This piece is contributed by the San Antonio River Foundation (River Foundation), who supports scientific and educational activities that promote and encourage the conservation, stewardship, restoration, preservation and enjoyment of the land and water resources of the San Antonio River Basin.
September kicks off with an exciting announcement that bridges the past and the future, then ends with one of the largest environmental film festivals in North America! Both events are packed with creativity, community, and a deep connection to our city’s vibrant heritage. Keep reading to find out how you can be part of these transformative experiences!
Join us on a journey through San Antonio’s rich history with the unveiling of the design of a new public art interpretive enhancement at the St. James AMEC Culture Crossing, and then dive into the Wild & Scenic Film Festival for an evening of films that inspire environmental advocacy.
Today, September 4th, the San Antonio River Foundation and River Authority hosted a press conference announcing Presence of the Past and Culture Crossing Pavilion at the site of the historic St James African Methodist Episcopal Church along San Pedro Creek.
Lost to history until the historic building’s cornerstone was uncovered by archaeologists during the construction of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park in 2020, this multi-layered historic site provides a lens into our collective past.
Following extensive archeological work at the site and the completion of the base project, the River Foundation was asked by the River Authority to lead further interpretation of this historic space and create a signature work of art to honor it. Through a citizens’ stakeholder panel and a national request for qualifications, the artistic team of Gordon Huether and Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson were selected. Today’s unveiling is the result of their artistic collaboration and the Foundation’s goal to create an activated space for gathering, education and understanding of San Antonio’s layered history.
Presence of the Past by Gordon Huether
Artist Gordon Huether (Napa, CA) assembles historic quilt patterns to guide visitors through the Presence of the Past, outlining the façade and rise of the first African Methodist Episcopal church in San Antonio. In 1867, the St. James AME Church organized in San Antonio and in 1871 the Church rented and later purchased property on San Pedro Creek. The Church served the community in this location until 1878 when it relocated. This design is enriched by the AME shield, symbolizing the church doctrine of civil rights, education, economic empowerment, political participation, and public service. The shield leads visitors to an altar that holds the names of the St. James AME Church’s original parishioners, commemorating their contributions.
Complementing this history, the Culture Crossing Pavilion brings together voices from today’s St. James AME Church and community members across San Antonio. This space fosters a sense of unity and reflection. Poet Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson (San Antonio, TX) collaborated with community members to develop quilt patterns inspired by their individual histories, which appear above the dais. These patterns create a vibrant tapestry that tells the story of the community’s past and present.
Sanderson’s poem surrounding the community quilt at the Culture Crossing Pavilion.
Enveloping the community quilt is a poem by Sanderson, developed in collaboration with church members through oral history. This poem commemorates and memorializes significant memories and traditions, capturing the essence of the parishioners’ shared experiences and aspirations. The Presence of the Past and the Culture Crossing Pavilion together create a space that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of San Antonio and the enduring legacy of the St. James AME Church.
The River Foundation is seeking partners in its efforts to raise $2 million dollars to fund the project. We invite everyone to be a part of bringing our incredible history back to life! On September 18 and 19, we will focus 24 hours of fundraising effort for the St. James AMEC Culture Crossing via the Big Give, but you can donate today or any day via our website.
As we come together to preserve our shared history through the St. James AMEC Culture Crossing, we’re also excited to celebrate our collective commitment to the environment. This September, alongside our fundraising efforts, we invite you to join us for another incredible event that highlights the beauty of nature and the power of storytelling.
We are thrilled to invite you to the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour, one of the largest environmental film festivals in North America! The festival will take place Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. under the majestic petals at Confluence Park. The night will begin with a pre-show community partner market, including B-Cycle, River Aid San Antonio, UTSA, the San Antonio River Authority, and more; Artists Audrya Flores, live music by Josh Glenn Experiment, and a poetry reading by Jacinto Cardona.
Paddle Tribal Waters Short Film
Bring your chairs, pack a picnic or get everything you need there with our food vendors Madre Herb & More, Seasonal Farm Salads, Sweet Yams and Les Launch Beverages. Tickets are only $20 with a chance for awesome door prizes or get a VIP upgrade for an extra $20 and we’ll throw in an extra raffle ticket and drinks from the bar!
Mussel Grubbing: A Citizen Science Treasure Hunt
About the Festival
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival works with environmental groups across the globe to host the film festival to reach their communities and bring together a diverse audience. Through the power of film, the festival aims to educate and inspire a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship. The River Foundation seeks to use this festival as a way to enhance community awareness of our vital connection to river systems and the planet, emphasizing our responsibility to protect and preserve these resources for future generations. For a preview of the films, visit our Wild and Scenic Program Page.
If you’d like to sponsor the event or contribute to the raffle, please see our Sponsor Packet and reach out to Pamela Martinez, 210-224-2694 or 617-331-8445, pamela@sariverfound.org
So, what do you think? Get ready for an upcoming month full of fun with the San Antonio River Foundation! Keep your eye out for more info on our website, Facebook, Instagram!
Disclaimer: The River Foundation is a separate entity from the San Antonio River Authority. Any donations would be solely to the River Foundation, which is a non-profit tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The festival is a River Foundation event and is not associated with or endorsed by the San Antonio River Authority. Funds from any tickets or raffle sales would go solely to the River Foundation.
