There are moments that remind us just how powerful art can be in bringing people together while they are each reflecting on their very personal identity. On September 20, 2024, one of those moments happened. As Hispanic Heritage Month began, leaders from San Antonio—representatives from the City, the Alamo Colleges Foundation, local philanthropists, and corporations—gathered in Querétaro, Mexico. Por que?! To unveil The Other Side of the Mirror / Al Otro Lado del Espejo, a groundbreaking art exhibit at the Museo de Arte de Querétaro.
An Exhibit That Brings Cultures Face to Face
Organized by visionary artists Lionel and Kathy Sosa, along with Museo Director Antonio Arelle, this exhibit isn’t just about showcasing art—it’s about storytelling. It brings together Latino artists, scholars, photographers, ceramists, poets, and historians from San Antonio to share their experiences and inspirations with their counterparts in Querétaro. To stand in that gallery, surrounded by these pieces, is to feel the heartbeat of two cities that have been connected for over 300 years.
The Other Side of the Mirror is exactly that—a reflection of what happens when two cultures come face to face, each seeing themselves in the other’s stories, colors, and history.
Telling the Story Through Film: A Four-Part Documentary Series
The exhibit doesn’t just end with the art on the walls. A four-part documentary, also titled The Other Side of the Mirror, is set to air on KLRN-TV, starting October 17th. Every Thursday evening at 7:30 pm – I know y’all were already watching SALUD at that time, Queridos. Keep watching as viewers will get to dive deeper into the rich, intertwined history of San Antonio and Querétaro. Each episode explores the origins and ongoing connections between these two cities, revealing how the past continues to shape the present. The documentary will focus on the historical ties between the two cities, including the missions, and how they impact the identity and culture of San Antonio today.
Episode 1: The Birth of San Antonio airs Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Episode 2: The Missions airs Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Episode 3: Blended Cultures and Identity airs Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Episode 4: The Art airs Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 7:30 pm
My Interview with Antonio Arelle Barquet, Director of Museo de Arte de Querétaro
I had the honor of speaking with Antonio Arelle, a lead partner in the exhibit’s presentation at the Museo de Arte de Querétaro. He shared what this exhibit means for the museum and the community. WATCH it on my YouTube or Facebook:
Antonio shares how the project came together with the Sosas, how Chicano art has an impact on the community of Querétaro and, most touching, what he witnessed amongst the college students who were in attendance.
Seeing the Human Connection: The Alamo College Student Experience
The project also opened doors for students from Alamo Colleges to participate in a cultural exchange program, giving them the chance to see firsthand how art and culture can transcend borders. I spoke with Lilly Araiza, a student who traveled to Querétaro as part of the cultural exchange portion of this program. In our conversation, Lily reflects on the powerful connection she learned about between the two cities, and how this insightful journey helped her see her heritage with a more embracing heart.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBNFmEzxBmT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Want to Be Part of This Journey?
To learn more about The Other Side of the Mirror documentary series, the exhibit, and the ongoing cultural programming, visit othersideofthemirror.com. Stay tuned for more educational events and screenings that dive even deeper into the stories of San Antonio and Querétaro—stories of resilience, creativity, and unity.
Queridos, this exhibit and documentary are more than just events; they are an invitation. An invitation to look beyond what we know, to see ourselves in others, and to celebrate the ways our histories have been connected for centuries. I invite you to keep building those bridges, one piece of art, one story, and one conversation at a time.
