Young San Antonio Musician Advocates for the Arts

For well over a year now, Michael Villarreal has made a gift of his talent to further the mission of theFund to support the arts in San Antonio. Many times, having to rise very early and travel long distances (thanks to his Father, Sam Villarreal), he has given generously of his time and talent over and over again, playing his cello for the employees at various companies and organizations that have hosted annual workplace campaigns.

Inspired by Michael's musical talent and commitment to the arts, donors get the opportunity to experience the fruit of their giving to theFund, as he is representative of YOSA,[Youth Orchestra of San Antonio] one of theFund's recipient affiliates.

Thank you, Michael for inspiring us, our donors, other students, now and in the future to make a difference by giving of your time and talent.

Interview with Michael Villarreal

When did you start playing the cello?

I started playing the cello November 2007 at the age of 11.

Was there one individual or moment that inspired you to begin?

There was no particular moment. I knew I wanted to be in my middle school orchestra. I chose the cello because I liked the sound of it.

Michael performing with YOSA

Where have you studied?

My studies have been limited to the state of Texas. I’ve studied with John Stuart here in San Antonio. I’ve also studied with Jeffrey Lastrapes from Texas Tech University and had master classes with Dmitri Atapine, Fred Edelen, Sharon Robinson, Anthony Elliot, and Bion Tsang.

When did you begin playing to support theFund?

To the best of my recollection it was March 2011 at the Toyota Plant.

What is your goal in performing for theFund?

Michael plays for employees at San Antonio River Authority

My goal is simple. The arts here in the San Antonio area are in need of funding. I would like to do my best to see that this happens and to maybe one day see San Antonio on par with some of the other big cities in the nation. San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the nation, and I think it would be nice for San Antonio to be known for the arts. I believe that San Antonio has the potential and the talent to have great artists and musicians. We only need the opportunity to do so. I guess my goal in performing with theFund is to help everyone who may want to be in the arts have that opportunity.

Why do you believe it is important to support the arts?

The arts enhance and simulate the mind and allow people to express themselves. I think it’s very important to make sure the arts stay in San Antonio and intertwine them with the culture of San Antonio.

What are your goals for your music?

I would like to revitalize classical music here in the San Antonio area and wherever music takes me in life.

What do you enjoy the most about performing?

I really like making a connection with the audience and trying my best to emote what the composer was writing about. Performing is my passion, and I hope to do it for the rest of my life.

Michael performs for Bexar County Employees

Actually, every performance has something really special to it. What amazes me is the record-breaking fundraising that has been done this year. I’m honored to be part of it and hope to continue to be part of it.
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If you would like more information about how to support the arts in San Antonio, visit http://www.thefundsa.org/

BEERFEST San Antonio 2012

 

The most amazing, beer-drinking experience ever! A few thousand beer lovers will join us on Saturday, October 27th at HemisFair Park. Together we will sample over 150 craft and premium beers, chew on many grilled and fresh baked goodies, and enjoy great live music by Whiskey Ships, The Act Rights, The Offbeats, Lonely Horse, Advance Cassette & Tbird & The Breaks.

Tickets on sale now for just $30 at Ticket Web (http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4820455) or

charge by phone 210-227-0044.

Tickets will be $35 each at the door.
21 & Up Event, Rain or Shine

Remember to bring your lawn chairs!

Sponsored by Bud Light. Presented by SACurrent.com, Alamo Drafthouse & Cricket Wireless.

A portion of the proceeds benefits theFund.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJRw5yFHTe0&feature=plcp

Tonight: KLRN brand new program: ARTS the arts and culture scene in San Antonio,

KLRN PREMIERES NEW LOCAL PROGRAM: ARTS

San Antonio, Texas (October 4, 2012): Tonight, KLRN will premiere a brand new, weekly program titled ARTS which will highlight the arts and culture scene from San Antonio, through South Central Texas, and around the nation. Part of a national initiative from the top 30 PBS stations from around the country, ARTS will include local events/initiatives, a community arts calendar, and it will include segments submitted from the other PBS stations. This is a unique collaboration that allows KLRN to not only broadcast and highlight our local art efforts, but it also allows us to share them with the rest of the nation.

