Everything Under The Sun: Neighborhood Arts Community

Bihl Haus Arts home, with pool in front.

It's an arts organization with an interesting name, BIHL HAUS ARTS, located on what was considered a route out of San Antonio, but now an important part of an expanded city. The interesting name comes from the original owner and builder, George David Bihl. After the building had become rundown when it was left vacant, it was given new life when senior apartments were built nearby and the community came together to restore the structure. Since 2005, the organization has presented diverse and critically acclaimed cultural programming.

From Aug. 27 to Sept. 24, Bihl Haus Arts is presenting an exhibition of the works of JD Morera, entitled "Infinite Realm of Abstraction". The opening reception took place by the pool, right outside of the building, with music by Antonio Martinez and Friends. Spanish-style tapas and sangria sated the crowd's hunger.

JD Morera's art presents the essence of landscape through pictorial elements. Through careful brush strokes, he lays vivid color next to vivid color, and often uses accent strokes of deep blacks and browns, creating the illusion of rising from the void. Yet, landscape and cityscape are central to the works.

JD discussed the process of creating art as "one of the most elevated functions of the human brain. The dominant factor in creativity is imagination. Throughout years of maturing my art this factor has become a portal through which to create paintings that are neither premeditated or contrived. My art is brain activity using color to decipher the enigma codes of the imagination. My artistic intent is to reveal the infinite realm of abstraction. My art contains form without structure, color without definition in the visual spectrum, line without the rigidity of contour. Intuition-based painting executed alla prima is the base format through which I create art. My paintings generate pareidolia, the phenomenon of perceiving faces and figures in clouds, landforms and abstract paintings.

On Oct. 13, Bihl House Arts is presenting "Roaring 20s Themed Fundraising Gala", themed as "The Great Gatsby Meets Great Big Texas". In addition, right before the gala, there is the opening reception for a new art installation by artist Laurel Gibson entitled "Embroidering The Old Spanish Trail". Guests are encouraged to dress in their fine flapper dresses, gangster suits, tuxedos, and other 1920s garb.

A variety of people participate in Bihl Haus Arts programs.

The Gala's theme ties in nicely with the construction in the 1920's of the Old Spanish Trail, or Transcontinental Highway, that was centered in San Antonio and stretches from Florida to California, as represented in the exhibition.

Music will be provided by Texas Gypsies, who perform original and classic music influenced by jazz and swing of the 1920s. Attendees can also take some dance lessons from professional dancers right at the scene.

Executive Director Kellen McIntyre explains the importance of this event, "Financial support from the community that we receive from our annual gala allows Bihl Haus Arts to continue to offer arts programs for seniors, present wonderful exhibitions year-round and support local artists."

One of JD Morera's paintings.

In addition, Ms. McIntyre discussed the opening exhibition, "Laurel Gibson's elegant hand-embroidered and drawn depictions on 1920s player piano rolls presents the music and multi-ethnic cultures within Southern neighborhoods connected by the 1920s transcontinental highway called the Old Spanish Trail."