Enjoy some unique flamenco dance. Create your own Christmas ornament. And journey back in time with The Matrix. Your weekend is here, and there is plenty to do.
First off, Adam Parrish says San Antonio is in for an amazing performance Friday night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEWBzO0VmIg
"The greatest flamenco dancer of the century is coming into town, and we'll be seeing him tonight at the Laurie Auditorium," he said.
Arts San Antonio has brought Farruquito to perform, and he's carrying on the family business.
"He actually comes from a long lineage — 3rd generation — started with his grandfather, and he actually is coming from Seville, Spain," Parrish said.
Farruquito, who goes by only one name, is very intense and athletic, and he also bears a passing resemblance to Yanni.
"Yes, he's very easy on the eyes, so to speak, he's very entrancing,” Parrish said. “He's a perfectionist. It's amazing. We've seen him in practice already."
Parrish said what Farruquito does is not so much a performance as an experience for the senses.
“His whole company that he comes with — his dancers, and all his instrumental people — it's amazing how in tune they are. They're one."
IF YOU GO What: Farruquito concert Where: Laurie Auditorium When: 8 p.m. Friday Cost: $49-$392
Then on Saturday, Claudia Berteaux says you should head to Southtown for this.
"We are offering a make-your-own ornament workshop," she said.
That doesn’t, in and of itself sound terribly thrilling, but how you make that ornament does.
"You get to come in and choose your design and then work with a master glassblower in order to make your own piece," Berteaux said.
This includes blowing the ornament yourself, the way glassblowers have for centuries. Here's what happens at Garcia Art Glass.
"Shape the piece, apply the color, heat up the molten glass, blow into the pipe to create your own beautiful work of art," she said.
Ms. Berteaux said you don’t have to know how to do it; complete glass blowing novices are welcome.
"You do not have to have any experience at all to make your own piece. Our master glassblower will help you throughout the entire process," she said.
Their ornament glassblowing class runs $70, which makes for an expensive ornament. But you’re not really paying for the ornament. It’s the experience and the expert instruction that they say you will enjoy. Besides, you will end up with something that could be an heirloom.
"Blown glass does not deteriorate so you will be able to keep this forever and pass it down for generations," she said.
She also suggests you bring your sense of adventure…and closed-toed shoes.
IF YOU GO What: make your own Christmas ornament Where: Garcia Art Glass When: Sat., November 16, November 30, December 14 Cost: $70
The Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum’s Mary Heathcott said a collaborative film series continues on Saturday.
“This is the second screening in a collaboration we have with Ruby City, our contemporary art neighbor in the Southtown area," she said.
She said this neighborly collaboration pays big dividends to art lovers.
"On Saturday we have The Matrix, everybody's favorite film from 1999, featuring Keanu Reeves," said Heathcott.
But before seeing The Matrix at Ruby City, she suggests you start at Blue Star.
"Currently on view in our main gallery space we have the work of Joey Fauerso," she said.
The current Blue Star exhibitions actually ties in to the film screening at Ruby City.
“This film really connects with the Ruby City exhibition Waking Dream, as well as the themes of construction and reconstruction on view in the exhibitions currently at Blue Star Contemporary," Heathcott said.
With the ever-expanding art scene in Southtown, the two museums’ proximity makes for a convenient collaboration.
"We are so close, within walking distance. Joey Fauerso will kick us off with the presentation of three of her video works, and then we'll move right into our feature film, presented by Slab Cinema," she said.
This will be the first showing of a film in Ruby City's sculpture garden.
"It'll be a wonderful time to think about the work on view in both of our spaces, and enjoy a movie with your family with the beautiful sculpture garden in Ruby City," she said.
As to what going to Blue Star and Ruby City will cost you, along with the movie, it’s all free.
IF YOU GO What: The Matrix Where: Ruby City When: 6 p.m. presentation, 7p.m. movie, Saturday Cost: free
Jack Morgan can be reached at Jack@TPR.org and on Twitter at @JackMorganii.
