1.09.18 by The Paisano

5 | Arts & Life

7 | Sports

Artis solitude

Vol. 57, Issue 1

UTSA basketball season in full swing as 2018 begins

Est. 1981

January 9 - January 16, 2018

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline

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New semester, new name University center renamed Student Union By Gaige Davila Co-News Editor The University Center (UC) will be renamed “UTSA Student Union” after the University Center Advisory Council, a board composed of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and UTSA Student Government Association (SGA) members, approved resolution GA 108 proposed by the SGA. GA 108 cited that the Texas State Legislature and Education Code both currently refer to the University Center as the “Student Union.” The resolution also states that no increase in student fees will be made to cover the cost of the name change. The resolution went to the vice president of student affairs, Sam Gonzales, then to UTSA President Taylor Eighmy for final approval. The UC Advisory Board voted unanimously to change the name. “The UTSA Student Union will continue to serve as a fo-

“This name more accurately reflects the student focused role of the union on the UTSA campus, and is more widely recognized among tier-one research institutions” - Liz Rockstroh Associate Director of UC Communications & Programs cal point of campus life,” Liz Rockstroh, associate director of communications and programs at the UC, said. “This name more accurately reflects the student focused role of the union on the UTSA campus and is more widely recognized among tierone research institutions.” Continued on page 2 See “UC renamed”

University Center maintains its look but comes with a new name of Student Union

Chase Otero/The Paisano

Career Center institutes a new way to network By David Wenske Staff Writer By Samuel De Leon Co-News Editor A collaboration between the UTSA Career Center, Valero Energy Corporation and Texas A&M College Station will host a day-long event for freshmen. On Jan. 26, UTSA and A&M first year pre-business students will participate in an externship at Valero’s headquarters. The event continues with a team project led by UTSA College of Business students from Delta Sigma Pi and will conclude with a networking workshop with local SA based professionals from different industries. “In business, networking

is everything. We are so appreciative that students in our UTSA College of Business are encouraged by faculty and staff to network and build relationships with one another, as they may encounter each other in the future and could be able to help each other grow, advance or build their professional careers,” said Mysti Frazier, a College of Business career counselor and a lead organizer of the event. “We want to help business students grow in their professionalism, career exploration and collaborative abilities and improve their communication skills.” UTSA’s Career Center feels the opportunity to involve students from other universities as well as a large local company like Valero is a way to improve retention rates at

UTSA. “Having an opportunity to expand that network to an entirely new group, such as the A&M students, provides UTSA students great opportunities for building relationships, especially this early on,” said Frazier. “Building personal and professional relationships early on is a cornerstone to retention, academic enhancement and career success.” The Career Center is coordinating with professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi to focus on personal and professional relationships through the spirit of competition. Jonathan Gonzales, sophomore double major in cybersecurity and information systems and vice president of professional activities for Delta Sigma Pi, is working with the Career Center to coordinate

Arts & Life Preview

Cuidad, a crecer: an invitation

an entrepreneurial workshop for the students in attendance. “This workshop will allow students to work as a team and utilize their entrepreneurial spirit by competing to solve multiple businessbased scenarios,” said Gonzales. “They will be rewarded points based on effort, practicality and creativity.” Gonzales did not discount the importance of student organizations being able to collaborate with the Career Center for the event. “It’s important that DSP is involved in this workshop, as we believe leadership and initiative are key aspects in career development and by facilitating this event into the early phases of a student’s collegiate career, we can maximize their professional potential for the future,” Gonzales said.

Decreasing defense Student org. calls for the disarming of campus police By Gaige Davila Co-News Editor

Photo Courtesy of The Creative Commons

How will development in the I -10 and 1604 crossing affect UTSA and surrounding areas? This and more San Antonio development stories coming to Arts & Life this semester.

Freshman cybersecurity major Luis Fraire is one of many UTSA students who plan to attend the event. “My expectations for the event is for the information to be interesting and insightful into the many opportunities there are for employment and internships in San Antonio,” said Fraire. “Overall, I hope this event will help me take the first step into finding a professional career.” The Career Center hopes students will take this opportunity to network with an entirely new group and grow from the experience. Frazier notes how valuable it is for students to expand their experience beyond only local connections and plans for the event to provide that experience for UTSA’s first-year freshmen.

On Dec. 15, Revolutionary Horizon (REVHO), an anarchist organization consisting primarily of UTSA students, drafted a letter to UTSA President Taylor Eighmy calling for the disarming of UTSA police officers and for the rollback of the increased police presence on campus. The increase in security came after white nationalist group Patriot Front hung a banner off the University Center bridge, concerning the UTSA community of their safety on campus. “We are specifically calling for the disarming and disbanding of the police in response to these proposals, because we reject the notion that the police make us safer,” a member of REVHO said, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “We believe that these actions and proposed solutions do the very opposite and that the institution of policing is itself an institution that upholds and perpetuates white supremacy, both on college campuses and off.” The organization listed seven ‘demands’ of the university within the letter:

removing a rule that prohibits flyers and other materials from being printed in a language other than English, or without an English translation; to not invite or allow any law enforcement or military agencies on campus; the discontinuation of proposals aimed at increasing campus police foot patrols, surveillance equipment, the inclusion of police officers in campus forums, the student-led patrol group Rowdy Watch; the scaling back and eventual disbandment of UTSAPD; a letter from President Eighmy addressed to the student body “detailing and acknowledging the threat that armed law enforcement agencies pose to the safety of the student body” and propose student-led initiatives regarding safety and security on campus; and for the president to issue a similar statement to all other UT System presidents. Eighmy responded to REVHO’s statement via a private email, thanking them for their letter and asking them to partake in a campus climate survey stated to be available sometime this month. Continued on page 2 See “Disarm, defend and disband”

