Winner: Selena by Alan Calvo
Alamo Candy
1149 W. Hildebrand Ave.
(210) 734-8672
There are certainly larger murals in the Alamo City, not to mention murals by higher-profile artists. But Alan Calvo's colorful and dynamic depiction of Selena on the side of the Alamo Candy building appeals to our puro San Anto feels. This city loves the Queen of Tejano, and Calvo's use of Aztec imagery and symbols as the singer's backdrop makes it clear he's holding her up as part of a history and culture that spans far longer than the 23 years she had on this planet. It helps, no doubt, that Calvo had a strong connection to the subject matter. He's the son of popular Spanish-language radio personality Alberto Alegre, who regularly interacted with Tejano personalities, including the Quintanilla family. "It's a part of my life," Calvo told Texas Public Radio last year, "so it's like 'wow,' I need to portray this in my artwork."
2. The Spirit of Healing by Jesse Treviño
Christus Children's Hospital
333 N. Santa Rosa St.
(210) 704-2011
christushealth.org/locations/childrens-hospital
3. I Am Here: Vaccinate/Vacunate by Kim Bishop
Jefferson Bodega
1005 Donaldson Ave.
(210) 735-0900
Around Town
Winner: McNay Art Museum
6000 N. New Braunfels Ave.
(210) 824-5368
The McNay Art Museum's gorgeous grounds, old San Antonio feel, world-class permanent collection and varied exhibitions arguably make it the Alamo City's most accessible place to experience visual art. After all, how many other facilities, here or anywhere else, can claim to be operated from a 1929 Spanish revival mansion while offering access to works by masters such as Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O'Keeffe, Diego Rivera and Mary Cassatt, to name just a few. The McNay's centuries-spanning collection of European and American art includes access not only to a breathtaking array of paintings but a sculpture garden that unleashes the imaginations of visitors young and old. The museum's free general admission from 4-9 p.m. Thursdays and noon-5 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month also makes it a favorite for students, families or anyone on a budget.
2. San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W. Jones Ave.
(210) 978-8100
3. Contemporary at Blue Star
116 Blue Star
(210) 227-6960
Winner: Studio 360
12403 Nacogdoches Road, Suite 104
(210) 314-1409
facebook.com/Studio360fitnessandnutrition
2. Smart Barre
Multiple locations
3. The Program
7140 Oaklawn Drive
(210) 687-6009
Winner: Bowlero San Antonio
Multiple locations
2. Bandera Bowling Center
6700 Huebner Road
(210) 523-1716
3. The Lanes at Oak Hills
7330 Callaghan Road
(210) 560-2695
Winner: Brackenridge Park
3700 N. St. Mary's St.
(210) 207-7275
2. Phil Hardberger Park
13203 Blanco Road and 8400 N.W. Military Highway
(210) 492-7472
3. Hemisfair
434 S. Alamo St.
(210) 709-4750
Winner: Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
618 NW Loop 410
(210) 541-8805
The Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club combines an intimate setting with big-name standup. And when we say big-name, we aren't kidding. Recent shows have included Adam Conover, Michael Rapaport and local favorite Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, and the schedule is full-up through the rest of the summer. The room's relatively modest size can mean a shoulder-to-shoulder experience for some shows, but it also makes the venue feel more alive, even when hosting lesser-known comics. Local talent gets in on the act with the SATX Showcase Mic every Tuesday. The weekly performances highlight a mix of seasoned jokesters and those stepping onto a comedy club stage for the first time.
2. House Party Improv
Inside Black Potion
1900 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 102
(210) 369-8750
3. Upstage Comedy Lounge
4441 Walzem Road
(210) 231-0474
Winner: Magik Theatre
420 S. Alamo St.
(210) 227-2751
2. The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 W. Ashby Place
(210) 733-7258
3. House Party Improv
Inside Black Potion
1900 Fredericksburg Road, Suite 102
(210) 369-8750
Winner: Phil Hardberger Park
13203 Blanco Road and 8400 NW Military Highway
(210) 492-7472
It's all about San Antonio's canines and their human companions at Phil Hardberger Park's two dog parks. "Hoomans" can sit on stone benches or picnic tables while the dogs play and explore under the low-slung canopy of live oaks. Separate water fountains keep each species hydrated, and folks are good about picking up after their POO-ches with ample waste bags and receptacles. Small dogs aren't an afterthought either. They have access to as many structures as the big ones — and many are set aside in areas exclusive to pint-sized pups.
2. Hops & Hounds
13838 Jones Maltsberger Road
(210) 592-9400
3. McAllister Park
13102 Jones Maltsberger Road
(210) 207-7275
Winner: Paramour
102 9th St., Floor 4
(210) 417-6559
2. The Bonham Exchange
411 Bonham St.
(210) 224-9219
3. Bottoms Up Diva Dinner
1827 NE Loop 1604
(210) 718-9320
Winner: Aztec Theatre
104 N. St. Mary's St.
(210) 812-4355
2. Paper Tiger
2410 N. St. Mary's St.
3. Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston St.
(210) 226-3333
