Family-friendly activities and fine arts (right) at Southwest School of Art and Craft’s Fiesta Arts Fair.
Photos courtesy Fiesta Arts Fair.


Art of Fiesta prevails at San Antonio fair

By Ernie Altgelt

Every April, San Antonio fires up with Fiesta fever. Parades, parties and pageantry rule as eager throngs gather at a host of happenings to celebrate the season.

For many, the premier event of this joyous time is the fabulous, family-friendly, Fiesta Arts Fair where attendees revel in a spirited atmosphere of music, merriment and munchies while delighting in the creativity and craftsmanship of 125 displaying (and vending) artisans.

Since 1973, the Fiesta Arts Fair, sponsored by and conveniently located on the grounds of the respected Southwest School of Art and Craft, has been an official kick-off event for the city’s legendary, annual, Fiesta® San Antonio celebration.

Since its inception, the fair has attracted thousands who appreciate the combination of enjoying entertainments, good food and drink with the opportunity to experience and acquire fine original art.

To ensure a high level of quality in the works offered, all artists must submit samples of their works before being invited to participate. As Barbara Hill, director of public programs for the school, explains, “We look for the best in original, handmade work. We don’t accept anything mass-produced or made from a kit. And, the artist who created the work must accompany it.”
The 125 artists selected for this year’s event came from a pool of more than 400. Items available for purchase from the individual artists include ceramics, paintings, jewelry, glass, photography, wearable art and other works. Offerings can range in price from $15 to several thousand dollars.

Because of its past success, the event is nationally recognized as a top juried art fair. American Style earlier this year even lauded the Fiesta Arts Fair by listing it as one of the “can’t miss” festivals in the United States during April.

On the school’s beautiful, shaded campus (originally the home of the historic Ursuline Academy) situated along the banks of the San Antonio River, the majority of space is devoted to the artists’ booths.

Visitors can comfortably stroll among the stunning displays and are encouraged to visit with the showing artists and craftsmen.
Shopping and art however, are only part of the fun. Two stages offer continuous entertainment as musicians dazzle their audiences with an eclectic mix of bluegrass, blues, zydeco, honky-tonk and jazz. For those not inclined to dance, seating is available.
Food and beverages are also in abundance. Fiesta favorites abound, including fajita and sausage tacos, gorditas, roasted corn, paletas and other regional specialties.

For the thirsty, there’s plenty of ice cold soft drinks, beer, margaritas and aguas frescas. Salude!

One of the primary reasons for the Fiesta Art Fair’s ongoing popularity is its appeal to visitors of all ages. As Barbara reminds, “Where mom and dad might be more interested in seeking a decorative bargain, sipping a cool one and grooving to the sounds, the youngsters have their activities too.”

At the Children’s Art Garden, professional artist-teachers introduce eager girls and boys to the joys of creation. Bright-eyed, youthful Picassos generate myriad fiesta medals, mobiles, prints, clay sculptures, paintings, beadwork and more as they explore different media and techniques.

There is even a special concession area serving tasty treats guaranteed to appeal to kids of all ages.

FYI • The Fiesta Arts Fair (at the Southwest School of Art and Craft) is at 300 Augusta Street just north of downtown San Antonio Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22. Hours are Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is $6 for adults. Two-day passes are available for $10. Admission for children ages five to 12 is $3, and kids four and younger get in free. There is ample paid parking in the vicinity.

All proceeds from the fair benefit classes and community programs of the Southwest School of Art and Craft. For more information on the school and fair, call 210-224-1848 or visit the web site at www.swschool.org.