San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

August Happenings in San Antonio

George Page — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:24:25 +0000

Yes, it is August and like the rest of the country San Antonio is experiencing some massive heat! It might be uncomfortable, but put on some shorts, bring a few bottles of water, slap on the Suntan lotion and come on down town for some fun. Here is some of the stuff that is happening this month!

August 1 – 5 – Earth Explorers Summer Camp at the San Antonio Children’s Museum

August 3 – Free Concert with Jack Walther at County Line Barbeque

August 5 – Chicago performs at the Majestic Theater

August 6 – 7 – Dog Days at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens

August 8 – 12 – Leggo Day Camp at the San Antonio Children’s Museum

August 10 – Free Concert with Two Tons of Steel at County Line Barbeque

August 13 – Ford Canoe Challenge – Over 90 canoe teams including local celebrities, city officials, corporate teams and Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts compete in the Ford Canoe Challenge on the Riverwalk. To register and learn more visit here.

August 17 – Free Concert with Brandon Jenkins at County Line Barbeque

August 19 – Boysville 45th Annual Wildest Auction in the West at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall

August 19 – 20 – Professional Bull Riders – Bass Pro Shops Shootout at the AT&T Center

August 20-27 is Restaurant Week in San Antonio by Culinaria – Sample some of San Antonio’s most exciting restaurants during this week. You can experience fabulous meals for as little as $35 for dinner and $15 for lunch. There are 40 restaurants participating in this and they are all over town. For more details and to look at who is participating and even some of the menus go here!

August 24 – Free Concert with Luke Olson at County Line Barbeque

August 27 – Cooking with Aldaco’s: Enchlida 101 at Aldaco’s Sunset Station

August 30 – Sept 1 – TechCon2011 – San Antonio Technology Convention at the Alzafar Shrine Temple

Have a fun and exciting Month and remember the last Monday of August School Starts so remember the crossing zones and the “NO PHONE” Law!

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

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Summer Hum Drums – But Still things to do in July!

George Page — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:20:32 +0000

I know – it is HOT! But this is south Texas and that is part of the reason we choose to live here. When the rest of the country might be freezing in the winter and we are warm, people are jealous. When it is hot like it is now, well, we have Air Conditioning. But the evenings are cool and many times breezy so take a look at what there is to do in the San Antonio area for July. Something might peak your interest.

July 1 – First Friday Art walk in South Town

July 2 – Gay Pride SA Parade and Block Party – This year being held at Crockett Park at 1300 North Main. The 7th Annual Pride Bigger Than Texas Block Party and Parade is from 3PM to Midnight featuring a concert by the Queen of Clubland, Miss Martha Wash, the Annual Running of the Queens High Heel Race at 8:30 and the parade starts at 9:00 with Grand Marshal Mike Ruiz of “The A-List, New York”. This event is raising money for Nine San Antonio Charities. Food, drinks and entertainment for the entire family!

July 4th – Celebrations throughout the city – but because of the dry weather there will be no Fireworks displays at any of the events. Some of the events are: Freedom Fest at Market Square, and an Arts & Crafts show along the Riverwalk, and extravaganzas at the many theme parks.

Beginning July 8th through August 5th – Balcones Heights Jazz Festival. The Free concerts take place every Friday evening at the spectacular outdoor Amphitheater at Wonderland of the Americas.

July 6-8 – Three Day Art Camp at the San Antonio Children’s Museum

July 14 – An Evening with Julio Iglesias at the Majestic Theater

July 15-17 – George Lopez at the Majestic Theater

July 16 – The Kitchen Diva cooks with Carver Library at the Carver Library

July 16 – Burger Fest 2011 – The ultimate burger cookoff and burger eating contest on the 1600 Block of East Pine St.

