60+ artist-crafted altars of the same shape and size exhibit the common threads of our humanity
This powerful exhibit features a dazzling display of contrasts in variety as well as a beautiful underlying unity. Each piece has an identical shape and size (12” wide x 14” tall) while each shrine exhibits its own uniqueness in an eye-popping array of colors and media, including paint, wax, glass, metal, fabric, ceramics, and more. And the subject matter ranges from sublime to temporal, and from spiritual to satirical. 2024 marks 20 years that this successful, wide-ranging exhibit has been held and its third year at the San Antonio Art League and Museum (SAALM).
This exhibit is an embrace of “nichos” or small, personalized shrines, common in the popular culture of the Southwest and abroad. This artistry has long been an integral part of San Antonio’s spiritual heritage, and altars are increasingly evident in secular settings such as galleries, museums, homes, and businesses.
Proceeds benefit the Celebration Circle of San Antonio, a nonprofit interfaith community whose creative, inclusive approach to spirituality is perfectly embodied in this exhibition.
The 2024 exhibit and auction is a hybrid event beginning with a Meet The Artists Preview Party (bidding begins) Friday, August 23, 2024 from 5:30-7:30 pm CT and the Closing Reception (guests can take home their winning altars) on Saturday, September 14 from 5:30-7:30 pm CT.
Altars are available at the SAALM for in-person viewing and bidding during regular business hours: August 24 - September 14, Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (closed Sunday & Monday). Online viewing is now available at https://bit.ly/altars2024.
COLLABORATION WITH OUR LOCAL ARTIST COMMUNITY
Celebration Circle is honored to work with artists from San Antonio and throughout Texas. This exhibit is a unique mix of artists, some leaders in their field and others are just beginning to honor their creative Selves.
DATES:
- Opening Meet the Artists Preview Party: Friday, August 23 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
- Mini-Altar Workshop with Zet Baer, August 24 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Closing Reception with final bidding: Saturday, September 14 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm
- Regular viewing: August 24 - September 14, Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (closed Sunday & Monday) at San Antonio Art League and Museum, 130 King William St, 78204.
2024 Contributing Artists
(as of July 11, 2024)
Ana Arrieta, Zet Baer, Andre Bally, Virginia Bally, MIchelle Belto, Lyn Beslie, Alexis Bierman, JB Bierman + William Roberts, Elaine Bornemeier, Maria Brown, Anita Centeno, Ilna Colemere, Tam Corbette, Sofia Dabalsa, Sandy Dunn, Jane Dunnewold, Sarah Ford, Betty Franklin, Joan Frederick, David Anthony Garcia, Nancy Gerfers, Skip Gerson, Joy Gibson, Anna Gordy, Rudi Harst, Joy Fisher Hein, Mark Hiebert, Amanda Hinojosa, Jon Hinojosa, KC James, Nashima Kaplan, Deborah Keller-Rihn, Daniel Klein, Wally Lafaiete, Claudia Langford, Logan Mask, Jeff McDaniel, Doug Miller, Veronica Ramirez Miller, Kathy Miner, Susie Monday, Thelma Muraida, Deborah Murphy, Alexandra Nelipa, Katie Pace Halleran, Chloe Palmer, Cindy Palmer, Ray Palmer, Adalberto Perez, Kathleen Baker Pittman, Theresa Powers, Terry Gay Puckett, Linda Rael, Patsy Sasek, Bill Simons, Daniel Stoneham, Alicia Tapp, Chris Taylor, Olivia Wilkerson, Resa Wohlrabe, Theresa Ybanez, Melissa Young
ABOUT CELEBRATION CIRCLE
Celebration Circle is an inclusive, multi-faith community with a creative approach to spirituality. We come from a variety of faith traditions and honor our diversity, choosing to focus on our oneness through creative arts, music, meditation, and sacred ritual. Founded in 1992, we are a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit offering celebrations and events in order to foster an experiential approach to spiritual understanding. Join us in affirming that WE ARE ONE! All are welcome.
For information:
- View & bid on altars: https://bit.ly/altars2024
- Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/celebrationcircle
- Opening Reception Event: https://fb.me/e/5klhoKgHq
- Mini-Altar Workshop: https://www.saalm.org/minialtar.html
- Closing Reception Event: https://fb.me/e/a5NPiXi7U
- See us: https://www.instagram.com/celebrationcircle/
- Contact Alexis Bierman, Community Director: 210-787-8068 or [email protected]
- To find out more visit our website: CelebrationCircle.org
- HASHTAG: #SacredArtOfAltars
ABOUT SAN ANTONIO ART LEAGUE AND MUSEUM
The San Antonio Art League and Museum, located in the historic King William Cultural Arts District, is a prominent institution dedicated to showcasing the artistic heritage of Texas. Founded in 1912, the Art League’s permanent collection features over 600 works, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics, and sculptures by both historical and contemporary Texas artists. The museum also hosts rotating exhibits that highlight local and regional talent. As an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, it offers free admission to ensure accessibility for all, fostering community engagement through its diverse exhibitions, educational programs, and events. The San Antonio Art League and Museum is located at 130 King William Street and plays a vital role in promoting and preserving the arts within the community. For more information, visit SAALM.ORG.