The Homesick Art Collective presented a captivating one-night exhibition on Valentine’s Day curated by Martin Delgado and Lani Tagle, showcasing the work of 50 talented local artists. The event, aptly titled “Intimate Stories,” offered an emotional journey through love, loss, friendship, sex, family and the complexities of human relationships. Surrounded by art that deeply resonated with the personal experiences of the artists was the perfect way to spend the Valentine’s Day evening.
The exhibition was an eclectic blend of mediums, featuring everything from photography and painting to drawings, sculpture and mixed media. Each piece carried a personal narrative, allowing the artists to communicate their stories in ways that words often cannot express. Some took a moment to share the significance of their work, shedding light on how art can serve as a powerful medium for storytelling and self-expression.
UTSA alumna Calli Recore presented two distinct paintings, a self-portrait and a depiction of two ravens perched on Bald Cypress branches. The painting with two ravens, “Walk of Balance,” symbolizes companionship and eternal love.
“Ravens and crows are incredibly intelligent, and while they mate for life, they’re also socially promiscuous,” Recore explained. “So I really adore them, and I portrayed two mates on Bald Cypress branches to symbolize this eternal devotion and this eternal love that I feel I’ve always been surrounded by. I wanted to reflect that idea of eternal devotion, especially in the context of my own family. My parents have been together for 25 years and my grandparents for 50. It feels almost ingrained in me to find someone who will be with me for life.”
Recore’s self-portrait, “Heart of Self,” told a different story — one of self-love and growth. Inspired by tarot imagery, the painting reflected the “Three of Swords” card, which is often associated with sorrow, betrayal and healing.
“This card represents three past traumatic events that shaped me. It’s a personal reflection of my journey, as I’ve grown through pain to discover self-love,” Recore shared.
Sol Longoria, another standout artist at the exhibition, explored the theme of self-love and human connection through her lino print titled “Reciprocity.”
“I often use nature as a metaphor to explore the ways we connect with one another,” Longoria said. “I believe we’re all part of the same ecosystem, and this piece speaks to the idea that when we open ourselves up to others, we give a little of ourselves away, but in doing so, we gain so much more.” Her work was a reminder of the delicate balance between giving and receiving in relationships.
Philip Scheidt, a UTSA alumnus, presented a mixed-media curation titled “Memories of Men,” inspired by a box of vintage photographs he found in a local store. The photographs captured various men throughout time, and Scheidt used them to tell a deeply personal story.
“Each photo represents a different relationship in my life — my father, lovers, priests and other male figures. I wanted to give these photos a voice, showing how these relationships have influenced and shaped me,” Scheidt explained. His work spoke to the complexity of human connections and the lasting impact they have on one’s identity.
As the exhibition continued, it became clear that this event was more than just a showcase of art. It was an opportunity for the artists to connect with each other and with the audience.
“I feel incredibly supported by the community here,” Recore said. “Whether it’s other artists or just people who come to see the work, there’s this energy of love and connection that surrounds everything. My paintings, with their dynamic motion, reflect how I feel supported and loved from all directions. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.”
The night was filled with emotion, creative energy and a strong sense of community. As the gallery filled with conversation and admiration for the art on display, “Intimate Stories” was not just an exhibition — it was a celebration of the deeply personal narratives that connect people. The art, live DJ and atmosphere created a space where “Intimate Stories” were welcomed, and each artist’s story was seen.
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