July 18-22 – Daddy/Mommy and Me Music Camp at the San Antonio Children’s Museum

July 18-22 – Camp FETCH! (Children 2-4) at the San Antonio Children’s Museum

July 21 – San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2011 Business Awards Dinner at the Omni Hotel

July 28 – Concert Under the Stars presents the Krayolas at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens

So don’t let the heat slow you down, take a look at some of the fun things that you can do in beautiful San Antonio!

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

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First Thursday at The Blue Star Complex!

George Page — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:00:04 +0000

Once again the curators at the Blue Star Complex came through with some terrific shows! It was a nice evening in San Antonio on Thursday June 2nd. I decided to drive down this time versus walking – and I must admit, that was a mistake. First Thursday is getting quite a crowd and parking is at premium there. Taught me! Next time I will use the “B” Bikes and peddle my way down. But it was still a lot of fun and some wonderful pieces of art.

This month I was a bit more excited because my friend Ann FitzGibbons son was showing at the Joan Grona Gallery. Sean FitzGibbons comes from a family of artists that is for certain with his father Bill FitzGibbons who has just been selected to serve on the Texas Commission of the Arts as the state’s official three-dimensional artist for 2012. Joan has titled her show this month “Not Necessarily the Entire Story” with work by Photographer Brianna Barnett and Sculptor Sean FitzGibbons. Brianna’s photo’s are very interesting and eye catching. Her statement tells you the entire story of her work. Simply put she states, ” My work revolves around the art of storytelling; in creating an allegory. I interpret stories, retell memories and unravel narratives”. Sean’s work is very clean and very open. The picture here is one he just “worked up” and the base is over 70 pounds of metal. Sean says about his current work, ” “Keep it simple” is the mantra for this work. Using reclaimed/found steel, constructing a piece can get cluttered very quickly. When creating a sculpture I try to keep everything as visually simple as possible”.

From Joans I stopped by the Justiceworks Studios and then to the UTSA satellite Gallery. This month UTSA is showing work by Janet Chaffee and Andrew Ortiz titled “Layer’s of Meaning”. Both artists work is very unique. Andrew’s work seems to me to be very mystical yet eerie. His statement says “Blackbird Speaking is about the idea of struggling to communicate and resulted in a series of allegorical portraits of crows”. Janet’s work I found to be very interesting and you have to get up close to see what it is that she says it is about. In her statement she says, “this work is an intuitive exploration of how universal ideograms such as specific mediums and antique lace have a personal connection”.

When I ran in to Ann and Bill they told me to “hurry up and get to the Blue Star Complex because I was” really going to enjoy this show”, and darn were they right. I walked in and immediately was in awe. In the show curated by George Schroeder artist from Iceland, Gudjon Bjarnason who has titled his show, “DySTOPic ProgressiONs” has mastered the art of blowing up steel to make amazing sculptures. I know that the San Antonio Police Department was out in the area he was working when he started to blow up the steel to make sure everything was going well. His pieces are indeed very masculine in nature and interesting to walk around and look at different angles to see a totally different side. Unfortunately I did not get the names of the other artists showing in the other galleries in Blue Star but the work was really interesting and fun.

So next month, I plan on going again because you just never know what you are going to see on First Thursday at The Blue Star!

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

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June Happenings in Downtown San Antonio

George Page — Tue, 31 May 2011 15:00:44 +0000

Yes, can you believe it? It is already June and the temperature just continues to climb. That is part of living in San Antonio, a little bit of heat in the summer but a nice warm winter. As usual there is a lot going on in San Antonio and this month doesn’t seem to have slowed down any, so let’s get started!

June 1-4 – Shakespeare in the Park at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

June 3-5 – San Antonio’s Summer Art & Jazz Festival - This Free Admission is at Crockett Park just North of the Downtown area. In it’s 9th season this one promises to be fun and exciting. Click here for more information.

