Replace those cheesy Taylor Swift posters and fake vines on your wall with something cool, unique and different. You live in a city rich with art and culture, and even though navigating San Antonio’s art scene seems daunting, there are numerous options for buying art. If you do not know where to start, below are the top five ways to buy local art.
The easiest place to start your local art search is probably First Friday. On the first Friday of every month, the streets of downtown San Antonio, specifically the King William neighborhood and South Alamo Street, are lined with vendors as far as the eye can see. Blue Star Arts Complex is the center of this madness, and with a variety of studios, shops, vendors and live music, you are bound to find art you will love.
- Local punk shows
This one is a little out there but trust us. Local punk shows often have vendors selling a variety of canvases, clothing, jewelry and more for crazy cheap prices. Venues that often have shows with vendors include Tandem and Pink Zeppelin. Additionally, UTSA Musicians of Business hosts shows about once a month at different DIY venues and they always have vendors set up.
Utilizing Instagram is a great way to buy art from your favorite artists. Be sure to reach out to your favorite local artists via DM to see if they have a website, if they offer commissions or if they would be willing to do an art exchange. Some artists to check out are @hazellaine, @shopcaliforniasol and @flowlotl.
- Art collectives and exhibitions
San Antonio is also home to a variety of art collectives and exhibitions that support local artists. Check out the exhibitions at Motherling and the studios at Blue Star Arts Complex to find the art you love.
- Local coffee shops, restaurants and record stores
The places you visit often frequently display local art. When you are grabbing something to eat or drink around town, or browsing the record bins at one of San Antonio’s record stores, be sure to see if the displayed art is on sale. Some places to check out are Hash Vegan Eats, Vice Versa and Crazy Rhythms Records.
Supporting local art is essential to ensure that San Antonio’s art scenes continue to thrive. There are so many options to shop locally, so there is no excuse not to.
