News from Gemini Ink

Fall registration starts Tuesday, Aug. 31

Ready for the fall semester? Tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug. 31) marks the first day of fall registration. We're gearing up at Gemini Ink, and anxiously awaiting to sign you up for one (or more!) of the 14 classes we're offering this semester.
Here are a few fall highlights:
Pioneering poet of the Chicano Movement, alurista, will not only conduct a free Chicano Poetry Workshop, but he'll also be making multiple San Antonio appearances as part of his book tour promoting, Tunaluna (Aztlán Libre Press, 2010).
We also have over 20 events taking place from August until December starting off with Tuesday's Writers Respond to Art event at the San Antonio Museum of Art.
We've joined the City of San Antonio to celebrate the Bicentennial of Mexico's 1810 Independence and the Centennial of Mexico's 1910 Revolution as part of México 2010 San Antonio.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, Sept. 23 (and purchase your tickets!) for INKstravaganza, the event is a major means of support for Gemini Ink's nationally acclaimed community literary arts programs. INKStravaganza 2010 will honor San Antonio's own, John Phillip Santos.

Writers Respond to Art

San Antonio writers Robert Flynn, Catherine Kasper, Regina Moya, and Lyle Rosdahl will read their original responses to pieces in the San Antonio Museum of Art's Contemporary Art collection. Bassist Joël Dilley and violinist Jonahtan Raveneau will serve as musical accompaniment.
Come early to view the artworks and create your own sense of the collection before hearing the writers' unique perspectives.
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 31; 6:30pm
WHERE: San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave.
MORE: The event is free and open to the public.
INFO: Contact 210.734.9673 or www.geminiink.org

First Thursday Reading

Join Gemini Ink as we kick off the start of our fall reading series with writers Gregg Barrios and Jordan Dane at the Central Library.
Gregg Barrios is a San Antonio poet and playwright. His award-winning play, Rancho Pancho, has been performed in San Antonio, New Orleans, and Provincetown. His new work, I-DJ, will premiere in San Antonio this fall. His new collection of poetry, La Causa, will appear in October and features an introduction by poet Carmen Tafolla.
Jordan Dane launched her back-to-back debut suspense novels in 2008 after the three books sold in auction to Avon/HarperCollins. Ripped from the headlines, Jordan's gritty plots weave a tapestry of vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. Dane is also venturing into the Young Adult market. In the Arms of Stone Angels (Harlequin Teen, 2011) will be the first of two Young Adult novels written by Dane.
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 2; 6:30pm
WHERE: Central Library, 600 Soledad
MORE: The event is free and open to the public.
INFO: Contact 210.734.9673 or http://www.geminiink.org/

Cruzando Fronteras Photography Exhibit

Gemini Ink's Writers in Communities (WIC) program recently partnered with a local immigrant detention center to work with migrant youth for a workshop that paired writing and photography. The workshop produced Cruzando Fronteras, a photography exhibit and chapbook. Ben Olguín was the writer-in-residence and Fadela Castro was the photographer-in-residence on this innovative project. Twenty-five of the youth's photographs will be featured at C4 Workspace. A chapbook featuring the youth's poetry and photography will be available for $10 at the opening exhibition. Next week the anthologies will be available on Gemini Ink's website.
WHEN: First Friday, Sept. 3; 6pm-9pm (The exhibit will be on view until Sept. 30. The hours of operation at C4 Workspace are: Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.)
WHERE: C4 Workspace, 108 King William
MORE: The event is free and open to the public.
INFO: Contact 210.734.9673 or www.geminiink.org

The Witte’s Buzzing With Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs!

September 25, 2010-January 2, 2011

• Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects
• Beautiful Bugs: Specimens from the Witte Museum Collection
• Art in the Yard: Insect Innovations

Monsters: The World of Insects

Creepy, crawly and really big bugs are invading the Witte Museum September 25, 2010 through January 2, 2011. Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects is landing in the Kathleen and Curtis Gunn Gallery to give visitors a chance to see what they have been stepping on through six gigantic robotic insects, world-class specimens of exotic insects and invertebrates, hands-on insect interactives and robo-bugs the visitor can control. The Witte has augmented Backyard Monsters with an exhibit classroom and insect zoo, where visitors can examine live bugs on weekends and holidays.

Don’t miss ants the size of your uncle or beetles the size of a Volvo! The robotic insects, some up to 96 times their original size, truly give visitors a bugs-eye-view of the world including battling Atlas Beetles that lunge toward each other in a daring duel, a Mexican Red-Knee Tarantula longer than a truck and a big and beautiful Monarch Butterfly with a 19-foot wingspan. Endorsed by the American Entomological Society, Backyard Monsters is a unique view of the diverse insect world, from the poisonous and bizarre to the beautiful and fantastic. There is a $3 surcharge in addition to museum general admission for Backyard Monsters.

Beautiful Bugs: Specimens from the Witte Museum Collection

To complement Backyard Monsters, the Witte Museum has drawn from the extensive collection of insect specimens from around the world to present Beautiful Bugs: Specimens from the Witte Museum Collection. Filling the Focus Gallery, Beautiful Bugs focuses on the beauty, strangeness and complexity of insects. Visitors can examine exquisite wings, luminescent colors and impressive body shapes of butterflies, bees, moths, walking sticks and more—providing insight into habitats world wide. Beautiful Bugs is included with general museum admission.

