News Roundup, May 21, 2020
As expected, a few more visual arts organizations have decided to re-open, following in the footsteps of the Briscoe and Witte museums.
The Briscoe welcomed its first returning visitors May 21 with special admission rates, “exclusive tours” and new safety protocols. In addition to the permanent collection, the brave visitors will also have the unique opportunity to view the Night of Artists (NOA) show which features the best of the best of Western art. On Friday, live artist demonstrations with visiting NOA artists Cliff Cavin and Chris Hunt are scheduled to take place 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Starting May 23, the museum will offer half-price general admission for everyone through Memorial Day. Healthcare professional get free admission throughout the summer.
We haven’t heard anything new from the Witte but the San Antonio Museum of Art is planning to re-open for members May 26-27 and for everyone on May 28, at 25% capacity. Again, safety protocols will be in place. To minimize personal contact, SAMA is providing access to digital museum maps at www.samuseum.org/welcome, and keeping the gift shop closed for the time being. While it’s cautiously re-opening its galleries, the museum is not yet restarting in-person programming. That will continue to be offered online. We urge you to take advantage of the virtual offerings, from a tour of the unique exhibit Texas Women: A New History of Abstract Art to virtual happy-hour tours and artist conversations. The latter are fun and enlightening.
And there’s more! Artpace has also announced a cautious re-opening beginning June 2, but you’ll have to make an appointment in order to visit. Members will be welcome to do the same, starting Tuesday, May 26. Make that appointment! From what we have seen online and in press materials, the exhibits of recent work completed by the Spring 2020 International Artists-in-Residence are intriguing, engaging and challenging. Also on view, will be the 25th Anniversary show, Visibilities: Intrepid Woman of Artpace, which opened in January. You can schedule appointments online www.artpace.org;
And while we are talking about the visual arts, we want to remind you to check out the beautiful San Antonio Art League and Museum’s 90th Annual Juried Artist Exhibition, available in its entirety on the museum’s website, www.saalm.org (See feature story on this site)
An organization called Centro San Antonio, which describes itself as a “placemaking organization whose mission is to create a more beautiful, playful, welcoming and prosperous downtown,” has invited muralists to submit proposals “to brighten San Antonio and showcase the artist’s interpretive work at the Mission San Jose Visitor Center or at several downtown locations.” From what we understand, new murals offering artists’ interpretations of the modern culture of San Antonio, will be created for three locations: Radius Building near the Tobin Center, Herweck’s Art Supply Building on Broadway and Third, and the Kallison Building at Flores and Nueva.
Application deadline is June 1, 2020. Send proposal to www.AnyArtist.org with a $10 application fee. The artists will be paid $2,000 per mural. This information was supplied by Luminaria, so, maybe, you can get more info from there: 210-721-1670.
Readers of this site are probably aware of all the recent efforts to help artists affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and all have done some good. But the needs continue. Even though the City of San Antonio had to suspend its arts funding due to budget shortages, the Department of Arts and Culture is still trying to help by launching the Donate To The Arts appeal, asking the public to support performing arts organizations that have been hit especially hard. If you donate at least $20, you will receive the official and limited edition of the City of San Antonio 2020 Fiesta Medal, which commemorates the Sebastian in San Antonio exhibit. Other gifts are under consideration, said Krystal Jones, the department’s marketing, film and music administrator. The fund hopes to assist 37 organizations that normally get at least a portion of their support from the city. To donate go to the department’s Facebook and Instagram pages; handle @getcreativesa.
One performing arts organization, the Public Theater of San Antonio could certainly use some financial help but its leaders are also trying to help themselves. While the performing halls remain empty, there’s a lot going on in the virtual world. You can enjoy live performances in the Encore Lounge this weekend brought to you via Zoom, of course. Saturday at 7:30 p.m., actress Ashley R. Markgraf will present I’ve been Dreaming…! Not much info is available about the show but the lounge acts are usually funny and entertaining. To register go to https://bit.ly/2Tih1YN. ($5 tax deductible donation is expected.)
On Sunday, another young actress, Jaeden Juarez, will present Miscast Melodies, also in the lounge at 2 p.m. A student at the North East School of the Arts, Juarez already has quite a few stage, TV and film credits to her name. This one is a free offering to promote and support the Public’s CenterStage Teen Troupe. To register https://bit.ly/2TiftOe
The Public is also offering a range of classes for kids and teens, from set design and vocal technique to hip-hop dancing and the language of Shakespeare, all online. To see the listing visit www.thepublicsa.org
The Woodlawn Theater has its own version of asking for support that we already mentioned in an earlier NEWS ROUNDUP, remember the special T-shirt from Ace Screen Graphics! Ten dollars of each purchase goes to the Woodlawn. But there’s other news that will probably appeal to many theater lovers. On May 23, the Woodlawn will offer a special Zoom masterclass with San Antonio native Jesse Borrego, a well-known actor of film and stage. The veteran actor will talk about his experiences as a Latino actor in the entertainment industry. Fee of $10 will benefit the Woodlawn. For questions email julianna@woodlawntheatre.org or call 210-802-8794
And we leave you this time with another musical gift: San Antonio Symphony musicians performing the conclusion of Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5, recorded individually, mostly on smartphones, and then combined. Let’s be grateful for modern technology!