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Date

May 23 2024 - Jul 01 2024
Expired!

Time

Opening Night: Thurs., May 23, 2024 at 6 PM
All Day

I Am Home: A Retrospective Exhibition of Anel I. Flores with Invited Artists in Queer Kinship

San Antonian Anel Flores Art Retrospective I Am Home to Open at Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio on May 23, 2024

The Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio is proud to announce the upcoming opening of I Am Home, a retrospective exhibition featuring the captivating works of esteemed artist Anel I. Flores. The exhibition will showcase Flores’ remarkable journey through art, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and homecoming. The opening reception will take place on May 23, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio located at 600 Hemisfair Plaza way, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

Anel Flores, a prominent figure in the San Antonio art scene, brings her unique perspective to the forefront in I Am Home. Through a diverse array of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media, Flores invites viewers to delve into her world, where each piece serves as a reflection of personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the vibrant spirit of the San Antonio and South Texas queer community.

“I’m thrilled to present this retrospective exhibit, which celebrates not only my own artistic journey but also the rich tapestry of voices within the San Antonio queer community,” says Flores. “Through art, we have the power to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.”

Flores has chosen to feature eight additional artists from the San Antonio queer community. Erika Casasola, Daniela Paz Talamantes Martinez, Hailey Gearo, Anthony Francis, Red Rojas, Ocelotl Mora, Julián Pablo Ledezma, and Rose Two Feathers Hernandez will also exhibit art in various mediums.

In addition to the Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio, the exhibition is generously sponsored by the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center and the San Antonio Pride Center, organizations dedicated to promoting social justice, inclusivity, and empowerment within the community.

Robert Salcido, Jr., the Executive Director of Pride Center San Antonio echoes these sentiments, stating, “Supporting queer artists is crucial for fostering representation in the arts. By uplifting queer voices, we create space for authentic storytelling and challenge societal norms. It also sends a powerful message of acceptance and inclusion, helping to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all artists and those who see themselves in art to thrive.”

The opening reception on May 23, 2024, promises to be an unforgettable event, offering attendees the opportunity to experience the artistry of Anel Flores firsthand while mingling with fellow art enthusiasts and community members. Admission is free, and light refreshments will be provided.

For more information about I Am Home and other upcoming exhibits at the Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio, please visit https://icm.sre.gob.mx/culturamexsa/  or contact [Contact Information].

Event Details:

  • What: Anel Flores Art Retrospective I Am Home Opening Reception

  • When: Reception May 23, 2024, 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Exhibit in gallery May 23 to July 1, 2024

  • Where: Mexican Cultural Institute of San Antonio, 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way, San Antonio, TX 78205

  • Admission: Free

Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of art and the vibrant diversity of the San Antonio community at the I Am Home exhibit.

Media Contact:

Anel I. Flores

Artist

Anel Flores Studio and La Otra Taller Nepantla

(210) 316-7029

anelflores@me.com

About Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio:

The Mexican Cultural Institute San Antonio is dedicated to promoting the richness and diversity of Mexican culture through a variety of artistic and educational programs. By showcasing the work of established and emerging artists, the institute strives to foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding within the San Antonio community.

About Anel I. Flores:

Anel Flores is a renowned artist based in San Antonio, TX, known for her evocative explorations of identity, culture, and social justice. Visual artist and author of Empanada: A Lesbiana Story en Probaditas and Curtains of Rain, Anel I. Flores, has exhibited and published internationally in journals and museums. They are a Mellon Foundation DRJ Fellow, a Catalyst for Change Fellow, former visiting author at OLLU, a Macondo Writer, founder of La Otra Taller Nepantla and Queer Voices. Currently, she is at work on her graphic memoir, Painted Red, and the bilingual edition of Empanada. Through her powerful artwork, Flores seeks to challenge perceptions, spark conversations, and inspire positive change within society. For contact information and examples of her art visit  www.Anelflores.com or anelflores@me.com.

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Connie Garza

TACTICAL PLANNING COORDINATOR

Connie is a native San Antonian with roots planted deeply on San Antonio’s Southside. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Global Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Passionate about building strong communities, Connie loves acting as a connector to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and people to help each other reach their goals and work together. She works inbetween the Cultural Placemaking team and the Mainstreet Economic Development team, bringing vibrancy and support to urban core businesses to make downtown the place to be. When not at work, you can usually find her at the local plant nursery buying another plant, exploring new cafes/breweries, and spending time with family.

Priscilla Lopez

CHIEF OF STAFF

Priscilla or “P.Lo” as her teammates affectionately call her, has 20 years of corporate administrative experience. Priscilla attended The University of San Antonio with a focus on Business Administration. In her role as office “fixer,” she handles everything from communications and relationship management to IT sleuthing. On weekends you can find her enjoying a Truly poolside. She lives the vegan lifestyle and is  a proud member of the Peleton community.

