Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum

Ooof. Blue Star is such a hit or a miss. I’ve seen amazing works of art here that really make me think, and on the other hand I’ve literally watched ice melt.
For what it’s worth, keep up with the exhibits and programs through social media and The Current to see when it’s worth the $ 10 (which I totally don’t mind paying to support art). When it’s maybe not as great, swing by on a First Friday or another free or reduced rate day/​night and take in the people as well as the art.

My husband and i went to the gallery last week for a daytrip to San Antonio. We recently built a contemporary house and love looking at contemporary art. We paid $ 10/​each for entrance. The gallery was one large room with «art» that looked like the leftovers after an elementary classroom art project. The other smaller rooms had one piece on the wall or just a light illuminating a corner. We stayed 8 minutes and that is being generous. I wrote a review last week as people should have the right to all opinions… apparently it was taken down. :(
There is good contemporary art out there… this is not it.

I bring my children on First Fridays. There are always something interesting to see and listen to. Last time I was there they had a display of San Antonio High school children artwork, students playing violin and guitar outside… it was entertaining. Parking is expensive for San Antonio (not if you compare to NYC or other metropolis).

I can always count on BlueStar to make me think, and even blow my mind at times. Their curration of what is new and interesting in art, as well as the interesting events they put on keep me coming back. As a painter, I like how they are making art accessible to the hipster masses. I’m gonna exhibit here someday… just wait and see!

The Blue Star Arts Complex has really grown exponentially over the past decade. With the addition of newer places to eat or drink, alongside its art installation it has revitalized that area. But parts of it, particularly its contemporary art museum can turn into a space for a grand exhibit or a big party.
I recently went to an event Absolut Vodka threw to celebrate a collaboration it had with local artist, Cruz Ortiz and also to promote its new cucumber flavored spirit. This seemed to be the most appropriate venue to throw an event of this magnitude. First and foremost parking can be an issue here. There are very limited spaces and it fills up rather quickly. The place itself is tucked away with an industrial, ultra– hipsterish and bourgie vibe.
Since this was a classy affair the contingency here was dressed to the nines. For example men had hairstyles that probably had their own Facebook accounts. And ladies resembled models that leapt off the pages of Vogue. The volume of different looks and personalities was certainly overwhelming. As people where led into the building for the event there was also the obligatory beefy bodyguard keeping tabs on guests.
I mention all these erroneous facts since it is mind blowing, at least for me to attend an event that felt like some Red Carpet extravaganza; with a touch of exclusivity for good measure.
Inside there is ample room for an exhibition or a mid sized gala. Along the walls I spotted epic sized paintings by Cruz Ortiz. A dj was in the corner spinning tunes, as guests indulged in free drinks courtesy of Absolut. I like that there is a small stage for music and midway through the event a band rocked the night away. The room opens up a bit and I saw people moving freely with their drinks. Dancing was certainly encouraged and remained undeterred by the swelling crowd.
Absolut did an absolutely tremendous job of taking this event and creating an illusion of exclusivity. By having a cap on the amount of people that could be let in a sense of urgency was generated. For many people a long line equals, «I have to get in or I might be left out.» The room, the vibe, the music, the crowd it all amounted to a perfect storm of art and commerce. I had one hell of a time, even though I’m not into mixed drinks or liquor.
For my money art isn’t just about pieces on walls but rather does a space set up how we will interpret various pieces? Is it user friendly? Is it welcoming? Did we leave with a lasting impression? On both accounts the event, as well as the venue I say a resounding, «yes!»
ps~ They even had free sno cones topped with an Absolut Vodka infused syrup. Tasty!

After exploring art galleries in 30+ major cities across 10+ countries, Blue Star Contemporary Art is «A-​OK.» World-​class artists are better off sharing their beauty (and existence) elsewhere.

A fabulous art space that can morph from an uncluttered «formal» art space to a performance space to whatever the curator and artists decide it needs to be. Have seen many shows there and have been struck by how malleable the space is to the themes. Of course the fact that is lends itself to an evening out exploring the food and drink options does not suck either.

Blue Star is great! Usually always has some pretty cool exhibits and has an awesome vibe. It’s especially cool on first fridays when they have cheap beer! I highly recommend giving it a try!

The museum itself is a nice size, pretty clean and on a really nice place. The exhibit i saw was kinda. Meh! But overall i was nicely surprised

There are some great Exhibit here, there are a variety of art shows from paintings to videos and everything in between. Right now is something called TX13, a collection of artists from around TX choosen from more than 1000 entries.
They have free Thurs and first Fridays. Fridays the parking @ the complex is $ 10 valet only.

