Happy New Year,
One of my goals for this year is to write more about my artistic experiences, especially with local workshops and creative opportunities I explore within the San Antonio art community. These moments outside of my regular practice often spark new ideas, introduce me to inspiring people, and push me to try mediums I might not otherwise explore.
This past Saturday was a perfect example of how art, learning, and community all came together in one day.
Learning About San Antonio Artist Grants at The DoSeum
I started the morning by attending an information session for a The Department of Arts & Culture Artist Grants, hosted at The DoSeum. The session was incredibly informative and gave a clear breakdown of the application process, expectations, and timelines. Applying for artist grants is a major goal of mine this year, and attending this session made the idea feel much more attainable.
Grants can be intimidating, especially for artists navigating them for the first time, but spaces like this,designed to educate and empower local creatives,are invaluable. I’m excited to share more about my grant journey and creative process here on the blog as the year unfolds.
Sadbun.co Felt Portrait Workshop at Shotgun House Roasters
In the afternoon, I shifted gears and attended a felt portrait workshop led by Laredo-based artist Sadbun.co at Shotgun House Roasters, a local coffee shop nestled in the heart of San Antonio’s West Side.
This space is absolutely beautiful! Warm, welcoming, and the perfect environment to slow down and try something new. Workshops like this are one of my favorite ways to meet new friends in the creative community while experimenting outside of my usual mediums.
For this workshop, participants were asked to submit a photo of themselves, a loved one, or a pet ahead of time. I chose a photo of myself. The process involved cutting paper templates and felt sheets. Then layering the felt cut outs and glueing it to assemble the final felt portrait design. It required thoughtful planning, especially when it came to color combinations.
As an added bonus, the workshop even included a drink from the coffee shop, which made the experience feel extra special and well thought out. Everything from the organization to the pacing of the workshop was done with care.
Looking Ahead
Experiences like this remind me why I value community-centered art spaces so deeply. From grant info sessions to hands-on workshops, San Antonio continues to offer meaningful opportunities for artists to grow, connect, and experiment.
I hope to take more workshops with Sadbun.co in the future and continue exploring new forms of artistic expression. Most of all, I’m looking forward to sharing more of these creative exploration here, documenting the process, the learning curves, and the small wins along the way.
-Desiree