Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Starting TODAY!

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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...
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!






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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

In 1 week...

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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!
Follow sananto1997 on Twitter

Monday, May 24, 2010

Another special announcement!

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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!
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Friday, May 21, 2010

Special Announcement!

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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.
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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Announcing King and Queen Huevo 2010!!

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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.


Follow sananto1997 on Twitter

Friday, May 7, 2010

In 3 weeks...

Tweet It!


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!

Follow sananto1997 on Twitter

Monday, February 8, 2010

Interview with Lead Muralist Enrico "Caso" Salinas

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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!
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Friday, January 29, 2010

Coming on February 27: "Consicousness" Mural Blessing!

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





















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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

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

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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!

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Tuesday, January 19, 2010

San Anto included in OCA's ArtBeat TV show!

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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!







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Thursday, January 14, 2010

A note from our Executive Director...

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¡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 13th 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


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Monday, January 4, 2010

SACA highlighted in "On the Town eZine"!

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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!
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

We are so proud of La Chicana Collectiva!

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San Anto Cultural Arts would like to congratulate La Chicana Collectiva on their great art opening on December 19. The Collective is composed of two San Anto staff, Ruth Buentello y Cristina Ordonez, and three other loyal San Anto supporters, Mari Hernandez, Sarah Castillo, and Kristin Gamez. The Collective explored the theme of the Quinceanera in Latino cultura, and what it means to women around the age of 30 who missed it the first time around. They used multiple different media-- drawing, painting, video, fotography, and soundscape-- to create a body of work that both challenged traditional perceptions of that rite of passage and celebrated the women they have become.

Congratulations, Ruth, Cristina, Mari, Sarah, and Kristin!
We can't wait to see what happens next!
Viva La Chicana Collectiva!



To learn more about the exhibit, check out the Current's great article by Natalia Ciolko, and visit Mari Hernandez's blog.
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Monday, December 21, 2009

Happy Holidays!

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Have a safe and fun holiday season!
We look forward to your support in the new year!

love,
San Anto Cultural Arts Board and Staff






The office will be closed December 22-27 for the Christmas holiday.


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Thursday, December 3, 2009

Chase What Matters!

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Friends y familia,

Chase Bank has come up with an exciting new way to give back to your community. Go to this link to learn more, but basically the gist is that if you search your favorite nonprofit (say, for example, San Anto Cultural Arts), you can cast your vote for them. If the organization gets enough votes, it will be eligible to get a nice chunk of change from Chase Community Giving. They're distributing $5,000,000 nationwide! Help us get in on that!

Here's what you do:
3. Become a fan of Chase Community Giving
4. Cast your vote for San Anto!

Help out San Anto!
VOTE



Muchos thank yous!

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Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Celebrating the Sound of the City: La Musica de San Anto Mural Blessing

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The Saturday before Thanksgiving, which was two days before Manny's birthday, San Anto blessed our 37th mural, La Musica de San Anto. Over a year in the making, La Musica is our biggest mural to date, and is one of our most special projects because of all of the superb musicians captured in its vibrant colors. These musicians include Doug Sahm, Randy Garibay, Eva Garza, Lydia Mendoza, Valerio Longoria, Clifford Scott, Felix Villarreal, Rocky Morales, and Rosita Fernandez. But we treasure this project especially because our late Executive Director, Manuel "Manny" Castillo, Jr. was added after his death in January. He is pictured doing something he loved best: tearin' up his drums.



La Musica has become something of a gateway to the Westside since it's located as cars pass coming over the Commerce bridge. We are extremely proud that the mural has been blessed and dedicated, and we hope that if you missed the blessing on November 21, that you will take a minute to drive by. It's located on the side of a bail bonds building at 1303 W. Commerce.



For more coverage of the event and the mural, check out the great article in the Southside Reporter by Nicole Marie Moore.

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Friday, November 20, 2009

EP Poetry Nite 2009

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El Placazo has been very blessed with high quality adult mentors over the last several months, the most recent additions being three Our Lady of the Lake University students who came in every Wednesday afternoon. These lovely ladies are English Education majors at OLLU, so they were practicing their craft by teaching our students some of the finer points of writing and journalism. The highlights, however, were their lessons in poetry. They taught the students about different types of poetry, how to write a good poem, and how to give a powerful reading. They worked for several weeks writing and rehearsing their poems, all leading up to the grand finale: a poetry reading at Guadalupe Street Coffee!!

All of the participants and some parents came out on Wednesday night to have an evening of poetry, fun, and fellowship. It was a great success! Here are some pictures from the event:


The students participated in a group reading on how to annoy your teacher. Hopefully they don't use this knowledge on Cristina! 

Serenity getting some last minute pointers from her mentor, Tess

Alexandra and her dad, Rico, reading a poem about her grandma (pictured on Rico's forearm)

Jeremiah G. reciting his poem

Erica, dressed in red, recited her poem about Big Red

Ashley proudly showing off what she wrote

Jeremiah V. and his mom, Dolores, practice her poem called "Toes"


Just another day with El Placazo: poetry reading and picture taking!


Special thanks to Liz, Melissa, and Tess for being such fabulous mentors,
Guadalupe Street Coffee for hosting us,
and our funders and supporters who helped make this event possible!

Gracias!


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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

This Saturday: "La Musica de San Anto" Official Mural Blessing

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Join San Anto Cultural Arts' Community Mural/Public Art Program as we celebrate the unveiling of our 37th Mural en el mero hueso de San Anto! 
Saturday, November 21
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. ish
1303 W. Commerce (on the side of a Bail Bonds)

Also known as the "Music Legends" mural, La Musica de San Anto (lead muralist: David Blancas) celebrates musicians across many different genres that have emerged from San Antonio. The musicians included in the mural are: Rocky Morales, Randy Garibay, Clifford Scott, Velereo Longoria, Manny Castillo, Lydia Mendoza, Eva Garza, Doug Sahm, and Felix Villarreal. There will be music and tributes from the musicians' families, good food, and of course a blessing by Father Marty Elsner of Guadalupe Church. We will also feature music by Ernie Gariby, Conjunto Kings of Flavio Longoria, and Snowbyrd, with DJ spinning by JJ Lopez. 

