The Molly Shafer Gallery Dedicated
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10/18 C O M M U N I T Y + H I S T O R Y + C U LT U R E The Molly Shafer Gallery Dedicated Letter from Lisa Margaret Leeds, Nora Peterson, Sherry Hess Executive Director Lisa Lynde join the faculty of Texas A&M University’s They say you aren’t supposed to College of Liberal Arts. Molly was a ask a woman her age, but I have never psychologist and became director of been self-conscious about such things Special Services for College Station so I ‘m going to tell the truth. I turned Independent School District. These two art 50 last month. I’m not entirely sure lovers eventually gravitated to San Antonio how I feel about it. It’s a bit surreal. in 2002 and directed the creation of their The realization I have been around for magnificent King William abode in the lofts half a century just makes me feel tired. on Madison. I try not to think about it! Instead I like New to King William, they were amazed to think about a few of the notables Photo credit: Alicia Spence-Schlesinger and aghast to find themselves confronting I share this milestone birthday year widespread graffiti in the neighborhood. with. We are delighted to welcome you to the They acted immediately to see what could The 747. Can a plane capture one’s newly dedicated Molly Shafer Gallery and to be done. Molly and Harry, organized a imagination? Yes! As a child I dreamed the opening of its premier exhibit featuring group of neighborhood volunteers to of flying on a double-decker plane. the work of Regina Moya, our virtual artist address the graffiti and worked with the city Two years ago, I had my chance on in residence. graffiti abatement team for training and a KLM flight from LAX to Amsterdam. Molly Shafer is a name that is tools to do the job. This led to collaboration Alas, KLM has scheduled their 747’s synonymous with art in San Antonio and, with local artists, neighbors and the city final flight for 2021. Hard to believe in particular, with art in King William probation department to provide wipes, she’ll have been at work for 51 years (KW), so it is very fitting that the King paint, and elbow grease to remove the by then! William Association Board should move to blight. The graffiti abatement program The Chevy Vega. This one has been recognize Molly by naming this gallery in subsequently inspired the delightful mural gone a long time. Back in the day, my her honor. However, it is difficult to think we see on the Insco Building at the corner grandmother in rural Iowa bought an of Molly and her many contributions to the of South Alamo and Guenther. olive green one. She was in her 70s at neighborhood without thinking of Harry The Insco building’s west wall had long the time. Twenty-plus years later and, Shafer, Molly’s husband, former president been a graffiti magnet. Molly researched having lived its whole life sheltered in of King William Association (KWA). graffiti deterrence in large cities and found a garage, looked brand new. Less than Molly and Harry met in 1983 and they that public art—murals—work well because a year later, subjected to Michigan married in 1988. Molly joined Harry in graffiti artists do not want to disrespect winters, it became a rusted shell of a College Station. the first archaeologist to other artists’ work. (Story continued on pg.3) car. What a run it had! The environment. OK, so this is What’s Happening In & Around King William obviously much older than 50, but in 1970 we started to really take notice. MARCH 4- GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Earth Day turns 50 this year and the King William Association, 122 Madison, 7:00 pm Environmental Protection Agency does as well. Unfortunately, the earth MARCH 6- NOVEL IDEAS BOOK FAIR is a bit worse for wear these days and Blue Star Contemporary Art Museum, 116 Blue Star,10:00 am- 11:00 pm in danger of suffering the fate of my grandmother’s Chevy Vega. Let’s work MARCH 14-15- ST. PATRICK’S DAY RIVER PARADE AND FESTIVAL to get it back in the garage so we can Riverwalk Downtown, 12:00pm- 8:00pm keep it around a bit longer. MARCH 25- ANTARCTICA- LAND OF ICE AND INSPIRATION Steves Homestead Riverhouse, 509 King William St, 7:00pm KWA Newsletter 1 NEWSLETTER STAFF President’s Message There is nothing more likely to start disagreement among people or countries than an Content: Kassi Tyson-Wright agreement.