In a town where most people have a very limited understanding of really good contemporary art, a place like Blue Star has a difficult mission to fulfill. There are some very sophisticated people in San Antonio but percentage-​wise they might constitute .05% (yes, that’s one person in 200) of the local adult population. So, the question is «Do you present exhibitions exclusively for that hip crowd?»
Obviously this tiny sliver of the city’s population cannot by itself sustain an art scene of any merit. So, this venue (like many others) has to broaden its appeal by showing popular work, which tends to fall into the mediocre category with the imposition of the region’s highly limited and predictable cultural narratives.
In the past 2 years shows at Blue Star have been mostly «meh.» You have to travel to bigger cities with lots more money to find consistently high quality art exhibitions. But one really cannot blame the BSCA organization. Its hands are tied and bills have to be paid. Electricity and staff do not come free.

I came here during first Friday art walk. The museum is a little small, the exhibits were OK but not that interesting. I’ve certainly visited much better contemporary art museums across the country including the ones in NYC, SF, Boston, etc. So I wasn’t very impressed. I couldn’t complain though b/​c it was free but I probably wouldn’t pay the regular admission to visit again.

This has always been one of my favorite art galleries. The space is huge and usually has a couple of art installations up at any given time. Usually completely different than the last. They don’t stick with a specific genera and that is fantastic to see.
During First Friday’s the space offers beer and wine and is the place to be at! They have the most to see and going on. Usually with a live act of band nearby. A must stop on First Friday’s.
Space is well lit and great for mingling. I’ve seen the space set up for meetings and have been to a wedding reception here and it’s just amazing how it can be transformed.

This Contemporary Art Center has 4 Galleries– all of which are constantly showcasing local, national and international artists.
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center participates in First Friday. Which is the City of San Antonio’s South Town districts art showcase and community gathering every first friday of the month. Enjoy drinks, art and good company of Blue Star patrons members and artists.
The gallery can also be rented out for different types of events, from a wedding to meetings and catered gatherings, this all around space is just the place for your next event.
A fun place to visit and explore, so if you are in town don’t leave without dropping in and saying hello to the friendly staff and check out the beautiful pieces in the Main gallery and 3 side galleries.

This is my favorite art gallery in the Blue Star arts complex.
They offer cheap ($ 2) beers on first Fridays. Therefore, I always make this
gallery my first stop. They offer an eclectic array of art. The exhibits are well lit, and the place is clean. It’s nice that they have an off-​duty cop who hangs out to make sure that there’s no problems. The place is well air conditioned in the summer, so it’s a nice respite from the heat. The cold beer doesn’t hurt either!
My main complaint is that they don’t offer easy to find restrooms.

Not a stranger to art galleries so coming here I was a little disappointed. The space is great. I am unsure as to if they were in between shows and that’s why there seemed to be a lack of art up. They had a few installations and two different photography exhibits. Perhaps I just caught them at a time when they were preparing to hang another show. But it was after the first Friday and I heard that they have openings here on first Friday’s. At any rate I a not going to knock them. My visit to San Antonio was more than what I expected. Shocked for I expected cowboy boots and spurs what I came across was once you pass the redundancy of the tourist traps you find a quaint little area with a thriving art community to it. I just wasn’t in to what this gallery had hanging.
great space however… large enough to do a decent size group show.

i love a place that knows how to light their exhibits!
all the pieces were interesting and i thought put well together. the space is absolutely fabulous and inviting.

I have to admit that I don’t get out to art galleries or museums as much as i would like but I have a very good excuse for that.
I am a moron!
That doesn’t mean that my children have to grow up with my lack of civility and culture so i decided to take the family down to Blue Star. The Contemporary Art Gallery was featuring a series of stunning black and white photographs depicting the treacherous journey of those seeking a better life here in America. Families battling the elements, rough terrain, dangerous creatures, and border patrolmen all caught through vivid imagery.
There were also works by Kathy Sosa from her Trees of Life series. Such vibrant colors and ineresting themes from an ancient art form.
Spend an afternoon down at Blue Star with the kids, see some art, rent a bike, and have a brew.

By far one of the best galleries in San Antonio. The word «contemporary» is quite fitting for the space. It’s so clean and industrially big. The space changes every so often. They don’t keep to one artistic medium. When I went in there was a very moving photography instillation in the main room and in the side room there was a video instillation being shown on the walls. It’s a absolutely great space that’s open to the public almost daily. On First Friday the gallery comes alive with live music on the outside.

I liked the exhibits I saw here last week. it’s a really great space that is very conducive to browsing and really experiencing the art that is being presented. Some of the art reminded me of a Candida Albicans infected digestive tract, but maybe it was supposed to and even some of those pieces were not altogether unappealing… I really liked one of the artist’s groupings of (what I experienced as) different kinds of Louise Bourgeouse inspired Navy Pier hands and gloves. The most favorite part of my visit was talking with Brandon Nepote about the feelings and meanings that were expressed in his sculptures that were on display. I really like language, emotion, and symbolism (both conscious and subconscious) brought into the physical world through sculpture. Being able to speak with the artist behind the art in such an informal way was really really special. Check this place out!