The Contemporary at Bluestar is hosting “Murmurations,” a mid-career survey exhibition featuring 17 projects from the last 20 years of Mark Menjívar, associate professor in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts.
The exhibition is open until May 3, with admission free to all.
The exhibition is part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Contemporary at Bluestar, which illuminates the organization’s history and the influence of community, developing exhibitions that actively build on and strengthen local, national, and international relationships.
“We can think of no better artist to highlight than Mark Menjivar, who through social practice and participatory education models has focused on community building,” said Jacqueline Saragoza McGilvray, curator and exhibitions director for the Contemporary at Blue Star. “In his projects, Menjivar creates frameworks for students, community groups, and leaders to come together and have critical dialogs about the issues that impact their lives.”
Menjívar is a San Antonio-based artist whose art practice primarily consists of creating participatory projects while being rooted in photography, oral history, archives and social action. Menjívar has engaged in projects across the country including the El Museo del Barrio, Rothko Chapel, Eastern State Penitentiary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, The Puerto Rican Museum of Art and Culture, Sala Diaz and the Krannert Art Museum.
In this exhibition, Menjívar integrates social practice and participatory education models that create intentional community building. Menjívar refers to “Murmurations” as a large group exhibition due to the collaborative efforts of over 2,200 people who have been involved in the featured projects. These participatory projects often utilize oral history recording, archive building, publications and installations to present conversations and findings to generate further participation by the public.
Inspiring a new generation of community leaders
Menjívar taught at Texas State University for 10 years and joined the UT San Antonio faculty in 2025 to co-direct the new Community Arts degree program. The Bachelor of Arts in Community Arts, located within the College of Liberal and Fine Arts’ Interdisciplinary School for Engagement, is designed to develop graduates who can step into leadership roles in the arts and nonprofit sectors as practicing artists. The program offers experiential learning opportunities, where students can engage in participatory, community-based art practices and gain hands-on experience working with San Antonio’s arts organizations, cultural institutions, and nonprofits.
“The arts have the power to shape our communities, and this new program is helping students gain the knowledge and skills to do that well. Students will have the opportunity to choose concentrations in community arts leadership, community arts education, and public practice in the arts,” Menjívar said. “The merger with UT Health has brought some great new opportunities and we will soon be offering a concentration in art and health as well. We are excited to see the impact in our community through collaboration with nonprofits and artists.”
In Fall 2027, there will also be a new two-year MFA program to build on the strengths of faculty and community partners.
A vision for the future
While the exhibition features mostly work from the past, Menjívar has also launched a new project entitled “Everyone.” This project seeks to record an oral history with every person living in San Antonio, all 1.7 million of them. So far, he has done eight.
“Most people chuckle when they hear about this project, but it really highlights that I believe all of our stories are worth listening to,” he said.
After the exhibition closes, Menjívar will be working with other local organizations to host the project for recording sessions and listening parties.
“It is starting slow, but I am excited to work with Community Arts students to help move the project forward,” he added.
Exhibition Calendar
Exhibition Hours
Open through Sunday, May 3
Wednesdays, Noon to 5 p.m.
Thursday – Friday, Noon to 8 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Contemporary at BlueStar, Blue Stars Arts Complex, 116 Blue Star, San Antonio, TX 78204
Closing Reception
Sunday, May 3
3 to 6 p.m.
Contemporary at BlueStar, Blue Stars Arts Complex, 116 Blue Star, San Antonio, TX 78204
The exhibition and all events are free to attend.
