Blue Star Contemporary announces an exhibition curated by Sharmila Wood and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI) on view from June 2 through September 3, 2023. Actions for the Earth is a traveling exhibition that considers how artistic practices use kinship, healing, and restorative intervention to foster a deeper consciousness of our interconnectedness with the Earth.

This exhibition turns to a group of interdisciplinary artists to engage with the overlapping, worldwide crises of our time. Ongoing climate change, entrenched social inequity, and renewed concerns over public health have all underscored the need for approaches that take on global responsibilities while caring for our local environment. For decades, artists have sought to find new antidotes to oppressive structures of power and promoted a greater understanding of the many ways that nature, health, and sustainability are intertwined.

Actions for the Earth presents the work of eighteen intergenerational artists and collectives who place action, instruction, reciprocity, and exchange at the forefront of their practices. By sharing their participatory artistic interventions and healing strategies alongside research in ecology, science, and ancient beliefs, these artists remind us that we are connected within a constellation of living networks, inseparable from the planet and its environments. Artworks on view create space for the honoring of ancestors, foreground the significance of Indigenous knowledge, and engage in speculative imaginings through science fiction and network sciences—organic, digital, and spiritual.

In its curatorial approach, Actions for the Earth acts as a resource for studying our current times. The works on view not only emphasize themes of learning, care, and intimacy but offer concrete knowledge by inviting the public to participate in actions such as instruction-based meditation and deep listening activities. The life of these works, and the interventions they propose, extend far beyond the scope of the exhibition to engage people in their personal contexts. 

Artists: Ackroyd and Harvey, Lhola Amira, Arahmaiani, Sayan Chanda, Hylozoic/Desires (Himali Singh Soin & David Soin Tappeser), lololol, Ana Mendieta, Zarina Muhammad, Patrina Mununggurr, Pauline Oliveros, Yoko Ono, Tabita Rezaire, Eric-Paul Riege, Cecilia Vicuña, Katie West, and Zheng Bo

Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology is a traveling exhibition curated by Sharmila Wood and produced by Independent Curators International (ICI), New York. Lead funding is provided by the Hartfield Foundation as part of an initiative to support ICI’s commitment to new curatorial voices who will shape the future of the field, and ICI’s Curatorial Intensive alumni as they move through the stages of their career. Actions for the Earth is made possible with the generous support of ICI’s Board of Trustees and International Forum.

The presentation at Contemporary at Blue Star has been organized in collaboration with Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray.

ABOUT THE CURATOR

Sharmila Wood applies a multidisciplinary approach to curating that weaves together writing, research, design, and communications. Her latest project, Actions for the Earth: Art, Care and Ecology is an exhibition being produced by Independent Curator’s International. The tour begins at Contemporary at Blue Star opening June 2, 2023 – September 3, 2023. The project exemplifies Sharmila’s interest in creating participatory exhibitions and fostering dialogue around ecological, political, and social issues that could expand the possibilities of future utopias on planet Earth.

She is Director at Tarruru, a purpose-driven multidisciplinary creative studio, and consultancy. In this role, Sharmila has delivered public art projects, developed programming, led concept ideation, and created the blueprint for an iconic new cultural center that rethinks the role of cultural institutions in civic, cultural, and economic life. Sharmila’s curatorial practice reflects her interest in art and design movements that engage with contemporary issues. As an Australian of mixed ancestry, she is interested in hybridity and globalizing encounters that engage with heritage, tradition, and diverse knowledge systems. 

Sharmila has provided creative direction on major publishing and design initiatives and managed commissions across the arts. Her writing has been published in numerous books and journals. She has also delivered a number of editorial projects. Her international exchange and cultural diplomacy initiatives have received award recognition.

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

This is a beginner bird hike for our LGBTQIA+ community and their families and allies. This hike is one in a series of bird walks taking place during Pride Month across the country that deliberately welcome people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their families and allies. Bring closed-toe shoes and sunscreen – Binoculars, bug spray will be provided. Let’s Go Birding Together! This walk is led by Mitchell Lake’s Center Director. Feel free to dress in your most colorful outdoor gear.

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Join The World Heritage Office for the 2023 Farmers and Artisans Markets every first and third Saturday from March through November!

The market will kick off with a FREE community Zumba class hosted by local Zumba instructors for all fitness levels at 9 a.m. After the class, find fresh, locally-sourced foods and explore handmade crafts and products from local pop-up vendors. The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will also host seasonal Tree Adoptions. Trees will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m.

The San Antonio Food Bank Mobile Mercado mini-grocery store will host healthy cooking demos and nutrition education sessions. Enjoy live music, food trucks, fun family activities, and more! The markets are brought to you by the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office and the San Antonio Food Bank. Admission is free! Parking On-site! The venue is pet-friendly!

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Queer Voices will feature an eclectic lineup of performers from the San Antonio area including poets, musicians, burlesque dancers, and drag queens.