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UTSA UTSA President Taylor Eighmy will be inaugurated as the sixth president of the university on Tuesday, March 20. Students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to the Main Campus Sombrilla at 2:30 p.m. for a short processional. The official ceremony will begin atv 3:00 p.m. UT System Chancellor William McRaven will provide some special remarks for the ceremony. More details of the event can be found at utsa.edu/ inauguration/

Texas Graduate students at UT-Austin organized a walkout Wednesday Dec. 6, protesting the tax reform bill recently which passed through Congress. Graduate students walked out of their classrooms, labs and office hours to protest the provision of the tax bill that counts tuition waivers as taxable income. U.S. Representative Kevin Brady defended the provision by saying it would even the playing field for the grad students who work off campus. Students of other Texas Universities, such as the University of Houston, are also planning protests.

YDSA Q&A Last semester, four students involved in the Democratic Socialists of America wanted to start a youth chapter. Soon after, the YDSA chapter of UTSA developed and became a registered organization at the university. The organization holds weekly meetings focusing on political education and discussion of topics important to the principles of the organization. Freshman geography and environmental sustainability major Chance Walker acts as co-chair of the YDSA chapter at UTSA and spoke to The Paisano about the organization. chapter at UTSA spoke to The Paisano about the organization.

What particular principles are the foundation for YDSA?

Fundamentally, we’re Democratic Socialists, which means our goal is to take power away from elites and empower working class people. We’re trying to unite people to fight against racism, sexism, poverty, imperialism and inequality of all kinds. This often means fighting for reforms like Medicare for All, free college and the right to organize labor unions. It also means fighting for political power for working class people so in the long-term we can replace capitalism with a system based on economic democracy.

What does the YDSA chapter want to accomplish off campus?

Outside of campus, we want to work on developing our ties to other organizations and other struggling people and movements. We want to connect with other YDSA chapters in Texas and across the country along with immigrant, feminist, and anti-racist organizations as well as help high school students in San Antonio start YDSA chapters and overall expand the horizons of our movement. We’re also working with San Antonio DSA to raise money to send some of our members to the National YDSA Winter Conference in Washington D.C. this February, which will bring together delegates from over one hundred YDSA chapters in all 50 states in the biggest meeting of socialist youth since the 1960s.

Logo Courtesy of UTSA YDSA

Business The SEC halted the trading of shares for company UBI Blockchain Internet, a HongKong based cryptocurrency company, citing inaccurate information in the company’s disclosures as the primary cause. After one week of trading, the stock price of UBI Blockchain Internet skyrocketed from $9 a share on Dec. 11 to $87 a share on Dec. 18. This is not the first instance of the SEC halting trading; it halted trading of The Crypto Co. earlier in December.

Photo Courtesy of UTSA YDSA

What does the YDSA chapter want to accomplish on campus?

We want to start a Labor Support Committee, or maybe even a separate organization affiliated with us, to support people who work on campus and want to organize with the Texas State Employees Union. This is a very long-term project and would require us to substantially deepen our relationship with workers on campus since very few people are currently in the union, which means it has almost no power since Texas does not give public workers formal bargaining rights. We also want to try and bring more students into the socialist movement and develop our skills to fight for things we care about and continue educating people about democratic socialism.

Has the YDSA chapter done anything recently?

We did a lot in the last four months. We held dozens of public meetings to discuss issues such as environmentalism, socialist feminism, economic inequality, homelessness, history of resistance, fighting racism, anti-war movements and dismantling the prison system. We raised more than $100 and collected dozens of coats for the homeless, gave out free lunches on campus, participated in the #UTSA united anti-fascist coalition, hosted union and community organizers. We also work closely with Students for Justice in Palestine and showed solidarity at all their rallies and events in support of their struggle against imperialism and for peace. We delivered a petition to congressman Will Hurd demanding he act to save Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients from being deported and dealt with the cops being called on us while we were there.

Is there any information or upcoming events you want readers to know about?

We don’t have dates yet, but we’re going to try to have big teach-ins this semester on Medicare for All, Prison Abolition, and the student debt crisis. So keep an eye out for those on our Facebook, YDSA at UTSA, and Twitter, @UTSA_Socialists.

UC renamed to reflect its purpose Continued from Page 1

World North Korean diplomats will meet with South Korean diplomats for the first time in two years on Tuesday, Jan. 9 in the border village Panmunjom. The meeting was planned after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his New Year’s address, in which he mentioned the participation of North Korea in the upcoming Winter Olympics set to take place in Pyeongchang, South Korea in February.

U.S. 2017 marked one of the most expensive years for natural disasters in the U.S., totaling more than $300 billion in damages. 16 weather events broke the billion dollar barrier, including Hurricane Harvey, which totaled over $100 billion in damages. Aside from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, there was also an extremely destructive season of wildfires in the California region. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recorded 2017 as the third warmest year for the lower 48 states with the temperature 2.6 degrees F over the average year of the 20th century.