Art in the Yard: Insect Innovations

The final buzz! In an effort to continue strong community collaborations, the Witte Museum partnered with artist Cakky Brawley and her sculpture class at Palo Alto College to present Art in the Yard: Insect Innovations. The Spring 2010 class was tasked with creating a piece of art reflective of an insect to complement the Witte’s Backyard Monsters exhibition. The found-object sculptures, chosen through a juried selection, are taking up residence in the Witte Frontyard—where visitors can see these larger-than-life creations including a praying mantis,beetle, spider and more. Art in the Yard is free admission to all.

Backyard Monsters: The World of Insects is generously supported by ABC Home and Commercial Services, An Event to Remember and the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs. For more information visit www.WitteMuseum.org or call 210.357.1910.

Los Texmaniacs return to Roots Music Concert

Grammy Winners Lead Latin Lineup in Fredericksburg, Texas on Sept. 25
6pm - Jonas Alvarez
Jonas Alvarez combines Latin sounds and rhythms from around the world with passionate vocals and inspiring lyrics, to create a fusion of musical ideas he calls Latin American Roots music. His original songs earned first place in the 2005 and 2006 Austin Songwriters Contest and he was a semi-finalist in the 2006 International Songwriters Competition in Nashville.

7pm - Los Texmaniacs
The Texmaniacs return to the Roots series for a performance that infuses traditional Texas music with contemporary vitality. The band has performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, International Accordion Festival, Kennedy Center, Governor of Texas Ball and many major festivals overseas. Their first CD included a legendary line-up of guest artists, such as Flaco Jimenez, Augie Meyers, and Los Lobos. Los Texmaniacs current CD is the Grammy Award winning “Borders Y Bailes.”

8:50pm - Cerronato
The Austin band Cerronato plays an authentic version of Colombian vallenato and cumbia. Virtuoso accordionist and group leader Mike Maddux discovered the raw and intimate energy of the vallenato style, and incorporated it into his mix of Latin music. The band merges ornate melodies from the accordion with rumbling bass lines, the syncopation of the scraper, and the beat of the drums, punctuated by poignant four-part harmonies to create a captivating sound.

The Company Theatre presents Neil Simon's The Good Doctor

HELD OVER…by audience demand! The Company Theatre presents encore performance of Neil Simon’s The Good Doctor.

After a run of sold out performances, The Company Theatre (San Antonio’s favorite touring comedy troupe) continues the 2010-2011 Dinnerbox Series (presenting live theatre in your favorite local restaurants) with Neil Simon's Broadway sensation The Good Doctor. It’s Dinner Theatre with a twist! This Broadway hit, directed by Jared Stephens, will have you rolling in the aisles as it tells the story of a man helplessly consumed by his love for writing. His stories come to life as hilarious vignettes on the stage and provide the audience a rare and comedic glimpse into the mind of a creative genius, Neil Simon. A portion of all ticket sales will go to support Living Water International (http://www.water.cc). 
For more information go to http://www.thecompanytheatre.org./

Schreiner Theatre Department Presents "House of Blue Leaves"

John Guare’s “House of Blue Leaves” presented by Schreiner Theatre Department.
September 30-October 2, 7:30 p.m.
Hanszen Fine Arts Theatre, Schreiner University.


For more information: Dr. Claudia Sullivan, csulliva@schreiner.edu or 830-792-7401.

Fotoseptiembre Exhibit at Bulverde Spring Branch Area Public Library

The work of two local photographers will be on exhibit at the Bulverde Spring Branch Area Public Library for the month of September. Sonja Heldt Harris and Pamela Wessel, in conjunction with FotoseptiembreUSA 2010, will entertain guests and the public at an opening reception on September 11, from 3-6PM. Refreshments will be served and musical entertainment will be provided by the Damas de Jalisco, a mariachara group from San Antonio.

FotoSeptiembreUSA 2010 is an international photography festival held annually in San Antonio and the Hill Country. In keeping with this years theme, Hispanic heritage, Sonja Harris is presenting a selection of period images from her family archives. Pamela Wessel will display a series of colorful composites depicting the female mariachara as part of the Hispanic tradition in south Texas. Go to http://www.fotoseptiembreusa.com/ for additional information about these exhibits and others being held throughout the area.

Los Lobos, Fall Classes, and Pool Party at the Guadalupe

Puro Pool Party
Chill out at our closing reception for the essentials exhibition and enjoy refreshments poolside with San Antonio's hottest artists. Watch as artists from the exhibition compete against local reporters in our very own Rubber Duck Race! You also won't want to miss the kids' crafts, beach music, pizza, and more!

Be sure to get your bright, colorful Folklórico chanclas! Also, this is your last chance to get your engraved brick or paving stone before the first installation!
Thursday, August 26, 20106-9 PM Free
Guadalupe Backyard, 816 S. Brazos St., 78207

The Guadalupe Backyard is located next to the César Chávez Building and across the street from the Guadalupe Theater parking lot. More free parking is available behind the César Chávez Building, along Guadalupe Street, in the Guadalupe Gallery parking lot, and behind our main officeWe offer an array of classes in dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, and visual arts for everyone from beginners to experienced artists of all ages. Cultivate Your Art

Fall Classes
What would you like to learn? Classes offered in guitar, accordion, drumming/percussion, spoken word, Latina/Chicana literature, children's theater, Teen Arts Puentes Project, folklórico dance, flamenco dance, drawing, painting, printmaking, digital art, stop-motion animation, and Cine en el Barrio. Take your pick!Fall classes begin soon. Call 210.271.3151 for details!

