Art and the Animal Exhibition Showcases Animals and Their Natural Beauty
The Briscoe Western Art Museum invites everyone to get wild during Art and the Animal, an exhibition featuring more than 100 paintings and sculptures reflecting the beauty of animals from around the world. The Society of Animal Artists’ 59th Annual Exhibition and Tour, Art and the Animal opens at the Briscoe with a weekend of special events Sept. 19 – 22, and will be open to the public Sept. 20, 2019, through Jan. 5, 2020.
The Society of Animal Artists (SAA) is devoted to promoting excellence in the artistic portrayal of the creatures sharing our planet. SAA’s membership represents a veritable who’s who of artists from around the world and the Society’s work has been on display at more than 100 institutions across North America. Art and the Animal is SAA’s first San Antonio exhibit. Art and the Animal is free with museum admission and will be on display during regular museum hours.
“Western Art celebrates the American West, including the wildlife and animals that graced the land. We’re pleased to partner with this renowned society as we share a common viewpoint on the preservation of our country’s art, culture and wildlife,” said Michael Duchemin, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “The works featured include animal species from around the world, created by renowned international artists. Art and the Animal is something every animal lover old and young will enjoy.”
Noteworthy artists whose works are featured in the exhibit include Mick Doellinger, Carrie Cook, Greg Beecham, PaulRhymer, Kathleen Dunphy, among others. Special events kicking off the exhibition include:
Sneak Peek: Art and the Animal Preview Party
Thursday, Sept. 19, 6 to 8 p.m.
Be among the first to see the Briscoe’s new exhibit while you mingle with artists, enjoy beer, wine, light bites and a Blue Buffalo or a Foxy Fizz, specialty cocktails created to celebrate Art and the Animal during an exclusive preview reception featuring remarks by Wes Siegrist, artist and Executive Director of SAA, at the Jack Guenther Pavilion. Free for Briscoe members, $30 for nonmembers. Complimentary valet parking included. Please call (210) 507-4864 or visit Briscoemuseum.org for information and tickets.
Wild West, Wildlife! Community Day
Saturday, Sept. 21, 12 to 4 p.m.
Walk on the wild side of the West and enjoy Art and the Animal as it comes to life with a free community day. Meet some real wildlife with animals from San Antonio Zoo, make memorable wildlife crafts, experience hands-on demonstrations, enjoy special animal-themed storytimes and leave your mark on a special mural created by Wes Siegrist, Executive Director of SAA. Siegrist has created a 5’ x 10’ mural of bison in the west for visitors to help complete. The piece will then be displayed at the Briscoe during Art and the Animal. Admission to Wild West, Wildlife! is free for the entire family and includes access to the museum.
Wildlife of West Texas Film Screening
Sunday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m.
The Briscoe has partnered with Wild Texas Film Tour to share a collection of short films that showcase wildlife, adventure and conservation stories from West Texas. Featured films include “Lions of West Texas,” “Pronghorn Revival” and “Return of the Desert Bighorn.” The screening is included with museum admission.
Open daily, admission to The Briscoe Western Art Museum is free for children 12 and under, as well as active duty members of the military and up to four members of their family. Regular museum admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for retired military, first responders, educators, firemen and police officers. The Briscoe Western Art Museum offers extended hours and free admission every Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m.
Presenting sponsorship of Art and the Animal is generously provided by Wyatt Ranches. Supporting sponsorships provided by Bekki and Greg Kowalski, the Williams-Chadwick Family Charitable Fund of the San Antonio Area Foundation and the Host Committee chaired by Kim and Richard Nunley.
About The Briscoe Western Art Museum: The Briscoe Western Art Museum, named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, preserves and presents the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage. Located at 210 W. Market Street along the San Antonio River Walk, the Museum’s campus includes the restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building, which now serves as the museum space with nine galleries on three levels; the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs; and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden. For more information about the Briscoe Western Art Museum, visit BriscoeMuseum.org, or follow us on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram @BriscoeMuseum.