June 3-4- Gluzman Plays Beethoven at the Majestic Theater

June 9 – Concerts under the stars: Colao at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens

June 10 – 12 - Texas Folk Life Festival – Join in the celebration of all things Texas at the Texas Folklife Festival. Hosted at The Institute of Texan Cultures, this three-day cultural extravaganza brings more than 40 ethnic groups together in one place to showcase their authentic food, traditional music and dance and authentic crafts. Come celebrate your heritage and share in a Texas tradition. The Institute of Texan Cultures is located in HemisFair Park, a short walk from the Alamo and the River Walk. Click here for details.

June 10 – 11 – Rhythm Bones Fest XV at the Emily Morgan Hotel

June 11 – Pridefest San Antonio at HemisFair Park – Noon to 10:00 PM for the entire family – Free Admission

June 14 – Flag Day

June 19 – Juneteenth – this city wide festival celebrates June 19, 1865 the date that the Texas slaves received word of the Emancipation Proclamation

June 19 – Father’s Day

June 20 – 24 – Pint Sized Science Summer Fun Camp (Ages 4-6) at the San Antonio Children’s Museum

June 20 – 24 – Lego Day Camp for all ages of children at the San Antonio Children’s Museum

June 23 – Concert under the Stars: Texas Tide at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens

June 27 – July 1 – Daddy, Mommy and Me Art Camp (ages 21/2 to 5) at the San Antonio Children’s Museum

So June is a busy month. Take a few minutes and make some plans and it looks like it is all geared towards the family – so bring everyone on down and enjoy all that San Antonio has to offer.

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

Info@SanAntonioRiverwalkRentals.com

May Happenings in San Antonio’s Downtown Area!

George Page — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:48:56 +0000

Can you believe it? Fiesta has come and gone, Easter is over and it is already time to start making plans for May. Funny, April also brought on the heat and it looks like May be just as warm. So remember lots of Suntan lotion and lots of water as you enjoy all there is to do this month.

All Month: S.A. Dance Umbrella Celebrates Dance Month
San Antonio Dance Umbrella will celebrate Dance Month with numerous performances around the city. Some of the highlights of the month long dance celebration include: “The Cloggers’ Showcase,” “Dance Around the World,” and “WIP Crème.” To get details Click Here

May – August: WNBA – San Antonio Silver Stars
Go Silver Stars Go! San Antonio’s WNBA team will continue to rock the AT&T Center as they kick off their 2011 season. AT&T Center. Admission.

6-June 18: Celebrate Texas – Regional Pastel Art Collection at the San Antonio Central Library Gallery

7-8: Cinco de Mayo
Celebrations commemorate the Mexican Army’s defeat of the invading French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Events include a festival with music and food at historic Market Square, concerts and other commemorations.

11-15: CULINARIA – A Wine and Culinary Arts Festival
Giving wine and food aficionados one more thing to be thankful for this May, the Festival will showcase the Alamo City’s finest restaurants and chefs as well as celebrity guests from Mexico, Miami, Manhattan and all over Texas as it celebrates San Antonio as a premier wine and food destination and an important culinary and cultural gateway to Mexico and Latin America. To get the entire schedule of events - Click Here

14 – Cleo Parker Robinson Dance at the Carver Community Cultural Center

13-15: Tejano Conjunto Festival en San Antonio
Features live performances by more than 20 of the best musical groups from traditional Conjunto to progressive Tejano. Rosedale Park. Admission.

15-22: San Antonio Beer Week
The inaugural SABW 2011 is a special week dedicated to celebrating beer and the community that enjoys it! Events will include a special night at each of the five San Antonio-area breweries, special beer dinners and tastings, walking pub crawls, a bus pub crawl, a pro-am brewing competition for a chance to have your beer entered in the Great American Beer Festival. Numerous special beers and speakers will appear at events throughout the week.

20 – 21: Soul Food Festival at La Villita

20 – 21: Beethoven and Mozart at The Majestic Theater

22: Las Casas Scholarship Competition at the Empire Theater

20-21: 12th Annual Soul Food Festival & Gospel on the Plaza
This event kicks off with a gospel choir and continues with amazing food, arts, crafts, family events and more.