Open Rehearsal
What does it take to be a member of the Guadalupe Dance Company? Get a behind-the-scenes peek into the dancers' world as they share their experiences from the Asociación Nacional de Grupos Folklóricos annual dance conference.
Monday, August 30, 2010 7:30 PM Free / Guadalupe Dance Studio / 723 S. Brazos St., 78207

Los Lobos Concert
Rock out with the legendary musical sensation Los Lobos, as they make their way back to San Antonio after partnering with The Guadalupe eight years ago.
Saturday, September 25, 2010 8 PM $15 Pre-Sale $20 beginning Sept. 18 General Admission Buy yours online today.» Plaza Guadalupe (behind the Guadalupe Theater) 1327 Guadalupe St., 78207
OPENING ACT: BOMBASTA! San Antonio's barrio big band fusing música Latina, cumbias & son with reggae, rock, and hip hop!

SAY Sí’s Teatro ALAS Presents - El Padre: The Story of Hidalgo’s Revolution

SAY Sí’s Teatro ALAS Presents - El Padre: The Story of Hidalgo’s Revolution
A new and original play written and performed by the Teatro ALAS High School performance company and the Teatro ALAS Middle School Troupe.

Sept. 17th, 18th,19th, 24th, & 25th, Friday & Saturdays @ 8pm, Sunday Matinee @ 3pm

Admission: $5 Adults, Students & Senior Citizens

What's Up @ the McNay?

Calendar of Events

McNay Art Museum Tour: Highlights of the Museum FIRST SUNDAY EVERY MONTH

McNay Art Museum Tour: McNay ArchitectureSECOND SUNDAY EVERY MONTH

August Thursday, August 26, 6:30 pmGet Reel Film: An American Journey

Thursday, August 26, 6:30 pm Zumba® at the McNay

Sunday, August 29, 2:00 pmFamily Activity: Calaveras in Print

September

Through Sunday, October 3, Lobby for Leeper AuditoriumVideo: Dividing Time

Thursday, September 9, 6:30 pm, Leeper Auditorium

Sunday, September 12, 2:00 pm, Leeper Auditorium
Backstage at the McNay: Once Upon a Musical: Songs fromProductions Designed by Jean & William Eckart

Monday, September 13-Thursday, September 30
Picturing Nature Photo ContestTheme 1: The Sublime Force of Nature

Thursday, September 16, 6:30 pm, Brown GalleryCollection Talk: From Court Ballets to Sleeping Princess

Thursday, September 23, 6:30 pm, Butt Paperworks GalleryExhibition Talk: Richard Anuskiewicz's Greeting Cards

Sunday, September 26, 2:00 pm, McNay GroundsFamily Activity: Duel!

Thursday, September 30, 6:30 pm, Chiego Lecture HallGet Reel Film: Dogtooth

Thursday, September 30, 6:30 pm, Chiego Lecture HallSpectrum Pilates, Museum Grounds

Arts in Action Program to Host Mural Unveiling and Silent Auction

Event Friday, August 27 6:30-9:00 pm Elmendorf Dam, 500 block of 19th Street.
For eight weeks, at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 21 participated in the Art in Action summer arts program. On August 27, their hard work will be revealed as the City's Graffiti Abatement Program in collaboration with Our Lady of the Lake University hosts a mural unveiling and silent auction.

SAC and Tobin Hill Art Alliance--Second Friday Art Walk

San Antonio College joins the Tobin Hill Art Alliance for the Second Friday Art Walk.
On the Second Friday of each month, all the galleries in the Tobin Hill neighborhood stay open from 6-10 p.m. to exhibit contemporary art works. Patrons enjoy strolling through the neighborhood to socialize, view artwork and listen to local music.
SAC joins Tobin Hill Art Alliance Second Friday Art Walk;
First reception Sept. 10 in Visual Arts Center Gallery
The SAC Visual Arts Center Gallery will host free monthly receptions from 5-8 p.m. Entertainment and musical accompaniment will be provided by students from Theater & Speech Communication and Music departments.
Students will entertain patrons along the Art Walk route and in various galleries.
Sept. 10, 2010 5-8 pm. Event will be the second Friday of each month.
San Antonio College / 1300 San Pedro, 78212 / Visual Arts Center Gallery (building located @ Lewis and Howard).
For more information contact Rebecca Dietz, Visual Arts Department rdietz4@alamo.edu

“Trace Elements” will be exhibited at the VAC gallery during this first Art Walk reception. Six regional photographers document the delicate interplay between nature and urban society. Photographers include: Jessica Mallios, victor Pagona, Jason Reed, Libby Rowe, Kent Rush, and Jason Urban.
The official opening of “Trace Elements” – part of FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA – is Monday, Sept. 20.

San Anto Cultural Arts Announces 2010 Huevos Rancheros Gala

San Anto Cultural Arts is proud to ask you to Save the Date for the 13th Annual Huevos Rancheros Gala and Silent Art Auction on October 2, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Plaza Guadalupe (1327 Guadalupe Street). The Huevos Gala is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, and San Anto Cultural Arts is currently seeking sponsors for the event.

