Just south of downtown San Antonio, a thriving arts community has put down roots with a network of studios and galleries where art in many forms is being created and showcased.
Every First Friday and Second Saturday of the month, many of these studios and galleries open their doors to art enthusiasts for free art walks that bring Southtown to life. Along with art exhibitions to peruse, local artisans offer an array of handmade goods, food vendors serve up delectable dishes and attendees are sometimes treated to live music.
On your stroll through San Antonio’s art district, make sure you stop by these spaces to check out the latest exhibitions.
The Contemporary at Blue Star
Blue Start Arts Complex, home to several galleries, shops and eateries, is a good place to start. The Contemporary at Blue Star, the complex’s main gallery space, was founded in 1986 by a group of artists and is now the longest-running nonprofit space for contemporary art in San Antonio. The Contemporary hosts about 12 exhibitions in its four gallery spaces annually, including shows by Luis Valderas, Hiromi Stringer and Michael Velliquette. In addition to hosting art exhibitions, The Contemporary also nurtures student artists through programs like the MOSAIC Student Artist Program.
116 Blue Star
Flight Gallery
Also housed in the Blue Star Arts Complex, Flight Gallery is a smaller contemporary art gallery open Wednesday through Sunday. The one-room space showcases everything from paintings and ceramics to tufted pieces. Flight features local artists from all types of backgrounds and artistic styles ranging from self-taught artists like James Cobb to textile-focused artists such as Rachel Comminos.
112R Blue Star
Not For You Gallery
Not For You Gallery, owned and operated by stencil artist A/S/L, is another resident of the Blue Star Arts Complex. A painted staircase leads to The Upstairs Studios where A/S/L showcases his unique pieces, the result of 15 years perfecting his craft in stencil art. His work, along with art by other featured artists, can be viewed on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. (7-11 p.m. on First Friday) and Saturdays from 1-5 p.m.
1420 S. Alamo St, Studio 215
The 1906
The 1906 is home to 10 exhibiting artist-run spaces, three nonprofits and several creative businesses, including a framing service, a hair and makeup studio, and Nikki Blacksalt’s ArtTree School, which offers art classes to the public. The space also hosts Second Saturday, which owners Andy and Yvette Benavides started in 1998. Along with the Benavideses, The 1906 is home to ceramicist Michelle Hernandez, photographer Bob Maxham and painter Linda Lang, among others.
1906 S. Flores St.
Mercury Project
Mercury Project is an open studio space that houses work from local and in-house artists. The gallery allows for a unique experience of watching art being crafted while viewing finished pieces on display. The gallery space features everything from ceramics to film and sculptures. Mercury Project is open to the public Monday-Friday and hosts monthly workshops taught by in-house artists such as studio manager Rikkianne Van Kirk, photographer and videographer Wendy Bowman and artist Crystal Rocha.
538 Roosevelt Ave.