13- August 13: Fiesta Noche Del Rio
A San Antonio tradition, this performance features songs and dances of Mexico, Spain, Argentina and Texas and occurs Friday and Saturday evenings at the River Walk’s historic Arneson River Theatre.

27-30: Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Show

Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque River Walk, stop to talk to our vendors who are anxious to share information about their craft, and take home an item that will enhance your home, wardrobe or garden.

28: Angelique Kidjo at the Carver Community Cultural Center

Plus so many more exciting happenings around the town. Enjoy everything San Antonio has to offer!

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

Info@SanAntonioRiverwalkRentals.com

Why do we Celebrate the Fall of the Alamo?

George Page — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:03:19 +0000

When Richard was here in December he asked a very interesting question. Basically it went something like this: “Why do Texans celebrate a battle that they lost?” I guess him coming from Canada and me learning all about Colorado history I couldn’t answer that question so it was time to do some digging. Now I am certain that my darling son’s could give me a history lesson, but why would I want them to school me? Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?

It’s the classic tale of losing the battle, but winning the war. Even though the Alamo fell (eventually) it took alot more men and reserves to accomplish the feat. Texas knew it had Mexico beaten in the San Jacinto battle before it even began.

Many of Sam Houston’s contemporaries did not understand the Military Genius he was. His orders were to retrieve the cannons and destroy the Alamo. His fledgling Army of farmers needed the cannon and he knew any attempt to hold the Alamo was suicide. When Travis and Bowie decided to ignore his orders and took 200 hundred others Texans to their death their thoughts were not on delaying Santa Ana, but defeating him. They put up a valiant, but fool hardy defense. Sam Houston knew that to defeat Santa Ana he had to use a strategy to defeat a larger stronger better trained army. The strategy few appreciated or understood was that they needed to lead the Mexican Army far from Mexico proper and stretch the supply lines. His constant retreat without fighting infuriated his fellow Texans, but it was the strategy that lead to Santa Ana’s first mistake dividing his army to cover more ground. Next he allowed his army to be lured into a trap in the swamps of San Jacinto. With only one bridge out Sam Houston had him cornered. The bridge was blown and the Mexican caught tired and exhausted at nap time after being up all night. The attack at dawn was too predictable, but a mid afternoon nap time attack was brilliant leading to a lopsided 18 Texans dead to 600+ Mexican and a humiliated Santa Ana caught the next day dressed as a Mexican Peasant.

The men who volunteered to stay at the Alamo and fight knew they would probably die but they did so because to live under tyranny was unacceptable. Their sacrifice was galvanized in the hearts and minds of the Texans and this selfless act brought out their courage to stay and fight on to victory!

That is why the battle cry we always hear is “Remember the Alamo!”

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

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First Thursday in April

George Page — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:00:05 +0000

Even though it is April and Fiesta is right around the corner, there is still a lot going on in San Antonio. As you know First Thursday is one of my favorite events. I get a chance to see and experience new and interesting art right here in San Antonio where we have a thriving art community. So on this beautiful (it was 78 degrees when I left the condo) evening I went down to the Blue Star Complex to see some new and exciting art.

As always, the first stop is the Joan Grona Gallery. It was pretty busy so Joan and I didn’t get a chance to talk, but as usual she looked wonderful. This month she is showing Clare Little and Jimena Marin. Both artists that I have not seen before. Clare says; ” I am currently exploring the majestic within the domestic. I employ materials traditionally used for the interiors of homes (such as plaster, caulking, wallpaper, and insulation) to create sculptural arrangements.” It was very interesting both pretty to look at and a story to tell. Jimean’s work is called “Colored Lines” and is an interesting interpretation of what he sees versus what I see. Both of them were very interesting. On another note local artist and activist Gene Elder also had a few pieces there titled Tomatoe News and of course he was serving the wine and talking to everyone!