Table sponsor levels are: $10,000 $5,000, $2,500, $1,000 & $500. All sponsors will be listed on the invitations and signage for the event and will be mentioned in all material released to the press. Other benefits of sponsorship include commemorative Low Rider bike art installed at your home/place of business (for the $10,000 level only), complimentary mural tours, and official San Anto Cultural Arts merchandise.Confirmed sponsors for the 2010 event include: Broadway Bank, CPS Energy, Escamilla, Poneck & Cruz, LLP, Frost Bank, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Valero Energy Foundation, H-E-B, Methodist Healthcare Ministries, and The John and Florence Newman Foundation. Funds raised from this event will go directly to support San Anto Cultural Arts’ upcoming move to 2120 El Paso Street, in addition to the programs and the many other community initiatives offered year-round by the organization.
Each year the gala honors the King and Queen Huevo (Spanish for egg) of San Antonio-- two individuals who are chosen for their contributions to the artistic and cultural vibrancy of our city. This year’s King Huevo is Santiago Garcia of Westside Development Corporation and longtime arts supporter and advocate, and Queen Huevo is Megan Kromer, an award-winning non-profit consultant and of the Kronkosky Foundation.
The event will also feature great entertainment by Suzy Bravo & The Soul Revue featuring Frank Rodarte, breakfast catered by Estela’s Mexican Restaurant, and outstanding artwork from local artists. Artists that have contributed to the Silent Art Auction in the past include Cruz Ortiz, Alex Rubio, Margarita Cabrera, Kendra Curry, Kimberly Aubuchon, Peter Zubiate, and Vincent Valdez, among others.

Last year’s gala honored the organization’s late co-founder and Executive Director Manuel “Manny” Castillo as King Huevo and his mother, Rafaela Castillo, as Queen Huevo. The 2009 event brought together over 500 people and raised over $30,000 for San Anto programs.

San Anto Cultural Arts (SACA) is a non-profit community arts organization located on the city’s Westside, primarily serving the area in and around the Alazan-Apache Courts, Cassiano Homes, Lincoln Courts, and Guadalupe Street corridor. The mission of SACA is to foster human and community development through community-based arts. The goal is to allow people of all socio-economic backgrounds to realize their creative skills and to use art and journalism as tools of fostering community, social, educational, and individual development. SACA operates two main programs: Community Mural/Public Art Program and El Placazo Community Newspaper & Mentor Program, in addition to various community initiatives and projects.

Houston Grand Opera Presents a Mariachi Opera

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will present its forty-first world premiere,

To Cross the Face of the Moon / Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, commissioned by HGO through its Song of Houston Project. Music by José “Pepe” Martinez, music director of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, with libretto by acclaimed Broadway director and author Leonard Foglia, the opera will be performed in concert by a cast that includes mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte, baritone and HGO studio alumnus Octavio Moreno, and Martinez, together with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston, Texas. This will be Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán’s only Houston performance in 2010. Starring Cecilia Duarte, Octavio Moreno and David Guzman
Tickets for the November 13 world premiere of To Cross the Face of the Moon / Cruzar la Cara de la Luna go on sale on September 7, 2010, and range in price from $35 to $125. They can be purchased online at www.houstongrandopera.org , or by calling Houston Grand Opera Customer Care at 713-228-6737.

TMC Accepting Entries for 4th Annual Music Video Showcase

The Texas Music Coalition is accepting submissions. These may include all types of recorded performance, such as:
· Professionally produced music videos
· School projects
· Concert footage
· And more

Submissions must be no more than five (5) minutes in length, and may only be submitted on DVD or mini DV. In addition, a representative of each project (musician, filmmaker, etc.) must be present at the event to introduce the project and answer any questions the audience may have.

Submissions may also include a CD with at least one (1) high-resolution (300dpi) promotional picture (this can include pictures of the artist, as well as stills from the video), but this is optional.

Please send submissions by mail no later than Friday, November 5 to:
Texas Music Coalition
Attn: Music Video Showcase /PO Box 120126 /San Antonio, Texas 78212

Submissions can also be made in person at any upcoming TMC event (please visit TMC’s website, www.texasmusiccoalition.org, for a complete schedule) or at PrimaDonna Productions, Inc. (located at 8603 Crownhill Blvd., next to the Magic Time Machine).
TMC’s 4th annual Music Video Showcase will take place on Tuesday, November 16, from 7pm-10pm at the Alamo Drafthouse Park North (618 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78216).
FOR MORE INFO: Please e-mail Nikki Young at scholarship@texasmusiccoalition.org.

FOTOSEPTIEMBREUSA 2010 SIGNATURE EXHIBITS

"Slanted Glances: Idiosyncratic Interpretations of Independence & Revolution in Mexico" curated by Michael Mehl. Presents a contemporary view of the Independence and Revolution movements in Mexico. With photographs from: Arturo Betancourt,Luis Delgado-Qualtrough, Anely Guerrero, Alejandro Jurado Prieto, Bela Limenes, Michael Mehl, Nydia Mejia Zavala, Eliseo Mendoza-Altamira, Cesar Ochoa, Stanley Shoemaker, David Silvan, William Villafana.

"Oyeme con los Ojos" by Josephine Sacabo. Coordinated by Michael Mehl in coljuction with Jennifer Shaw (New Orleans Photo Alliance). This series was inspired by the life and work of Sor Juana Inés de la Crúz, a 17th Century Mexican nun who was one of the greatest poets and intellects of the Americas. From her cloistered cell she studied science and philosophy, wrote poems, plays and music, and championed intellectual and spiritual freedom for women.

