Be Entertained

By Lakendra Lewis

WEE DOGGIE! WESTERN HERITAGE WEEKEND

IS NEARLY HERE AND THAT MEANS THERE IS

LOTS TO EXPLORE IN AND AROUND DOWNTOWN

SAN ANTONE AS FOLKS GEAR UP FOR THIS

TREASURED ANNUAL EVENT PUT ON BY THE

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW AND RODEO.

WITH WESTERN HERITAGE COMES WESTERN ART, AND THE ALAMO CITY IS FULL OF MUSEUMS LOCALLY AND JUST A TAD ABROAD THAT OFFER FINE ART AND ARTIFACTS GALORE FOR THE WESTERN LOVER. BELOW ARE JUST A FEW:

InSight Gallery, A Tribute to Richard by Daniel F. Gerhartz

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM The first stop on your Western art journey should be the Briscoe Western Art Museum. Nestled on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk, the Briscoe is dedicated to preserving the art, history and culture of the American West by inspiring and educating the public with engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events that reflect the traditions and heritage that have helped to shape Western Americana.

“Western art shares the stories of the cowboy, the vaquero, Native Americans, and the vast beauty of the Western landscape through drawings, sketches, paintings, and sculptures,” as explained on the museum’s website. “As the culture shifts, so does our interpretation of Western art, but the stories remain the same.”

Before it was a museum, the Briscoe’s main building served as San Antonio’s original public library in the 1930s before becoming the Hertzberg Circus Collection and Museum in the 80s. The Briscoe Western Art Museum, named in honor of former Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr., opened in 2013 following an extensive renovation. The stories the museum shares are ones of Western heritage and the people behind those stories, which are depicted through various mediums each month. During the month of February, the museum is offering a few events that are well worth ponying up the price of admission:

STUDENT ART COMPETITION

The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Student Western Art Competition Exhibit is on display in the Clingman Education Gallery now through Feb. 5. The pop-up exhibit, which is included with general admission, features the 10 winning entries in the 2022 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Western Art Competition, an annual contest that this year showcases an appreciation of western heritage as interpreted by young aspiring artists from 159 South Texas school districts across 48 counties.

LOCALS DAY

Residents of Bexar County are invited to experience the art and culture of the West free of charge on the first Sunday of every month during Locals Day. Free admission for this month is Feb. 6. Just present your ID or a utility bill with an address within Bexar County as proof of residency.

GARDEN PARTY

Enjoy a date night in the McNutt Sculpture Garden for Sips and Sounds of the West on Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb. 11), where guests can take in an evening under the stars with live music from singer-songwriter Clint Tomerlin and his band. The $5 member-only price includes tickets for two free beers, water or soda, and complimentary chocolate strawberries. Food truck fare from Benjie’s Munch will also be available for purchase. In addition to the lush outdoor courtyard, stunning view and beautiful bronze artworks of the McNutt Sculpture Garden, the Briscoe offers adult and student tours, virtual, permanent and rotating exhibitions, educational programs, live presentations, a book club and trinkets for every member of the family in the museum gift shop—a great spot to pick up some souvenirs if you are in the downtown area for the San Antonio Rodeo.

INSIGHT GALLERY If you are in the Texas Hill Country area of Fredericksburg and seeking to feast your eyes on some fine art, you will definitely want to stop into the InSight Gallery on West Main Street for a selection of works from 60 of the finest painters and sculptors living and working today in landscape, figurative, impressionistic, still life, wildlife and Western art. Founded in 2009 with both the artist and art collector in mind, the gallery is dedicated to bringing only the highest quality of fine art to the Texas Hill Country and the national art market.

This month’s exhibit will feature works from Impressionist painter Daniel F. Gerhartz. Titled “Restoring One’s Soul,” the exhibit showcases 12 of the Wisconsin native’s figurative, landscape and still life paintings. The exhibit will run Feb. 4-25, with an opening reception on Friday, Feb. 4 from 5:30 to 7:30pm during First Friday Art Walk in Fredericksburg. Known for painting subjects that evoke timelessness and idealism, Gerhartz’s intimate honesty with regard to his subjects are a direct result of his closeness to his family and community, on which he often draws inspiration.

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM Have a mind to kick off your boots and stay awhile? Then you best mosey on over to the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum where big and little buckaroos can get the full Texas experience.

click on this:

BRISCOE WESTERN ART MUSEUM

www.BriscoeMuseum.org

INSIGHT GALLERY

www.InSightGallery.com

BUCKHORN SALOON & MUSEUM

www.BuckhornMuseum.com From its exotic animal collection and the Texas Ranger Museum to the saloon, cafe and gift shop, it is no wonder the Buckhorn has become one of the biggest attractions in San Antonio.

Anchored in Texas history and open 365 days a year, the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum was originally opened as a saloon by a teenaged hotel bartender and bellhop, Albert Friedrich, whose initial ownership more than a century on has become a preserved tourist attraction that houses an additional museum and several eye-catching exhibits:

THE TEXAS RANGER MUSEUM

Originally opened in 1973 by the Former Texas Rangers Association, this historic collection offers the public a chance to see priceless historical artifacts that span more than a 100 years of Ranger history, including hundreds of authentic artifacts such as automatic handguns, shotguns, badges and more.

CARNIVAL OF CURIOSITIES

You will not believe your eyes on this madcap journey with Dr. Phineas Phiasco through a menagerie of mysterious and mind-boggling phenomena as you explore the topsy-turvy town of Turmoil Texas. Delve into the depths of the mystery mine and watch water flow uphill! Baffle your senses as you change size before your very own eyes! See an elephant the size of a tiny peanut! Witness fish swim without water—in mid-air! This humorous, fun-spirited adventure will entertain you and your family and rattle reality, as you know it! Bursting with optical illusions that defy the laws of gravity and challenge modern science, visitors can participate in a hands-on, interactive array of curious spectacles that will challenge your senses and introduce you to a world of amazement.

THE AMERICAN SIDESHOW

Step right up—hurry, hurry! Through astonishing video technology audiences will experience an amazing visual extravaganza known as the American Sideshow. Guests will gaze at a kooky kaleidoscope of concoctions and oddities, including PT Barnum’s smallest man on Earth and feats of dare devils and freaks. This sideshow guarantees to shock and amaze children and adults of all ages!

WRITER’S BIO

Lakendra Lewis is an arts and entertainment journalist, editor and author whose articles have appeared in Edible San Antonio Magazine, The Texas Observer and San Antonio Christian Woman Magazine. She enjoys movies, music, cooking, singing and telling other people’s stories. You can contact her/read more of her stories at www.LakendraLewis.JournoPortfolio.com.