Then it was off to Justiceworks – the studio which is run by artists always has something different and exciting. This month they are showing work by artist Nicholas Hay. His work titled Good and Gone Again is very unique. I had a lot of fun trying to read the different sayings that he has inside the work (one of the other patrons was having as much fun as I was). It’s something to think about and to interact with.

Over to the UTSA satellite gallery next door. This month they are showing artists Sasha Nochovka and Gayle Janzow. Sasha says, “Social behaviors make up the fabric of given sterotype, and ultimately lead to the definition of an individual’s role within a given society”. Gayle says, “In post-modern Western society we are isolated by technology and perceived fear, yet I believe that wanting to belong, negage and contribute to a community is an inherent part of the human condition, acknowledged or not.”

On to the Blue Star Gallery. This month’s features include the work by Gregory Elliott that was curated by Bill FitzGibbons titled “Dam the Torpedos“. Interesting indeed. In the middle gallery the work by Brian Jobe and curated by Bill FitzGibbons is titled “Blank Tides” was definitley a little different. And in the Project Space Artist Cathy Cunningham-Little and her exhibit of Breathing Light shows some very moving textures using light as it works it’s way through color. All of these exhibits will be on display at the Blue Star until May 14.

So, take some time, stroll down to the Blue Star Complex and enjoy the art that is becoming such a big part of the San Antonio scene.

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

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VIVA! Fiesta (part 2)

George Page — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:10:08 +0000

With 109 different events sanctioned by the Fiesta Commission I had to make the listings into two separate blogs. Fiesta is such a fun time for all that I wanted to be able to share with everyone the schedule early so you can make your plans. Come on down (or to other areas of the city) and Celebrate San Antonio Style!

April 13 -

A Taste of the Northside at The Club at Sonterra

Air & Army Guard Fiesta at Texas National Guard Armory

Coronation of the Queen of the Order of the Alamo at Municipal Auditorium

Fiesta Gartenfest at Beethoven Garden

Fiesta Luncheon, Style Show and Hat Contest at the Marriott Rivercenter

Fiesta San Fernando (through the 16th) at San Fernando Cathedrial

Lackland Fiesta Military Parade at Lackland AFB Parade Grounds

Senior Fiesta at Wonderland of the Americas Mall

The Alamo: These Sacred Walls at Alamo Hall

April 14 -

Battle of Flowers Band Festival at Alamo Stadium

Cornyation Final Show at Charline McCombs Empire Theater (tickets are sold out early)

Family Fiesta at Colonial Hills United Methodist Church

Marines at the Alamo

Navy Day at the Alamo

Navy Fiesta Reception at Fort Sam Houston Golf Clubhouse

Palo Alto College PACfest at Palo Alto

San Antonio Cactus & Xerophyte Society State Show and Sell at the San Antonio Garden Center

St. Phillips College Culture Fest & Rib Cookoff at St. Phillips College

April 15 -

Battle of Flowers Parade Vanguard along the parade Route

Battle of Flowers Parade along the Parade Route

Dance Kaleidescope at Carver Community Cultural Center

Fiesta Square and Round Dance at Tri-Point

Fiesta World Class Jazz Concert at St. Mary’s University

Rey Feo Consejo Reception at Museo Alameda

April 16 -

Battle ALS with Flowers at Valero Energy Corp.

Fiesta Fandango 2.6 Mile Run along Parade Route

Fiesta Flambeau Parade Vanguard along the Parade Route

Fiest Flambeau Parade along the Parade Route

Fiesta Jazz Band Festival at St. Mary’s University

Fiesta Pooch Parade at Alamo Heights Swimming Pool

Fiesta Rugby Tournament at Brooks Field Park

King William Fair & Parade in King William District

Mr. Teen 2011 San Antonio Scholarship and Mentoring Awards Banquet at Kendrick Club Randolph AFB

Texas Corvette Association Car Show at Main Plaza in Boerne

April 17 -

All Veterans Memorial Service at Veterans Square Auditorium Circle

Fiesta Blues Heritage Series at Sunset Station

Music from St. Mark’s: The Known and Unknown Franz Liszt at St. Mark’s Episcopalian Church

Praise Dance Celebration at Carver Community Cultural Center

Reina de la Feria de las Flores Reception (to be determined)

San Jose Mission Fest at Mission San Jose Church

Symphonic Band Concert at Josephine Theater

Parade Seat Locator Link

Okay, now that you have established where, when, what and all that you will do during these 10 days of Fiesta remember to drink plenty of water because it is always Hot during Fiesta and come on down and join in all of the festivities! VIVA! Fiesta!!!