"Halfway Child" by Josefina Niggli (1910, Monterrey, Mexico – 1983, Cullowhee, NC). A sampling of photographs, texts and ephemera, curated by Michael Mehl and William Fisher, presented by Gemini Ink and Instituto Cultural de México. Josefina Niggli came to San Antonio during the Revolution and later became a national literary figure with the 1945 publication of her book, Mexican Village upon which the 1953 MGM film Sombrero, directed by Norman Foster and starring Ricardo Montalban and Cyd Charisse was based on.

Opening: SATURDAY September 4, 2010, from 4:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.

RSVP at (210) 227 0123

Exhibit: September 4 – October 24, 2010
Gallery hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Instituto Cultural de México /600 Hemisfair Park, San Antonio, TX 78205 /Tel. (210) 227-0123
http://www.saculturamexico.org/

San Antonio LOST · San Antonio FOUND - Documentary Photographs by SAY Sí Art Students

In celebration of FotoSeptiembre, SAY Sí presents: San Antonio LOST · San Antonio FOUND

Photojournalism is a particular form of photography that creates images in oder to tell a story, narrative in focus, the image captures reality and presents it in a truthful and objective manner. In conjunction with
FotoSeptiembre, join us as we present an exhibition of photographic images the SAY Sí art students captured on their recent outings around San Antonio. Students scoured non-traditional locations to capture the true essence of San Antonio's traditions, trades and residents.

First Friday, September 3, 2010, 6-9 PM
Exhibit runs through September 24
Gallery Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11 AM - 7 PM; Fri. & Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM; Closed Sun.
SAY Sí Central, 1518 South Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas 78204
SAY Sí onsite tuition-free programs are: Project SAY Sí, the high school visual arts program; Project WAM, the middle school visual and media arts program taught by trained instructors and student mentors; Project MAS, the high school media arts program; Teatro ALAS, a new theatre program for middle and high school students. SAY Sí accepts diverse students from all areas of San Antonio, but first priority is given to students from inner-city schools and low economic households.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: VISIT SAYSI.ORG OR CALL ANITA MORENO-NAVARRO AT

210.212.8666

Raul Castellanos' Exhibit "Recovery & Recycling" at Bihl Haus Gallery

David S. Rubin, SAMA Curator of Contemporary, will dialog with artist Raul Castellanos about his work in the exhibit “Recovery & Recycling,” at 2 pm on Saturday, August 28th at Bihl Haus Arts. The exhibit evolved from a conversation about Castellanos’ work between Rubin and Bihl Haus Arts Executive Director Kellen Kee McIntyre. "In his gold and silver assemblage sculptures," says David S. Rubin, "Raul transforms everyday found materials into objects of beauty, with overtones of divinity. In this respect, his art exemplifies the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg’s dictum that 'Everything is holy!'”
Deaf artist RAUL CASTELLANOS explores themes of Recovery—his own from addiction and mental health recovery, the recovery of an ecosystem after the BP oil spill and other environmental disasters, and the perpetual consumption of our society,—and Recycling—of found objects salvaged from trash heaps (“Storytime Series”) and gobs of dried paint peeled from the palettes of artist friends and harvested from his ‘Paint Farm’ where he collects recycled paint (“Energy of 1,001 Artists Series”). These themes and materials unite in the exhibit Recovery & Recycling, which continues at Bihl Haus (2803 Fredericksburg Rd.) through September 11, 2010.

Whataburger Presents The Magik Theatre Production of If You Give a Moose a Muffin

What happens when you give a moose a muffin? Find out at your library when Whataburger presents the Magik Theatre production of If You Give a Moose a Muffin, based on the popular book by Laura Numeroff! At the Landa Branch Library, 233 Bushnell Avenue, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 24, Whataburger, the Magik Theatre, and the San Antonio Public Library will kick off a city-wide tour of the popular presentation with a preview for children from the Library’s regular story time group and from Sunshine Cottage. The series is also sponsored by the San Antonio Public Library Foundation.

In September the production will begin a tour of the San Antonio Public Library system, stopping at every location. All presentations are free and open to the public, but seating is limited and admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. A schedule of performances follows below. For more information the public may call (210) 207-2621. 

Texas Book Festival Presents Launch and Signing for Tom Grimes' Memoir

Book Launch & Signing for Tom Grimes' Mentor: A Memoir
All sales from this event benefit the Texas Book Festival

Please join the Texas Book Festival at Barnes & Noble in Austin, TX:

Friday, August 27@ 7 pm @ Barnes & Noble Arboretum / 10000 Research Boulevard

Seating will be first come, first served. Refreshments Available

Grimes directs the MFA program in Creative Writing at Texas State University and he has twice been a finalist for the PEN/Nelson Algren Award. His work has been selected as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.

KLRN Chef Series: Rick Bayless in San Antonio

So many people know him as the winner of Top Chef Master while others have a weekly date with him on KLRN in Mexico-One Plate At A Time to learn how to cook the cuisine native to Mexico. Now, this chef, author and restaurant owner, Rick Bayless, will entertain a crowd at the St. Anthony Hotel on Thursday, October 7, 2010 for dinner, drinks and cooking demonstration.

An audience of just under 200 will have the chance to experience an evening filled with the suave and confident demeanor of Rick Bayless. He will share cooking techniques and demonstrate how to cook several different dishes which will then be served to the crowd. Dinner and drinks are included in the evening as well as a signed copy of Rick’s latest cookbook, FIESTA AT RICK’S

Individual tickets can be purchased for $200 per ticket or a table of 8 can be purchased for $1800.

