Recreation

Dashing Through the Art

By Drew Henry

You could say that the holidays in San Antonio are picture-perfect. From the twinkling lights that line the River Walk to the carolers who ride by in illuminated boats, the streetscapes become living works of art. While there is plenty of holiday beauty outside, the city also offers the gifts of renowned artwork inside its most popular museums and galleries. Let us unwrap this month’s exhibits one-by-one as we go dashing through the art!

Beyond Van Gogh By Cheshire Isaacs

THE IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT COMES TO SAN ANTONIO Now through February 6

Van Gogh once said, “I dream my painting, and I paint my dream.” Now, you have the chance to step right into the dreams of Van Gogh in a fully immersive experience like never before. The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit created by Massimiliano Siccardi and Luca Longobardi is currently making its mark in the heart of San Antonio—just in time for the holiday season. The 360-degree digital art experience uses 60,600 video frames totaling 90,000,000 pixels and over 500,000 cubic feet of projections to bring Van Gogh’s classic paintings to life. As you step inside works of art like "Starry Night", "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom," it is clear to see why this combination of art, music and cinematography (which has been over 30 years in the making) is now the number one selling show in the world.

Van Gogh only painted for ten years of his life, but he created over 2,000 works of art during that time. This interactive exhibit includes 14 segments covering the life and creative method of the artist, inviting guests to not only understand but to feel the artistic process for themselves.

Admission prices for the exhibit range from standard $29.99 tickets to $99.99 VIP options, including priority access, flexible time slots and limited-edition souvenirs. The experience is housed in a secret location in downtown San Antonio, only revealed after ticket purchase. Exhibition walk-throughs are restricted to an hour with timed entry to help keep the experience contactless, and visitor capacity is also limited according to local protocols—making it safe to “Gogh.”

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM’S LATEST EXHIBITION

Werner Segarra’s Vaqueros de la Cruz Del Diablo: Photography of the Contemporary Northern Mexican Cowboy

Now through January 24

The holidays would not be the holidays without decorations, and Texas would not be Texas without cowboys. The Briscoe Western Art Museum located in downtown San Antonio showcases the culture of the cowboy and details the history of the American West. Currently, visitors can unwrap the experience of “modern cowboy” life in the museum’s latest exhibition.

In Vaqueros de la Cruz Del Diablo, celebrated photographer Werner Segarra invites audiences to step into the world of the Northern Mexican vaquero, the Spanish-speaking word for cowboy. This carefully curated exhibit places the viewer as an intimate observer of everyday cowboy life, offering a first-hand look into modern ranchers’ daily activities and time-honored traditions. On display in the United States for the first time, the collection of 60 images captures over two decades of experiences shared in Northern Mexican communities. The photos provide a window into everyday moments of how vaqueros view themselves, use the tools of their trade and balance decades-old traditions with modern life. Step into the gallery and see what it is like to live like a cowboy. General museum admission is $12 with discounts for seniors, students, military and children.

Werner Segarra

San Antonio Museum of Art

McNay Art Museum

KEEP THE ART TOUR GOING!

We have already opened up two unique presents that transport us into the paintings of Van Gogh and the daily life of modern cowboys, but there are many more artistic gifts up for grabs in San Antonio! So, keep the art tour going with these destinations along Broadway’s Cultural Corridor.

MCNAY ART MUSEUM

The McNay Art Museum is located 15 minutes north of downtown. Explore over 22,000 works of art spanning from the Medieval to contemporary movements—all housed in a 1920s mansion sitting on a 25-acre estate. Here you can stroll the well-manicured grounds, outdoor sculpture garden and multiple galleries of American and European art. So, whether you enjoy Renaissance paintings or modern pop art, this museum has something for you. General admission is $20 with discounts for children, seniors and students.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

The San Antonio Museum of Art, known as SAMA, is located just outside downtown near Pearl. Housed in the former Lone Star Brewery building, the site itself is filled with history. SAMA’s art collection features over 30,000 works spanning 5,000 years of global culture—some pieces dating back to the Stone Age. This year, SAMA is celebrating its 40th year with the 40 Years, 40 Stories exhibit, presenting art from the vault and behind-the-scenes stories about the museum. The Nature, Power, and Maya Royals exhibit is on view through Feb. 27. General admission is $20 with discounts for children, seniors, military and students.

ANARTE GALLERY

If you are feeling inspired, why not start your own art collection? After all, the holiday season makes it the perfect time to give yourself a work of art. AnArte is a full-service gallery located in the heart of San Antonio’s Cultural Corridor. The gallery specializes in contemporary art and features local, national and internationally acclaimed artists. Stop in to discuss art and culture with the curators and get a few tips for building your collection. Can you think of a better way to end your holiday art tour than with a new painting or sculpture under your tree?

"What If" by Lucy Peveto, AnArte Gallery

WRITER’S BIO

Drew Henry is a writer, content creator and founder of the Design Dude’s Life blog. When he is not writing, he’s out exploring all Texas has to offer. View his work at DrewHenryWrites.com and get some home design tips at DesignDudesLife. com. Follow on Instagram: @designdudeslife & @ drewhenrywrites

click on this:

IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT

www.GoghSanAntonio.com

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

www.BriscoeMuseum.org

MCNAY ART MUSEUM www.McNayArt.org

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART

www.SAMuseum.org

ANARTE GALLERY

www.AnArteGallery09.com

The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio

Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Westin Riverwalk hotel is situated along the banks of the iconic River Walk. Guests will enjoy this luxurious hotel in this charming, historic city, with easy access to the river level.

Inspired by San Antonio’s storied heritage, with reflections of Texas and the grandeur of Spanish Colonial interiors, the 473 guestrooms, including 65 well-appointed suites, and public areas are updated every few years with the luxury amenities one would expect from a Westin property.

Texas-sized guestrooms feature the Westin signature Heavenly® Bed and Shower System. Feel refreshed after a night’s sleep in a Westin Heavenly® Bed. Since its introduction in 1999, this signature bed has eased millions of guests into deep, restful sleep with a custom pillow-top mattress layered with soothing Westin linens, plush pillows, a cozy down blanket and custom duvet.

The traditional décor with a Spanish flair features pecan-hued wood furnishings with updated technology, which will appeal to all of your senses. The most enchanting accessory in each room is the fabulous view of historic architecture, city skylines or native Cypress trees with the river below. When you are anxious to begin your day, step into Cafecito, a cozy graband-go breakfast hotspot paired with Starbucks® coffee and specialty cold brews.

After a day of exploring San Antonio, unwind on one of the loggias prior to your dinner in Zocca Cuisine D’Italia, the hotel’s authentic Northern Italian restaurant. The dress code might be casual but the service and menu are elevated. Dine outdoors on the riverside patio or opt for indoors where dark woods, soft lighting and contemporary décor create an inviting atmosphere.

If your visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, the cabanastyle rooftop pool bar is open with light snacks, refreshing cocktails and spectacular views of the Tower of the Americas and the River Walk. But do not worry, the pool is heated and open year-round so you can relax and soak in the views with to-go orders from the restaurant.

Whether your visit is purely pleasurable or leans towards business in any of the hotel’s 17 newly renovated meeting rooms, the Westin team demonstrates the inviting hospitality that San Antonio is known for and will go above and beyond to ensure your stay is a positive one. www.Marriott.com/satvw