Starting TODAY!

Starting TODAY and going all the way through June 30, San Anto Cultural Arts is in the running for a $50,000 grant from Pepsi!

And we need your help to win

All you have to do is...

1. Go to www.refresheverything.com

2. Register and get logged in. (Here's a video tutorial about how easy it is)

3. Find San Anto (by either searching for "San Anto Cultural Arts" or going straight to us

4. VOTE

5. Repeat once a day, every day

6. Tell all your friends!

This grant is about more than just getting San Anto to win $50K. It's about furthering San Anto's mission to foster human and community development through community-based arts, which will make the Westside of San Antonio (and ultimately the rest of the city), a brighter, more positive community. Be a part of making that dream possible. VOTE for San Anto!

In 1 week...

San Anto needs your help!

Starting on June 1st, you will have the opportunity to
vote for San Anto Cultural Arts
as a part of Pepsi's Refresh Everything campaign, which is giving away
$1.3 million dollars A MONTH
to those individuals/organizations that get the most votes online.
San Anto has applied for a $50,000 grant
that will go toward operational expenses.

Winning this award is CRUCIAL to SACA being able to keep our doors open
in light of our upcoming move to 2120 El Paso
and with the troubles in the economy.

SO! We need you to VOTE!


Let us break it down for you...

1: The amount of times you have to create a Pepsi Refresh username.

It's not scary, and it's really easy!
Here’s a YouTube video to show you how it’s done: http://bit.ly/bjJtxc
They will NOT spam you or send you Pepsi promos. You can only vote if you have a username, and WE NEED YOU to vote.

30: The number of chances you have to vote for San Anto.

You can vote once a day for each organization all month. So, if everyone who knows about San Anto voted for San Anto every day, we would have a really good shot at winning.


2120: San Anto's new address on El Paso.

A portion of the money would go to helping us renovate and move into our new place! Our new home will more than double our current square footage, give us a bathroom, and dramatically increase our capacity to change lives and impact the community.

50,000: The amount of money San Anto applied for.

Think of all that we could do with those funds! We will put that money to work in renovating our new place, supplies for our programs (El Placazo Community Newspaper and the Community Mural/Public Art program), and salaries for our staff. We have a new building, more participants, and an excited, capable staff. This money will help us build our capacity to maximize all those things!

107,000: The number of individuals who live on the Westside of San Antonio.

These are the people San Anto Cultural Arts serves: a third of them are below the poverty line, 60% of the high school kids will not graduate, and teen pregnancy is 4 times the national average. However, San Anto believes that 100% of these people have the potential to lead lives above these negative influences if they are given the tools for empowerment.
That's what San Anto Cultural Arts is here for.
We empower people through quality arts and relevant culture.


The mission of San Anto Cultural Arts is to foster human and community development through community-based arts. This Pepsi Refresh Everything grant will continue to help us achieve that mission.

Will you help Pepsi help us?

Please vote starting June 1st. Tell your friends, too.

It's in your hands! Su voto es su voz!

Another special announcement!

San Anto Cultural Arts is pleased to announce the award of a generous grant from the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation!

Especially as the economy struggles to recover, the consistent, generous support of our funders is critical to our success as an organization.

Thank you, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation!

Special Announcement!

San Anto Cultural Arts is pleased to announce the award of

a grant from the

Ruth Lang Charitable Fund

and Dan and Gloria Oppenheimer Fund

of the San Antonio Area Foundation.

Thank you for your continued generosity toward our organization!

Our doors would not stay open without the support of our funding partners.

About the San Antonio Area Foundation: For over 45 years, the San Antonio Area Foundation has connected donors of all backgrounds with the causes that matter most to them, for the betterment of San Antonio and the surrounding region. The Area Foundation offers a wide range of giving opportunities and highly personalized service that bring donors and charitable organizations together for the benefit of the community. Through an exemplary managed grant and scholarship program, the San Antonio Area Foundation has distributed more than $170 million since its inception. Our board, volutneers, and staff understand the issues and challenges facing our region and work together with our donors to make a lasting impact on the community.

