This month’s First Friday art walk will feature a little of everything for you art aficionados, from Dia de los Muertos-themed works to a twist on mixed media to everything in-between. So as autumn sets in, head down to Southtown (and a few nearby locales) for a cornucopia of seasonal art works.
The once tight quarters of REM Gallery have been seriously upgraded by a move to a much larger space directly above Blue Star Contemporary Art Center. Inaugural show Hyper-Dash will feature work by Joan Fabian. As described in her artist statement, her works allow her to free “the forms of my past paintings into the sculptural realm.” Finding inspiration in free-association, Fabian intends to trigger audience members to “spend quality time” with her works and feel their presence. The opening reception will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m., check back the following day between 3 p.m and 6 p.m for a chance to speak to Fabian.
Down the path, Cactus Bra Space will screen video artist Leslie Raymond’s In The Garden, a video installation made with loops mined from her database of images from the past six years. This is sure to be an interesting show, with Raymond’s cutting-edge art being projected to create colorful motion on the walls of the space. Be sure to arrive early to catch this one-of-a-kind show. Catch the opening between 6 p.m and 9 p.m.
Say Sí goes all out with their three-day long Muertitos Fest, which kicks off a day prior to First Friday with the opening-night fundraiser “Dead Artists Society.” Muertitos Fests First Friday event features an open exhibit reception, live musical performances, festive food, artisan booths, demonstrations, and the conclusion of the annual Dia de los Muertos procession coordinated by artist Teresa Ybanez de Santiago.
Looking for more
Dia de Los Muertos events:
Thursday, Nov 1
6–8 pm
Dia de los Muertos exhibit opening
Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe St. (210) 271-3151
Ofrendas created by students and the community will be displayed at the Galería Guadalupe. Fourteen altars will be built by community members and students from elementary and high schools, with the main altar designed by visual artist Deborah Vasquez. Performances by Mariachi Guadalupe, Perpetual Puppets, Guadalupe Dance Academy, Guadalupe Dance Company, and Discover Animo.
Friday, Nov 2
11am–8pm
Culture Vulture
Mandala, 1701 Blanco Rd, (210) 347-5692
The newest hotspot on Blanco Road is celebrating the Day of the Dead, and the following week’s activities are scheduled for the Indian “Festival of Lights.” The day-long event features a variety of hands-on activites including piñata, papel picado, and skeleton-mask making. Dr. Yolanda F. Espinoza will also be onboard for storytelling/oral histories of colonial Mexico from 6-7 p.m.
5:30–8:30pm
Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
The Instituto Cultural de Mexico,
600 HemisFair Plaza, (210) 227-0123
The Instituto and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs present this event honoring the lives of Alberto Mijangos, Frida Kahlo, and her friends, and Panteón del Rock Mexicano with altares. The Guadalupe Dance Company and Urban 15 group carnaval de San Antonio are slated to perform.
6–8pm
Dia de los Muertos (A tribute to
Sterling Houston)
Jump-Start Performance Company, 108 Blue Star, (210) 227-5867
Members of Jump-Start Performance Company pay tribute to the late Sterling Houston. In lieu of their usual display of small altars by many artists, one big altar will be displayed for Sterling. The lobby as well as the outside of Jump-Start will become a memorial space for their former colleague. The final installment of their experimental project The Windows `which pays tribute to Sterling` will take place at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov 3
Noon–4 pm
Family Activities p
San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave, (210) 978-8100
Back-to-back workshops aimed at the kiddos include Sugar Skulls: Calaveras Para Todos (the art of making traditional sugar skulls) and The Art of Papel Picado (those colorfully, intricate decorations used on tables, windows, and ceilings). Want an excuse to visit SAMA the following day? Adults can check out the lecture Images of Death in Latin American Art on November 4 at 3 p.m. Dr. Marion Oettinger, Jr. will examine images of death from 18th-20th century Mexico. •
