Welcome to the Creative Currents series! Public art, cultural programming, and artistic design enhancements express what is authentic about today’s culture and explore the historical significance of area waterways through a contemporary art lens. This series provides an inside look at the many ways artists are incorporated into the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) projects, including the growing San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
At the River Authority, one question we always ask ourselves is, “How can we get people to care?” For many decades, San Pedro Creek and other waterways were hidden behind chain-link fences and concrete walls. Our vision is to inspire actions for healthy creeks and rivers, but how can we get people to care if they can’t see it or interact with the water? In environmental enhancement and reconstruction efforts for our waterways, adding amenities, like public artworks, gave us the chance to reconnect our communities to the water. In these artworks, the theme of recreation is celebrated. Come along as we highlight some incredible pieces!
A Place of Origins, Rikkianne Van Kirk
Have you ever been birdwatching? Although it runs through the middle of downtown, San Pedro Creek was constructed to create as much natural habitat as possible while working within it’s narrow footprint and it’s priority of flood control. The widening of the creek also created spaces between the historic walls and the new creek walls and was utilized for aquatic plantings. The rows of American Water Lily and Pickerelweed provide excellent habitat for fish. Often times you’ll see birds like the Yellow-crowned Night Heron (pictured below) stalking the shallow waters for their next meal.
A Place of Origins, an artwork displayed on the shade sails at Mustard Seed Plaza, is inspired by A Creek Tells Its Story by John Phillip Santos. In it, Santos writes that the Aztecs called their original homeland “The Place of Herons.” Van Kirk was immediately inspired by those words, noting that San Pedro Creek is also home to the beautiful herons. Viewed from the underside of the canopy, the imagery slowly emerges as visitors approach the structure.
The Spirit of San Pedro Creek, Elizabeth Carrington
For her artwork, Elizabeth was inspired by the theme of “sharing the trail.” The perforated panels include numerous elements that represent the outdoor spaces, energy, and nature that define San Pedro Creek and all of San Antonio. The design elements pay respect to the city’s unique and vibrant mix of Mexican, American, and indigenous cultures, and the animal designs are either inspired by or are literal representations of flora and fauna native to the area.
The designs encourage visitors to play and explore this new park the way they want. Whether you’re a runner, rollerblader, or biker, the wide paths of San Pedro Creek
Plaza de Fundación, Michael Menchaca
Hidden amongst the tile designs of San Pedro Creek, the Manantial pattern by Michael Menchaca adorns a circular bench that surrounds a recreation of a spring at Plaza de Fundación. This image is an abstract representation of people gathering around the fresh spring waters, reminding us of our innate human connection to water and the new opportunities to recreate along this restored waterway!
Get involved!
In incorporating amenities such as boardwalks and pavilions in our parks and trails, we give our community the chance to make memories along the water. Now the creek can host family parties, community events, and daily chats between friends, coworkers, and neighbors. We encourage you to explore and make your own connections!
Do you want to contribute to the Public Art displays? Future opportunities for Public Art will be handled by our non-profit partner, the San Antonio River Foundation. Their Cultural Arts Roster is open year-round! Visit www.sariverfound.org/confluence-park/artintheopen/ for more information.
