Texas Contemporary Artists Series Opening Night at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures

I have been selected to be the first artist in the Texas Contemporary Texas Artists Series at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures. The series will change quarterly and serves to spotlight contemporary Texas artists from San Antonio. It is curated by Arturo Almeida-curator to the UTSA Permanent Collection. 

 

I am overjoyed  that the cuento my father used to tell my brothers and sister when we were growing up is prominently featured next to the color inlayed woodcut in the exhibit. There is a photo of him during the war that is also displayed. This is serendipitous because there is currently an ongoing exhibit at the museum that relates the contribution of Mexican Americans to the WWII effort. It has always been my goal to be able to share my father's story with others. 

The exhibit will be on display from January 12th to March 29th 2009. If you are in town or happen to have time, I would appreciate a visit or comment. The opening evening was presided over by Dr. Ricardo Romo and followed by an intro by Arturo Almeida and a short artist talk. I thank all my supporters for showing up for the evening event and look forward to any comments or questions. 

Update 03.10.09 I just recently got word that I was mentioned in the "Notable Hispanic Events" calender in HISPANIC Magazine this month!!!

Manuel Diosdado Castillo—A cultural warrior has come to pass...

My friend and camarada Manuel Diosdado Castillo has come to pass. Manuel had been battling cancer and finally went on to his next journey...yesterday evening. It was Dia De Los Reyes and it was such a fitting day for him to begin his next journey...He will be missed by many-he went everywhere and made an impact in so many peoples' lives...As executive director of San Anto Cultural Center.

His contributions to San Antonio culture and arts in the West Side are inumerable and invaluable. His presence and participation with the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture leaves us all at a loss...Buena Fortuna on your next journey Manuel...a candle is lit for you and may you join the rest of the warriors that follow the Sun across the sky everyday into the underworld...the sky during the caravan to the interment @ San Fernando-IIIManny was brought in with all his friends surrounding him. He touched and broght together so many people that the day of his interment the raza came out to wave him goodbye as the caravan drove by following the San Anto Mural Route. It was very special, to say the least...we will miss that Vato Loco that had the Right Stuff and saw the Right Stuff in everyone around him...