San Antonio - Briscoe Museum

The fourth stop of our day in San Antonio was the Briscoe Western Art Museum, easily spotted on the River Walk by the large and distinctive bronze sculpture with horses out front. Their permanent galleries of paintings, sculpture, and artifacts were so well-curated and displayed that it was a real pleasure to explore each floor.

Camino de Gálvez

T. D. Kelsey, bronze, 2014

Spur styles by region

Stagecoach and windmill

Guerra family saddle

The Guerras are a fascinating Texas family descended from Spaniards who arrived in the New World 400 years ago. They have lived under all six flags of Texas.

Diamonds and Denim

Mehl Lawson, Bronze, 1994

There was a special exhibition called “Night of Artists,” an annual event where contemporary Western artists display works for sale. There were so many amazing pieces that I took far too many photos; here are some of my favorites.

Sleeping Sun

Bruce Cheever, oil on linen on panel, 2023

The Source

Chris Hunt, charcoal and pastel, 2023

High Stakes

Pancho Villa loses his favorite rifle to Elfego Boca, then wants it back

Jim Vogel, oil on canvas panels, antique saloon doors (frame), 2023

Little Spirit Keeper

John Coleman, charcoal on paper, 2024

Shared Memories

Ed Natiya, Bronze, 2024

We weren’t able to visit the sculpture garden due to a private event. Perhaps we’ll be able to see it on a future visit. (Briscoe Museum is a member of NARM, so our admission was free, thanks to our reciprocal membership. Yay!)