 Asia Ciaravino, President and CEO of The Playhouse, has been chosen as the host for the program. “Asia has a charm that people love---and that charm translates beautifully on television. We are thrilled that someone so LOCAL has joined us and will help to showcase our city to the world,” said Mario A.Vazquez, President and CEO for KLRN. “San Antonio is an arts and culture mecca. We have so much to show off in our fabulous city and this is just one more way we can give back to our community.”

 ARTS will broadcast weekly on KLRN, Thursday nights at 8:30PM. Every episode will also be available for viewing on the KLRN Video Player (http://video.klrn.org) after the broadcast.

 ARTS has generously been funded by The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and The Kelso Foundation. The mission of KLRN is to enrich the lives of people throughout South Central Texas through the power of communication—providing quality programs and services that advance education, art and culture, and community. ARTS, in every way, helps KLRN to fulfill this mission and this promise to the community. More information about KLRN can be found at www.klrn.org .

Katrina J. Kehoe
VP of Marketing and Communications  
KLRN-TV

~KLRN is one of theFund's 25 qualified affiliates~

Ugandan Orphans Choir and CCSA in free concert!

Abayimbi! Ugandan Orphans Choir and CCSA in concert

September 28, 2012

Who: Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, The Ugandan Orphans Choir, and University UMC Children’s Choirs

Where: University United Methodist Church, 5084 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio

      When: Sunday, October 7 at 4:00 pm | Free Admission  

The advanced choirs of the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio (CCSA), The Ugandan Orphans Choir and the University United Methodist Church Children’s Choirs will present Abayimbi! on Sunday, October 7 at 4:00pm at the University United Methodist Church. The Ugandan Orphans Choir is a ministry of Childcare Worldwide – a non-profit organization dedicated to helping transform the lives of children through sponsorship and education which ultimately leads to employability. These talented children delight audiences with their dramatic drumming, tribal dancing and beautiful harmonies as they sing traditional African folk songs and contemporary Christian songs. This concert will showcase the CCSA and UUMC Choir’s creative and engaged singers with the Ugandan Choir’s unique artistry for an afternoon of shared song and culture.

 About The Ugandan Orphans Choir

The Ugandan Ophans Choir is composed of ten children ranging in age from 8-12 who are from the Ssese Islands located on Uganda’s Lake Victoria. The children are orphans who were rescued through Childcare Worldwide’s sponsorship program and the choir’s main objective is to raise awareness of the desperate need to help children living in Third-World countries. The Choir has performed in many different settings from churches to schools nationwide as well as Disneyland and pro-sports events, touching hearts everywhere they go. For additional information, please visit www.childcareworldwide.org.

 Season Information

The CCSA is now in its 30^th season and continues to provide exceptional experiences in choral music education and performance to over 450 children and youth annually. Season highlights include the Holiday Pops and Mahler’s Third Symphony with San Antonio Symphony, Brahms Reimagined with the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, and a new weekly program for families and children at Haven for Hope, and a concert tour to New York City in June 2013.

Exciting things are happening at CCSA! From all walks and corners of greater San Antonio our singers represent the rich tapestry of our City and radiate the joy that comes from singing. Join us as we shape our future – one voice at a time.

 

About The Children’s Chorus of San Antonio

The CCSA was founded in 1983 with the mission to bring choral music education and performance opportunities to San Antonio’s young artists. Programs include seven performing ensembles for children and youth ages 7 – 18; Music Together^® with CCSA, an early-childhood music and movement program for infants and toddlers ages birth – 5 in four locations including Haven for Hope; Big Kids^® for youngsters ages 5 – 7; and Project: Sing!, neighborhood-based satellite ensembles for elementary-aged children in Harlandale, San Antonio, South San Antonio and Edgewood school districts. CCSA Singers represent San Antonio and surrounding communities, performing in a variety of concerts throughout the city. Advanced choirs have traveled nationwide with feature performances, toured Europe and Canada and have been featured on NBC-TV's Today Show. CCSA ensembles regularly perform with the San Antonio Symphony and the San Antonio Mastersingers among others.

 

For additional information on CCSA, its auditions or programs, please call 210.826.3447 or visit www.childrenschorussa.org

CCSA is one of the 25 qualified affiliates of theFund

Dinner with Rita Moreno

The Guadalupe presents Dinner with Rita – an evening with award-winning stage and screen actress Rita Moreno

Saturday, September 22, 2012

6 p.m.

Marriott Rivercenter

101 Bowie Street 78205

Tickets: $200; $150 (GCAC Members)

              $45 for performance only

Go To http://www.guadalupeculturalarts.org/index.html

to buy your tickets

 

(San Antonio, Texas) The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in partnership with Capital One and Valero presents Dinner with Rita, on Saturday, September 22, 2012, 6 p.m. at the Marriott Rivercenter, 101 Bowie Street.  The gala dinner will feature the award-winning stage and screen actress Rita Moreno in “My Life with Words & Music,” an intimate glimpse of onstage and screen performances as it relates to both her Puerto Rican origins and efforts not to be merely typecast as an “exotic of whatever kind.” She belongs to an elite group of only eight living performers who have won entertainment’s grand slam of the industry's most prestigious awards: The Oscar, The Emmy, The Tony and The Grammy.

At just 80 years young, Moreno remains one of the busiest stars in show business. She is renowned for her role in the musical West Side Story (1961). She’s currently juggling performances of her own one-woman stage show, Life Without Make-up, with television appearances as Fran Drescher's mother in TVLand's Happily Divorced. In addition, Moreno is preparing to record a new album as a follow up to her self-titled CD and is currently at work penning her autobiography. 

Tickets for Dinner with Rita include dinner, musical performance and a private after party with the guest of honor. Tickets are $200 per person; $150 for GCAC members.  The Guadalupe has partnered with Valero to bring performance-only tickets at $45.  The musical performance begins at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call (210) 271-3151, ext 211; email meganb@guadalupeculturalarts.org or visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org.

 ABOUT RITA MORENO:

Rita Moreno’s Oscar win came in 1962 as Latina spitfire “Anita” in the film version of West Side Story for which she also won The Golden Globe. The Tony was for her 1975 comedic triumph as Googie Gomez in Broadway's The Ritz.  The Grammy was for her 1972 performance on The Electric Company Album, based on the long-running children's television series. She won not one, but two Emmys – the first for a 1977 variety appearance on The Muppet Show and the following year for a dramatic turn on The Rockford Files.

In addition to film, stage, television and concert commitments, Moreno fills her spare time by lecturing to various organizations and university audiences on such varied topics as The Value of Diversity to our Culture, The Power of Language, Getting Older without Getting Old and A History of the Arts in Film TV & Theatre. She is also involved with a number of civic and charitable organizations and events.

Moreno has served on The National Endowment for the Arts and as a Commissioner for The President’s White House Fellowships. She has also served as a member of The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.  At a White House ceremony in June 2004, Moreno was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. The medal is the highest honor bestowed upon a civilian and ranks only second to The Congressional Medal of Honor as the nation’s highest award. It is conferred on individuals for a lifetime of meritorious service. In 2007, Moreno was inducted into the California Hall of Fame by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 2010, she was awarded The National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama as well as the Here I Stand Award for activism in the arts and the HOLA Lifetime Achievement Award.

ABOUT THE GUADALUPE:

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is a 501c(3) non-profit organization founded in 1980 to preserve, promote and develop the arts and culture of the Chicano/Latino/Native American peoples for all ages and backgrounds through public and educational programming in six disciplines: dance, literature, media arts, theater arts, visual arts and music. For more information, call (210) 271-3151 or visit www.guadalupeculturalarts.org.

 

 

The Guadalupe is one of theFund's qualified affiliate organizations

Affiliate Profile: The Playhouse

If you're reading this, you're probably aware that theFund works tirelessly to promote and maintain the arts in San Antonio. We do this by providing financial operating support for twenty six affiliate arts & culutural organizations around town that encourage, teach, and inspire people to express themselves creatively. However, just what exactly do these organizations do? How do they impact the community? Why is it so vital that they receive the support and funding they do? Over the next few months, we'll be profiling each one of our affiliates, so you can find out just how important their role in our city is, and how you can get more involved. With that said, today's affiliate profile is... 

The Playhouse, formerly known as the San Pedro Playhouse, has been a pillar of theatre and the dramatic arts for the past 100 years. Today, it looks forward to many exciting changes as Asia Ciaravino takes the lead role of President and CEO. While she's only been President since May, Asia has over fifteen years experience working for nonprofit organizations, and co-founded San Antonio's Classic Theatre in 1998. In a recent conversation, her dedication soon became apparent as she enthusiastically discussed the transformation of San Antonio's oldest arts organization. 

 At the beginning of the summer the image of The Playhouse began to change, beginning with a new name and logo that celebrate the distinctive building that houses the theatre. While the facade remains the same, however, the inside has been updated. The Cellar Theatre has been cleaned and gutted, old props cleared out, and the walls painted. The lobby is undergoing a dramatic revitalization as it becomes a more comfortable and inviting place for patrons. Asia emphasized that there was a need to "cleanse the space... and make it a safe place to be creative." 

Not all of the changes are merely cosmetic. Two shows have been removed from the 2012-2013 season which will ensure fully developed, quality performances. "Every action we've taken is forward thinking and done with love," says Asia. 

So with all of this said, what else does The Playhouse do besides put on great performances? Education plays a large role in the culture of the theatre. Over 100 children take part in summer classes, performances and workshops. Grants and scholarships are provided to approximately 10% of their students. Aside from being terrific sources of fun and creativity, these classes train the next generation of actors, technicians, directors, and artistic visionaries that will continue enriching our community. 

If you haven't already, make sure to check out The Playhouse's new season (season passes are still available!). This summer, productions of Hello Dolly and Little Dog Laughed will open, providing an excellent opportunity for superb theatre, as well as a chance to check out the updated facilities. Also keep your eye out for The Playhouse's Centennial Celebration on September 6th, which will feature musical numbers, refreshments, and general merriment. Tickets for this fundraising event can be purchased at on their website beginning July 20th. 

For more information on The Playhouse:

• visit www.theplayhousesa.org 
• email info@sanpedroplayhouse.com
• call at 210-733-7258
• drop by 800 West Ashby, San Antonio

The Playhouse is one of theFund's 26 qualified affiliates.

Meet Fund Board Member - Mike Gifford

 

Mike Gifford joined theFund Board as a Director in 2006.  Currently he is the IT Risk Sr. Manager - Disaster Recovery / Access Administration at The Capital Group Companies.

"The arts have always played an important part in my life and I can't imagine being in a community that doesn't offer a wide variety of culture and artistic opportunities.   For me, I strongly believe in theFund's mission and being part of theFund Board gives me a chance to directly support theFund's 26 affiliates and other artistic organizations in the San Antonio community."  

1.  Why did I choose to become involved on the Board of theFund?

"I believe that the citizens and visitors of San Antonio will greatly benefit and be enriched by a thriving arts and cultural community.  As a member of theFund Board, I have the opportunity to work with many great community leaders who share the same passion for the arts as I do!  It is our way of giving back to our community."

2.  What advice do you have for those from the business community who are interested in becoming more involved in their arts community?

"Although it may seem like a difficult decision to make, especially when discretionary funds are so limited,  two ways the business community can become more involved in the arts community is to partner with theFund to identify ways they can support one or more of theFund's 26 affiliates to create volunteer opportunities or even better, offer to host an employee giving campaign."

3.  Can you give an example of how the arts can effectively change business practices?

"Each day I have the privilege of working in an environment that displays original art work.  In 1968, the Capital Group Companies began acquiring original artwork for its offices around the globe.  The goal of the extensive private collection is to enhance the work environment while inspiring reflection and creative thinking.  We have sponsored new artists of all media.  In 1982, Capital established a nonprofit art foundation to share the private collection with the public."

Meet our Intern, Adrienne Teeley

I was exposed to art at an early age, and I wholeheartedly believe that exposure has shaped who I am today. I am so thankful that my teachers and parents recognized the value and importance of the arts, and encouraged me to find my own means of creative expression. I don't think that that kind of encouragement should be left to chance, however. There is a good possibility I might have never been introduced to theatre or creative writing, two outlets that have enabled me to become secure and comfortable in who I am.

This is why I believe that the growth of the arts in cities such as ours is vitally important. From summer camps to free museum admission days to writing workshops, San Antonio has a wealth of resources to introduce, cultivate, and celebrate creativity. These programs have the potential to change someone's life for the better, and undeniably have the power to bring even more depth and passion to the city.

I recently graduated from Trinity University with a degree in Art History and a minor in Theatre. After thinking seriously about career plans, I began searching for nonprofits that encouraged artistic growth. When I found
theFund, with its twenty six affiliate organizations, I knew it was an organization I wanted to support. Recently, I accompanied Rod to a fundraising presentation at the Courthouse. It was so inspiring to see how committed the audience was to supporting the arts, and how special it is that theFund is kept alive by the contributions of many San Antonio residents who believe creative opportunities are worth supporting. Knowing that kind of dedication is alive and well makes me proud to be apart of such a community.

Meet theFund Board Member Suzanne Scott

Suzanne Scott became a member of theFund Board of Directors in 2009.  In 2011, she became chair of the newly reformed Marketing Committee.  She also serves as Secretary of the Board.  As General Manager of the San Antonio river Authority she oversees several educational programs that preserve and conserve the river.  Mrs. Scott also directed the incorporation of public art in the Museum and Mission Reach river restoration programs.  She was recently honored for her work at the event celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the River Authority.    

“Why did you choose to become involved on the Board of theFund?”

My desire to expand the appreciation for arts and culture of San Antonio is the driving force behind why I decided to become a board member of theFund.  I have a young daughter and as she grows up and decides where she wants to live I want her to see her hometown as a city that is willing to embrace creativity and value all forms of artistic expression.

  

“What advice do you have for those from the business community who are interested in becoming more involved in their arts community?”

A city with a vibrant community of artists and an array of venues and events to showcase arts and culture is the city where people want to live and businesses want to locate.  Why should we sit back and let cities like Chicago, Seattle, Denver and Austin outrank us as America’s top cities for art?  Art is good for business and supporting this reality will give San Antonio yet another competitive advantage.   

“Can you give an example of how the arts can effectively change business practices?”

The River Authority is passionate about protecting the environment of the San Antonio River and its importance to the history and culture of this city.  With the public art the San Antonio River Foundation is adding along the river, more people have been drawn to the river as an artistic venue to showcase renown artists.  Art has changed our river for the better and has created a renewed link between the river and this city’s culture.

Affiliate Profile: Gemini Ink

If you're reading this, you're probably aware that theFund works tirelessly to promote and maintain the arts in San Antonio. We do this by providing financial operating support for twenty six affiliate arts & culutural organizations around town that encourage, teach, and inspire people to express themselves creatively. But just what exactly do these organizations do? How do they impact the community? Why is it so vital that they receive the support and funding they do? Over the next few months, we'll be profiling each one of our affiliates, so you can find out just how important their role in our city is, and how you can get more involved. With that said, today's affiliate profile is... 

Gemini Ink has been promoting the presence of literature in San Antonio since 1997, and over those past fifteen years, it's only grown larger and more successful. Gemini Ink encourages reading, writing, and the preservation of oral storytelling through workshops, classes, open mic nights, and outreach programs. In particular, the programs offered have the power to really change people's lives:

• Writers in Communities pairs writers with students of differing ages, backgrounds, experiences and needs in free workshops that provide instruction and encouragement in expression through words.
• Open Classroom comprised of the Autograph Series and the Breakthrough Thinkers programs, brings in nationally recognized and award winning authors to share their work in a free, open setting where members of the communities have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, or just quietly enjoy the reading. 
• University Without Walls provides three semesters of workshopping, reading, and instruction by accomplished writers. For the writer who craves more knowledge on how to improve their craft.
• Dramatic Readers Theatre allows the community to hear how plays sound out loud by getting actors to read and interpret the work, sometimes with original music!

Sheila Black, Executive Artistic Director

With so much going on, this organization is clearly supported by passionate and creative people, from readers like you, to the head of the organization itself. With Sheila Black as the newly appointed Executive Artistic Director, it's clear Gemini Ink is only increasing in momentum, and will continue to play an important and beneficial role.

Black is an accomplished poet, with two published works, and a third coming out in the fall. Add to this her experience in organizations such as the Colonias Development Council, and the New Mexico State University Foundation, the future of Gemini Ink looks bright.

Says Black, “I believe deeply in literature as a part of the fabric of community—not only the necessity of being literate, but the necessity of nurturing strong and passionate readers and writers. The incredible history and wonderful staff at Gemini Ink have created a remarkable legacy of making that happen in San Antonio. This is a legacy I want to honor and build on.”

The teal building that houses Gemini Ink

Currently Gemini Ink is celebrating its Summer Literary Festival, Courting Bliss, during which anyone in the community is welcome to take classes, participate in free events, and attend programs. Registration is underway, so if you have any interest in writing poetry, memoirs, or even learning the art of bookbinding, now is your chance! A full course catalog and registration details can be found on Gemini Ink's website, www.geminiink.org.

To learn more about Gemini Ink:

• www.geminiink.org
• info@geminiink.org
• 877-734-WORD
• 515 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX

The information on this page was gathered from Gemini Ink's website, and from press releases on Sheila Black and Courting Bliss. 

Gemini Ink is one of the 26 qualified Fund Affiliates.

VSA Texas Mental Illness Awareness Week 2012 Exhibition

VSA Texas is having an Exhibition on October 12, 2012 and are looking for artists to submit their work. Please read on for the details.

Eligibility & Media

VSA Texas invites all artists in San Antonio and surrounding areas with mental illness to submit artwork to the exhibition.  There is no entry fee and 2D and 3D works in all media are eligible.  Artwork may be no larger than 3’x3’.  Negative images or images which are not suitable to be shown in the general public will not be chosen for display.

Entries

Please submit up to three entries in the form of photographs, digital images on CD, or by E-Mail.  The post mark deadline for entry is August 15, 2012.  In order to have images returned, send a self addressed, stamped envelope with the entry form.  Those selected will be notified on August 31, 2012.

Exhibition

The seventh annual exhibit will open on Friday, October 12, 2012 and close Friday, November 2, 2012 at a gallery in San Antonio, Texas.

Terms

An entry to this exhibit constitutes full agreement on the part of the artist to all conditions outlined in this call for entries.

·       Work must be strongly framed and wired ready for hanging.

·       No fragile or precious materials that cannot withstand normal handling and storage will be accepted.

·       The Exhibit Committee will have final authority to define what constitutes an acceptable entry.

Sales

A Commission of 30% will be charged of all sales directly from the exhibition.

Calendar

August 15, 2012                Entry post mark deadline

August 31,2012                 Artist notified of acceptance

October 6, 2012                Accepted works due

October 12, 2012              Grand Reception and Show Opens

November 2, 2012             Show closes

November 3, 2012             Artwork to be picked up or returned

For further information contact Susan Beattie at miawartshow@yahoo.com or

(210) 341-4979 and or April Sullivan at our toll free number 866-489-8412 or

april@vsatx.org.

Click here for the registration form

Meet our intern Sarah Castillo!

Sarah Castillo

Administrative Intern

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Art and a minor in nonprofit management from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2011.  During my studies I worked and volunteered with several nonprofit organizations related to the arts and culture of this city.  Along the path I became a co-founding member of Mas Rudas, a multimedia collective of four female San Antonio artists. I will begin UTSA’s Master of Arts in Bicultural Studies program in the fall of 2012. 

Daily, I work towards gaining more experience in the administrative aspect of arts in the nonprofit sector with practice in grant writing, researching, collaborating, archiving and volunteering; as I simultaneously refine my artistic skills in photography, fiber arts, writing, sculpture, and video.  I’ve been a participating artist in Guadalupe Cultural Arts’ The Escuela Program and co-partner in archiving San Anto Cultural Arts Public Mural Program.  I’ve exhibited at Guadalupe Cultural Arts, Mexic-Arte, Slanguage, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio College, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in San Antonio and Artpace.

Arts and cultural organizations are the forces that I support because the arts and cultural traditions energize and rejuvenate our state of mind, anchor our history, praise our accomplishments and honor our human capabilities. 

As an administrative intern at theFund, the arts and culture of our city spur my diligence and motivation.  San Antonio has a diversity that must continue to be celebrated and the investment in our multicultural city will provide a stronger foundation for the future of the arts, culture, education and our children.