Special thanks to the following funders and supporters of this mural: City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, Ruth Lang Charitable Fund and Dan & Gloria Oppenheimer Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation, United Way Community Building Committee, The George W. Brackenridge Foundation, The John and Florence Newman Foundation, H-E-B, Valero Energy Foundation, Fast Action Bail Bonds, A-Amigo Bail Bonds, Express Bail Bonds, and all the individual donors and volunteers.

As a point of clarification, we are aware that there are other events taking place on Saturday to celebrate the great success of this mural. The event listed above from 11 a.m. to 2 (ish) p.m. is the only official event by San Anto Cultural Arts. We hope to see you there!



Call 226.7466 for mas info!


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Friday, November 13, 2009

Exciting new initiative!

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+Do you love art?
+Do you love San Anto Cultural Arts?
+Do you love the art auction at our Huevos Rancheros Gala and Silent Art Auction but never seem to have the winning bid?

Have we got a deal for YOU!!

Because San Anto Cultural Arts is annually so blessed by how many artists donate their artwork to us for Huevos, we have a surplus of EXCELLENT arte that we have accrued over the years hanging out with us in our office (and for those of you who have been by, there's barely enough room for us to hang out, much less us and extra arte!!). So, in an effort to find good homes for this homeless art and make a little extra moolah for San Anto, we have established an account on....


That's right, www.ebay.com is now playing host to some of the artwork that has been donated to us over the years. We're still trying to figure it all out, but we're really excited about the potential it could have, but ONLY if YOU get on there and shop! 

So check it out! Right now we've only uploaded 3 pieces: one by Salvador Torres, one by Orlando Rodriguez, and one by Abraham Cantu. If you purchase one of those items (and any others that we list), San Anto Cultural Arts will receive 100% of the proceeds. Items can only be up for auction for 7 days, so you better act soon.
Help us out!
Search for these three items, or for our seller ID "sananto" for upcoming arte
Shop around!
What's not to love?


Also, if any of you are avid eBay-ers, you can donate part of your eBay winnings to San Anto! Contact Melinda at 226-7466 or melinda@sananto.org to find out how, or to give her tips on how to make eBay work for San Anto! 

So what are you waiting for? Get shopping!!!

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Thursday, November 12, 2009

A note from our Executive Director

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Dear San Anto Familia,
Happy Noviembre! It's hard to believe it's the middle of the month already! Time has flown by since Huevos because of all the exciting things going on around here...
  • First of all, our 12th annual Huevos Rancheros Gala and Silent Art Auction was a huge success! Even though it rained for the first time in Huevos history and we had to move everything from the Plaza Guadalupe to the Guadalupe Theatre with barely an hour to spare, around 600 people came out to celebrate the life and legacy of Manuel "Manny" Castillo. Los #3 Dinners and DJ Roach played, we enjoyed the delicious huevos rancheros from Lisa's Mexican Restaurant, and the art available for auction was some of the best we've seen in years. San Anto profited around $18,000, which is the most we have ever made. Huge gracias to everyone who came out to support San Anto Cultural Arts!
  • The students of El Placazo opened their first ever Juicebox Fotography Exhibit at Madhatter's on October 28. With the help of master fotographer Mari Hernandez, the students made pinhole cameras out of juiceboxes over the summer. The prints from that day are displayed in the back rooms of Madhatter's and will be up until the end of the month. Special thanks to Mari Hernandez for sharing her time and talents with the students and to Madhatter's for being so generous in hosting the exhibit and giving everyone a delicious tea party at the grand opening. Madhatter's is located at 320 Buearegard in the King William District.
  • San Anto Cultural Arts, the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative (Putting an End to Abuse through Community Efforts), Inner City Development, and San Jacinto Senior Home celebrated the 9th annual Dia de Los Muertos Barrio Procession. Read more and see pictures at Dia de Los Muertos Barrio Procession through fotos.

We've been doing a lot in the last month, but there are still more exciting things to come!
  • November 16 at Las Oficinas de Avenida Guadalupe Association from 5:30-7:30 p.m.: a Community Meeting to discuss San Anto Cultural Arts' proposed relocation to 2120 El Paso Street. This meeting is a chance to get to know San Anto's Staff, Board of Directors, participants, and programs, as well as learn about our proposed move from Chihuahua Street to El Paso Street. 
  • November 18 at Guadalupe Street Coffee from 6-7 p.m.: a Poetry Open Mic Nite with the El Placazo students and three adult mentors from Our Lady of the Lake University. The students will read their own poems and perform a group reading. 
  • November 21 at 1303 W. Commerce on the side of the Fast Action Bail Bonds from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: a celebration and blessing of our 37th mural del Mero Hueso, La Musica de San Anto. Join SACA, lead muralist David Blacas, DJ Jay Jay Lopez, Conjunto Kings de Flavio Longoria, Ernie Garibay, and other special musical guests to honor the talents and legacies of some of the musicians who made music in this city great.
We're doing a lot, but we're having fun! Thank you to all those who have participated in our events of the last month. We hope to see you sporting your San Anto pride at these next three events!

In Community,








Heather Eichling
Executive Director
San Anto Cultural Arts



*** Please note: San Anto Cultural Arts will be closed November 26 and 27 in observance of Thanksgiving.***
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