UTSA YDSA poses for a group photo after a meeting

Painted fiberglass Fiesta Jarabe statue (19911993) sits outside the newly renamed University Center.

Chase Otero/The Paisano

Disarm, defund and disband Continued from Page 1

“I hope the members of your organization will consider participating in these discussions as we explore our common and disparate viewpoints as a community,” he said. REVHO was not satisfied with the president’s response. “We think this response by the president hints towards somewhat of an inability or unwillingness to fundamentally address the issue of white supremacy on campus,” the member said. “If he has any genuine, vested interest in combating white supremacist rhetoric, organizations and institutions, dismantling the power of the police on campus needs to be a part of the conversation and a central focus to these efforts.” Joe Izbrand, associate vice president of communications and marketing, speaking on behalf of UTSAPD, said that while no additional police officers are being hired, current personnel are going to be more present on campus. “We are using existing resources and deploying personnel more effectively and efficiently

to discourage incidents in the future,” he said. Izbrand said because UTSAPD are certified peace officers in the state of Texas, they are legally qualified to carry firearms. “Don’t ever hesitate to call the police department if you have concerns or need help,” Izbrand said. “Officers are here for your safety and protection.” The REVHO member says the demands made in the letter were an attempt to “make it known that [they] will reject and disrupt the enacting of [the] proposals” via “planned actions in the coming weeks.” “We believe in employing a diversity of tactics, and we plan to address whatever moves the administration makes from multiple angles, and we stand fully in solidarity with those who do the same through whatever means they deem most appropriate.” The UT System Board of Regents voted for the creation of a UT System police force in 1967, with the first class of officers instituted in 1968.

UTSA joins UT Dallas and UT Rio Grande Valley in having buildings on their campuses named “Student Union.” UT Tyler and UT Arlington will continue to have buildings named “University Center” on their campuses. “‘University Center’ is sort of a generic name,” Dr. Sandy Norman, faculty representative of the UC Advisory Council, said. “If you’ve never been here, you wouldn’t have any idea what that means. “[Changing the name of the UC] was a matter of providing

a more accurate description, something that would be more useful to recognize, by new students especially.” “I see it as a good sign of progress,” AJ Lopez, undergraduate student representative on the UC Advisory Council, said. “A lot of people don’t know what the UC does, so I think changing the name to Student Union will bring some enlightenment to the student body and expand the services the UC provides.” The lettering on the facade of the UC, letterheads and other labels around the building will be changed by Fall 2018.

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opinion The time’s now for journalism Editorial The Golden Globes marked the first day of the spring semester with the “Time’s Up” movement gaining traction. Women are leading the charge to hold big-time producers, corporate CEOs and local managers accountable for their lecherous behavior. Journalists are partners to the movement and they should be. The New York Times announced the

Time’s Up movement on Jan. 1. The movement cited an open letter published in Time by Alianza Nacional de Campesinas vowing support to women of many professions. The support includes a legal defense fund as well as an effort to write legislation combating workplace harassment. The coalition’s message enjoyed additional exposure at the Golden Globes when Oprah’s speech promoted Time’s Up. Additionally, numerous celebrities

Twenty-three days Commentary

By Samantha Ceballos Magazine Editor Twenty-three days of break. UTSA students worked and studied for 16 weeks to get only 23 days to relax, recharge and regain the will to continue studying. When the first day of the new spring semester starts, some students will return saying the break wasn’t long enough. Most of us would agree. The first few days of break will feel like you are forgetting to turn in something or to do some assignment. That feeling is the trauma we need a longer break from. It took a week before I finally felt like I could relax after the stressful semester I had, and I know I am not the only one who felt that way. School is a stressful thing; stress will follow you around wherever you go, but sometimes students (and the faculty and staff) need a break from the crazy deadlines and sleepless nights. Sixteen weeks of schooling and stressing out and students get a few weeks off before the cycle begins again. Students are lucky to have the opportunity to take a break once every semester. Those who work do not have a guaranteed break, and those who work are lucky to get any time off with or without pay. However, students still deserve a longer break in between the fall and spring semesters. This is one of the last times we will be able to have a guaranteed vacation away from school. Once we graduate, some will join the bandwagon of nine to five jobs with limited days off. Consider this: students are constantly stressing out over due dates, social lives, healthy living and working. The break between the fall and spring is not really a break when you factor in having to go home and visit family and friends while dealing with the stress of the holidays. Students need a break from stressing and time for relaxing. UTSA had three weeks off for winter break. Minus the one week

The Paisano Isaac Serna | Editor-in-Chief Editor@paisano-online.com Ethan Pham | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com

News Gaige Davila | Co-News Editor News@paisano-online.com Samual De Leon | Co-News Editor News@paisano-online.com

