Get Your Official City of San Antonio 2023 Fiesta Medal
Published on April 12, 2023
Giveaways to take place at Centro de Artes Gallery leading up to Fiesta San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO (April 12, 2023) — In celebration of Fiesta San Antonio, the Department of Arts & Culture has released the Official City of San Antonio 2023 Fiesta Medals. The three medal designs commemorate the in-progress mural titled The Spirit Within, which can be found in development on the north-facing wall of Historic Market Square’s Farmers Market at Commerce Street.
When the mural and the area construction is complete later this year, The Spirit Within will be a massive 18' x 155' artwork covering an entire side wall of the Farmers Market building. Developed as part of the Department of Arts & Culture’s focus on bringing public art to the Zona Cultural District, it will be a new icon and landmark for the area.
“The Spirit Within mural features a fantastical landscape highlighting the impact of women and their work at Historic Market Square,” said Department of Arts & Culture Director Krystal Jones. “This year we have three medal designs that focus on some of the whimsical creatures portrayed in the mural that align with the vibrant, lively and playful spirit of Fiesta. When this mural project is complete, we will again celebrate with a community dedication event.”
The artwork was created by collaborative artists Ashleigh Garza and Hailey Marmolejo in coordination with San Anto Cultural Arts, who incorporated the community in the painting process. It features women donning luchador masks, constellations and Alebrijes - which are brightly colored mythical creatures represented through Mexican folk-art sculptures and can be found throughout Historic Market Square. Every element incorporated in the design serves as a reminder that the location’s rich multicultural history is imbued with feminine connotation.
“It is a real honor for our work to be chosen as the official medal because our work aims to honor the creation story of the city and the multicultural backgrounds of the people who make this city so special,” artist Hailey Marmolejo said.
Artist Ashleigh Garza said, “After working downtown as young adult my whole life, and then to be able to do what I love and have it highlighted as the official medal, is a dream come true.”
Each year, the City of San Antonio features a signature piece of public art in the Department of Arts & Culture’s collection as its official Fiesta medal. The Official City of San Antonio medals will be available to San Antonians for free during two Fiesta Medal Giveaway events. Additionally, on Saturday, April 15, the City of San Antonio’s Communications & Engagement and Center City Development & Operations Departments will also hand out medals. These limited-edition medals will be available for free on a first-come, first-served basis (while supplies last):
- Saturday, April 15, Noon to 2 p.m. – Centro de Artes Gallery (101 S. Santa Rosa)
- Wednesday, April 19, 3 to 5 p.m. – Centro de Artes Gallery
Following these giveaway events, the Department of Arts & Culture will offer the Official City of San Antonio medals through the Donate to the Arts program. Any contributors donating $20 or more will be mailed one Official City of San Antonio 2023 The Spirit Within Fiesta Medal (while supplies last).
For more information about The Spirit Within public mural or the Department of Arts & Culture’s Donate to the Arts Program, visit SanAntonio.gov/Arts and follow @getcreativesa.
