A new exhibit at the Culture Commons Gallery is showcasing the multifaceted work of Black artists in San Antonio, now through November 17, 2023. And the best part? It's free to attend.
Titled “Between Yesterday & Tomorrow: Perspectives from Black Contemporary Artists of San Antonio," the exhibit is curated by Barbara Felix and presented by The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture.
It covers such themes as Black history and identity, family dynamics, social connections, personal human experience, spirituality, and resilience.
“Culture Commons is an accessible gallery space that can draw the public to be plunged into an artistic experience that amplifies the diverse voices of our community,” says Department of Arts & Culture executive director Krystal Jones. "This rich collection of artists provides gallery visitors unique perspectives into the personal experience of being Black in San Antonio.”
The exhibit features work by Bernice Appelin-Williams, John Coleman, Kaldric Dow, Kwanzaa Edwards, Anthony Francis, Alain Boris Gakwaya, Deborah Harris, Edward Harris, Paul Hurd, Carmen Cartiness Johnson, Alethia Jones, Theresa Newsome, Wardell Picquet, Calvin Pressley, Don Stewart, Naomi Wanjiku, and Angela Weddle.
The artworks range from drawing and painting to photography, mixed media, digital media, assemblage, sculpture, and quilting.
"Our diverse Texas city is rich in creative expression," says Felix. "Through this exhibition, these local artists share their cultural and life experiences through their work. Contemporary art is made for the present time, and often speaks to ideas, concerns, or experimentation of materials and methods. Artists were selected from across generations, bringing their voices together in the intimate space that is the City of San Antonio’s Culture Commons Gallery."
Community events centered around the exhibit will also take place throughout the year, including a poetry night, artist talks, a Pride Month event, and more.
Here is the lineup:
- February 22, 6-9 pm:Poetry Night: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised
- An evening of music and voices curated and hosted by 2020-23 San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea Vocab Sanderson.
- May 17, 6-8 pm: Artist Talk: Panel Discussion
- Featuring curator Barbara Felix and exhibited artists discussing their unique stories about their art, influences, and experiences with participation from audience members.
- June 28, 6:30-9 pm: Pride Month Event: Comfortable in Our Skin
- An evening of music and dance honoring the LGBTQIA+ community
- August 23, 6-8 pm: Film Night
- Join the Department of Arts & Culture and local African American filmmakers in the screening of several short films.
- October 11, 6-8 pm: Dance Event: Premier Dance Performance by Tanesha Payne
- Experience the world premiere of a new site-specific dance choreographed by San Antonio-based movement artist Tanesha Payne, who uses dance to make people a better version of themselves.
The Culture Commons Gallery is located in the Plaza de Armas Building at 115 Plaza de Armas, and its hours are Wednesday through Friday, 11 am-4 pm.
More information is available at www.sanantonio.gov/arts and by following @getcreativesa on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture
"Wave King" by Kaldric Dow
