Fall events are beginning at the Art Museum of South Texas! Here is a rundown of the cornucopia of exhibits art lovers can enjoy during the cooler months this year. (And by cooler, we mean according to Texas standards, where most of our fall color comes from art!)
"TARGET TEXAS: DRAWN WORLDS"
Sept. 4-Nov. 29
Venue: CHAPMAN GALLERY
This biennial exhibition series unites artists who work in common media with uniquely individual approaches. Target Texas 2020 features artwork created by six Texas artists depicting their “worlds” in graphite, using drawing and other unique studio techniques to depict interior thought, memory, and imagined states of being.
Accompanying the exhibit is a full-color catalog designed by Alexandria Canchola and underwritten by Jason Aigner, Monica Robertson, and Chris Boeker. The book is available for sale in the museum gift shop: $4 (member price) and $5 (not-yet-member price).
"Target Texas: Drawn Worlds" will feature works and commentary from artists Jorge Alegría of Corpus Christi, Michael Bise of Houston, Suzi Davidoff of El Paso, Kent Dorn of Houston, Ana Fernandez of San Antonio, and Ashley Thomas of Corpus Christi.
"TALL TALES AND HUGE HEARTS": Raul Colón
Sept. 10-Nov. 19
Venue: UPPER GALLERY
An exhibition of original art from acclaimed artist Raul Colón, who has illustrated over 30 children’s books. Colón opened at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in the fall of 2012 and has been recognized with a Golden Kite Award, two Pura Belpré Awards, and a gold and silver medal from the Society of Illustrators. He was included twice in the New York Public Library’s 100 titles for Reading and Sharing and has been a two-time recipient of the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award.
Colón uses a customized technique to create texture and rich, deep colors in his illustrations, which are done on watercolor paper combined with watercolor washes, etching, and the use of colored and litho pencils.
As a child, Colón had chronic asthma and would frequently be too bedridden to leave the house. He spent his time quarantined at home, filling up dozens of composition notebooks with many kinds of drawings.
“I even tried to write my own comic books,” Colón said. “My illness as a child, which kept me from going outside to play, became a blessing.”
Colón’s exhibit features over 18 titles showcasing artwork from books such as “Tomás and the Library Lady” (1997), “Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburg Pirates” (2005), “Doña Flor” (2005), “Angela and the Baby Jesus” (2008), and “Child of the Civil Rights Movement” (2009).
"ACROSS THE ATLANTIC: IMPRESSIONISM THROUGH THE FRENCH LENS"
Sept. 24, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021
Venue: KEELER, O'CONNOR, PEDROTTI, AND HORLOCK GALLERIES
A one-of-a-kind exhibition, drawn solely from the collection of the Reading Public Museum. The art takes viewers on a journey from Impressionism through the 19th century. Over 65 paintings and works on paper explore the new style of painting that emphasized light and atmospheric conditions, loose brushstrokes, and a focus on brightly colored scenes from everyday life. Artists featured in this series are Edgar Degas, Mary Cassatt, and Victor Vignon. Other early American artists to embrace the style include John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase, Childe Hassam, and Frank W. Benson.
AMST FALL MEMBER PREVIEW: VIRTUAL TOUR
Sept. 24
Venue: ONLINE
The Art Museum of South Texas presents the Fall Member Preview: Virtual Tour. The online event will feature walking gallery tours from featured artists for the exhibitions, including "A Layered Space: The Closet and the Bedroom," "Target Texas: Drawn Worlds," and "Across the Atlantic: American Impressionism Through the French Lens."
10X10 ARTIST TALKS: DIGITAL EVENT
Oct. 1-10, 2020
Venue: AMST SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES
The AMST lecture and discussion series returns in a new platform. This year, a group of 10 local creatives will share insights into their individual artistic processes. Every day from the Oct. 1, one of the brief interviews will be aired on AMST’s social media pages. Subscribe to not miss out!
Postponed until May 21
"WILLIAM WILHELMI: A CRESCENDO IN CLAY"
On view May 21-Nov. 28, 2021
This retrospective work of Corpus Christi artist William "Bill" Wilhelmi comes from his 50-plus years as a world-renowned ceramicist. Wilhelmi's creations include the iconic cowboy boot as well as delightful monsters, all made with masterful skill and a whimsical eye.
As the museum remains open at a limited visitor capacity, safety precautions recommended by county and state government officials will be followed and include mandatory face coverings. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the galleries, and AMST staff clean the museum daily.