Step into the ‘Calavera Collection’ at La Villita Historic Arts Village this October! 🌺✨ Featuring over 40 giant skulls intricately hand-painted by San Antonio artists, this free exhibit will be on display during the Day of the Dead festival in Maverick Plaza, along the River Walk, and at Chef Johnny Hernandez’s restaurants.
Curated by renowned artist Rubio, this vibrant collection celebrates the beauty of the sugar skull and our rich cultural heritage. Special thanks to sponsors CPS Energy, Noble Texas Builders, Frost Bank, and Chef Johnny Hernandez for making this possible. 🎨💀✨
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This year, ten, giant, new skulls have been created for San Antonio’s popular Calavera Collection, featuring 40 stunning calaveras hand-painted by local artists. They’re now on display in Maverick Plaza, throughout La Villita, and along the River Walk. These colorful and intricately painted calaveras may also be found at Chef Johnny Hernandez’ popular restaurants throughout the city, including La Gloria, Burgerteca, Casa Hernan, and others.
JARDIN DE MUERTOS
BY DANI TORAL
An interdisciplinary artist, Toral explores her Hispanic heritage through vibrant botanical and culinary visuals, drawing from her upbringing in Mexico City
đź“ŤFIND IT AT LA VILLITA
MEMENTO BY JAGWIRED ART
Works that delve into culture and symbology, using vibrant colors to explore the connections between humans and nature, transporting viewers into fantastical realms.
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BLOOSOM OF BONES Â BY CHANEL AVILA
Progressing to the back of the skull I pay great homage to my grandparents.
đź“ŤFIND IT AT LA VILLITA
DEATH’S DISCERNMENT Â BY ELIJAH & ELLIYAH POSADA
Twin sibling artists from San Antonio, the Posadas have cultivated their love for art through collaborative projects and community engagement.
đź“ŤFIND IT AT LA VILLITA
ST MICHAEL ARCHANGEL BY CAROLINA FLORES
With a BFA and MFA in painting, Flores’ expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colors have garnered her recognition, including pieces in the Smithsonian archives.
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FOREVER YOURS BY LOOT ACHRIS
Based in San Antonio, Achris earned her BFA from the Southwest School of Art in 2018.
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THERMAL GRAPHICS
BY ROMA SANDOVAL
Born in San Antonio, Sandoval is a Mexican and Native American painter with a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design.
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CELEBRATION
BY CONNIE CHAPA
A prominent “Low Brow” artist, Chapa blends kitsch with a contemporary edge. Often crafted on deep black velvet, draw from vintage pin-up and whimsical cartoons.
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EL PASO BY ENRIQUE MARTINEZ
My skull, “El Paso” represents the passage of the dead, into our mortal realm on the Day of the Dead.
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MY 90 WESTSIDE STORY BY ANGELICA GOMEZ MAYORGA
Progressing to the back of the skull I pay great homage to my grandparents.
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VECINO BY PHIL LANE
The idea and theme were inspired by a message posted on a church billboard, “Love your neighbor. No exceptions.“
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COMO LA CHICHARRA BY ARIEL LUNA ANAIS
In glimmering song, the insects gently lead the sunset procession like spiritual guides for those departed.
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LIFE / DEATH BY EVA MARENGO SANCHEZ
My calavera is about how close life and death are to each other.
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RESILIENT LOVE BY GABRIEL GARCIA
Growing up in San Antonio, nopales had mostly existed in the periphery of my daily life.
đź“ŤFIND IT AT LA VILLITA
FLOWER POWER BY MICHELLE LOVE
Flower Power was inspired by the cycle of Life. Flowers symbolize the beauty of Life and celebration of the joyful moments that make Life worth living.
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LEGENDS NEVER DIE BY CRYSTAL ARIAS
My calavera is paying tribute to Riley Gale from Power Trip and Wade Allison from Iron Age.
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DE LAS ESTRELLAS, HASTA LA TIERRA BY GERARDO Q GARCIA
We, as humans, are made of star dust & upon death, we feed the earth with our physical remains.
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SMILE NOW, FLY LATER
BY SHEK VEGA AND NIK SOUP
In the world we find ourselves in it can be difficult to find a reason to smile.
đź“ŤFIND IT AT UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine
PEPSI BY RUBIO
Rubio is a Contemporary Chicano Artist, San Antonio born and raised in the West Side.
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CRYSTAL VISIONS BY CELESTE DE LUNA
CRYSTAL VISIONS WAS INSPIRED BY MIGRATION OF THREATENED ANIMALS IN TEXAS
đź“ŤFIND IT AT LA GLORIA BROOKS
DISSENTER’S HOPE BY ANABEL TORIBIO-MARTINEZ
Dissenter’s Hope is a homage to the honorable Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
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SPECIAL THANK YOU TO RUBIOÂ
ZARAPE
Rubio is a Contemporary Chicano Artist, born and raised in the West Side of San Antonio. Rubio has instructed community-based public art programming through non-profit arts organizations.
đź“ŤFIND IT AT THE PEARL
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