This event is part of the KLRN Chef Series that brings PBS chefs to San Antonio for events, cooking demonstrations and more. All proceeds benefit KLRN-TV Channel 9 the Public Television station for South Central Texas broadcasting to a 30-county radius. For more information contact Katrina Kehoe at (210) 270-9000 or go to www.klrn.org/chef

Platicas with Curandera at the Esperanza

Dona Enriqueta Contreras Mujer Zapoteca de las Nubes

The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center will sponsor platicas given by Master Herbalist/Healer and Midwife, Dona Enriqueta Contreras. Dona Enriqueta's vast knowledge in the healing arts has garnered her respect and admiration. The public is invited to Dona Enriqueta's platicas , Sept 2- Sept 4, 2010 from 7-9pm, These platicas will take place at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro.
The platicas or presentations will cover various topics.

. Sept 2 - Una Noche Especial para nuestras Mujeres de San Antonio.

. Sept 3 - Remedios Caseros / Una Canasta Basica

. Sept 4 - Los Cuatro Principios Zapotecos

. Sat. Sept. 4 - Pre/Post Natal Care and Midwifery at 12 pm

Dona Enriqueta a proud Zapotec woman comes to us from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. The book, Mujer Zapoteca de las Nubes written by Maria Margarita Navar, recounts Dona Queta's struggles and victories. Her dedication and respect for her community extends to all of nature. In Dona Enriqueta's 60 years of experience as a midwife and curandera not one mother or baby has died under her care.
For additional information on any of these events contact the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center at (210) 228-0201

Beginning Painting Classes at Majestic Ranch in Boerne

Beginning Painting The Easy Way

September 16-September 18-- 10am-4pm
Thom Evans teaches this workshop for beginning Oil and Acrylic painters. You will learn short cuts and tricks to produce beautiful impressionistic paintings in no time at all. You will learn composition, color selection and brush techniques, in a fun and relaxed environment.
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Turn A Goblet

October 9-- 8am-12pm
Bob Edwards will take you through all the steps to complete a turned wooden goblet out of Texas mesquite. You will learn the proper tools to use and how to use them. In addition you will learn all of the process, such as centering the wood on the lathe to sanding and finishing.
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Plein Aire Painting Workshop

October 15-October 17--9am-4pm
Moderate temperatures, lovely Hill Country colors and fresh air...Can you think of a more inspiring learning environment? See all the color and light in its true form. Master Plein Aire painter, Dianne Click teaches this amazing workshop.
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If Van Gogh Painted The Hill Country

October 21-October 23--10am-4pm

In this workshop you will learn many great techniques from Van Gogh's work to improve personal style and color composition, without copying his style. The principals of this workshop are for all level painters, whether Oil or Acrylic. Demonstrations and personal attention to techniques will be offered in both the classroom and on location. Learn new skills while having fun.
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Precious Metal Clay: Pendant Making

October 5--9am-5pm
In the workshop taught by Michelle Thomas, you will learn everthing you need to know to work with precious metal clay (PMC brand). You will receive 25 grams of silver clay, enough to make three pendants or charms. We will teach you how to dry connect your components, how to use molds and textures, as well as, how to clean and fire your pieces for a professional look.
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Precious Metal Clay: Ring Making

October 9-10--Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 12pm-2pm
This is an advanced course so prior experience with PMC is helpful. We provide 25 grams of clay, a natural sapphire and a small amound of 24k gold. You should have enough material to make 3 rings. Not only will we teach you several techniques to make ring shanks we'll also teach you how to embed stones and accents as well as bezel and or prong set stones.


For more information call (830) 537-4654
543 Highway 46W, Boerne, Texas
Open M-F 8AM-5PM

Accordian Legend Esteban Jordan Dead at Age 71

Esteban Jordan, long known as the Jimi Hendrix of the accordian because of the speed with which he played, and who for decades thrilled audiences with his electric and eclectic musical stylings, died Friday night. He had long suffered from liver cancer. He was a grammy nominee and in 2010 received an all-star Hall of Fame tribute at the Tejano Music Festival.

Sensational Susana Baca in Texas for One Night Only

Susana Baca, the internationally-recognized Afro-Peruvian performer,will debut in San Antonio on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 7pm as partof the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center's Encanto en la Lucha concertseries. Opening for Susana Baca will be San Antonio’s own Trio Azul, including Azul and local jazz musicians Bett Butler & Joel Dilley. The concert will be at Our Lady of the Lake University’s Thiry Auditorium (411 SW 24th St). This is Baca’s ONLY Texas tour stop! As a part of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center’s ongoing commitment to provide low-cost cultural programming for the San Antonio community, tickets prices will be: $8 for open seating (upstairs) and $10 for reserved seating (downstairs). Tickets can be purchased at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro Avenue, San Antonio, TX. Ticket sales begin Wednesday, August 18, 2010. Special seating will be available upon request for elders and people will disabilities.

Screening of "La Barda" ("The Fence")

HBO Documentary Films, Austin Film Festival and the LBJ Library in partnership with The Texas Observer present a special screening of Rory Kennedy's THE FENCE (LA BARDA)...Thursday,  September 9 @ 6:30pm/ LBJ Auditorium 2313 Red River Street, Austin
Director/Producer Rory Kennedy and Producer Keven McAlester will be in attendance!

