Sacred Art of Altars: One People, Many Paths - 17th Annual

This powerful exhibit features a dazzling display of contrasts in variety as well a beautiful underlying unity. Each piece has an identical shape and size (12” x 16”) while each shrine exhibits its own uniqueness in an eye-popping array of colors and media, including paint, wax, glass, metal, fabric, ceramics and more. And the subject matter ranges from sublime to temporal, and from spiritual to satirical. This marks the 17th year that this successful, wide-ranging exhibit has been held.

This exhibit is a reflection of the growing embrace of “nichos” or small, personalized shrines, in the popular culture of the Southwest. This artistry has long been an integral part of San Antonio’s spiritual heritage.  But altars are becoming increasingly evident in secular settings such as art galleries, museums, homes and businesses alike.

Over 50 of our community’s most creative artists (listed below) have created and donated their work for this exhibit and silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Celebration Circle of San Antonio, a 501 (c)(3) interfaith community whose creative, inclusive approach to spirituality is perfectly embodied in this exhibition.

This 2021 exhibit and auction is a hybrid event beginning with an Online Kick-off event where bidding begins on Friday, October 1 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm CT and continues online through the in-person Closing Reception to be held Wednesday, October 20 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm CT (Final Bidding closes at 8:45 pm CT) at Brick at Blue Star, 108 Blue Star, 78204. The reception includes live music by Mark Hiebert and a cash bar.

To view and bid on altars use a computer or mobile device with internet access, and visit https://bit.ly/CCAltars2021