Announcing King and Queen Huevo 2010!!

Many of you may have already heard, but San Anto Cultural Arts officially announced today King and Queen Huevo 2010!



Drum roll, please.....

Santiago Garcia and Megan Kromer!

We are so thrilled to have them as our 2010 King and Queen Huevo. The press release is below, so read up about them, and get excited to welcome them into the Court of Hueveros on October 2, 2010!


San Anto Cultural Arts is proud to announce the selection of the 2010 King and Queen Huevo (Spanish for egg): Santiago Garcia, a longtime arts supporter and advocate, and Megan Kromer, an award-winning non-profit consultant. The King and Queen Huevo reign over the annual Huevos Rancheros Gala and Silent Auction which raises funds for San Anto Cultural Arts operational expenses. Garcia and Kromer were chosen for their contributions to the artistic and cultural vibrancy and advocacy of our city.

Garcia is a poet, writer, visual artist, playwright, reviewer, organizer, and economic developer who also served as the first President of the Board of Directors of San Anto Cultural Arts. Recently, Garcia has been active with the organization as a member of the Advisory Committee. No stranger to SACA’s Huevos Rancheros Gala, Garcia writes and reads the tribute poems to the King and Queen Huevo each year. He currently works for the Westside Development Corporation, an organization created to revitalize the Westside through community-minded economic development while preserving the art and culture of the people. In this capacity, he was instrumental in SACA’s purchase of the new facility at 2120 El Paso.

Kromer consults with foundations and non-profits in strategic initiative building, organizational effectiveness, and program evaluation. She leads the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation’s Precious Minds, New Connections parenting education initiative, and is also involved with other foundations. In 2006, Kromer received the Athena International Award for providing valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in her community, and for actively assisting women fulfill their full leadership potential. Kromer initially got to know SACA when she did a site visit on behalf of the Kronkosky for SACA’s first grant application to the Foundation.

This year’s Huevos Rancheros Gala is the 13th annual fundraiser for the organization. The Huevos Rancheros Gala and Silent Auction will be held Saturday, October 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Plaza Guadalupe, 1327 Guadalupe Street. The organization 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. Funds raised from this event will go directly to support the 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.

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.

This year’s King and Queen join a long list of distinguished individuals who have been recognized by the group for their contributions to the cultural and artistic heritage of San Antonio. Past royalty include individuals such as Mayor Emeritus Lila Cockrell, Jesse Trevino, and former Councilwoman Patti Radle.

In 3 weeks...

San Anto needs your help!

Starting on June 1st, you will have the opportunity to

vote for San Anto Cultural Arts

as a part of Pepsi's Refresh Everything campaign, which is giving away

$1.3 million dollars A MONTH

to those individuals/organizations that get the most votes online.

San Anto has applied for a $50,000 grant

that will go toward operational expenses.

Winning this award is CRUCIAL to SACA being able to keep our doors open

in light of our upcoming move to 2120 El Paso

and with the troubles in the economy.

SO! We need you to VOTE!

Let us break it down for you...

1: The amount of times you have to create a Pepsi Refresh username.

They will NOT spam you or send you Pepsi promos. You can only vote if you have a username, and WE NEED YOU to vote.

30: The number of chances you have to vote for San Anto.
You can vote once a day for each organization all month. So, if everyone who knows about San Anto voted for San Anto every day, we would have a really good shot at winning.

2120: San Anto's new address on El Paso.

A portion of the money would go to helping us renovate and move into our new place! Our new home will more than double our current square footage, give us a bathroom, and dramatically increase our capacity to change lives and impact the community.

50,000: The amount of money San Anto applied for.
Think of all that we could do with those funds! We will put that money to work in renovating our new place, supplies for our programs (El Placazo Community Newspaper and the Community Mural/Public Art program), and salaries for our staff. We have a new building, more participants, and an excited, capable staff. This money will help us build our capacity to maximize all those things!