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

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VIVA Fiesta! San Antonio

George Page — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:01:54 +0000

I wanted to get out the Fiesta Happenings a little earlier than usual since Fiesta is so early this year. There are 109 different events marking the 11 days of Fiesta. I am only going to put through the 12th on this blog and in 3 days I will post the rest of them. Let’s get going…

April 2-17 – Sculptor’s Invitational at Villa del Carman Conservatory

April 6-17 – Witte Museums Annual Fiesta Exhibition at the Witte Museum

April 6-17 – Fiesta Carnival at the Alamodome Lot C

April 7 – Fiesta Fiesta at Alamo Plaza

April 7-8 – Fiesta Flower Show at Women’s Club of San Antonio

April 7-16 - Tejano Explosion at Cattleman’s Square

April 7-17 - The Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama at the San Antonio Museum of Art

April 8 -

San Antonio Aids Foundation WEBB party at Sunset Station

A Taste of New Orleans (through the 10th) at Sunken Gardens

El Rey Feyo Reception at Main Plaza

Fiesta de los Reyes (through the 17th) at Market Square

Fiesta Especial at Morgan’s Wonderland

Fiesta Masquerade Party at the Double Tree Hotel on 410

Fiesta Oyster Bake (through the 9th) St. Mary’s University

Fiesta UTSA at UTSA Sombrilla

Fiesta del Rey: Crown the King! at Main Plaza

Incognito: Fiesta’s Masked Ball at La Villita Assembly Hall

Randolph Art League Exhibit and Sale (through the 14th) at Alamo Plaza

April 9 -

10K Walk: Caminada de Fiesta at Army Medical Museum Ft. Sam Houston

All-American Canteen at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Celebrations of Traditions Pow Wow at Woodlawn Gym

Chips and Salsa – a Fiesta Casino Night at Red Berry Mansion on the Lake

Delta Sigma Theta Growing up Female Workshop at St. Phillips College

Earth Day at Woodlawn Lake

Fiesta Arts Fair (through the 10th) Southwest School of Arts

Fiesta Bird Mart at Live Oak Civic Center

Fiesta de los Ninos at Port San Antonio

Fiesta de los Veteranos at Audie Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital

Fiesta Festival at San Antonio State Supported Living Center

Fiesta International Lacrosse Tournament at St. Mary’s Hall

Fiesta Mission 10K and Kids Runs at Mission County Park #2

Fiesta Ole Style Show and Luncheon at The Club at Sonterra

Investiture of King Antonio LXXXIX at Alamo Plaza

Miss Margaret’s Victorian House Tour (through the 16th) at King William

Monticello Park Historic Tour of Homes at Monticello Park Historic District

Paseo del Rio Children’s Festival at River Center Lagoon

Patriotic and Historical Ball at La Villita Assembly Hall

Pinatas in the Barrio at Plaza Guadalupe

San Antonio Women’s & co-ed Fiesta Soccer Tournament at STAR complex

San Jacinto Victory Celebration at The Alamo

This Hallowed Ground at Alamo Plaza

Viva Botanica at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens

Zeta Phi Beta Intra City Track Meet at Blossom Athletic Center

April 10 -

A Day in Old Mexico & Charreada at Charro Ranch

Champagne and Diamonds Brunch at Alzafar Shrine Auditorium

Family Funday Sunday at Thomas C. Clark High School

Fiesta de la Familia at St. Gregory Catholic Church

Fiesta Mariachi Mass at San Fernando Cathedral

Fiesta Nueva at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Fiesta Teenage Coronation at San Pedro Playhouse

