“Ojos Hacia el Futuro” (“Eyes to the Future”)

▲ For some youth artists at the Westside nonprofit San Anto Cultural Arts, the first time they’ll be inside of an art gallery will also be the first time they’ll sell a piece of their own artwork. Through the month of July, Presa House Gallery will host “Ojos Hacia el Futuro” (“Eyes to the Future”) — an exhibit showcasing artwork from youths ages 8 to 19. Benefitting San Anto’s youth programs, the exhibit is said to be the “brainchild” of Presa House Gallery owner and previous San Anto student Rigoberto Luna. “It’s important that we make an effort to give back to the organization that built our foundation and appreciation of art, our culture and our community as well as instilling in us the work ethic needed to succeed in all facets of life,” Luna said in a release. San Anto, a nonprofit organization that focuses on connecting people of all socio-economic backgrounds to art, is best known for its community mural program and bimonthly newspaper. “We aren’t just an arts organization,” San Anto’s development manager Keli Rosa said. “We are a community arts organization.” San Anto holds a youth exhibit every year, but never of this magnitude. The exhibit will feature paintings, drawings and photographs. San Anto student Marisol de la Garza, who’s been with the center for nearly three years, says that the youth exhibit will feature many different styles. Her eight pieces at the gallery follow a realistic style, but with some aspects of surrealism blended in. She says that besides the children creating community-minded works, another reason the event is unique is the fact that previous San Anto student Luna is making it possible, adding that it shows that the arts organization, itself, is a community. Following the opening reception, “Ojos Hacia el Futuro” (“Eyes to the Future”) remains on view by appointment through July 30.