Thursday, Dec. 12 6 p.m.
Bringing together the area's most creative minds, top designers compete in front of a live audience to create an original and innovate poster design. In addition to the inspired competition, guests can enjoy refreshments, door prizes, and the comedic stylings of local funnyman Cleto Rodriguez. In the spirit of the holidays, guests are asked to bring canned goods and unwrapped toys in exchange for a raffle ticket.
Location: Finesilver Building (816 Camaron St.) 2) Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair
Friday, Dec. 13 5 p.m.
Perfect for scoring last-minute holiday gifts, the fair features dozen of vendors peddling handmade, local products. Items for the home and garden will be for sale in addition to typical clothing and trinket options. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Riverwalk, the event will also offer food, drink, and activities for the whole family.
Location: The Riverwalk
3) REM Gallery Second Friday
Friday, Dec. 13 6 p.m.
A special edition of the gallery's popular Second Friday, REM will host a holiday reception along with a viewing of artist Jason Stout's exhibition. Named "Bandits and Candidates by the Shale," the collection features intricate, bright drawings and paintings by the acclaimed artist. The reception will offer refreshments as well as stimulating conversation on art, society, and life.
Location: REM Gallery (219 E. Park Ave.)
4) La Gran Tamalada
Saturday, Dec. 14 11 a.m.
The Christmas season in San Antonio would be nothing without the tamale. In honor of this hometown holiday classic, the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center will host a special tamale-making event. The tamale-making workshop is tailored to fit every cooking skill level while teaching both the history and the culture behind the Tex-Mex favorite.
Location: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center (1300 Guadalupe St.)
5) Pace Foundation Installation Celebration
Saturday, Dec. 14 3 p.m.
Aimed at introducing the general public to modern art in non-traditional settings, the Pace Foundation is celebrating its first large-scale art installation in Main Plaza. Adam, a 2,500 square-foot red-and-white abstract wall painting by acclaimed Venezuelan-born artist Arturo Herrera, will add a pop of color and culture to the downtown area, inspiring conversations and thoughts on contemporary art. In honor of the installation, the Pace Foundation will host a ceremony featuring public officials, foundation members, and—of course—the artist himself.
Location: Main Plaza (111 Soledad St.)6) The Winter Solstice: A Holiday Fashion Exhibition
Saturday, Dec. 14 6 p.m.
Shanavier McLemore joins local clothing designers to present an evening of fashion, food, and fun. The designers will debut their Holiday 2014 collections through the use of an abstract art installation as opposed to a traditional catwalk runway. Cocktail attire is preferred, and guests are encouraged to dress to impress as it might win the them the title of Best Dressed.
Location: Style Comfort Relativity (3609 Broadway)7) Second Saturday at Lady Base
Saturday, Dec. 14 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of exhibition by artists Maricela Olguin and Andrew Leo Stansbury with a special Second Saturday reception at Lady Base. The event will offer guests the opportunity to preview the exhibition as well as hear from the artists themselves through a featured Artist Talk at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lady Base (1913 S. Flores St.)8) SA Coffee Festival
Saturday, Dec. 14 10 a.m.
Sample dozens of coffees from both the San Antonio area and around the globe as you soak up the rich historical background of La Villita. Featuring discussions with roastmasters, samplings, and a variety of coffees available for purchase, this event is a must-attend for brewhounds.
Location: La Villita (418 Villita St.)9) Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, Dec. 14 12 p.m.
Holy cow? Animals of all sizes are welcomed to Market Square for a special blessing. The annual event, held worldwide in honor of the animals present at the Nativity, will also feature food and craft booths as well as a petting zoo. For those feeling extra charitable this holiday season, shelter pets will be onsite for immediate adoption.
Location: Market Square (514 W. Commerce St.)10) Brooke Gassiot Display
Saturday, Dec. 14 7 p.m.
Sculptural video installations of Texas artist Brooke Gassiot will be featured in the 107 Gallery on Saturday. Simultaneously, the Lullwood Group will offer a selection of work available for purchase—perfect for the culture maven on your Christmas list.
Location: 107 Gallery (107 Lonestar Blvd.)