In October 2006, the United States government decided to build a 700 mile fence along its Mexican border. Three years and $3.1 billion later, the film investigates the impact of the project, revealing how its stated goals-containing illegal immigration, cracking down on drug trafficking, and protecting America from terrorists-have given trafficking, and protecting America from terrorists-have given way to unforeseen consequences.
FREE to the public! But reservations are required and are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to www.austinfilmfestival.com

San Antonio Author's Novel Full of Chills and Thrills

PublishAmerica Presents The Delvers by Monica Ritchie

Monica Ritchie is a Native American philanthropist from San Antonio, TX. A founding member of LARAS (Latin Association of Recording Arts & Sciences), she enjoys promoting her original music in English and Spanish. As an artist and writer, she is proud to contribute to the cultural growth of our nation.

Summary:
Tragedy strikes the fun out of a family night out. Mom suddenly remembers her purse left behind under their favorite table at the restaurant. After waiting for her in the car with the kids ready to go, dad realizes she’s not coming back. She’s gone without a trace.

Author Esther Locascio Book Signing Event at Half Price Books (Bandera Rd)

Author Esther Locascio will sign copies of her book at the Half-Price Books Bandera Rd. location in San Antonio on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 1-3 pm.
Locascio is a resident of Helotes, Texas. The young adult fiction novel is titled The Haunting.
Summary:
Ebram Casas-Treski gets the shock of his life when he moves to a new town and learns that he will not be finishing elementary school at the top grade level but going to middle school instead. But loneliness, isolation, and bullies are only the beginning of his problem. Something mysterious is going on, on Texas Thistle Avenue, and it's difficult to ignore.

Classic Theatre opens Third Season with MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, one of the most popular plays in the canon, receives a breath of fresh air this summer from the Classic Theatre. When Leonato, the Govenor of Messina, invites Don Pedro and his fellow soldiers to stay at his estate for a month; fun becomes fate, deceptions turn to truth, and seemingly lighthearted craftiness leads to an issue of life and death.

Texas Book Festival Celebrates 15 Years

The 2010 Texas Book Festival commemorates 15 years of celebrating authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas and imagination. Founded in 1995 by Laura Bush and a group of interested volunteers, the Festival is held every year on the grounds of the Texas Capitol. It features readings and discussions from more than 200 renowned Texas and national authors.

The Texas Book Festival will take place on October 16 and 17 in the State Capitol and venues nearby. This year's slate of authors includes former First Lady Laura Bush, author of Spoken From the Heart, Michael Cunningham, author of The Hours, and National Public Radio's Michele Norris, author of The Grace of Silence: A Memoir

See texasbookfestival.org for more information.

Rodrigo y Gabriela @ Majestic Theater in September

 Internationally renowned Mexican duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela will perform in San Antonio on Sept. 4, 7 pm @ the Majestic Theater 226 E. Houston St. More info and videos at http://www.ilike.com/artist/Rodrigo+y+Gabriela

video: "Hanuman"

Susana Baca in San Antonio in September

Instrumental in a resugent interest in Afro-Peruvian music, Susana Baca will perform in San Antonio on the campus of Our Lady of the Lake University on Sept. 25. The event is sponsored by the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center and is part of their Encanto en la Lucha concert series. Call 210 228-0201 for ticket information or visit their website at esperanzacenter.org.

Photography Exhibit of Historic Farm & Ranch Complexes in San Antonio Area

The San Antonio Conservation Society’s Historic Farm & Ranch Complexes Committee and the Center for Architecture presents a photography exhibit of 12 historic farms and ranches located in Bexar County and the outlying counties that runs Monday – Saturday, now thru August 31. The collection of photographs are a sampling from the extensive collection of files from the San Antonio Conservation Society’s Historic Farms and Ranches Complexes Committee, and the San Antonio Express-News, as well as those provided by family members and owners of the featured properties.

As heard on NPR: Run-ON Sentence--Nationally Recognized Music Group this Thursday

So many people wish they could say they witnessed musical greats before they became household names. This week San Antonioan’s have the chance to do just that in a surprise one-night only music performance of Portland Oregon based band, Run On Sentence. Recognized by both NPR and Oregon Public Broadcasting, Run ON Sentence will be playing this Thursday, August 12, 2010, 7PM-9PM, for a suggested donation of $5-$10, at Riff House Concerts, an intimate music venue in the northeast side of town. Due to limited seating the venue address is given when visiting www.facebook.com/riffhouseconcerts and clicking on the events tab to RSVP.

Remembering Agustin Lara -- San Pedro Playhouse August 28

Bookmarks from the San Antonio Express News for Week of August 9, 2010

Tuesday, Aug. 10

Awaken the Sleeping Poet 7 to 9 p.m. The Twig at Pearl Brewery, 200 E. Grayson St. Two poets will read.

Friday, Aug. 13
The 39 Clues Event 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble La Cantera, 15900 La Cantera Parkway. Trivia and activities from the popular young adult book series.

Upcoming
Author appearance 2 p.m. Aug. 21. Viva! Bookstore, 8407 Broadway. Bruce Judisch discusses and signs “A Prophet's Tale.”

Author appearance 10 a.m. to noon. Aug. 28. Viva! Bookstore, 8407 Broadway. June Fitzsimmons reads from and signs “Tiny Seedlings,” the first book in “The Trees of Etainia” fantasy trilogy.