Arts & Life

to control the panics of having nothing to do, the holidays and the mental time to prepare for school to begin again, in reality, we get about a week and a half of break to actually do what we want. Relaxing after four months of studying, testing, writing, staying up late, waking up early and so on is something we should all focus on. We are young now and our bodies are resilient, but we should still not push them beyond what we can handle. Recharging is important. After burning out to complete one semester, there is limited time to charge up and do it once more in the coming semester. Recharging means catching up on sleep, binge watching shows without feeling guilty, taking up old hobbies or finding new ones. Anything that will help take the edge off and get you mentally and physically ready for another semester helps. maintaining sanity may sound over dramatic, but taking care of our mental health is an important task we push on the back burner when school is in session. We live in a world where mental illness is seen, but not understood. We continue tasking our minds and bodies without realizing we are breaking ourselves down. As a person who has a mental breakdown at least twice a semester, I understand the difficulty of admitting I need a mental break. Recharging and relaxing can help relieve the anxiety and stress we experience as students. Three weeks is not always enough time to relax and recharge. There should be more time in between the spring and fall semesters. The summer break, for some, is two months of time to collect yourself. By the time you come back for the fall, you are ready and excited to begin a new year. This is not always the case when you are entering the spring semester. Walking on campus, I see the faces of those who wish they were still in bed watching Netflix, never having to worry about being on time to class or turning in an assignment. I understand the excitement as friends once more get to see each other after three weeks of freedom. But all I can think about as I continue on is how tired I still am and how much I wish I had more time with my family and friends. A new cycle has started; how ready are you?

Commentary

By Kenyatta Battle Editor-in-Chief’s Assistant As college students, we all want careers that will make us happy; however, many of us may never obtain that goal. One reason is life does not always go as planned. Another reason is most of us refuse to follow our hearts. This was my problem during the first few years of my college career. For the majority of my college career, I believed I was destined to be a doctor. The only reason I decided to pursue the field of medicine was wealth. My intentions were misguided. I am not saying don’t choose a career that is lucrative, or don’t choose a career for income. Whatever motivates you do it, but for me money wasn’t adequate. After a few years in college, I was doing very well. Then one summer changed everything. During this summer, I read over ten books and only two of them were about my major—most of my readings were African American History books. It was the beginning of the end for my pursuits in the field of medicine. I began to enjoy my humanities classes more than my pre-med classes. At that time, I was unaware of the genuine love I had for history classes and, once I finished all my humanity courses, I began to hate college. I asked myself, why am

Staff

Chase Otero | Photography Editor Photo@paisano-online.com

Online Kat Joseph | Multimedia Editor Multimedia@paisano-online.com Ricardo Rodriguez | Web Editor Web@paisano-online.com

Magazine Samantha Ceballos | Magazine Editor Magazine@paisano-online.com

Advisory Board Diane Abdo | Advisor Diane.Abdo@utsa.edu

Sports

uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye from corruption and to injustice.” The first step to bringing the change the Time’s Up movement seeks is strong, empowered women speaking up and sharing their stories, but it doesn’t end there. People need to listen; people need to believe. The journalist’s duty to report the truth without fear or favor is imperative to ensuring people listen and believe the truth. Before Oprah achieved fame as a talkshow host, she was a journalist, and that night at the Golden Globes she articulated the value of a free and unencumbered press. “What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have had,” Oprah said. She concluded, “For too long women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of these men, but their time is up. Their time is up!” For journalists, the time is now.

Imagine that

Photo

Enrique Bonilla | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com

Frank Leal | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com

name dropped the movement and wore black in solidarity with the victims Time’s Up vows to protect and vindicate. Local activists and community members may not approve of Hollywood’s self-congratulation or of their simple acts of solidarity that dwarf the uphill battle activists face everyday, but her mention of journalism’s importance in the battle for accountability was enough for some. A-List celebrities aren’t journalists; regular people are. Whether one is live streaming the women’s march on Facebook, covering a local politician’s unseemly behavior or interviewing students about sexual harassment on campus, journalists are doing their part for the Time’s Up movement. When Oprah thanked the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the non-profit organization that conducts the annual Golden Globes, she acknowledged the continued attacks on the press. “We all know the press is under siege these days,” Oprah said. “But we also know it is the insatiable dedication of

Business Will Stransky | Business Manager Business@paisano-online.com Valery Assad | Marketing Manager Marketing@paisano-online.com Jenelle Duff | Advertising Liason Ads@paisano-online.com

I here? What is my purpose? Am I just going to be a doctor and that’s it? I constantly contemplated dropping out. Luckily, my mentor convinced me to finish my courses for my associates degree. It would have been easy to give up. It would have been easy to continue in the field of medicine, but nothing has ever felt better than when I changed my major from pre-med to history. I am very happy. I bet on myself and continued to pursue higher education. I had no idea what I was going to do with a history degree. My future was uncertain, but I finally felt like my life was in my hands. Now that I have been a history major for a few semesters, I know I made the right decision. It was not easy, but after everything I have been through, I finally listened to my heart. I gave up my perceived dream, scholarship (which was a full ride), pride and maybe even some respect that my family and friends had for me. But I would do it all over again, because I believe once someone follows their passion, anything is possible. Since I made that decision, so many wonderful opportunities have become available to me. I have joined the UTSA pre-law academy where I earned my certificate for legal reasoning. Also, I discovered a passion for writing, which lead me to become an assistant editor at the Paisano, and I recently started an internship at the District Attorney’s office. I have been able to achieve so much success because I stopped lying to myself. I stopped looking outward, and I began to look inward. College is about finding what you want in life, and doing it no matter what anyone thinks. The only person you must please is yourself. So be honest with yourself, and do what you want to do in life. You only get one.

Kristy Olson | Social Media Coordinator Amanda Avalos | Marketing Staff Ray Hagimoto | Marketing Staff The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 © 2017, The Paisano The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Handbook of Operating Procedures states in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of Student Publications, but will regulate distribution on campus. Student Publications will be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible for editorial and content policies and decisions. Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or removal from their positions within a Registered or Sponsored Student Organization (Student Organization) by the University because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content. Student Organizations that distribute Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student Organizations that do not distribute Student Publications.

