The City of San Antonio will recognize the creative and cultural achievements of local artists and organizations during the inaugural Distinction in the Arts Celebration on Monday, Nov. 23. The event, hosted by Councilmember Roberto C. Treviño (D1), will honor several individuals including: Teresa Champion, Naomi Shihab Nye, Flaco Jimenez, Vincent Valdez and H-E-B for their contributions to San Antonio’s arts and culture scene.
“San Antonio is a city known throughout the world for having a vibrant and unique arts and culture scene,” said Council member Treviño. “This would not be possible without the local visual and performing artists and organizations that contribute so greatly to our community. It’s only fitting that we honor them for their achievements.”
Dance
World-class dancer Teresa Champion has taught and fought to establish San Antonio as a global community with an incredible dance culture. She co-founded Flamenco in San Antonio with her husband William, celebrating the graceful and spirited cultural dance.
Writing
Naomi Shihab Nye is one of the premier Palestinian-American writers in the United States. A self-described “wandering poet,” Nye grew up in St. Louis, Jerusalem and San Antonio. She has written several acclaimed books of poetry including “19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East,” “Fuel,” and “You & Yours.”
Music
Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez and his accordion are deeply embedded in San Antonio’s cultural fabric, but the music icon has helped popularize Tejano music throughout the world. Throughout his established career, the San Antonio native has received five Grammy awards and been inducted into the National Hispanic Hall of Fame and the International Latin Music Hall of Fame.
Arts
Artist Vincent Valdez has traveled the world for his paintings and drawings– he attended The Rhode Island School of Design, spent time at the Vermont Studio Center and completed the Kunstlerhaus Bethania Residency in Berlin. Fortunately, Valdez’s work always brings him back to his hometown, which the artist has helped establish as a center for innovative and creative design.
Support for the Arts
H-E-B is known as a leading corporation in Texas, but the institution also provides large donations for art in communities throughout the state. Over the years, H-E-B has supported the work and public art of local artists including Alex Rubio, Vincent Valdez and the late Chuck Ramirez. The H-E-B Performance Hall in the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is a recent example of the company’s dedication and support to local art organizations including the San Antonio Symphony, Ballet San Antonio and Opera San Antonio.
The free event is open to the public and will be held on Monday, Nov. 23, 6-8 p.m. at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
Updated on Monday, 11 a.m.: Reservations are no longer available for this event as the concert hall has reached its capacity.
*Top image: Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Scott Ball.
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