"26 San Antonio Artists," a slick calendar published by artist Gary Sweeney, hits the streets this week. The unblushing, self-promotional project features a balanced sampling of local talent, from Dario Robleto's delicate cultural deconstructions to Bill FitzGibbons' industrial art commissions to Lloyd Walsh's more traditional baroque masterpieces. Sweeney took on the yeoman's task of corralling the artists to submit work and pose for portraits — an operation he compares to herding cats. Logistical difficulties aside, the work raises the bar for locally produced publishing projects, with portraits by Rick Hunter, an immaculate layout by Pale (the design team that defined Perla Magazine), chunky cardstock, and quality reproductions. Participating artists include Vincent Valdez, Jesse Amado, Andrea Caillouet, Alex de Leon, Ken Little, Cathy Cunningham, and Riley Robinson. The $20 calendar is available at ArtPace, and will soon be carried by Sloan/Hall on Broadway, Blue Star Art Space, and various museum gift shops.
On Thursday, November 6, the Cactus Bra Space (106 C Blue Star) hosts "Strapped," its fundraising art sale. The work on display is priced between $100 and $500 apiece; half of each sale will be funneled into the Cactus' upcoming facelift and a possible trip to the "Stray Show" in Chicago. "Strapped" includes work by artists Chris Sauter, Anita Valencia, Ray Culvert, and Constance Lowe. The fundraiser will continue into First Friday the following night, but Thursday proffers perks like elbowroom and free parking. The event begins at 6 p.m. with beer from Blue Star Brewery, food from Beto's, and music by the multi-talented Ken Little and Hyperbubble, featuring Jessica and Jeff De Cuir. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Call Leigh Anne Lester or Jayne Lawrence at 226-6688 for a complete list of participating artists.
