This non-profit organization, located in the Deco Building, promotes Chicano/Latino artists. The various programs held, reflect their rich cultural heritage. The Low and Slow Classic Car Show, The Lowrider Festival, and a number of Día De Los Muertos activities are to name a few of the much-awaited events organized by them. The Lowrider Festival, which is family-oriented, promises a fun-filled day for the kids; there's music, dance, food, drinks, games and other entertainment followed by lots of prizes to be won. All profits are used to fund the cultural arts programs of the center. Several other interesting exhibits are held throughout the year.
This 18-year-old center, located on San Pedro Street, is devoted to cultural and political activities. Cultural art programs help in promoting social justice, which this organization strives for. Issues affecting women, lesbians, gays, the poor and people of the working class are of their prime concern. Various pottery workshops, film festivals and exhibits are also promoted by them. In 1997, it was denied city funding and was labeled as a supporter of homosexual, abortion and anti-family values. However, the center is still going strong, which is a reflection of the support it gets from the common man.
This mission is located within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. It is one of the few missions along the San Antonio River that had tried to convert the local people into Catholics. The original 200 year old stone church still stands in the premises. It is a good example of Spanish Colonial Architecture. One also gets to see beautiful Moorish designs, wall and ceiling paintings, and other interesting design details. The pretty geometrical designs that once adorned its surface have faded away over time.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Little Flower or the Little Flower Church is one of the few churches in the US that is designated a minor basilica. Found by a group of friars, this basilica is an architectural masterpiece. The church holds a few interesting annual events like the 'Musical Showers of Flowers', 'El Dia de Los Ninos' and others which add color to the Christian community here.
Originally built in the late 19th Century and used as a boarding house, Villa Finale got a second life when the building was bought by Walter Mathis. Walter Mathis restored the building to its past glory and started collecting artifacts. Both the home and the collection were given to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2004, and luckily now the public can view the stunning estate. When you tour this house you'll be able to see the lovely architectural design, as well as Texas artwork and European artifacts.