ARTS: Our version

I love the arts, I just do. I love anything that makes the world more gorgeous than it already is. I see beauty in the things that are simple, elegant, and not even considered “artsy”. I see my kids lining up leaves on the table as art. I see art in the way knick knacks are arranged on a shelf or in the way certain people sign their name. Art is everywhere.
When we (at KLRN) were first having the discussions earlier in the year about launching our own local arts show, I had to contain myself. I was so excited about the concept, but I had to harbor the excitement and put in place the work it would take to launch the show. The name: ARTS.  The look, the feel, the vibe, the details---there was so much to do, and only a small crew to do it. It is funny too because what is considered good art to one person, may be considered junk to another. Art is very personal and I wasn’t sure how we were going to bring it all together and AGREE on it. But we did.

Our graphic designer came up with a logo that just fit. When she put it into motion on-screen, it fit BETTER. When our editor put the first spot together, even when it was a rough draft, we could tell that the feel of the program was going to be fun and hip and almost eccentric. I realized that our version of the arts was exactly what I was hoping for---less paint on canvas, art history and classical music and more eclectic collectibles, jazz music, and art exploration. It all came together just beautifully.

From the very first moment I met Asia Ciaravino, our host, I knew she was the perfect fit for our program. Funny, knowledgeable, and just easy to like---I liked that. She sees the world as an opportunity, she appreciates quirky things, and she shines on camera. Like I said, she is just perfect.

ASIA ON ARTS: “I love art because it sparks creative thought and emotion. I also love the study of human nature. In art we create an open forum for expression; each art form allows the consumer a different touch point. Theatre is my art. Being an actor has taught me many things about people; most importantly that everyone has different or competing objectives. When you listen, you are able to decipher what people really want and understand how to give it to them. As we grow and understand people, we become better actors. As we listen more and talk less, we become better people. I believe art is a transformative force with the power to change people profoundly. “

We are in the process of completing our fifth show. It is all still new, we are still finding our groove, and we are working on how to make this good concept GREAT.

The hard work was not mine. The hard work came from the graphics, the editor and our crew who had/have to be on location to film anytime, anywhere. I say they “have” to do the work, but it is more accurate to say that they “get” to work on this project. This is a fun one—and they agree that while we all consider this work, we are really lucky that this new program belongs to us.

ARTS for all. I hope you have a chance to see the show and embrace art near and far…

And the next time you see something strategically or not-strategically placed, you stop and appreciate that it’s existence is actually…art.

-Katrina

Viva San Antonio!

by Yvonne Yates
Director of School Services, KLRN

I have lived in San Antonio for over ten years, and I am just now beginning to feel like I truly live here. Since starting at KLRN, I have had the opportunity to visit parts of the city I had never been to before. Like many students in your classrooms, I had not gone outside of my own neighborhood often to see what this city had to offer. I have only been to one Fiesta event and that is only because it is held at the university where I went to school.

Every April, the city of San Antonio starts buzzing with all the fun of Fiesta. This eleven day event takes our fair city by storm with numerous events that can be enjoyed by all. Students will come into your classroom talking about the carnival, the parades and the delicious foods (can you say Chicken-on-a-Stick) that they will enjoy during this time. However, many students do not know the origins of this city-wide celebration. Here is a brief history lesson.

In 1891 a group of San Antonians decided to pay homage to the heroes of the Battle of San Jacinto and the Alamo. The first parade consisted of horse-drawn carriages decorated with fresh flowers, and the people watching would throw flowers at the floats to symbolize a battle. This parade was such a success that within in a few years more events and a royal court were added to the celebration.

Fiesta San Antonio is a wonderful time not only to celebrate our city’s heroes, but also our fair community. There are many things to do and explore in San Antonio beyond the Alamo--there are four other missions to discover: San Jose, San Juan, Concepcion, and Espada. Challenge your students to explore the history and sights of San Antonio.

If your students have Fiesta plans, there is little you can do to keep their attention as their minds wander to the fun that will be had. So why not take a few moments from all the hustle and bustle of TAKS and district assessments/benchmarks this month and include Fiesta San Antonio into your daily routine for those eleven days? Have your students write about their favorite Fiesta event before the festivities begin. Or, begin your day with a Fiesta Fun Fact to teach them about the history of Fiesta.

This April, I will be going out and exploring the new San Antonio River Walk expansion as well as some of our city’s parks. Take time to enjoy the lovely spring weather and all that San Antonio has to offer. Ask your students to do the same and allow them to see why we are one of the favorite destinations for visitors from around the United States. Let us all take time this month to celebrate our community.

How will you incorporate Fiesta San Antonio in your classroom?

TWEETING THE AUCTION
By (Guest Blogger) Laura Bray
Bruce and I always look forward to June and the Blazing Gavels auction. Over the years, we’ve purchased art, wine, vacations, jewelry, and much more, all while supporting our great local television station. So I was flattered beyond measure (and ridiculously excited!) when KLRN asked me to serve as one of their “guest Tweeters” during the event!
KLRN staffer Katrina Kehoe set me up with a computer and desk, and off I went. We’ve watched the auction for years, but I’ve never been in-studio. I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it all runs. There’s plenty of energy in the room, but no panic or any sense of frenetic activity. It runs like a well-oiled machine. You can really tell that the staff and many of the volunteers have done this for a long time.
The redesigned set occupies a much smaller space, but it didn’t appear to be crowded or cramped. The boards still rotate around all evening, and the volunteers worked well in the new space.
The “guest Tweeter” desk sits up on the top platform, just to the left of where announcer Steve Alwais sits. The spot provided me with an excellent view of all the activity below. Occasionally I would wander the studio, take photos, and talk to volunteers. This being a new activity, my desk attracted a good bit of attention from those getting ready to read the boards. Everyone kept looking over my shoulder as I typed.
The most surreal aspect of the evening: while everything looked familiar, I couldn’t hear the announcer or board readers. Monitors were scattered throughout the studio, but all were muted. It was strangely disorienting.
I kept expecting the energy level to drop as the evening progressed, but it never happened. A new shift of phone bank volunteers arrived around 10:00 pm, and they were just as enthusiastic as the first bunch.
I truly enjoyed the experience…so much so that I returned on the final night!
And let me tell you…..that zebra is totally creepy in person.

Laura Bray blogs as Alamo A La Carte (http://alamoalacarte.blogspot.com) and tweets as @laurabray