Michael Cirlos

JEDI CAMERAMAN

Michael began his studies and volunteer work at Webster University Thailand with a focus on international relations and Buddhism. After returning to San Antonio and graduating from UTSA, Michael began photographing and telling the stories of people in Downtown San Antonio to help connect and increase awareness of our vibrant urban culture. Michael’s work has appeared in several news media organizations, and has produced digital content for small- and large-scale marketing campaigns for Red Bull, COSA Department of Arts and Culture, World Heritage Office, National Park Service, and others. Michael is a former Pecha Kucha San Antonio Speaker, best-selling author at Trinity University Press, entrepreneur, and adventurer.

JanIe Garza

OFFICE MANAGER

Janie is a native of Corpus Christi, TX and has made San Antonio her home since 2012. Her 15+ years’ experience allows her to serve a broad range of functions that allow the organization to operate efficiently, including, accounts receivable/payable, record management, information technology, office management, and assisting with human resources. Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her family, visiting local art museums, and enjoying a German beer in Southtown.

Matt Sirgo

DIRECTOR OF STORYTELLING

Matt graduated from Texas Tech University in 2016 with a Dual Major in Media Strategies and Honors Arts & Letters with a minor in Italian (Benvenuto a tutti!). Matt oversees the marketing, public relations, and digital content for Centro. After sharing the story of Downtown San Antonio on digital channels, he enjoys creating TikToks about LGBTQ+ media. His mug graces a Fiesta Mural on the St. Mary’s Strip just north of Downtown. You can’t miss it. 

Elizabeth Burt

DIRECTOR OF URBAN ACTIVATION + PLAY

Liz is a passionate underutilized space evangelist known for collaboration matchmaking + play based troublemaking (snow, pumpkins, and Parisian mimes included). She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Public Policy studying Public Administration (#BirdsUp)! More recently, she oversaw the award winning Activate Houston Street Initiative, a placemaking action plan to reinvigorate the historic pedestrian corridor in the heart of Downtown, which is recognized as a Best Practice in Public Space Management by the International Downtown Association, for which she is also a proud Emerging Leader Fellow.

Jacqueline Lucio

DIRECTOR OF DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE

Jacque is a longtime downtowner with a deep passion for community service. She oversees Centro’s Clean & Safe and Homeless Outreach services, which aim to create a more beautiful, welcoming, inclusive, and hospitable downtown. For nearly two decades, Jacque has lived in downtown San Antonio and has been actively involved in the transformation of the urban core. Through her work with nonprofits, local government, and news media, she’s continually focused on championing more sustainable, diverse, and equitable communities. Jacque has led efforts to support asylum seekers, served as communications director for City Council District 5, and served in public affairs role for Clear Channel Outdoor San Antonio. Jacque studied Mass Communications and Mexican-American Studies at UTSA.

Sarah Esserlieu Khalil

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Sarah is a passionate urbanist who has spent the majority of her career on downtown revitalization efforts. Downtown is the best part of any city where you can find the finest history, culture, life, and beauty. Sarah has a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of California, San DiegoSarah enjoys visiting small local businesses, enjoying foodie culture, cooking, hiking, and visiting the cities of the world. 

Andi Rodriguez

VICE PRESIDENT OF CULTURAL PLACEMAKING

Andi is a long-time urban champion and leads Centro ‘people projects which tell our stories and bring us joy, such as Centro’s Art Everywhere and Zona Cultural. Serving on the Leadership Council of Urban Land Institute, she is a former city Planning Commissioner, Founding Chair of the Hemisfair Conservancy, Co-founder of Power of Preservation/PROM, former Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women and immediate past Chair of Leadership San Antonio. Andi considers herself a servant leader; she has an MS in Architecture/Urban Planning, and enjoys advocating for the unifying power of art, history, and public space.

KANDICE PERKINS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Kandice is a Sunnyvale, CA native and has made San Antonio her home since 2014She graduated from University of Argosy in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and continued to complete her Master’s in Business Administration from University of Phoenix 2020. She has worked in downtown San Antonio for years, bringing 15+ years of accounting experience to the organization and has been tasked with promoting and developing the city’s urban core. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, managing her family’s businesses, and enjoys cooking and baking.  

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs 

TRISH DEBERRY

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Trish– aka Captain Marvel – believes that superheroes come in all shapes and sizes. With her intellect and a passion for making a difference, there is no doubt that Trish is built for speed and performance to find solutions to problems most find too vexing to conquer.  In fact, a Lamborghini has nothing on this force of nature.

A native San Antonian with a degree from Trinity University, Trish has a deep and abiding love for the Alamo City. She has led successful campaign initiatives for 25 years that have literally changed the landscape and face of the community.

Though Trish doesn’t have the ability to see the future like Captain Marvel, she has been called a visionary and wants to bring big ideas to bear regarding the future of downtown.

Before Trish became President/CEO of Centro San Antonio, she founded two full-service marketing and communications firms that she led for 20 years – both of which were headquartered in downtown.  She was also an active member of Centro during that time serving as board chair twice and providing leadership as the entity transformed from The Downtown Alliance to Centro San Antonio. 

When Trish isn’t blazing trails throughout the urban core, she is honing her superpowers of strength and agility on a bike at a spin studio – on pace for a remarkable 1,200 rides. We told you she was built for record-setting speed!  She’s also a supermom to her two kids Scott and Maddie who provide the fuel to her sparkle and non-stop energy.