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Arts & Life Ciudad, a crecer: an invitation

Looking into the growing pains of San Antonio in 2018.

By Enrique Bonilla Arts & Life Editor

Column

he sprawl of mankind over earth is the tale of humanity. Over thousands of years, sapiens consumed and conquered land, water and air to acquire food and shelter. From the humble foraging bands of kin societies to larger nomadic tribal societies and on to eventual nations, these ancestral people sought to grow and sustain the natural world to make a better reality for themselves. The story goes on to include several major empires and dynasties that would cover large parts of the globe, plagues that killed off major populations, enslavement of entire

groups and the eventual industrial revolution that brought us to the world today. As people have become connected by highways both concrete and digital, the world has become decentralized. People are able to move throughout the globe with technology thought to be magic a few centuries ago. We are still growing. There are still growing pains. Our story is still being written. This semester in Arts & Life, we will examine how development and growth in our city is changing life for the good and for the bad. According to the 2017 U.S. Census Bureau, San Antonio was

ranked the third fastest growing city in the United States; SA had the third largest numeric increase in population in 2016. San Antonio is also the seventh largest city in the country. Investors and developers can see this. Mayor Ron Nirenberg can see this. We are important on the national level, and while attention from major players is important to the growth of San Antonio, the community can feel this. Local business can feel this. Local artists can feel this. Continued on page 6 See “Ciudad”

Controversy bubbles over development near Hays St. Bridge on the east side.

Creative Commons

LAN does EDM big for NYE DFW rings in the new year with bass drops, strobe lights and pure ecstacy. By Ethan Pham Managing Editor

Artist solitude

Mantle Art Space presents first artist talk with Saralene Tapley.

Preview of Tapley’s “Homebody” exhibit.

Photo courtesy of Saralene Tapley

By Katrina Clements Arts & Life Asst. Editor Art is subject to interpretation by the viewer, and while each interpretation is unique, the origin, purpose or meaning the artist intended to portray can become lost in the mix. While some art enthusiasts choose to look deep into the meaning of works, many viewers just interpret what they see and move on. The background behind a work of art can be fascinating and expose a new dimension that one may not have noticed at first glance. Owners and curators of Mantle Art Space, Sarah Lawrence and Sara Corley Martinez, allow this threshold to be broken by presenting Saralene Tapley’s artist statement for “Homebody” on Jan. 13 sponsored by The Foundation for Contemporary Art. Having worked with Saralene Tapley last year with her collection of self portraits “Ordinary Things,” Lawrence and Corley Martinez have since been fans of her work. Because they are familiar with her work, they

Preview of Tapley’s “Homebody” exhibit.

thought she would serve as the perfect candidate for their first artist talk. Tapley created the large paintings that make up her collection “Homebody” based on her time living in New York while studying at the New York Academy of Art. During her time at the academy, as said in her statement about “Homebody,” she “discovered a profound love for painting from life. Different from painting from photographs, painting from life exposes an emotion or struggle between the artist and three dimensional subject.” Tapley lived in the New York area for three years and took inspiration from a relationship she had while there. Tapley said “the relationship failed romantically, but many of the paintings are rooted in a strong friendship, his love of laying around the apartment, and my love to paint him.” She spent about 10 hours each painting session working from the natural light provided from her apart-

ment, making each painting unique by the day it was painted on. While many paintings in her collection feature the male and female forms, “the figureless still lives became part of this body of work when I had no one to paint and felt that my single room flat also told the story of my life in NYC,” said Tapley. Each painting within this collection might be viewed as having a deep rooted personal element of Tapley, but she clarifies in her statement that her work is “rooted in aesthetic and formal decisions.” The title of her collection “Homebody” relates to the content of the paintings and the figurative meaning that Tapley spent many hours alone at home creating these works. Tapley said “the solitude and meditative aspect of working in this way is something I quite enjoy. I am both recreating and processing my world.” The title “Homebody” also refers beyond the artist’s personal experience to the

Photo courtesy of Saralene Tapley

On Dec. 29 and 30, Lights All Night (LAN) transformed the Dallas Market Hall into an ecstatic musical experience for its eighth annual return. After clearing check-in and walking into the venue, attendees were greeted with big lights and big sounds from some of the biggest electronic dance music (EDM) acts around the globe. Day one’s main stage, the Supernova Stage, saw performances from Illenium, Porter Robinson and Bassnectar. All three DJ’s drew the attention of attendees, who adorned themselves with the DJ’s logos and artworks in a variety of ways. Illenium drew the crowd into a singing frenzy with his emotionally-stirring tracks, while Porter Robinson and Bassnectar got the crowd excited and energized. Earlier, Ookay also got the crowd hyped with his live DJ set, which involved him singing to his audience. The Satellite Stage provided a smaller, more intimate space featuring two big hiphop performances from Smokepurpp and Ugly God. Liquid Stranger, from Sweden, also performed a set at the Satellite Stage as well as the official after party headliner for day one at the Lizard Lounge. Day two opened with Niko the Kid and

Bassnectar closes out day Ethan Pham/The Paisano one of LAN.

fact that in today’s world it is possible to do everything from your own home without need for outside socialization. The Japanese call this lifestyle “Hikikomori” which means to pull inward or to be confined. Many who participate in this reclusive lifestyle have come to be known as “post modern hermits,” as they have a desire to withdraw from society. Tapley said she “makes reference to this group of people, as I feel artists have much in common with this lifestyle.” The collection celebrates daily life and the little things one might not take time and appreciate throughout their day. With each of Tapley’s paintings we can be reminded to reflect on the moments that are least noticed but should be some of the most appreciated. On Saturday Jan. 13 at Mantle Art Space from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., take the opportunity to attend an artist Q&A to learn beyond what you initially perceive in a work of art.

