In the early planning stages of the AT&T Center, it was decided that the venue could be a wonderful showcase for the tremendous talent of many of the artists from San Antonio and across Texas. A collection of more than 200 pieces encompassing the work of over 50 artists curated from local galleries and art institutions, word of mouth, and direct solicitations has recently been refurbished and reinstalled in the newly renovated AT&T Center.
Some of the newest additions include “Exit Signs”, located throughout the Plaza Level concourse.
“My recent work is about movement, time, and timing,” says Ethel Shipton. “More directly, it is about exits and entrances, and how the timing of every exit allows you to enter somewhere or someplace. It is about the journey and the anticipation of the moment of arrival. This work also honors all the fans that come from near and far to see their Spurs team play.”
“Light It Up” is located on the Plaza Level Section 110 wall mural.
“This mural reflects upon all aspects of Spurs Sports & Entertainment, as well as the exciting, multifaceted sports and culture of San Antonio,” says Elizabeth Carrington. “I hope it inspires all girls and boys to the get out there and be the star of their own show. San Antonio has an infectious spirit of energy, kindness, and family. Let’s Get Loud!”
“We’re Good Right Here” is an interactive light installation in the southeast entry on the Plaza Level. This piece explores Ansen Seale’s interest in native plants of south Texas. In this work, the idea of “Bloom where you are planted” takes on special significance with the hometown success story that is the Spurs. The work also calls attention to the pivotal role that south Texas has had on the development of the telephone communication system, from early use of barbed wire to present day wireless technology and AT&T’s global communications network.
“Champions” by Rudy Choperena is also in the southeast entry on the Plaza Level. It is a portrait of the San Antonio Spurs. The shot is composed of basketballs signed by the championship team members. Using a long exposure and camera movement, the artist created a new kind of team portrait and emphasized the ball motif by creating a work in the round.
“Hello Darlin’ Map” is also on the Plaza Level, but by the northeast entrance.
“This editioned piece is an assemblage of varied prints that are wheat-pasted onto a wall,” says Cruz Ortiz. “The concept for this large-scale collage was to illustrate a glossary of images that reflect my experience as a native Texan. I am constantly surrounded by swirling images that sing about romance and struggle. The Texas landscape has always been home to various peoples and cultures. This piece acts like the Texas Rosetta Stone, with intentions to translate our differences and connect us by our common experiences.”
“Atomic Spur”, located on the East Porch on the H-E-B Fan Zone Level, is brushed aluminum, neon, LED, and rhinestones. Artist George Cisneros explains the symbolic significance behind the “Atomic Spur” by saying it began as a celebration of the silver atom, the substance of the finest of Spurs. For over 400 years, spurs made from Durango’s silver mines have been prized by explorers, horsemen, ranchers, and collectors. It is not surprising the spur was chosen as an icon for our ABA and NBA teams. The “Atomic Spur” has recently made a major move, traveling from the first floor to the H-E-B Fan Zone Level, an engineering feat of huge proportion. Adding to its grandeur, 13,000 rhinestones have been hand-applied to the rowel.
“Buckle up”, located by sections 208-209 of the H-E-B Fan Zone Level, is made of hand-carved and silver-leafed aluminum.
“As a Texan, I am highly influenced by the historical and contemporary traditions of artisans, ranging from wood workers and spur makers, to guilders and gunsmiths,” says Campbell Bosworth. “I prefer to construct my narratives through woodcarving. Works like ‘Buckle Up’ demonstrate a melding of my painting and my woodworking.”
Project Artists: Jesse Amado, Bruno Andrade, Claire Ankenman, Waddy Armstrong, Camp Bosworth, Todd Brandt, Elizabeth Carrington, Rudy Choperena, Jerry Cabrera, George Cisneros, John Coleman, Cathy Cunningham-Little, Suzi Davidoff, August di Stefano, Alfonso Espronceda, Stephen Fanning, Michael Farley, Charles Field, Martha Gannon, Gini Garcia, Jamey Garza, Pam Harvey, Rick Hunter, Guy Hundere, Charles Ingram, Janet Eager Krueger, Connie Lowe, Kirsten Macy, David Mata, Ana Montoya, Cruz Ortiz, Aaron Parazette, Johnice Parker, Chuck Ramirez, Barbra Riley, Kate Ritson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Regina Roman, Susie Rosmarin, Kent Rush, Humberto Saldaña, Ashley Sanchez, Margo Sawyer, Mark Schlesinger, Ansen Seale, Julie Shipp, Ethel Shipton, Curt Slangal, Ray Smith Penelope Speier, Hills Snyder, Gary Sweeney, Kathleen Trenchard, Bob Wade, Bill Wilhelmi, and Vincent Valdez.
Curatorial Team: Alice Foultz, Alice Carrington Foultz Art Advisory, Henry Muñoz, Muñoz & Company, Lauren Kate Holt, Corinna Holt Richter, and Lisa Garcia