Who's SAMA?

From ancient times to the present times in Latin America, the San Antonio Museum of Art, located at 200 West Jones Avenue near Downtown San Antonio, beautifully displays thousands of pieces.

We were not scheduled to meet at the usual rectangular computer lab on Tuesday morning. We had been instructed to meet at the San Antonio Museum of Art at 4 pm. Because I did not want to break my morning routine, I decided to wake up early anyway to take my 3-yr old nephew and 5-year old niece to a new park off Highway 151. Well plans fell through as I took the third bite of homemade my potato and egg taco (with corn tortilla from Mexico). I began to have an unpleasant discussion with my mother while trying really hard to squeeze the food and chilled orange juice through the tight space in my throat. After a short moment my older sister got involved and soon after the discussion developed into an argument (which is rare between my mother and I). This disturbing incident ruined the rest of my day (week too you might say).

I have not been able to focus since then. As I pulled up to the SAMA parking lot 20 minutes after 4 pm, I debated whether I should even go inside or not. I felt really uncomfortable because I had not showered or brushed my teeth all day (I left home after the fight with my mother and did not go back) and had not completed my assignment. I walked in the renovated brewery and asked for assistance at the front desk (lucky for me it was free that day since I had nothing on me, not even my license). I was directed to the Rockefeller wing where the Latin American exhibit is displayed. I first saw Alex and Melissa’s back as they were admiring an art piece underneath a glass cube. I then bumped into Karen and she then assigned me to the “Folk Art” group (Alex and Melissa) as she explained to me the assignment. I was captivated the pieces collected for this exhibit as well as the other exhibits presented by my fellow peers. When it came to deciding who among our group was going to be the speaker/presenter, I noticed that Melissa and Alex did not jump up to opportunity, so I decided to do the mini-presentation.

I was pleased with my presentation despite the little time I had spent in the museum. Melissa and Alex were extremely helpful as they spoke up to help me out wherever I got stumped or simply to support what I was saying. One thing we had agreed on was that the “masks” were our favorite part of the Folk Art exhibit. The masks were from various parts in Latin America yet similarities could be seen among them. For example, color, materials used (mostly painted wood, tin and animal hair), animals depicted, evil (Lucifer/devil) represented, human emotions, etc. I included in my speech that these masks had a multi-use in all the cultures they were created in: religion, amusement, and ceremonial purposes to name a few. I also mentioned how the folk art maker is highly respected as they are the link from the past to the present. Even though the tradition/skill of art making is passed on from generation to generation, each artisan has their own unique style.

I learned more about my heritage and various Latin American cultures and now I have a better understanding of human values, culture and tradition after visiting SAMA. I highly recommend you visit SAMA if you are in San Antonio!