David Amaguer, Rex Hausmann and Russell Stephenson exhibition: Objective Space at Bihl Haus starting August 28, 2009

From Bihl Haus Arts:

What do flowers in the fireplace, graffiti on the walls, tanks, an obelisk, sculpted paintings, childhood memories, the color pink, and the cosmos have in common? OBJECTIVE Space, that's what! This exhibit of paintings, interactive installations, and graffiti-inspired works explore the physical, fictive, mental, and spiritual space that is Bihl Haus Arts. The artists are David Almaguer, Rex Hausmann and Russell Stephenson, three members of the Texas Cannons of Proportion (TCP), an artists' collective. We hope you'll join us on Friday August 28, 5:30-8:30 when OBJECTIVE Space opens at Bihl Haus Arts with a rousing, interactive reception.

David Almaguer’s graffiti stencil paintings act as a counterpoint to the vandalism that once enveloped the exterior of Bihl Haus before its transformation. David brings the outside in. His images carry sardonic titles, but his larger-than-life depictions of tricycles, piñatas, and gangster monkeys are mostly about a wide-eyed childhood—with a twist. They lead into a space in time that Almaguer hopes every grownup can still access.

Rex Hausmann asks visitors not to take participation for granted at Bihl Haus. This TCP member uses his own panoply of means to bring attention to the building’s overlooked negative spaces and openings: tall ceiling heights, windows, a fireplace, a trapdoor, and outdoor surroundings. Nothing too small (cupcakes) or too ungainly (foreman tools) should be discounted.

Russell Stephenson’s series of images investigate macrocosmic and microcosmic spaces in which every human being is a part. With abstracted titles such as Requiem Settings or Pulse, Stephenson’s elegant works that employ painting, sculpture and printmaking techniques, refer as much to the dynamism of natural forces as they testify of the OBJECTIVE Space found in private, though no less real, transformations.

See you this Friday, Aug. 28, 5:30-8:30 pm for this not-to-be-missed opening reception!

How the colorful concrete tile of the Jefferson neighborhood is made.

A number of houses in the Jefferson area have concrete tile on the porch or inside. It was all made here in town. But below is a video of concrete tile made in Morocco. If the same process is followed here, it is clear why it is costly at around $100 a square foot.

Concrete tile is also known as redondo or mission tile. It is still made in San Antonio. Redondo Tile is also the name of the company that sells handmade Mexican concrete tile in San Antonio. Their website redondotile.com has some beautiful examples of their installations. Art Tile, also located in San Antonio and selling Mexican made redondo tile among other styles has an interesting website as well.


The other day I spoke to a man who offered to sell me the equipment to make concrete tile for something around $25,000.

popham design from popham design on Vimeo.

Unveiling of Hetherington Sculpture at Bihl Haus, May 2

Thanks to the generosity of Anthony C and Melissa Pearson, Bihl Haus Arts has received a large sculpture, "Highway" by James Hetherington.

The unveiling celebration, Saturday May 2 from 2 to 4 PM will include a talk by Mr. Hetherington as well as barbeque, beer and cake.

"Highway" is made from recycled rebar, concrete plate steel and remnants from road repairs. James uses these baled forms to celebrate blue-collar workers who construct the highways and buildings that make up our American landscape.

The sculpture will be visible from Fredricksburg Road and accessible from both on and off the Primrose property.

An exhibition of Mr. Hetherington's work continues at Bihl Haus until May 16, 2009.

Luminaria 2009 - Many regretted missing last years.

Last year the new event created with the encouragement of Mayor Hardberger caught many people by surprise. It was a magical event, with music and art in unexpected places downtown.

This year's Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio is Saturday March 14.

From the official press release
"The central celebration will be held downtown from 6 pm until midnight. Performances on a variety of stages and streetscapes will include symphonic, operatic, jazz, blues, ballet, international dance, theatre, hip hop, DJ, laser lights, film, and multi-discipline arts."

"The event footprint is extended this year to include seven performance stages with the spectacular fireworks finale. Luminaria will bring together diverse audiences throughout San Antonio for an engaging and educational experience."

"Throughout the day visit artist studios, museum, galleries and artist spaces that will have exhibits on view along with art activities and creative performances throughout the city of San Antonio." An official calendar of events, along with specific performances and exhibition information will be available for download on LuminariaSA.org by March 2."

There will be free parking for the downtown celebration. A map in pdf form is available for download. A list of scheduled performers is found on the official Luminaria San Antonio website.

UPDATE: 3/4/2009: A pdf of the official calendar of events is now available for download.

UPDATE 3/8/2009: Today's San Antonio Express-News has an excellent story by Deborah Martin-Luminaria Bigger This Year.