A hooper performing during a DJ set.

Ethan Pham/The Paisano

mau5trap’s Blackgummy. Afterwards, the Supernova Stage saw a big performance from Morgan Page who electrified the concert goers. TOKiMONSTA at the Satellite Stage gave a heavy and intense set that compelled everyone to dance their emotions away. Day two also saw many flow artists performing throughout the venue. Hula hoops, poi, LED gloves and many more flow props literally lit up people’s eyes with bright colors throughout the night. Some of the biggest sets of day two were NGHTMRE, Seven Lions and Marshmello. Over the two days, LAN saw over 30,000 attendees. The LAN and participating artists worked right after Hurricane Harvey to support relief efforts that led to over $22,000 in donations to the Houston Food Bank. Another portion of the festival’s proceeds went to support the Texas Girls’ Choir, which aims to help young women through music. The updated grounds and expanded indoor/outdoor facilities provided more space for festival attendees to party in. LAN plans to unveil more information about LAN 2018 within a few months. The festival provided a euphoric and exhilarating experience, which was filled with both love and excitement. The New Year’s Eve weekend was truly lit up all night long for Texas.

Preview of Tapley’s Photo courtesy of Saralene Tapley “Homebody” exhibit.

J an u ar y 9 - J an u ar y 16, 2018

6 | arts@paisano-online.com

The wise build bridges

Dreamweek 2018 and Òlàjú Art Group bring contemporary African art to SA this weekend. By Enrique Bonilla Arts & Life Editor

Work by Daniel Obasi.

Celebrating it’s sixth year, Dreamweek will continue to further the mission of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The weeklong event aims to promote selfexpression, tolerance, diversity and equality through a series of panel discussions and events in a city that is not only growing, but full of cultural diversity. Òlàjú Art Group, based out of San Antonio, TX, presents a rare treasure in San Antonio this Dreamweek: African art. ÒAG seeks to raise awareness about issues in West Africa through the use of contemporary art according

Photo courtesy of Òlàjú Art Group

to their website. The organization was registered as a company in 2016 by Obafemi Ogunleye, graduate assistant at the University of Minnesota and UTSA graduate. The story of ÒAG, however, goes further back in time. Ogunleye said, “[ÒAG] started with my time living in Nigeria. I relocated there after graduating from UTSA with an international business degree, and I was doing some teaching out there for a while. I began to engage with the arts as a way to understand my history, and I started collecting works of art.

Work by Logor Oluwamuyiwa.

“As the collecting became bigger, I would travel back to the US and share the work with people, and they were interested in what I had, so I sort of became a middle man, and I recognized a lack of appreciation for contemporary African art in Nigeria and outside of Nigeria. So I worked to create a platform to work with artists and for artists who want to engage with the viewer and who are trying to engage with the artist as well.” After relocating to San Antonio to start his master’s program, Ogunleye began to net-

Photo courtesy of Òlàjú Art Group

work in the San Antonio art scene to include artists he worked with previously in Africa. “The selection of African artists in the city is very few, so basically all the artists I was showing are artists that are from Nigeria or other African countries. Over time, of course, I’ve started to find more artists in the city, but it’s a very small amount,” said Ogunleye. The rarity of contemporary African art in San Antonio is reason enough to engage with ÒAG during Dreamweek 2018. Viewers and artists will have the chance to engage

through art this coming weekend at events sponsored by the organization including an photography exhibition preview during the Second Saturday Artwalk at 6 p.m. on Jan. 13 at 1906 Studio and an African art market at Brick at Blue Star Complex this Sunday Jan. 14 from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Perspectives from Within II, the photograph exhibition for preview on Saturday, offers the viewer perspectives through the eyes of three African artists: Logor Oluwamuyiwa, Yannis Davy Guibinga and Daniel Obasi. Olu-

Work by Yannis Davy.

wamuyiwa’s visual work aims to capture the forsaken, neglected and overlooked facets of life in Lagos, a city in the state with the same name in Nigeria. Guibinga’s work offers a look into blackness through her portraitfocused work through the intersectionality of social factors; Guibinga is from Gabon but based out of Montreal, Canada. Nigerian born, Obasi seeks to escape the tired stereotyped perspective of African life through his Afrofuturistic artwork. The preview on Saturday is free and will be on full display

Ciudad

Continued from page 5

Alamo to receive multi-million dollar facelift growing its footprint from 2.3 acres to 9.5 acres. What effects will this have on surrounding neighborhoods and business?

Creative Commons

What is happening in our community as outside developers come in to build? How does our city’s history of economic segregation impact the lives of new San Antonians and long term residents? How do startups affect the socioeconomic landscapes of San Antonio? How do non-profits affect development? How will development near UTSA alter the area and our university? The list of questions goes on and becomes more detailed, but I hope you’ll see the ripples of change in our city, foresighting a different city. We should have a say in what our city looks like.

