Arts Alive San Antonio

News Roundup-

If you have been following Arts Alive San Antonio, you already know that DreamWeek San Antonio  – which actually lasts two weeks – is in full swing right now.  More than 200 events are scheduled, so there is truly something for everyone, from panel discussions and symposiums to performances, fashion shows, screenings, ceremonies, etc. (See feature story on this site.)

What founder Shokare Nakpodia had in mind was to create a time and space for people to engage with each other and share their dreams for a more inclusive, more tolerant and brighter future. Consequently, a major event this year is the DreamHour Speaker Series, which focuses on the migrant experience of individuals from all over the world who have made a life for themselves in our city and positively impacted our community. Twenty-one people will speak over seven evenings at the Alvarez Theater at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, among them a former councilwoman, businessmen and women, artists, writers, high-level government officials, physicians, teachers, etc. 

Our editor, Jasmina Wellinghoff, will serve as emcee for the evenings of Jan. 22 & 23. It’s free but tickets are required and can be obtained at the Tobin’s box office in person or  online: www.tobincenter.org/box-office/2020-01dreamhour-speaker-series

To see the entire list of events, visit DreamWeek San Antonio’s website www.dreamweek.org

For fans of contemporary visual art, Artpace has just opened its first exhibit of 2020, Visibilities – Intrepid Women of Artpace, curated by Erin Murphy. The 17 artists included deal with a range of issues connected to women’s experiences, especially the experiences of women of color, such as identity, femaleness, gender, fight to get the right to vote and discrimination. To a certain extent, the exhibit echoes the DreanWeek themes of diversity, inclusion and equity. Free access. (445 N. Main Ave., 210-212-4900; hours of operation: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays; 12-5 p.m. weekends; closes April 26)

A very different exhibit has been installed in the McNay Art Museum’s Rotunda. A tribute to Tejano star Selena Quintanilla-Perez who was killed 25 years ago, the installation, Selena Forever/Siempre Selena, consists of large photographs of Selena taken by San Antonio photographer John Dyer back in 1992 and again in 1995. The 1995 photos were for a story in Texas Monthly. He and the singer met at the Majestic Theater downtown for the shoot.

In her short-lived career, Selena won a Grammy for Best Mexican-American Album in 1993, performed for a huge crowd at the Houston Astrodome and had seven No.1 songs on the Hot Latin Songs chart. In San Antonio, she also had thousands of adoring fans.

The installation is presented in conjunction with Fashion Nirvana: Runway to Everyday, opening Jan. 30. (McNay Art Museum, 6000 N. New Braunfels, 210-824-5368; closed Monday-Tuesday, otherwise opens at 10 a.m.; closing times vary; admission $10 – $20)

And there’s more news on the visual art front. The always active San Antonio Art League Museum has teamed up with the San Antonio Potters Guild to present Texas Clay: 20/20 Vision, which opened Jan. 12. It features clay works and ceramics from the 25^th juried Potters Guild competition as well as a juried selection of clay-inspired wall pieces by members of the Art League. Southwest School of Art president Paula Owen selected the award winners. (SAALM, 130 King William St., 210-223-1140, www.saalm.org, free admission; closes Feb. 22)

The performing arts are alive and well, too, hitting their 2020 stride. One highly recommended show is a dance performance by the Houston Contemporary Dance Company, which is very young as a company but consists of experienced, talented dancers led by choreographer Marlana Doyle. The Houston Press named it one of ten best in Houston, which is saying a lot, given that Houston has become a big “dance city.” Unfortunately, you have only one chance to see them, Sat. Jan.18, at 8 p.m., at the Carver Community Cultural Center. (tickets: $30; www.thecarver.org/event/houston-contemporary-dance-company/ ; 210-207-2234

And, believe it or not, the San Antonio International Airport is also getting into presenting arts events these days. Local music icon, Billy Ray Sheppard, a contemporary jazz saxophonist, will entertain travelers with his “smooth, soulful tunes,” 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Jan. 17, 20, 22 and 24 in the baggage area.

Opening Jan. 20, visual artist Kaldric Dow will show his work at the Galleries @ SAT. Both events are part of DreamWeek San Antonio.