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🎨 250 year-old artwork

What to know about the frescos at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The exterior of a historic stone building with a tower on the left and a dome in the middle.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is located on the city’s south side and has plenty of history to explore. | Photo by NPS
As you walk through the grounds of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, make sure to take a peek at one of its oldest architectural features: the Mission Frescos.

These colorful murals once covered the exterior + interior of the church and the convento (priest’s residence) at Mission Concepción and Mission San José. The best part? You can see this artwork for free.

What are frescos?

This architectural element is one of the most permanent ways of decorating. Mineral pigment, wet lime plaster, limestone, water, and possibly goats milk were used to make a paint-like plaster substance. The plaster would dry and harden into limestone as the colors became permanent.

It’s all in the details

SATXtoday: fresco details San Antonio NPS

This fresco design pattern can be seen at Mission Concepción and Mission San José

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Photo by NPS

So, why frescos? While exploring the frontier of New Spain, the Franciscans wanted to showcase extravagant beauty for the mission churches. The walls of Mission Concepción and Mission San José are still standing tall 250 years later.

There were multiple purposes for this wall art. These include:
  • Highlight architectural features
  • Hide construction flaws
  • Used as a tool for teaching Catholicism
  • As decor
As you explore the churches, you’ll notice four colors were used: yellow, red, black, and blue. Learn more about the ingredients of each pigment.

Legacy of the frescos

SATXtoday: NPS fresco San Antonio

Titled the “Eye of God” Fresco can be found inside the convento at Mission Concepción.

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Photo by NPS

If you’re looking for the best examples, look no further than the library at Mission Concepción.

In 1988, a crew of art conservators removed 250 years worth of dirt + non-original plaster. The treatment exposed a second eye, a mustache, and goatee on the ceiling sunburst, leading historians to believe it was a Spanish medallion.

Fun fact: Preservation work in 2010 by the Catholic Church exposed more artwork in the chapel and the baptistry located at the base of the two bell towers.
 
Events
Monday, July 29
  • Summer Academy 2024 | Monday, July 29 | 9 a.m. | Topgolf San Antonio, 5539 N. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio | $225 | Enroll your child into this five-day golf clinic that will expose them to the basics of golf and perfect their swing.
  • Mindful Yoga | Monday, July 29 | 6-7 p.m. | San Pedro Creek Culture Park, 302 W. Houston St., San Antonio | Free | Flow through your Monday blues with this hour long session with Mobile Om Yoga.
Tuesday, July 30
  • “Sing 2" | Tuesday, July 30-Wednesday, July 31 | 10 a.m. | Santikos Theaters, San Antonio | Cost of purchase | Get to the theater early to claim the best seat and pick up a $5 Summer Kids Movie Combo that includes a kids popcorn box and a 12-oz drink.
  • San Antonio Film Festival | Tuesday, July 30-Sunday, Aug. 4 | 10 a.m.-11:59 p.m. | Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Cir., San Antonio | $13-$150 | Network and make connections with filmmakers as you screen their latest films.
Wednesday, July 31
  • Chingona Comedy | Wednesday, July 31 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club, 618 NW Loop 410, San Antonio | $15-$25 | Come laugh with the Queens of Texas Comedy as they joke about topics ranging from relationships, parenthood, and embarrassing moments.
Events calendar here
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News Notes
Closing
  • Botika is closing after eight years of service. Chef Geronimo made the announcement via Instagram, where he thanked the loyal customers for their support. The last day of service is Sunday, Aug.4.
Announced
  • High Street Wine won the “Best Wine Bar List in North America” at The World of Fine Wine Awards 2024. Now the local wine bar will go on to compete for the Global Category Awards on Monday, Sept. 16 at The World’s Best Wine Lists 2024 awards ceremony at London’s Glaziers Hall.
Sports
  • The San Antonio Missions baseball team released their 2025 schedule. Next season, fans can expect 138 games, with 69 of those games at home. Fun fact: The Missions will start the season at home for the first time since 2016.
Watch
  • Local artists Nicholas Monroe + Jonah LaMonica led 30 volunteers to turn the pillars at Brooklyn Avenue under I-37 near downtown into giant crayons. The group used construction lifts, extra-long roller paint brushes, spray paint, and gallons of weather-proof paint to complete the project. See the finished art piece.
Olympics
  • The 2024 Summer Olympics are happening now in Paris, France — you can follow along with Team USA and some of our favorite local athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson and Joshua Edwards via KENS 5’s coverage.
Listen
  • What current or former Spurs player does rookie Stephon Castle resemeble? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Kids
    • Gearing up for the school year? Shop Nike’s Back to School Sale for sneakers, athletic wear, and backpacks. Save an extra 25% with promo code SPORT25.*
     
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    🚧 Wurzbach Road pedestrian improvements

    $2.35 million construction project to begin on Wurzbach Road
    SATXtoday: Wurzbach Corridor Sidewalk Project
    The proposed look for Wurzbach Corridor Sidewalk Project between between I-10 and Bluemel Road. | Photo via SA Speaks Up
    Yes, you read that right — more construction projects are happening in the Alamo City. A new project is scheduled to begin today on the city’s northside. Let us introduce you to the Wurzbach Corridor Sidewalk Project.

    This one aims to improve the pedestrian amenities along Wurzbach Road from I-10 to Fredericksburg Road. Improvements include:
    • Wider sidewalks
    • Improved ADA accessibility
    • Better access to bus stops
    So, how how long will this project last? The $2.35 million project will last through early 2025. This project is divided into four phases, beginning with the area between I-10 and Bluemel Road. Work on the first three phases will be conducted at night to minimize traffic impacts.

    For those commuting through the area, two-way traffic will remain at all times. During the project, businesses and parking lots will remain accessible, however, there will be occasional sidewalk closures.
    Asked

    What other Alamo City construction projects would you like to learn more about?
    Some project examples include 1604 Highways Expansion, I-35 NEX (Northeast Expansion) project, and the future San Antonio Missions Stadium.
    Tell us
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    Today’s edition by:
    Adriana
    From the editor
    Have you visited the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park recently? I plan on taking a stroll through the grounds sometime soon. This summer has been significantly cooler than last, so spending time outside hasn’t been as painful.
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