New Public Art Pays Tribute to Tejano and Conjunto Music
Published on March 26, 2024
Orgullo Tejano (Tejano Pride) installations are now displayed off Historic Old Highway 90 and the River Walk Public Art Garden.
SAN ANTONIO (March 26, 2024) — The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture has announced the completion of Orgullo Tejano (Tejano Pride) installations by San Antonio artist Luis Lopez. Inspired by the musical legacy of Historic Old Highway 90, the main artwork (located near the intersection of Old Highway 90 and SW 37St.) depicts a 14-foot-tall mosaic and steel accordion player with the accordion as an extension of the sculpture’s body. From the sculpture’s mouth flows a speech scroll, used in several Mesoamerican cultures, to identify sound. A smaller companion piece can be found at the River Walk Public Art Garden which features a colorful outstretched mosaic accordion.
“Orgullo Tejano was created to honor the legacy of Tejano conjunto music and the artistry of accordion players,” Lopez said. “This installation creates a sense of cultural empowerment and enlightenment and promotes the richness, health and pride of our community. I hope that this piece not only pays homage to our heritage but challenges the imagination and inspires future generations.”
In addition, the Department of Arts & Culture has released the Official City of San Antonio 2024 Fiesta Medals, featuring the accordion player.
“The community asked for the artwork to focus on music traditions and celebrations using a bright and vibrant color palette,” Department of Arts & Culture Director Krystal Jones said. “It is a perfect match for our official 2024 Fiesta medal, and we hope the community proudly wears it while enjoying the sights and sounds of our city during this lively time.”
The Official City of San Antonio medals will be available to San Antonians during a Fiesta Medal Giveaway on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Centro de Artes Gallery (101 S. Santa Rosa) and the artist will be onsite to meet and greet gallery visitors. These limited-edition medals are free on a first-come, first-served basis (while supplies last, one per person).
Following this giveaway, the Department of Arts & Culture will offer the Official City of San Antonio medal through the Donate to the Arts program. Any contributors donating $20 or more will be mailed one medal (while supplies last).
For more information about Orgullo Tejano and the Department of Arts & Culture’s Donate to the Arts Program, visit SanAntonio.gov/Arts and follow @getcreativesa.