Photo courtesy of Òlàjú Art Group

the following day at the African art market. The Òlàjú Art Market: a Creative Arts Festival will introduce San Antonians to African art, music, food and fashion. Suggested dress code is Afrochic. Tickets for the art market are on sale for $5. Unite yourself with African culture this Dreamweek; unity is a must for our community in this political climate. As a Nigerian proverb says, “in the time of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams.”

I invite you to join us weekly during this semester for an update into development issues happening around the 210 to understand what happens to a city as the curses and blessings of the urban sprawl consumes it. I also invite you to exercise your political and cultural efficacy in the community; we are all a part of this ongoing conversation. Juntos somos mas en esta ciudad, a crecer. If you have a story regarding development, urbanization, growth or related topics in San Antonio, please email the arts editor at arts@paisano-online. com.

The Weekend JAN

Vegan Stop Shop / Free 6-9 p.m.

Brick at Blue Star Complex Pop-up market featuring local vendors selling vegan

beauty products, food, art and more. PAX South / $40 GA (daily) 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Three-Day gaming convention featuring live concerts, discussion panels and exhibition floor. Tour de Dream San Antonio / Free 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

1214 13

Starts at Alamo Brewing Company Bike ride through the east side to commemorate the legacy of MLK Jr. and work to bring social change. Girl Gang Honky Tonk Takeover / $10 GA 11 P.M.-2 A.M.

Enjoy craft cocktails and live music with GIRL GANG bartenders from Texas cities in town for San Antonio’s Cocktail Conference.

Hairpalooza / $30 GA 3 p.m.-11 p.m. The Bonham Exchange Barber & beauty tradeshow to promote local talent in the hairstyling and beauty industry.

To feature your event in “The Weekend” email the arts editor at arts@paisano-online.com

J a nu a r y 9 - J a n u ar y 1 6, 2018

sports@paisano-online.com | 7

Sports UTSA basketball season in full swing as 2018 begins Both men’s and women’s basketball teams involved in C-USA play

Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics

UTSA mens basketball huddles together during a timeout.

By Zach Truesdale Staff Writer As the spring semester begins, so does conference play for the UTSA men’s and women’s basketball teams. The men’s team began the new year with a 2-2 record in conference play, beating LA Tech and Rice, with losses to Southern Mississippi and UNT. The UTSA women’s basketball season had a shaky start as they enter 2018 with a record of 2-12 and are currently mired in a seven game losing streak. UTSA anticipates some growing pains under new head coach Kristen Holt. Holt was appointed the ninth head coach in UTSA

Freshman duo of Jackson and Wallace walk off the court.

women’s basketball history in 2017. This is her first season as head coach, and Roadrunner fans have a lot to be excited for when it comes to the future of the women’s team, despite a rocky start. Crystal Chidomere, a senior on the team, leads the offense, averaging 13.5 points per game to go with 2.6 assists per game. To complement Chidomere, Marie Benson leads the team on the boards, averaging an impressive 9.6 rebounds per game. On the defensive side of the ball, Benson and Chidomere have wreaed havoc for the ‘Runners with a

Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics

combined 1.3 steals per game to go along with 1.2 blocks per game. The women’s next game will be at 11 am, Jan 11 at home in the Convocation Center. UTSA Men’s Basketball current record is 9-8 (.529%) under Head Coach Steve Henson, who is entering his second season at UTSA. In the 2016-17 season, Henson improved the Roadrunners total wins from 5 in 2015 to 14 in 2016. This season, the team is alooking to take yet another step in the right direction. On offense for the ‘Run-

ners, Jhivvan Jackson has been lighting up the stat sheet with a whopping 18.2 points per game. On the rare occasions Jackson does miss, Byron Frohnen has been there to clean up the glass, as he leads the team with 7.5 rebounds per game. Elsewhere, Giovanni De Nicolao is leading the team in both assists, 3.7 per game, and steals, 1.8 per game. Some of the games have been great nail biters and some not so much, but that is what makes college basketball what it is: a roller coaster of emotion. With

Crystal Chidomere takes a jumper over a defender.

most of the conference games yet to be played, UTSA’s players, staff, students and fans are all ready and excited to see how the teams are able to close out the season and maybe even fight for a conference championship. Only time will tell as the spring rolls on. The next game for both of UTSA’s basketball teams will be held on Jan. 11 at the Convocation Center.

Jeff Huehn/UTSA Athletics

J an u ar y 9 - J an u ar y 16, 2018

8 | sports@paisano-online.com

UTSA football names Jason Rollins new defensive coordinator By Frank Leal Sports Editor Although the offseason is just getting started, UTSA football has already seen a flurry of coaching staff changes over the last few weeks. The most notable headline came shortly after UTSA was snubbed from a bowl appearance following a bowl eligible 6-5 2017 season. Defensive Coordinator Pete Golding, who led the ‘Runners to their best defensive season in program history, was offered a job from Nick Saban and The University of Alabama. Golding has since accepted the offer and is now a part of Alabama’s coaching staff. Golding’s departure left a massive hole to fill, and Head Coach Frank Wilson has had his hands full trying to readjust the coaching staff after losing both his offensive and defensive coordinators. On Dec 27, 2017, UTSA announced that linebacker coach Jason Rollins had been named the new defensive coordinator. “No one is more deserving of this, and we believe we will continue to build the defensive foundation that has been set forth,” said Head Coach Frank Wilson regarding the promotion. In the 2017 season, the UTSA defense ranked second in the nation in total defense, behind only Alabama. As well, the Roadrunner defense led Conference-USA in seven statistical