Ft. Sam Houston Fiesta Ceremony and Fireworks Extravaganza

Healthy Choices Seminar at St. Phillips College

San Antonio Women’s Fiesta Soccer Tournament at STAR Soccer Complex

April 11 -

Air Force at the Alamo

Cutting Edge Fashion Show at the Grand Hyatt

Pilgrimage to the Alamo at Alamo Plaza

Texas Cavaliers River Parade on the San Antonio Riverwalk

April 12 -

A Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) now through the 15th at La Villita

Children’s Texas History Forum at Alamo Hall

Cornyation (Final show on the 14th) at the Charlene McCombs Empire Theater

Fiesta in Blue - Air Force Musical Extravaganza at Trinity Auditorium

Fiesta River Art Show at Alamo Plaza

Mariachi Festival on the Riverwalk

San Antonio College 15th Annual Multicultural Conference at San Antonio College

More to come….. Stay tuned!

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

Info@SanAntonioRiverwalkRentals.com

First Thursday and Contemporary Art Month in San Antonio

George Page — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:08:59 +0000

First Thursday is one of those days I look forward to every month when I am in town. For March I was anticipating some exciting art work because it is “Contemporary Art Month” and the buzz has been all over Face Book. It was a beautiful March evening so I made the trip to Southtown and then to the Blue Star Complex. There were all types of folks walking around enjoying the art and it was nice to see.

My first stop is always the Joan Grona Gallery. Joan is also a good friend of mine and we’ve known each other for quite some time. This month she is featuring artist J. Derrick Durham in an exhibition titled, “Idle Down!…Hang around: Peanut Tank Paintings”. These paintings focus on the relationship between transit and memory through the nexus of biker culture. The term “hang around” refers to bikers who spend time, by invitation, hanging around motor cycle clubs. During the past year (2010) the artist spent time hanging around and riding with members of regional MC’s, crisscrossing the state of Texas, capturing through photography the lifestyles and stories of the various bikers and events encountered. It was evident in the work exactly what it is that he is painting about.

My next stop is always the wonderful small gallery Justiceworks Studio that is run by artist. This time the gallery operator Barbara Justice (who I had the privilege to meet) is showing “Abstract Experiment” by artist Alex Rubio. I found these paintings to be very interesting and mesmerizing to look at. They take you down the “Rabbit Hole” as I told Barbara. If you get to the complex look up Justiceworks Studio it is well worth the trip.

I always stop by the UTSA Gallery after JusticeWorks to see what they are offering up for the month. This exhibit that was curated by Dennis Olsen titled Signs of Change by artists Bodo Korsig and Catherine Lee was not a disappointment. Korsig’s use of metal (aluminum), paint and shadow was very interesting and clever. Lee’s piece that struck me was done in copper and plastic and was called “Cape Fear”.

I then went over to “Blue Star Gallery“. My friend artist Bill FitzGibbons is the curator of the gallery and every month there is something new and exciting. Little did I know that Bill and his beautiful wife Ann (did she look great or what!) were there and that we would be “hanging out” for awhile as they took me to the new satellite gallery on Broadway (right down the street from San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals) but I wanted to see the interesting work by artist Gregory Elliott before we boarded the bus to go. Gregory’s art is quite interesting and I can tell somewhat controversial to some, but then that is what art is. The artist is a teacher at UTSA.

At the satellite gallery it was showing works by students from the University of Houston and most of the artists were there. The perspective these young artists had was quite interesting. A couple of the paintings that I took note of were by artist Kevin Kelly. I don’t remember the names of them but the color and reflection were fun to look at and admire.

It was time to head home so I got back on the bus, back to the Complex and headed home. What a wonderful way to spend an evening in San Antonio!

San Antonio Riverwalk Rentals

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