The Art Truck
VISIT US
130 King William Street
San Antonio, TX 78204
Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 3pm
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Admission is always free!
The Moveable Masterpiece
This ‘Moveable Masterpiece’ is owned and cared for by André and Virginia Bally. André is the President of the San Antonio Art League & Museum, and Virginia is a Board member who serves as Chair of multiple committees. The Art Truck makes its appearance at special functions such as exhibit receptions, and represents SAAL+M in community events such as the King William Parade.
Here is the Story of the Art Truck, as told by the Ballys:
The evolution of the Bally Studios Art Truck is the result of the combined creativity of many talented individuals and opportunities, culminating in a remarkable mobile artwork that now travels the roads of Texas. The idea for the Art Truck was born from the merging of two separate events. The Houston Art Car Parade, a tradition for over 35 years, operates under the concept that artists can bring their creations directly to the public by transforming their cars or trucks into mobile artworks.
The second event that triggered it was in 2016 when Archway Gallery — the oldest artist-run gallery in Texas — celebrated its 40th anniversary. Virginia and André, who have been active participants in the Houston art car community for three decades, were also members of Archway Gallery during this milestone. To commemorate the gallery's 40th anniversary, Bally Studios volunteered their Toyota Tundra to serve as the foundation for a unique Art Truck.
Over time, Virginia and André relocated from Houston to Canyon Lake, near San Antonio, and the Art Truck found a new community. The Bally Studios Art Truck has continued to evolve, participating in the Houston Art Car Parade seven times as well as participating in Texas Hill Country parades representing Gallery 195 in Boerne, and Texcetra Gallery in Johnson City. As the years pass, old pieces are replaced, and new ones are added, with many artist friends contributing to its ever-changing design.
The Art Truck has become something of a mascot for SAAL+M, and it continues its mission to bring art to the people.