categories and held eight out of their 11 opponents to under 300 yards of total offense. Golding did a tremendous job with the defense, but he couldn’t have done it without a talented linebacker core composed of players like Josiah Tauaefa and La’kel Bass who were coached by Rollins. Rollins has coached college football for 21 years. He began his college career at McNeese State. Prior to UTSA, Rollins spent nine years at Tulane University as the secondary and defensive backs coach, as well as the co-defensive coordinator in 2015. In 2013, Tulane made their first bowl appearance in 11 years, and Rollins was the catalyst to their success. Between both 2013 and 2014, the Tulane secondary had 39 interceptions and ranked second in the nation in forced turnovers. When Frank Wilson was named the head coach for UTSA, Rollins was one of Wilson’s first hires. With both men working in close proximity within the state of Louisiana, Wilson was familiar with Rollin’s success and brought him onto the Roadrunner coaching staff. Though Rollins has had plenty of success in the past, he still has big shoes to fill in light of Golding’s departure. It will be the first time Rollins handles the duties of a defensive coordinator by himself in his 20-year

coaching career. Although Rollins being named defensive coordinator was the biggest move, there have been plenty of other coaching staff changes for UTSA football. Following Rollins’ promotion, Coach Frank Wilson hired Charlie Camp out of Houston Baptist University to become the new linebackers coach. “I’m very excited about the addition

of Charlie Camp. Our players will benefit from his experience and leadership,” said Wilson. Camp has served as a linebackers coach for eight different colleges, including Oregon State and Nevada, and interned as a linebackers coach for the Dolphins and Chargers in the NFL. Aside from the hire of Camp, Wilson decided to promote Graduate Assistant Deron Wilson to cornerbacks coach.

Wilson helped develop players such as Devron Davis, Austin Jupe and Javontavius Mosley. There have been plenty of coaching changes so far this offseason, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a few more take place before it’s all said and done. Hopefully, the new members of the coaching staff will have success at UTSA come September at the beginning of the season.

La’Kel Bass, Marcus Davenport and Josiah Tauaefa study the opposing offense.

Ricky Galindo/The Paisano

Road to Super Bowl LII under way in NFL Predictions for the divisional playoff round By Connor Zimmerlee Sports Assistant AFC Divisional Round: Titans vs. Patriots Heading into the AFC divisional round, the Tennessee Titans are riding a wave of momentum. After facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the wildcard round, the Titans pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in NFL playoff history, winning 22-21 to advance to the next round. After trailing 21-3 at the half, the Titans’ playoff hopes appeared all but gone. However, they turned the game around in the second half on the backs of a stout defensive performance and Derrick Henry constantly pounding the football for five to six yards a carry. Now awaiting them in round two is arguably the best quarterback to ever play the game, Tom Brady. The Titans were arguably the worst team to make the playoffs, and their win over the Chiefs doesn’t change that very much. Tom Brady should easily shred the Titans secondary in route to a Patriots win. Prediction: Patriots win 35-20 Jaguars vs. Steelers The second AFC divisional game is a rematch of a game from week five between the Jaguars and Steelers in which the Jaguars blew out the Steelers 30-9. The Jaguars enter the rematch on the heels of an ugly 10-3 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The Jacksonville offense was unable to do much, as the defense was the heavy hand in their victory. Heading into their rematch with Pittsburgh, it is not hard to see why most people expect the results to be the same. However, the first meeting between the two was won by two Jacksonville defensive touchdowns and a 90-yard garbage time touchdown by Leonard Fournette. In the rematch, expect the Steelers to use a heavy dosage of their wide receivers led by MVP candidate Antonio Brown to outlast the Jaguars. Prediction: Steelers win 24-14 NFC: Saints vs Vikings Perhaps the most exciting divisional round matchup comes when the New Orleans Saints head north to face the Minnesota Vikings. Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, a two-headed monster in the backfield for the Saints, were held in check by a stout Panthers rush defense. New Orleans relied on the arm of

veteran quarterback Drew Brees, and he delivered. Brees marched the Saints up and down the field with relative ease in their first-round victory. However, the Vikings boast one of the best defenses in the league, and also pose a threat to shut down the vaunted Saints rushing attack. This game will be an intense matchup, and the ultimate key could very well be the ability of Case Keenum to continue consistently leading the Vikings offense in his first career playoff start. Prediction: Vikings win 28-27 Falcons vs Eagles The other contest on the NFC side of the bracket might have been the best game of the entire playoffs prior to week 14, when then MVP frontrunner Carson Wentz tore his ACL. With Wentz at the helm, the Eagles offense was one of the deadliest offenses in the league; However, with Nick Foles under center, the Eagles have fallen off offensively in the following weeks. Due to this, the possibility of a Falcons victory is far greater. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones lead a potent offense that has gained momentum heading into this matchup, and the defense has silently improved. The Falcons defense was able to hold in check the best offense in football led by Todd Gurleyduring wild card weekend, so expect them to beat the Eagles and advance to the NFC Championship game for a second straight year. Prediction: Falcons win 28-17.

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$15 STUDENTS | $75 STUDENT TEAMS For more information email us at alumni@utsa.edu Tom Brady takes a jog. Keith Allison/Flickr.com