Roots Music Concert at Fredericksburg’s Pioneer Museum

Texas Country makes a visit to the next Roots Music Concert at Fredericksburg’s Pioneer Museum on Saturday, Aug 21 as Brian Milson, Eleven Hundred Springs, and Doug Moreland take the outdoor stage.

Brian Milson & the Short Road Band start the evening at 6 p.m. with traditional country mixed with a taste of Texas, playing everything from Bob Wills to rock and roll classics.

At 7 pm, Eleven Hundred Springs will fill the dance floor with more real country music, including a bit of Hank Thompson honky tonk, Waylon Jennings country/rock, and Bob Wills Western Swing.

SHAKTHI Saturday at the Carver

WHO: Bihl Haus Arts and Kaveri Natya Yoga with more than 30 Indian dancers, bejeweled and in full Indian regalia.
WHAT: A Classical Indian Dance Production, SHAKTHI: Manifest of the Feminine Principle,
under the direction of Dr. Sreedhara Akkihebbalu, Founder/Director of Kaveri Natya Yoga in San Antonio, is presented in three acts.
SHAKTHI explores Woman in her many forms and gives insight into the majesty and the difficulties of the roles that women play.
WHEN: Saturday, August 7, 2010 6:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Carver Theater - 226 Hackberry
WHY: Kaveri Natya Yoga promotes and propagates the traditional culture of India through Art and Yoga. Bihl Haus Arts is a non-profit, multi-disciplinary arts organization. Tickets for the performance, a fundraiser, are available at The Carver and through Ticketmaster.
For more information, call 210-383-9723, or e-mail: information@bihlhausarts.org.

Bihl Haus Arts - RAUL CASTELLANOS - Recovery & Recycling

Sculptor RAUL CASTELLANOS probes themes of Recovery & Recycling in new assemblage sculptures and site-specific installation at Bihl Haus Arts

Deaf artist RAUL CASTELLANOS explores themes of Recovery—his own from addiction and mental health recovery, the recovery of an ecosystem after the BP oil spill and other environmental disasters, and the perpetual consumption of our society,—and Recycling—of found objects salvaged from trash heaps (“Storytime Series”) and gobs of dried paint peeled from the palettes of artist friends and harvested from his ‘Paint Farm’ where he collects recycled paint (“Energy of 1,001 Artists Series”). These themes and materials unite in the exhibit Recovery & Recycling, which opens with a public reception at Bihl Haus Arts on Friday, August 13th, from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The reception will feature a signature live art performance by the artist, plus live music and libations.

“The objects I recover,” Castellanos asserts, “have a story to tell that I mesh together to tell another story,” often with a poetic conceit—the sculptor is also an accomplished poet. The creative process is for Castellanos a true therapeutic and spiritual ritual: the recycled object assemblages are a sublimation of repressed feelings that can lead to troubles, troubles from which he personally—and society as a whole—need recover in order to survive, to thrive.

In works like “Cyber Sexuality,” Castellanos rips out, reconfigures, and then sutures together the entrails of computers, cell phones, and other modern ‘conveniences’ to which we have become addicted. He unifies these pied surfaces with metallics—gold, silver, and copper spray paints, metal leafing, foils, shiny confection wrappers—, which form glossy crusts that transmute re-formed discarded articles into objects of luxury.

"In his gold and silver assemblage sculptures," writes David S. Rubin, The Brown Foundation Curator of Contemporary Art at the San Antonio Museum of Art, "Raul transforms everyday found materials into objects of beauty, with overtones of divinity. In this respect, his art exemplifies the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg’s dictum that 'Everything is holy!'” (David Rubin recently chose Castellanos’ work for the Blue Star Contemporary Arts Center's 2010 Red Dot Show.)

The 28-year old artist, born in Mexico City, was raised in Miami, Buenos Aires, and San Antonio, where he currently resides. Castellanos regularly exhibits at venues throughout San Antonio, including Jump-Start, Southwest School of Art and Craft, and High Wire, among others, and has shown work in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is also an arts teacher and an arts administrator, most recently at Bent Easel Gallery where he served as Curator and at San Antonio Visual Artist Gallery as Gallery Director. A native Spanish speaker, Castellanos is also fluent in English and American Sign Language. True to his dedication to the environment and to social justice issues, Castellanos will donate 20% from the sale of the artworks in this exhibit to National Wildlife Federation in support of relief efforts for wildlife victims of the BP Oil Spill .

Gemini Ink--First Friday Staff Reading

Staff members at Gemini Ink help maintain a community of writers, but the staffers themselves are also writers.  Get to know them in this new way. Staff members and interns slated to read include: Rachel Christilles, Stephen Guzman, Jennifer Herrera, Anisa Onofre, and Evie Reyes.
The Event is free and open to the public on Friday, Aug. 6 @ 7 pm. 513 S. Presa. For more information call  210.734.9673

Viva Max Screening for Noche de Recuredos

The screening will take place Saturday, August 7th, 2010 at 6 pm

at the URBAN-15 Studio, 2500 S. Presa, 78210

$15 gets you a movie, a bowl of Fideo Loco, and a Big Red!

Proceeds will go towards Noche de Recuerdos, a large scale art event consisting of floating illuminated altars created by local artists and placed into the casting pool across from Woodlawn Lake. The event is planned for late October 2010