Arts Alive San Antonio

Let’s start with the Visual Arts this time. You probably remember the horrible human trafficking tragedy that happened on June 27, 2022, when 53 migrants suffocated in a closed tractor- trailer on the south side. The driver just left them there. 

In a sincere effort to honor the memory of these 53 migrants, Bexar County Commissioner, Rebeca Clay-Flores commissioned local nonprofit, Luminaria, to create a mural at Mission County Park. It’s named
“Sacrificios” and pays tribute to the men – and a few women – who died that day, and reminds us of the
challenges migrants face. The mural is the work of local artists Adrian De La Cruz, Andrea Rivas and Mauro de la Tierra, and is on permanent display at Mission County Park (6030 Padre Dr.) Arts Alive San Antonio wants to thank Commissioner Clay-Flores for this heartfelt effort.

And here’s another example of using art as part of the healing process. The Ecumenical Center for
Education, Counseling and Health has announced an open call for art submissions for its popular “Art Heals Hearts” event, whichis scheduled for September. Artists of all ages are encouraged to submit
their work. The art will be displayed in an exhibition on Sept. 11 where guests will have an opportunity to purchase the works. The show will be curated by Lejla Cenanovic.  A percentage of the proceeds will support the Therapeutic Institute of S. Texas, which provides vital services to the community. (Entry deadline is Aug. 16; acceptance notification is August 1 and the exhibit is scheduled for Sept. 11. Submissions may be made online at https://www.ecrh.org/event2024-art-heals-hearts/; for more info
contact Lcenanovic@ecrh.org)

At the Carver Community Cultural Center, you’ll find the colorful works of artist Veronica Ramirez Miller, grouped under the title “Divine Reflections.” (Opening reception is on Aug. 21, 6-8 p.m.; 266 N. Hackberry, 78202; 210-207-7211) On view through Oct. 4)

The city’s Arts & Culture Department runs the Centro de Artes Gallery in Market Square. It will soon open “Dining with Rolando Briseno,” the first retrospective devoted to the Mexican American artist, Chicano activist and culinary historian. This exhibition features “pieces from his life’s work,” dating from 1966 to the present day. Briseno addresses how food from the Americas enabled the rest of the world to have adequate nutrition and national cuisines.  Included in the exhibit are more than 70 drawings, lithographs, paintings and public works. (Opens Sept. 5, 6-9 p.m.; free and open to the public.)

Another exhibit, “Jacalito,” a show of new works by Beto De Leon, is installed at the Galeria E.V.A. (3412 S. Flores, 78204; opens Aug. 16, 7-10 p.m.)

“Un Poquito De Todos” at the Dock Space Gallery is part of the Xicanx Month, which celebrates and commemorates the Chicano Arts Movement. It’s a solo show by painter and muralist, Jose Cosme.
(107 Lone Star Blvd; the exhibition will be up through August; the gallery is open by appointment.
Call 210-723-3048 to view outside of reception times).

At Artpace you can have fun learning to make postcards with Gary Sweeney. Using materials like rubber stamps, magazines, and other media, you’ll develop some new skills.  (Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m.; $30; 445 N. Main Ave, 78205; free parking at 513 N. Flores.) The organization is also reminding San Antonians that
Chalk It Up Across San Antonio is coming up. Registration to participate is open through Sept. 30. And, of course, there are the exhibits. On view now: Undercurrents: Vincent Valdez; Call 210-212-4900 for more info. Artpace also announced an open call for submissions by Texas artists for consideration in Artpace’s 2026 International Artist-in-Residence program.

On the music front, things are getting livelier. AGARITA’s season opener with singer Azul Barrientos is probably going to be a treat. “This program illuminates a profound personal journey that explores independence, love, and family as pillars of growth and experience,” said the press announcement. The musical arrangements will be blending original new compositions with classical masterpieces.
(Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Pkwy, 78215; free and open to all.)

The Olmos Ensemble continues its summer season on Aug. 18, when pianist Wayne Ching will join the wind players – Jeff Garza, Ilya Shterenberg and Mark Teplitsky. (Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m.; Sheperd King Lutheran Church, 303 West Ramsey Road, 78216; 210- 344-5881; to reach the ensemble call 210-269-1925)

At the Tobin, you can take part in “An Evening with Mike Dawes,” the extraordinary English guitarist, composer and arranger. (Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets via phone at 210-223-8624, or in-person at the box office (100 Auditorium Circle) start at $35)

Grupo Frontera will wow the crowd at the FROST BANK CENTER Aug. 17, at 8 p.m.; 1 Frost Bank Center Parkway; Tickets $59-$399+ at ticketmaster.com; 1-800-515-2171.

And, at the Alamodome, you will find a roof-raising group: Def Leppard and Journey on their Summer Stadium Tour. They will be joined by the Steve Miller Band. (Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.; tickets are $49-$549+, at www.ticketmaster.com)

The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will celebrate and honor the talent and passion of cantante  Beatriz Llamas, known as “La Paloma del Norte,” who died last year. She was a famous ranchera singer who contributed to Tejano music and was inducted into the Tejano Music Hall of Fame in 1995.  The tribute event will be filled with music and song and a vocal competition. (Aug.17; Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; singing competition begins at 6 and the award ceremony starts at 8 p.m.; 922 San Pedro, 78212;210-228-0201; esperanza@esperanzacenter.org)

We may not think about the holidays yet, but the performing arts organizations have to. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is hosting open auditions for the upcoming “Children’s Nutcracker.” It’s open to ages 3-19. This will be the nonprofit’s 10^th anniversary production of the iconic ballet. The story will come to life at the Lila Cockrell Theater, Dec.13-15. (audition: Aug. 17; 12 noon, to 5:30 p.m.) And the young dancers will have a chance to shine in another show this year – “Polar Express.” That musical will be staged at the Empire Theater Dec. 6-8.   (Auditions are scheduled Friday, Aug, 16 at 5-8 p.m. for info call 210-462-7660; www.childrensballetofsanantonio.org) The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s home is the Dance Center of San Antonio at 126 W. Rector, Suite 120 where the auditions will take place.

Our professional ballet company, Ballet San Antonio, will also hold auditions for the children’s cast of “The Nutcracker.”  Open to children 6-18, To see dates and times for different ages, call 210-459-5743 or email school@balletsanantonio.org.

The Guadalupe Center has announced a request for submission of plays for Teatro Salon Table Reading Series. The deadline to submit is Aug. 30 by 4 p.m. Two or three scripts will be selected for a table reading in the fall. This reading will be open to the public. No one-acts. For more info, contact Jorge Pina, the center’s Theater Arts Director, at 210-271-3151 or jorgep@guadalupeculturalarts.org.

The Wonder Theater’s current offering is “The WIZ” which will run from Aug. 16 to Sept. 8. There are several special nights. Shows are Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.; tickets are $18-$32 via www.ciovationtix.com

For developments at other theater companies, see last week’s ROUNDUP.

                                          ————————————————————