107,000: The number of individuals who live on the Westside of San Antonio.
These are the people San Anto Cultural Arts serves: a third of them are below the poverty line, 60% of the high school kids will not graduate, and teen pregnancy is 4 times the national average. However, San Anto believes that 100% of these people have the potential to lead lives above these negative influences if they are given the tools for empowerment.
That's what San Anto Cultural Arts is here for.
We empower people through quality arts and relevant culture.

The mission of San Anto Cultural Arts is to foster human and community development through community-based arts. This Pepsi Refresh Everything grant will continue to help us achieve that mission.

Will you help Pepsi help us?

Please vote starting June 1st. Tell your friends, too.

It's in your hands! Su voto es su voz!

Interview with Lead Muralist Enrico "Caso" Salinas

In the lead up to the "Consciousness" mural blessing later this month (February 27), I caught up with Lead Muralist Enrico "Caso" Salinas to learn more about the man behind the mural. Rico has been involved with San Anto Cultural Arts since 2007 when he started helping out with the Brighter Days mural. Since then, he has gained experience and risen through the ranks of the crew system on the Trinity Street and La Musica de San Anto murals to become a lead muralist.

Enrico "Caso" Salinas

?

What is your previous mural experience?
My previous experience consisted only of idolizing murals I would come across on television, in magazines, and in books.


What is your previous arte experience?
I started to trace in the fourth grade, which is when my pride developed and I started to do it myself. I used to custom paint and build choppers for a motorcyle company. Also photography and tattoos.


Foto shows:
"A Walk in the Westside" at Citi Bank (with El Placazo students), Summer 2008
"Armon Art" at Bluestar, September 2008
"Presente" at Centro Cultural Atzlan, September 2008
Dia de Los Muertos Show at Centro Cultural Atzlan, November 2008
"Mariachi Exhibit" at Centro Cultural Atzlan, December 2008
"Reina Del Cielo" at Centro Cultural Atzlan, December 2008
"Soy Illegal, no Criminal" at Centro Cultural Atzlan, February 2009
"210 in Focus" at Guadalupe Street Coffee (with El Placazo students), Summer 2009
"Estilo San Anto" at Five Seven Delle Project Space, Boston, Massachusetts, 2009
"Amigos" in downtown library, August 2009


What was the inspiration behind your "Consciousness" mural?
Life. Death. My history. My path. That's really the inspiration. The things I have seen. The things I've been fortunate to encounter. The people I've been able to help, as well as the people I've received help from. The situations... the conditions and environment that we live in.


How did you feel when SACA asked you to be a Lead Muralist?
My initial reaction was intimidation, fear overcame my entire body and my mind. Kinda panicked. I immediately understood how important it was to the barrio. I knew the quality of murals SACA had produced and didn't think I could produce anything near that level.


What do you hope people will take away from looking at your mural?
Consciousness!


What are some future goals you have for your art?
Two years ago I decided I wanted to win the Nobel Peace Prize for photography, so now I'm hunting for the perfect image.


Where did you grow up?
In the Weso of San Anto, and I had a brief stint in the Southside of Houston (H-Town, Screwston).


Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Holmes and attended the University Technical Institute in Houston, but the most important degree I received was from the University of the Hard Knocks.


Tell me about your family.
I have a ten year old daughter who is the one I breathe for. She became an art collector at nine years old, sold photography at eight years old, and writes, conducts interviews, and takes photos for El Placazo, as well as marches for MLK, Cesar Chavez, and International Woman's Day. My parents have been together for 33 years, and I have three brothers, two nephews, and one niece. I have familia scattered throughout the Weso and East LA and Las Vegas.


Que mas?
Knowledge is power, ignorance is Death! Question Everything!

Look for more about Rico in the next issue of El Placazo, scheduled to drop at the end of this month. Join Rico and San Anto Cultural Arts as we celebrate the dedication of his mural on February 27, 2010 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. in Escobar (more information at http://consciousnessmural.eventbrite.com/). Prepare to gain Mas Consciousness!

Coming on February 27: "Consicousness" Mural Blessing!