- E.B. White Editor: Shelley Galbraith With the agreement to form the King William Association in 1967, I can affirm the Production: Diamond Mascorro accuracy of the above quote. We begin 2020 with a new board, some returning and some brand new. Our first meeting was an all-day retreat in January, which included Opinions expressed in this publication are those of our staff. It offered insight into diverse opinions of all gathered, but also gave us the the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opportunity to express our thoughts, and attempt consensus opinions to guide our opinion(s) of the Board of Directors of the KWA. organization. We acknowledged the history, growth, and expansion of the KWA, brought forward positive aspects of our neighborhood, identified challenges and potential 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS threats, and speculated on great ideas. We then accepted the reality that not everything can be accomplished; try we shall. President: John Doski Each of you likely has particular passions or preferences about the KWA. (And yes, Vice President: Shelley Galbraith we are NOT a homeowners association.) There were many topics raised at the retreat, Secretary: Rose Kanusky and we support, encourage, or enjoy execution of this diversity, be it with the King Treasurer: Chance Kinnison William Area Kids (KWAKS) activities, Southtown events (still somewhat amorphous), or Parliamentarian: Gretchen Garceau-Kragh the annual gathering for the King William Yacht Club. We have had another successful Board of Directors: Rose Kanusky, Margaret Leeds, Nathan Morey, Robin Sauerkraut Bend run and will have a Home Tour run by someone other than Anne Raquet, Lori Hall, David Ayala, Pat Heard, Alexander. I would offer that activities of more frequent and intense discussion included Carlos Villareal, Boris Abad the King William Fair and the Cultural Arts District (CAD). As I brought up from the November General Meeting, each of these have an extensive history, controversies, and robust dialogue on their future. But we are actively engaged in the evolution of each. KWA CONTACT INFORMATION The KW Fair continues to specialize, with discussions underway to meaningfully reduce waste generated and lessen environmental impact. The CAD, under the direction of Nora Pederson, has a beautiful art exhibit underway, a lecture series planned, concerts in the Office Hours: M-F, 9:00 am-3:00 pm 122 Madison St., San Antonio, TX 78204 park, and an updated and really neat website. Many thanks to Molly Shafer, emeritus for KWA Phone: (210) 227-8786 creation and advancement of the CAD. Fair Phone: (210) 271-3247 Based on the enthusiasm at the retreat, I hope we will have a productive and successful KWA Email: [email protected] year and accomplish some of the ideas considered. And again, I encourage everyone to Fair Email: [email protected] become at least aware, if not involved. We welcome your help. - John Doski Websites: ourkwa.org, kwfair.org, Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.- Mahatma Gandhi kingwilliamculturalartsdistrict.com STAFF Graffiti Clean Up KWA Executive Director: Lisa Lynde KWA Office Manager: Monika Perez-Moad We need to know about graffiti KWA Administrative Coordinator: Kassi in the neighborhood, and we’ll Tyson-Wright be setting up a graffiti work Fair Manager: Syeira Budd day soon to clean it up. So, we Fair Entertainment & Vendor Coordinator: Noah Peterson need to know where cleaning is Fair Marketing & Parade Coordinator: needed, and volunteers. Alicia Spence-Schlesinger KWA provides the supplies. Fair Operations & Volunteer Coordinator: Danielle Griffin ADVERTISING Promote your business directly to your Membership Dues are King William neighbors by advertising in this newsletter! Details are on website, ourkwa.org, call Past Due! 210-227-8786 or email [email protected] Please remember to renew your Let's Be Friends KWA membership ASAP! 2 KWA Newsletter (Cover story continued from pg.1) of food booths, four walking maps of King William, at the loud music, KWA office, wayfinding signs, concerts in excessive drinking, the park, art exhibits and a speaker series. and trash buildup. Current CAC members are Nora Peterson, Their activist Susan Athene, Ethel Pedraza, and Sherry natures came into Hess. Robin Raquet and Margaret Leeds play once again. are Board liaisons to the committee. Jim They explored Gillette created an artistic and informative solutions, solicited website for the CAD. allies and were It was Molly who had the foresight instrumental in and was the guiding force that led the corralling many of Texas Commission of the Arts to officially the unruly aspects designate this area as the King William Photo credit: Erich Landry of the event. Food Cultural Arts District. This rare and distinct booths were no honor was presented on November 29, 2011 Molly obtained funding from the city, KWA longer allowed. at SAY Si’. and private donors and patiently worked In 2008,Molly, the consummate art For the past 18 years we have had through 5 layers of city bureaucracy to gain lover, recruited residents to form the KW the benefit of Molly’s love of the arts, her the approval for the mural.