• Son Queers
• Jasper St. James
• Analisa Leos
• Sha’Nyia
• Truly B. Vayne
• Lacey Roop
• Lace
• Cuppicake
• KB Brookins
• Los Mentirosos

There will also be food and games, Cuir Curandera Blessings, DJ De La O, and Mini Mercadito by Very That, you don’t want to miss it!

Parking will be available nearby at San Antonio College parking lot #28 and at Planned Parenthood (920 San Pedro Ave.). Those who park at Planned Parenthood must obtain a parking permit from the Esperanza Center to avoid towing.

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Maiz: Legado ancestral de parentesco, abundancia y cariño.- Maiz: Ancestral legacy rooted in kinship, abundance & care.

Estan invitadxs a convivir en aprendizaje y celebracion de nuestra conexión al maíz con el Temachtiani Everardo Lara, guardian cultural de la etno-matematica Anahuaka.

Temachtiani Everardo Lara ha contribuido a documentar y ejercitar proyectos con varias comunidades Nahuatlacas dedicadas a la preservacion, el rescate y promocion de culturas del Maiz. Favor de traer sus semillas de la bendicion de semillas q compartimos en Marzo.

Favor de traer alimentos tradicionales, frutas y/o bebida para compartir en comunidad. Se acepta donaciones d materiales y/on apoyo colectivo para lxs niñxs de nuestra comunida. Si les interesa apoyar con materiales o de voluntarios para actividades intergeneracionales favor de coordinar con Laura Yohualtlahuiz o Red.

Tendremos platicas intergeneracionales sobre temas que impactan la salud y aceso a comida saludable.

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You’re invited to convene in kinship to learn & celebrate our connection to the Sacred Maiz with Temachtiani Everardo Lara, cultural guardian of Anahuaka ethno- matematics.

Temachtiani Everardo Lara has contributed to documenting y creating projects with various Nahuatlaca communities dedicated to the preservation, rescue & promotion of Maiz centered cultures.

Please bring your corn seeds from the blessing in March. Please bring a potluck item of traditional foods, fruits, and/or a drink to share in community. If you would like to donate material or volunteer to support intergenerational learning & engagement please contact Laura Yohualtlahuiz or Red.

We will have community circles exploring topics that impact our health and our community’s access to healthy foods.

Join Gardopia Gardens on Saturday mornings to volunteer on the 0.5 acre Eastside Micro-Farm to practice healthy living and sustainability!

On Saturday morning Gardopia invites community members to get their hands dirty and cultivate San Antonio’s little slice of a garden utopia! From composting, chicken care, planting, crop rotation, organizing, and more! We are open to individuals, friends, families, beginners, experts, and anyone else who wants to help cultivate an educated, health, and environmentally sustainable city!

COVID-19: In order to help keep volunteers healthy, we offer free masks, have an open air space to allow for ventilation, and are currently keeping volunteer groups to 25 people or less to allow for optimal physical distancing.

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Sign up for Deceleration’s weekly newsletter.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization empowering people to experience breakthroughs exercising their personal and political power. The climate change solutions we support are a carbon fee and dividend, healthy forests, building electrification and efficiency, and clean energy permitting reform. To connect with the San Antonio chapter, contact Stuart Birnbaum (stuart.birnbaum@gmail.com).

Zoom meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88997588055?pwd=Nm1xWmowSDc4N1l1enkvb2lQbVNKQT09

Meeting ID: 889 9758 8055
Passcode: 874038

Local meetings typically follow a national call at noon, which you can join here: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/monthly-speakers/

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Sign up for Deceleration’s weekly newsletter or get events by email.

Are you ready for our 2nd Annual Pride River Parade & Celebration? The Bud Light Pride River Parade was created by Visit San Antonio to promote the city’s inclusion, encouragement and support of the LGBTQ+ community to live openly with equal rights.

Visit La Villita’s Arneson River Theatre for an afternoon of live on-stage entertainment from DJs, bands, impersonators, dancers, and more. You can find our entertainment schedule below.

• 1-1:45 PM: Studio AVI
• 2-2:30 PM: Live Oak Singers
• 2:30-2:50 PM: Teatro Audaz
• 3:15-4 PM: Shonnie Murrell & Funk Potion #9

Bud Light Pride Celebration | 1-5PM

Shop at La Villita Historic Village. They will have a variety of food, artisan, commercial, and informational vendors for your enjoyment.

Bud Light Pride River Parade | Saturday, June 10

• 4-5 PM (Downtown)
• 7-8 PM (Museum Reach)

The Bud Light Pride River Parade will have two showings, each with more than 17 colorful river barges. The first on the Downtown Reach of the San Antonio River Walk will serve as the closing event for the Celebration festival at La Villita. The encore presentation, on the River Walk Museum Reach, provides an additional opportunity to be part of the community.

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Join The World Heritage Office for the 2023 Farmers and Artisans Markets every first and third Saturday from March through November!

