Welcome to the Creative Currents series! Public art, cultural programming, and artistic design enhancements express what is authentic about today’s culture and explore the historical significance of area waterways through a contemporary art lens. This series provides an inside look at the many ways artists are incorporated into the San Antonio River Authority’s (River Authority) projects and nature-based parks.
Howdy Creatives! Although the Creative Currents series often focuses on San Pedro Creek Culture Park, we’re embracing the summer vacation spirit to travel to other parts of the San Antonio River Basin. In today’s blog, we’re sharing some of the fun and artistic things to do and see along the river in Wilson and Goliad counties. Read along as we travel south in our colorful watershed.
Read a Tale on the Trails at Helton Nature Park
No need to bring a book to the River Authority’s Helton Nature Park on your next visit; you can simply check out the StoryWalk®! What is a StoryWalk®? A StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. The pages of a selected book are separated and displayed page by page along a walking trail to promote reading and movement.
The result is a self-directed, content-rich reading environment that provides an innovative and interactive way to expose children and families to the fun of reading. Families can use movement to discover and explore the world around them while connecting their natural curiosity to a positive reading experience. What better setting than Helton Nature Park?
Helton Nature Park, 98 acres of Wilson County with towering trees, a welcoming pavilion, and serene river frontage.
According to Wilson County Public Libraries, studies suggest 1 in 5 kids has trouble reading. Reading is an early indicator of academic success, so exposure to reading is important in developing vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. With this in mind, Wilson County Public Libraries applied for and received grants to install four permanent StoryWalks® in Wilson County, including the River Authority’s very own Helton Nature Park! We are grateful for this partnership, which benefits communities in the San Antonio River Basin.
The first story unveiled at Helton Nature Park, “How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow,” was installed in October 2023. Ever since then, stories are changed monthly and are chosen by popular vote. Next time you’re at Helton, don’t miss out on an incredible StoryWalk® adventure!
A New Addition to Goliad’s Growing Herd
Home to a growing number of cow statues collectively referred to as “the herd”, Goliad will soon be adding another statuesque steer at the River Authority’s very own Branch River Park!
Members of the Goliad Stampede “Herd”
For those who haven’t had the chance to visit, Branch River Park is just a few steps away from historic Downtown Goliad. Home to several amenities, including a 9-hole Disc Golf course, Branch River Park also connects to the Angel of Goliad Hike and Bike Trail, as well as the nearby Goliad Paddling Trail along the San Antonio River.
Branch River Park
This public art opportunity was created in a partnership between Main Street Goliad, Canoe Trail Goliad, the San Antonio River Foundation, and the San Antonio River Authority. A call to paint the sculpture was open to artists over the age of 18 who reside in the River Authority’s jurisdiction, as well as Refugio County. After almost 70 applications, 5 finalists were chosen. Together, the partners selected artist Malachy McKinney!
Malachy McKinney
Born in Corpus Christi and now based in San Antonio, McKinney received his Bachelor of Arts at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi in 2009. He has been a graphic designer for over 15 years and a muralist for 10 years, using experience from both to create colorful and vibrant designs. Along with producing murals independently, he likes to work with his wife, Sandra Gonzalez-McKinney, painting murals throughout Texas.
With a brush in hand, McKinney was excited to share his design thinking:
This project will help us remember to embrace the outdoors by highlighting the flora and fauna that surround us. Along with showing some of the many ways to take it in, such as kayaking, cycling, hiking and so on. In this semi-collage design, local heroes of the San Antonio River will also be honored.
McKinney and his pup beside the blank bovine canvas.
Get Involved
Get creative with the River Authority and our partner San Antonio River Foundation this summer! The River Authority and the River Foundation host a variety of events focused on embracing natural settings and creative pursuits across the San Antonio River Watershed. Join River Authority and River Foundation staff as well as guest artists to explore different works of art inspired by nature and unleash your creativity by creating your own masterpiece using materials found in the great outdoors. See you at the river!