Check out the event's website at http://consciousnessmural.eventbrite.com. Can't wait to see you then!

This Friday! Raza Poetry and Open Mic Night featuring Desahogate #2: Amor y Pazion

Friday, January 22

6:30-9:00 p.m.

Guadalupe Street Coffee, 1320 Guadalupe Street

Join San Anto and Xicana Xicano Education Project (XXEP) in celebrating the release of Desahogate #2: Amor y Pazion (cover art by SACA's CMP Coordinator Ruth Buentello), a San Antonio barrio-based literary anthology with work from over 30 local writers and artists. This event at Guadalupe Street Coffee will mark the first-time release of the publication. After the release XXEP and San Anto will host an open mic event with a special reading featuring Desahogate contributors.

SACA is very excited to be a part of this empowering and fun event. Hope to see you on Viernes!

San Anto included in OCA's ArtBeat TV show!

San Anto is pleased to announce that we have been included in the Office of Cultural Affairs' ArtBeat TV program, a program hosted by OCA's Sebastian Guajardo that highlights San Antonio's vibrant local arte scene. San Anto was included in a long segment about the Community Mural/Public Art Program! Sebastian interviewed Heather in the office, and then went out to SACA's 38th mural, "Consciousness" at Escobar Park, with Ruth (CMP Coordinator) and Rico Salinas (Lead Muralist). It's exciting to continue to get that kind of exposure in the wider community and have the opportunity to show off the exciting things we're doing around here.

The program comes on Public Access TV, but you can also check it out on OCA's website. San Anto's segment is about midway through, and you can either click to advance or watch it from the beginning. Check it out!

A note from our Executive Director...

¡Feliz Año Nuevo de San Anto Cultural Arts!

SACA staff has hit the ground running as the new year has arrived. Last year saw tremendous changes in the life of the organization, and I want to thank each of you for supporting us with encouragement, time, inspiration, and love. We never would have weathered the loss of Manny without you; your belief in San Anto Cultural Arts helped us survive after his passing. Even though it's been a year, we miss him every day and we keep his mission and vision in our daily work.

The hardest part of the transition may be over, but 2010 is going to prove to be a HUGE year for San Anto Cultural Arts, and we need your continued support as much as ever as we strive to meet the increased demand for our programs and services. here are a few highlights to watch out for as we look toward 2010...

· Raza Poetry and Open Mic Night featuring Desahogate #2: Amor y Pazion at Guadalupe Street Coffee from 6:30-9:00 p.m. on Friday, January 22

· Blessing of the “Consciousness” Handball Mural Blessing (Lead Muralist: Rico Salinas) on Saturday, February 27

· Kick off of the “Transformation” Haven for Hope Mural (Lead Muralist: Gabriel Garcia) in the Spring

· El Placazo Foto Workshop in June and the Exhibit July 10 with Mari Hernandez as Lead Photographer

· The 13^th Annual Huevos Rancheros Gala and Silent Art Auction on Saturday, October 2 at the Plaza Guadalupe

· Dia de Los Muertos Barrio Procession on November 2 in collaboration with Inner City Development, the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative, and the San Jacinto Senior Homes

· And oh yeah, our own building!!! More details to come…

We hope to see you at as many San Anto events as possible, and know that you're always welcome to pop by our office and check in. On behalf of the Board and Staff of San Anto Cultural Arts, have a happy new year, thank you for all you've done, and we hope to see you soon!

Heather Eichling
Executive Director
San Anto Cultural Arts

SACA highlighted in "On the Town eZine"!

When "On the Town eZine" editor Gerry Lair contacted San Anto about highlighting our Community Mural/Public Art program in his online magazine that promotes visual, theatrical, and culinary arts in San Antonio, we jumped at the chance. Check out this exciting article with four colorful pictures at www.onthetownezine.com and click on the January/February 2010 issue. It's under the "More Visual Arts" section. Share it with your friends!

Happy New Year from San Anto Cultural Arts!

We are excited about all the promise 2010 holds for our organization, and we hope that you can be part of it!