News Roundup: SAALM’s Big Show, YOSA News, Nonprofit Webinar…
For the first time in its long history, the San Antonio Art League will open its Annual Juried Artist Exhibition tomorrow, May 15, exclusively online. The organization’s museum in the King William District remains closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak and there will be no artwork in the galleries and no opening reception. Instead, art lovers are invited to experience a slide show. Since we were privileged to see some of the art in advance, we can honestly say, it’s definitely worth your time. The 60 pieces selected by juror Mary Heathcott, the executive director of Blue Star Contemporary, have been culled out from more than 440 submissions by artists from across Texas.
Winners of 19 named monetary awards will also be announced tomorrow, and a free catalog will be available for downloads. (For more about this exhibit, see the feature story on this site, to be published early on Friday). The show closes June 26.
Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, better known as YOSA is also going online with its annual YOSApalooza concert, May 17, that will feature video performances by all nine of its ensembles and end with Beethoven’s glorious “Ode to Joy” with 500 young musicians playing in the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. (From previous years.) The concert is scheduled to stream at 6 p.m. Sunday. To watch go to www.facebook.com/yosa49
In addition, YOSA has created an online portal, YOSA Play On, where you can access free performances and a range of informational/educational videos, such as how to listen to music in a more discerning way, or to learn the difference between a Baroque and a contemporary flute.
And if you are in need of a good laugh – and who isn’t these days!? – scroll down the page to find some very funny videos, such as an oboe-rubber chicken duet, and a recording of Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel catching and throwing things around while conducting Beethoven’s Fifth with a live orchestra. It’s a riot.
One of San Antonio’s most successful galleries, Ruiz-Healy Art, is taking part in the IFPDA Fine Art Print Fair scheduled for May 13-June 13, again online, through Artsy. Among the artists Ruiz-Healy will be showing are: Pedro Diego Alvarado-Rivera (grandson of Diego Rivera), Celia Alvarez Munoz, Richard Armendariz, Pedro Coronel, Joy Laville, Cecilia Paredes and Gary Sweeney.
Also included will be prints by San Antonio artist Ethel Shipton whose work clearly incorporates a reference to the present C0VID-19 pandemic. Visit the print fair viewing room at:
The Bihl Haus Arts is celebrating its 15th anniversary as an art gallery and arts center Friday, May 15, with a happy hour on Facebook Live. The event will feature artists and instructors who have been involved with Bihl Haus over the years as exhibitors, teachers and speakers. To participate and see music, poetry and other performances, RSVP at www.facebook.com/events/2802513666526384/
Through the rest of this month, film buff can join URBAN-15’s online parties to watch the best of the Josiah Media Festival, which is dedicated to showing films made by young filmmakers from around the world. The screenings take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 12, noon, to 8 p.m. Included will be films originally shown in the past four years, 2016-2019. www.urban15@dcci.com
And here’s something that may be of interest to all nonprofit arts organization. Eskin Fundraising Training recorded its April 15 webinar, Securing Government/Foundation Relief Grants, during this challenging time. To watch:
Finally, for sheer enjoyment, listen to “O Fortuna” from Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” played by the talented YOSA musicians. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebOuhEaHjDQ