Arts and cultural organizations across San Antonio commemorate the city’s inaugural Xicanx Month this August with exhibitions, performances, and other events.
Xicanx Month is a city-wide celebration that commemorates the Chicano Art Movement and its history in San Antonio. The movement was inspired by the socio-political Chicano Movement of the 1960s, and saw young Chicano artists using their work as a means to express themselves, promote their history, and protest systemic issues facing Chicano communities. While the art movement emerged in Chicano communities in cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago, San Antonio was a main hub of the movement.
This year, organizations such as Ruby City, Bihl Haus Arts, Luminaria, and the Contemporary at Blue Star will host programs. Learn about some of the upcoming events below, via descriptions provided by the organizations. See the full schedule of events on the City of San Antonio’s website.
Intimate Conversation with Laura Varela & David Zamora Casas
Thursday, August 1, at 7 p.m.
Slab Cinema Arthouse
Join us for an evening of film, poetry, and an intimate conversation with award-winning filmmaker Laura Varela and renowned Queer Xicanx Interdisciplinary Artist David Zamora Casas. Immediately following the screenings David Zamora Casas will discuss and share a work-in-progress performance for his Democratizing Racial Justice Residency for Dia de los Angelistos on November 1. An intimate conversation and Q&A with both artists will follow the performance.
Ethel Shipton standing with a photograph of her by Celia Álvarez Muñoz
Semejantes Personajes/Significant Personages Panel Discussion
Saturday, August 10, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Ruby City
For Ruby City’s part in this celebration, the artists depicted in Celia Álvarez Muñoz’s exhibition will discuss their experiences being photographed by Muñoz and the shifting cultural landscape they’ve encountered throughout their careers. This panel will be moderated by Mia Lopez, McNay Art Museum Curator of Latinx Art.
Featured Artists: Ethel Shipton, Jesse Amado, Terry Ybañez, Cruz Ortiz, David Zamora Casas, Ana de Portela, and Jim Mendiola.
Second Saturday: Jose Cosme: Un Poquito de Todo and Y Todo Lo Que Somos/Everything We Are
Saturday, August 10, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dock Space Gallery
Westside San Antonio native, painter and muralist, Jose Cosme’s roots span the streets of the Westside, his welita’s ranchito in Puerto Rico, and back again. He credits art, spirituality, and the guidance of his grandfather for saving his soul, and is eternally blessed for the guidance and mentorships of an all-star cast of artists who actively created positive change for their San Anto/ Chicano communities.
Born and raised in San Antonio, Gilbert Martinez’s work is heavily influenced by his surroundings and heritage as he combines illustration, screen printing and painting to create works on wood and paper. Lee Ortiz is a Chicanx mixed media artist with a current focus on analog media. Their work is a tribute to motherhood as they were surrounded by love and God growing up as a Chicana woman. Westside born street artist Edward Perez is often seen at his Not For You Gallery in the Upstairs at Blue Star. As a stencil artist, Perez creates striking, thought-provoking works of art that are recognized for their meticulous attention to detail and captivating visual impact. Local Mexican American Artist and Art Educator, Gloria Chavez Ramirez is influenced by discrimination she faced while doing farm work and these pieces are based on memories and experiences that connect her true culture with a bit of comedy.
Living Witness to Wealth of the Soul: XICANX Mindfulness
August 10 – 31, Opening reception on Saturday, August 10, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bihl Haus Arts
Bihl Haus Arts’ artist-in-residence / Curator David Zamora Casas invites artists to turn a virtual lens inward and contribute an artistic expression which addresses ethnic-specific themes and worldwide concerns with positive light, humility, hope, and compassion.
Installation: Manuel Davila
Saturday, August 24, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Apache Creek Trailhead at South Brazos Street
SAY Sí and the San Antonio River Foundation are thrilled to announce Manuel Davila as the feature artist for our Xicanx Month collaboration. Manuel will work on their installation through the summer, and we look forward to celebrating their work with a free community program at SAY Sí on August 24!
Installation view of “Xicanx”. Photo: Ruben C. Cordova
Saturday, August 24 & Sunday, August 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Contemporary at Blue StarJoin the Contemporary in a two-day weekend symposium of programs and events inspired by Xicanx: Dreamers + Changemakers. This program runs in conjunction with Xicanx month, a city-wide celebration of Xicanx art and culture. This event is free, but registration is required for each program.
