Kick Off 2024 DreamWeek Discussions & Film Screening, Rodeo Exhibit, Locals Day, Scavenger Hunts & More at the Briscoe
Kick off 2024:
Art tells a story and thanks to the Briscoe Western Art Museum, that story is wild – wildlife and wilderness that is. The museum known for spotlighting the art and beauty of the American West is expanding its programming and adding even more reasons for San Antonians to head west to explore, learn and have fun. From rodeo art and cowboys to a new monthly scavenger hunt and the return of the free Wild West Wildlife festival, the Briscoe offers something for everyone to kick off their 2024 in the West.
The Briscoe’s 2024 calendar continues its popular monthly Locals Day that welcomes San Antonio and Bexar County residents to enjoy the museum for free on the first Sunday of each month – with an added twist: “Scout the Briscoe.” Included with the free admission, everyone can scout the museum’s collection and explore the West in a new way. Scout the Briscoe joins the monthly “Full STEAM Ahead” educational programming on the first Sunday of the month. The new year also includes the final weeks of the stellar exhibition featuring the largest exhibition to date of works by famed photographer, artist and author Anouk Masson Krantz, as well as the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo’s Student Western Art Competition Exhibition.
“Our 2024 calendar features wildlife, wilderness, Native American voices, stories of the cowboy – and opportunities to learn about the American West and how it touches us all,” explains Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “We want everyone to experience the nuances of Western art, heritage and culture – and see how beautiful, mesmerizing and fun the West can be. Our programming allows everyone to see and experience the West in a new way each time you visit.”
Interactive Programs Bring Art to Life
Expanding its programming calendar to add more opportunities for adults to interact with and enjoy the museum’s collections and exhibitions, the Briscoe offers a range of programming for adults to enjoy. The series ranges from hands-on, interactive experiences – including everything from painting and sculpting to tastings and lessons – as well as film screenings and conversations with artists and experts. January events include:
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New Beginnings: Painting at the Briscoe
Jan. 11, 6 – 8 p.m., $45, $35 for museum members
Kick off 2024 in a creative way with a painting session celebrating new beginnings with energetic and charismatic international artist DiZurita. Based in San Antonio, DiZurita tells stories through her art, an everlasting transformation of life experiences. Enjoy a relaxing evening sipping beer, wine and acrylic painting on an 11 x 14 canvas in a hands-on session as she guides guests in creating their own work of art. Tickets are $45, or $35 for museum members. Registration for this 21+ event is per person and includes beer, wine and all supplies. Class size is limited, so register today to secure your spot.
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DreamWeek at the Briscoe – “Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning” Screening and Discussion with Dyanna Taylor
Jan. 21, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Included with museum admission
Explore more untold stories of the American West through a film screening of “Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning,” followed by a Q&A with Lange’s granddaughter and narrator and director of the film Dyanna Taylor. The film explores the life, passions and uncompromising vision of the influential photographer whose enduring images document five decades of American history, including the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl and World War II Japanese internment camps. Peabody- and five-time Emmy award-winning cinematographer Dyanna Taylor, the granddaughter of Lange and writer/social scientist Paul Schuster Taylor, will discuss the film and her grandmother following the screening. This personal documentary of the artist whose empathy for people on the margins of society challenged America to know itself.
See Today’s West at Anouk Masson Krantz: “American Cowboys”
Through Jan. 22, Included with museum admission
Showcasing the enduring traditions around ranching and rodeo life from an outsider’s perspective, Anouk Masson Krantz: “American Cowboys” reflects the greatest virtues of America’s heritage in the largest exhibition of Krantz’s works to date. Ninety-three images share a fresh perspective of the enduring cowboy culture, the families, men, women, children and rodeo and ranching communities in the heartland of the great American West. Renowned for her large-scale contemporary photography and use of space that defines her elegant, minimalistic style, the international photographer and author has developed several notable bodies of work, including “West: The American Cowboy” (2019), “American Cowboys” (2021) and “Ranchland: Wagonhound” (2022).
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Exhibition Closing Weekend: “Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning” Screening and Discussion
Jan. 21, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., included with museum admission
The Briscoe’s DreamWeek programming also celebrates the closing weekend of American Cowboys. Explore the work of another photographer who shared stories of the American West through a film screening of “Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning,” followed by a Q&A with Lange’s granddaughter and narrator and director of the film Dyanna Taylor.
The Art of the Rodeo: Student Western Art Competition Exhibit
Through Feb. 4, Included with museum admission
Featuring the 12 winning entries in the 2024 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo’s Western Art Competition, the pop-up exhibit showcases the best work from the annual contest that includes 183 South Texas school districts across 54 counties, as well as those attending a private school or homeschooled in one of the eligible counties. Each of the works showcases an appreciation of western heritage, which the Briscoe and the Rodeo happily share. “A Cow and Her Girl”, a 2D watercolor painting by Siena Svendsen from the Geneva School in Boerne, is featured as “Best in Show”. Enjoy the rodeo exhibition during regular museum hours and be sure to stop by when you’re downtown for the Rodeo’s Western Heritage Weekend, Feb. 3.
Monthly Fun: Free Admission, Scavenger Hunts, Hands-on Education, Storytime
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Locals Days: Free for Local Residents
First Sunday of the month, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
To thank the San Antonio community for its continued support, the Briscoe Western Art Museum greets locals with free general admission on the first Sunday of each month. Locals Days through 2024 include Jan. 7, Feb. 4, Mar. 3, Apr. 7, May 5, June 2, July 2, Aug. 4, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. Children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe every day, as do active duty members of the military, making the Briscoe a terrific spot to enjoy any time.
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Scout the Briscoe: Free Scavenger Hunt
First Sunday of the month, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitors of all ages can learn about the American West in the Briscoe’s free monthly scavenger hunt. Test your skills navigating the museum’s 1.4 acre campus and 14 permanent galleries. The January hunt features John Coleman, the artist behind the first permanent work in the Briscoe’s collection. There are seven Coleman works in the Briscoe’s collection.
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Full STEAM Ahead: Free Education Series and Hands-on Fun
First Sunday of the month, 1 – 3 p.m.
Learners of all ages work together and engage in hands-on, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) learning experiences about the American West. Each of the activities ties back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts, bringing the West to life in a new way. From transportation and weather to animals, astronomy and engineering, each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning. Full STEAM Ahead is included with museum admission and free for museum members and locals.
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Storytime Stampede: Stories and More for Little Cowpokes
Third Saturday of the month, 10:30 – 11 a.m.
The younger set – and their caregivers – can enjoy stories told and acted out, books read aloud, movement activities, songs and art fun designed for young children ages 18 months to 5 years. Adults bringing children to Storytime Stampede receive half-off general museum admission and children 12 and under always receive free admission at the Briscoe, making Storytime Stampede affordable family fun. 2024 dates for Storytime Stampede include Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21.
Get Wild with Your Family: Free Wild West Wildlife Festival
Jan. 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Highlighting the animals and natural beauty that put the “wild” in the wild West, the free Wild West Wildlife Festival celebrates the flora and fauna that define the West. The Briscoe hosts a beastly day of animal fun, education and hands-on crafts for all ages. Activities highlight the wildlife that calls the West home, with a focus on Texas habitats and creatures great and small. The free festival features art, storytelling and more to inspire everyone to explore the nature all around them and includes free admission to the museum.
