Calendar of Events and Exhibits

Visiting Exhibits

The Changing Identity of El Dia de los Muertos Revealed in Photography and Muralism, September 26 - November 12, 2006. Join in the festivities of El Dia de los Muertos, and examine how time, intersecting cultural celebrations, and mass media have changed the face of this tradition. El Dia de los Muertos is a mixture of indigenous and Spanish colonial religious practices with very complex origins that, over time, has been impacted by the celebration of Halloween in Mexico and Chicano communities in the U.S. The Changing Identity of el Dia De Los Muertos Revealed in Photography and Muralism offers perspective on El Dia de los Muertos, and examines the cultural and symbolic relationship between the traditional prehispanic El Dia De Los Muertos celebrations and the powerful imagery of Halloween. An adjoining area of the exhibit will feature a mural designed and painted by Enrique Martinez. The mural will be in keeping with the theme of El Dia de los Muertos and its process of evolution and redefinition here in south Texas and the Chicano communities where it is celebrated.

Seven-String Barbed Wire Fence: Many Faces of Latino Immigration in the United States, October 17, 2006-January 14, 2007. Witness the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico border and immigration debate through the eyes of photo journalist Diana Molina in the photographic art essay Seven-String Barbed Wire Fence: Many Faces of Latino Immigration in the United States . The exhibit chronicles the states on the U.S. and Mexico border with images of recent immigrants, pro- and anti-immigration protesters, and symbols of separation, hope, acceptance, and freedom. Molina's photos and artifacts document recent rallies for workers rights, opposition to legislation to tighten border security, and a network of anti-immigrant sentiment. Collages demonstrate the effect of transnational immigrant labor on the economy and an unknown risk taker's ultimate sacrifice.

Events

Documentary: Beyond the Border. October 17, 2006 -- January 14, 2007 (excluding Mondays), 3, 4, and 5 p.m. in the ITC Bluebonnet Theater. This documentary shares the story of four brothers that band together to begin new lives in the United States while maintaining close ties to their family in Mexico. The film supplements the exhibit Seven-String Barbed Wire Fence: Many Faces of Latino Immigration in the United States. Entry is included in the price of museum admission.

San Antonio Premiere of La Tragedia de Macario. October 27, 7 p.m. in the ITC Fountain Theatre. UTSA graduate and aspiring filmmaker Pablo Véliz debuted this film to packed audiences at the Sundance Film Festival in February 2006. Now, Véliz is bringing La Tragedia de Macario home to San Antonio for a local premiere and short-run engagement at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles, La Tragedia de Macario tells the story of one man's struggle to provide for his family, ultimately resulting in a fatal effort to cross the Mexico / U.S. border in search of work. $7 adults; $4 children 3-12, seniors 65+, and military with ID.

La Tragedia de Macario. October 28 and October 31 -- November 5, 4 p.m. in the ITC Fountain Theatre. UTSA graduate and aspiring filmmaker Pablo Véliz debuted this film to packed audiences at the Sundance Film Festival in February 2006. Now, the film has come home to San Antonio for a short-run engagement at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles, La Tragedia de Macario tells the story of one man's struggle to provide for his family, ultimately resulting in a fatal effort to cross the Mexico / U.S. border in search of work. Admission to the film is included in the price of museum admission.

Halloween Howl’r. Sunday, October 29. 12 - 5 p.m. Back 40. Your family can celebrate the spooky Halloween tradition with ghostly storytelling, a baffling hay-bale maze, crafty pumpkin painting, a tricky treasure hunt, the wild Wiggle Waggle train ride, and more! Get a hot dog, and then enjoy the fun activities! This event is included in the regular price of admission.

Holiday Texas. Sunday, December 3. 12 - 5 p.m. Back 40. You are invited to join in a new tradition at our inaugural holiday event! Enjoy performances by the ITC players and delight in the music of strolling carolers. Families can create their own holiday ornaments while they sip hot chocolate and sample other traditional treats! This event is included in the regular price of admission.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The ITC Players. ITC Exhibit Floor and Back 40. The ITC Players capture the imaginations of visitors from miles around with their historical journey to the past. Don’t miss the costumed live dramatic presentations of characters from the rich cultural heritage of Texas. These Gallery Theater presentations are offered throughout the year on the Exhibit Floor and the ITC Back 40. Sunday performances are at 2:15 p.m. For additional show times, call 210-458-2262.

ITC Library and Photo Archives. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. The ITC Library contains more than 3 million images documenting everyday life and special occasions in the lives of people of diverse ethnic groups in Texas from the 19th century to the present. Stop by for a glimpse of Texan history and its cultures revealed through these intriguing images. For the details, contact Patrick Lemelle at 210-458-2298.

Date modified: September 1, 2006

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