FREE Events for the Summer!

Looking for something to do this summer? Here are some events that our affiliates as well as non-affiliates are hosting throughout the summer! And the best part? Everything is FREE!

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center

• Family Saturday
• June 16, 2012
• 9 am - 12 pm
• Family Saturday is an education program uniquely constructed for kids and their families to experience contemporary art in a gallery setting.

McNay Museum

• Entrance to Main Collection Galleries and Radcliffe Bailey: Memory as Medicine is FREE on H-E-B Thursday Nights (4 - 9 pm) and on AT&T First Sundays of the Month.
• Summer Jazz Concert: Henry Brun & the International Trio
• June 17, 2012
• 12:30 - 3 pm
• Escape the heat inside the comfortably air-conditioned Leeper Auditorium. Hear San Antonio's finest bands while enjoying food from the city's beloved restaurant Earl Abel's.
• Family Fun Event
• June 24, 2012
• See the exhibition Radcliffe Bailey: Memory as Medicine with your family. Create a collage or found-object sculpture. Move to the blues in a dance workshop. Listen to a storyteller and take a family tour at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, or 3:30 PM. No reservations required. Pick up your free tour tickets, first come, first served, in the AT&T Lobby.

Museo Alameda

• Every Tuesday, admission to the museum is free all day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  From 4:15 to 5:30, the Museo offers Free Guided Tours.

San Antonio Children’s Museum

• Starting in June, FREE KIDS' NIGHT will move to the third Tuesday of the month to coincide with the city's free parking after 5:00pm initiative! Free Kids' Night in June will be offered both Tuesday, June 19th and Thursday, June 21st but will resume in July and continue on the third Tuesday of each month.

San Antonio Museum of Art

• Free Tuesdays from 4 pm to 9 pm & Sundays 10 am – 12 pm, stay all day and enjoy all the fun family activities.

SW School of Art

• Artist Talk – Helen Hiebert
• June 15, 2012
• http://www.swschool.org/events?scope=n30

TPR

• Cinema Tuesdays
• http://www.tpr.org/cinema/
• Suggested donations of $10 for members and $12 for non-members will get you into these one time only showings! Additionally, they are now offering a season pass good for all 15 screenings for a $100 donation.

Witte Museum

• Admission is free on Tuesdays from 3 pm until 8 pm.

Non-Affiliate Events

Alamo Drafthouse

• Summer Fun Movies
• http://drafthouse.com/movies/free_family_fun_happy_feet/san_antonio
• June 17 – Happy Feet
• June 30 – Nanny McPhee

Balcones Heights

• Jazz Festival
• http://www.reachfortheheights.org/jazz-festival
• The Balcones Heights Jazz Festival has been captivating South Texas jazz fans for nearly 20 years. The free concert series takes place each July and August, on Friday evenings at the spectacular outdoor Amphitheater at Wonderland of the Americas.

Bijou Theater

• http://www.freefuninsa.com/2012/06/12/free-movie-night-for-18-thursdays-5/
• Free movie showing every Thursday at the Bijou theater for the month of June.

Hemisfair Park - Movies by Moonlight

• http://www.sanantonio.gov/dtops/events/moviesbymoonlight.aspx
• The complimentary movies will be shown every Tuesday from June through August in the grassy area under the HemisFair Park arch, next to the Magik Theater. Pre-show entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m. followed by a brief intermission, with the feature film beginning at 8:30 p.m. Also, did we mention FREE parking downtown on Tuesdays?

Living History at the Alamo

• http://thealamo.org/visitors/events_details.php?date=2012-07
• Free First Saturday is an inter-active living history event that is designed to give visitors a glimpse of life at the time of early Texas. This event will focus health and medicine in the Republic of Texas. 

San Antonio Film Festival

• http://safilm.com/
• June 18 – 24

San Antonio Riverwalk

• July 4th Arts and Crafts Show
• http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/july-4th-arts-crafts-show/
• June 29 – July 2

Santiko’s Summer Movies

• http://www.santikos.com/summermovies.php
• Santikos presents Free Summer Movies! Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00 AM. Seating is first come, first served basis.