging viewers to become participants in meditation, and deep listening, among other actions, to foster a deeper consciousness of our interconnectedness with the earth.”

Featured artists include Ackroyd and Harvey, Lhola Amira, Arahmaiani, Sayan Chanda, Ana Mendieta, Zarina Muhammad, Pauline OLiveros, and others.

The three solo exhibits feature the work of Michael Velliquette, Adam Schreiber and Brittany Ham.
(All exhibits opening Friday, June 2, 6-9 p.m.; Contemporary at Blue Star, 116 Blue Star, 78204; 210-227-6960; https://contemporarysa.org)

SALA DIAZ has a new exhibit, too: “Floating Between Chaos and Peace” featuring the work of Alethia Jones, curated by Barbara Felix. The artist explores her personal mental health through her paintings, rendered in bold colors as dreamscapes. The press release says “the works have a collage-like quality to them.” Barbara Felix has curated a number of art shows in the past few years. (Opens June 2, from 6 -9 p.m.; on view through June 30; Sala Diaz 517 Stieren St., 78210; after the opening you have to make an appointment to see the show; free; 512-809-9283)

Centro Cultural Aztlan is opening an interesting show. It features works by San Antonio artist Luis “Chispas” Guerrero who is known for his innovative metal sculptures. He has a background in welding and he is using that skill to fashion his engaging sculptures, from a face to large standing figures. This new exhibit, however, also features his recent paintings, including paintings of vintage cars. It’s a fun show. (“Metal to the Pedal” opens June 2, 6-9 p.m.; Centro Aztlan, 1800 Fredericksburg Rd., #103. Music at the opening reception will be performed by Amando & Juan Tejeda; 210-432-1896; https://centroaztlan.org)

And we already told you last week about the Briscoe’s summer exhibit that should appeal to many San Antonians: “Southwest Rising: Contemporary Art and the Legacy of Elaine Horwitch.” The images are stunning. Elaine Horwitch was legendary for fostering the rise of “Southwest pop” or “new Western Art.”
(Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.; 210-299-4499, www.briscoemusem.org)

At the San Antonio Art League and Museum, they are getting ready to open an exhibit of encaustic art:
“The Wax and Wildflower.” The exhibition is a collaboration between SAALM and International Encaustic Artists. Forty nationally known artists who specialize in this type of art are represented.
So what is it? In simplest terms it is painting with hot wax. The artist mixes various pigments with the wax to obtain different effects. It is an art form that has been around since antiquity. A well-known American artist Jasper Johns used this technique. (Opens June 11, on view through Aug.11. More on it, next week. (SAALM, 130 King William St., 78204; 210-223-1140, www.saalm.org)

And there’s unexpected news from the Witte. Its long-serving president and CEO, Marise McDermott, who has transformed the Witte during her 20-year tenure, has announced her intention to step down from her leading role, by the end of 2023. She will stay involved as President Emeritus.

Most people don’t know it, but there’s a children’s theater company in town called Impact Youth Theatre, a non-profit organization. Its shows are not only for children but they involve young actors in their productions. We don’t know much more about it but they will be presenting a show, starting next week: “Peter Pan,” based on I.M. Barrie’s classic tale and featuring a score by Morris “Moose” Charlap and Jule Styne, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green.  Though the musical opens next week we wanted to give you the information in advance, so you can make plans to take your children to see the show. (June 8 & 9 at 6:30 p.m., and June 10 at 2:30 p.m.; The Barn, 13403 George Rd.; tickets $12 plus $1 service charge. For more visit: https://www.ccimpactyouththeatre.com)

“Luchadora,” a new production of Teatro Audaz, that we told you about last week, is continuing its run this weekend. (Thursday -Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m.; McCreless Theater (at San Antonio College) 799 W. Dewey, 78212; tickets are $15-$35; 361-444-3931, boxoffice@teatroaudaz.com)

For laughs, you can’t do better than Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy at the Majestic Theater. He is best known for his shows “Impractical Joker” and “Misery Index.” (June 2^nd at 7 p.m.; Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston; tickets are $59-$295; by phone 866-786-1050 or Ticketmaster)

If you like telling stories, you may want to join San Antonio Storytellers Story Night on Zoom. The organization is 31 years old. (7-8 p.m. on Wednesdays; find out more by calling 210-326-7877, or go to https://www.sanantoniostorytellers.com)

Speaking of stories and literary things, writers could be interested in some Zoom offerings from Gemini Ink, San Antonio’s Writing Center. On June 3rd, Gemini Ink has an unusual offering: “Writing About Trauma” with Thomas McNeely (June 3, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; $75; for more info call Gemini Ink 210-734-9673 or go to http://www.geminiink.org)

And there is still music in San Antonio, only not of the orchestral kind. The Department of Arts & Culture
has teamed up with TPR to bring music downtown every Thursday this summer. The second installment of Summer Night City is scheduled for June 8, featuring Mary Maria and Roshii, at Legacy Park Downtown; 7:30- 9:30 p.m. Happy Hour 5-6 p.m.; free)

More music: ill Nino’s Band is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of its “Confession” album by going on tour. (June 2^nd, 6-10 p.m. The Rock Box, 1223 E. Houston, 6-10 p.m.; tickets $25.50-$28, available from Eventbrite)

“Jazz on the Water” will feature Peter White, one of the best – if not the best acoustic jazz guitarist today, at a concert at Buena Vista Theater downtown. (June 3, 7-9 p.m.; Buena Vista Theater, 501 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd; tickets are $60-$75; www.buenavistalive.showare.com)

San Antonio Blues Society will present its June performance Sunday, hosted by the Judy Blues Band. (June 4 at 4:30-8:30 p.m.; The Cove, 606 W. Cypress St.

The Bellamy Brothers – Howard and David – will present “The Love still Flows” at the Roundup Outdoor Music Venue in Boerne. (June 4 at 5 p.m.; 531 FM 3351, Boerne; tickets at Eventbrite.com)

Here’s something that’s not exactly in the arts domain, but could be interesting for both parents and children. The Scobee Education Center and Planetarium Summer 2023 Night Public Shows are presented only on Fridays. (Ticket sales begin 30 minutes prior to show time at the Ticket Office.; 210-486-0100;  sac-ScobeeCtr@alamoedu)