The vibrant and extensive art scene in San Antonio continues to thrive thanks to passionate artists who breathe life into the city with their work. The community is composed of individuals who are open and inviting to those around them, willing to talk with newcomers and encourage others to participate in local events.
Hilary Rochow has been one of those artists in San Antonio’s art scene for several years. Since college, she has worked her way into the art community and encourages as many people to get as involved with the scene as possible. Through her time at various popular art spaces, such as Blue Star Arts Complex, Mercury Project and 1906, her hard work and dedication have garnered her a reputation in the local art scene.
Rochow specializes in drawing and sculpture work, alongside this she uses her expertise to curate shows and exhibitions. In her most recent exhibit, “All the Nature We Have,” she displayed some of her work alongside another local artist Jennifer Khoshbin to create a cohesive exhibition. It was described as an “invitation to look inward as much as it is to look outward, with the hope to catalyze compassion, curiosity and maybe even conviction amidst troubling times,” which was displayed on Feb. 8 at the Mercury Project gallery. She puts on shows throughout the city and has an open studio space for people to visit during the second Saturday of each month.
Rochow was introduced to the art world while gallery sitting for Flight Gallery and starting conversations with those around her. Around the same time she began gallery sitting, she was focusing on her pen drawings of animals and was able to find opportunities to showcase her art.
“I got a good audience that was fascinated with my work, and it was so encouraging because it was clear that there was an audience for my work. I just needed to seek them out and find it and keep making work,” said Rochow.
Rochow finds the most joy in solo and duo exhibitions, but she occasionally collaborates on group exhibitions with other artists in San Antonio and throughout Central Texas. Her work has been displayed in 18 exhibitions and she has curated 23 exhibitions in the past seven years at galleries such as Flight, Mercury Project, Ornamental Cabbage and Rojo.
As an artist, one of the main ways to find success is to make connections. It can be hard to find an audience of people who respect and appreciate one’s work right off the bat, but with time and effort, connections will flourish.
Rochow explains how any artist’s work “definitely has an audience, and [they] won’t find that audience if [they] don’t show up and connect with people.” She has worked hard to connect with the community and encourages others to do the same to find those who align with their work and vision.
“Not every crowd will be your crowd, and not every show will be your show,” Rochow said.
However, putting in the effort to go out and spark conversation with other artists and curators got Rochow onto the right path. It is intimidating to get started and put art on display for others to see, but San Antonio is a great space to do so, as the community is welcoming and supportive. Simply attending art shows, being curious and staying open-minded can help to create an idea of just how inviting people truly are in the Alamo city.
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