The market will kick off with a FREE community Zumba class hosted by local Zumba instructors for all fitness levels at 9 a.m. After the class, find fresh, locally-sourced foods and explore handmade crafts and products from local pop-up vendors. The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will also host seasonal Tree Adoptions. Trees will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m.

The San Antonio Food Bank Mobile Mercado mini-grocery store will host healthy cooking demos and nutrition education sessions. Enjoy live music, food trucks, fun family activities, and more! The markets are brought to you by the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office and the San Antonio Food Bank. Admission is free! Parking On-site! The venue is pet-friendly!

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Join Gardopia Gardens on Saturday mornings to volunteer on the 0.5 acre Eastside Micro-Farm to practice healthy living and sustainability!

On Saturday morning Gardopia invites community members to get their hands dirty and cultivate San Antonio’s little slice of a garden utopia! From composting, chicken care, planting, crop rotation, organizing, and more! We are open to individuals, friends, families, beginners, experts, and anyone else who wants to help cultivate an educated, health, and environmentally sustainable city!

COVID-19: In order to help keep volunteers healthy, we offer free masks, have an open air space to allow for ventilation, and are currently keeping volunteer groups to 25 people or less to allow for optimal physical distancing.

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Sign up for Deceleration’s weekly newsletter.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization empowering people to experience breakthroughs exercising their personal and political power. The climate change solutions we support are a carbon fee and dividend, healthy forests, building electrification and efficiency, and clean energy permitting reform. To connect with the San Antonio chapter, contact Stuart Birnbaum (stuart.birnbaum@gmail.com).

Zoom meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88997588055?pwd=Nm1xWmowSDc4N1l1enkvb2lQbVNKQT09

Meeting ID: 889 9758 8055
Passcode: 874038

Local meetings typically follow a national call at noon, which you can join here: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/monthly-speakers/

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Sign up for Deceleration’s weekly newsletter or get events by email.

The farmers market, happening every Wednesday at Woodlawn Pointe, offers farm fresh produce, local baked breads, pickles and other pantry staples. All produced or grown in our area. Vendors joining every week.

Contact 01farmersmarket@gmail.com for inquiries.

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Sign up for Deceleration’s weekly newsletter.

The Beacon Hill Community Garden is located at the corner of Capitol and West Gramercy. Vegetable plots are available free of charge!

Work days are generally held on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 9–11 am. Anyone is welcome to help (kids, too!). Follow us on Instagram @bhanacg and contact Sheryl McAnally at BHANACG@gmail.com for more info. 

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Join The World Heritage Office for the 2023 Farmers and Artisans Markets every first and third Saturday from March through November!

The market will kick off with a FREE community Zumba class hosted by local Zumba instructors for all fitness levels at 9 a.m. After the class, find fresh, locally-sourced foods and explore handmade crafts and products from local pop-up vendors. The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department will also host seasonal Tree Adoptions. Trees will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 9 a.m.

The San Antonio Food Bank Mobile Mercado mini-grocery store will host healthy cooking demos and nutrition education sessions. Enjoy live music, food trucks, fun family activities, and more! The markets are brought to you by the City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office and the San Antonio Food Bank. Admission is free! Parking On-site! The venue is pet-friendly!

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

Our general meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month at William R. Sinkin Eco Centro. They are free and open to everyone. Socializing begins at 6:00 p.m., program at 6:30 p.m.. Presentations last about an hour. 

San Antonio’s Urban Bird Rookeries

Our May general meeting features Britt Coleman, President, Bexar Audubon Society, discussing San Antonio’s urban bird rookeries and strategies for managing urban-avian conflicts. [Ed note: You can see Deceleration’s thoughts on Aubudon’s performance during COSA’s war on the birds in our recent analysis here.]

Tuesday, May 16^th
6:00 pm

Meeting schedule

Venue

This will be a hybrid meeting.

In-person location

William R. Sinkin Eco Centro, 1802 North Main Avenue
Map

Zoom meeting access info

• Meeting ID: 966 5254 0606
• Passcode: 377093
• Link: https://sierraclub.zoom.us/j/96652540606?pwd=UUVISUw3OHluQ2xsQk5IeENxeXFZdz09

Eco Centro is located at San Antonio College, 1802 North Main Avenue @ Locust Street. There is a parking lot adjacent to Eco Centro which is entered from Locust Street. We can also use SAC parking lots 14, 15 and 17 (map of parking lots) to the north, west and south of the STIC building across North Main Avenue from Eco Centro.

Parking is also allowed on the residential streets to the east, north and south of Eco Centro.

Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.

FPCSA welcomes everyone to join in the monthly conversation as we work to build a strong and viable local food system. Learn about hot topics, relevant announcements and how you can be a part of the this growing movement. Sign up on their webpage.

Meetings are normally held at noon on the third Wednesday of every month at: EcoCentro 1802 N. Main Avenue San Antonio, TX 78212.

Click here for agenda.

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