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UTSA East Asia Institute offers free Korean language and culture class
Non-credit, 10-week course will run Feb. 21-May 4 at UTSA Main Campus
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International scholarship takes student to Ireland this semester
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UTSA hosts Feb. 8-9 meeting of UT System Board of Regents
President Ricardo Romo to show newest facilities, discuss UTSA achievements
Buffalo Soldier Day is Saturday, Feb. 11 at Institute of Texan Cultures
Day's events give look at 1870s army regiments that won the West
UTSA Black Student Leadership Council presents original play Feb. 11
Part of Black History Month, 'Our Reins Reclaimed' centers on self-respect
UTSA Graduate School hosts information sessions in South Texas
Information sessions are in Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo, Corpus Christi
Nursing honor society hosts Feb. 22 health-care research conference
Conference email registration deadline is Feb. 15
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New initiative creates technical, cultural environment for data warehousing, analysis
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Main Campus eatery designated 'Por Vida!' healthy restaurant
University Excellence Awards: Nomination deadline extended to Feb. 10
Ceremony combines University Excellence Awards and Faculty Honors Convocation
Coordinating Board approves UTSA psychology doctorate in military health
New program is first in Texas, second in nation with emphasis on military support
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Easier recycling: UTSA adopts new single-stream recycling process
Recycle paper, aluminum, plastics, cardboard in blue bins formerly paper only
Institute of Texan Cultures celebrates centennial of flight in San Antonio
Lt. Benjamin Foulois
Share this Story(Oct. 22, 2009)--In March of 1910, Lt. Benjamin Foulois conducted the first military flight in history, successfully piloting a Wright Flyer over the grounds of Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. A new exhibit, "A Salute to Military Flight" at the Institute of Texan Cultures, Oct. 17, 2009-July 4, 2010, explores the century since Foulois' flight and the legacy military aviation has built for San Antonio.
"A Salute to Military Flight" is divided into three distinct components exploring the history of military flight. The first segment, "Military Aviation Comes of Age in San Antonio, 1910-1935," includes over 50 paintings from the United States Air Force Art Collection, sponsored by Air Education and Training Command and curated by the History Office at Randolph Air Force Base.
In addition to the many artistic renderings of the first 25 years of military flight, the exhibit presents early photos of San Antonio-area military installations including a 1918 panorama of Camp John Wise, an Army Balloon Corps site, situated in present-day Alamo Heights (the steeple of the Incarnate Word Chapel is visible in the background).
The Air Force collection helps tell the stories of pioneers including Foulois, Gen. Billy Mitchell, a World War I veteran pilot and staunch advocate of military airpower; Eddie Rickenbacker, a World War I flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient; and Lt. George Kelly, the first fatality in military aviation and namesake of Kelly Field. Some of the artworks presented were commissioned expressly for this show, while others have never been seen outside of the Pentagon or their home Air Force bases.
Another exhibit component, "Flights of Fancy," explores a more artistic side of aviation. Flight has inspired artistic expression from its earliest days; it's a fascination that crosses cultural barriers. Educator Sherry Kafka Wagner has collected several folk art airplanes from around the world and a selection is on display, reflecting the art of Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Africa, the Philippines, Nepal and other cultures. Carved wood, ceramics, scrap metal and Coke cans are some of the materials the artists used to create the works.
A wall in the "Flights of Fancy" section is dedicated to the work of artist Alexander Calder. Calder was commissioned by Dallas-based Braniff Airlines to paint a number of their airplanes. His work sports swirls of bright, rich colors and graphic elements. Another wall is dedicated to the work of Fort Worth-based aviation photographer Jay Miller. Miller has provided a selection of his iconic photographs including restored World War II fighters, modern helicopters, transports and fighter planes. Many of the aircraft were built, designed or stationed in Texas.
A nine-screen kiosk deepens the story of aviation with "San Antonio: Military City, U.S.A." The feature discusses various eras of military aviation and its impact on San Antonio. The four-part audio-visual experience includes rare film footage and narrated stories. Emilio Torres, a 50-year Kelly Air Force Base civilian employee, provided a selection of photos from his private collection. Commentaries from commanding officers, educators and community leaders offer a perspective on what aviation has brought to San Antonio and where it will take the city in the future.
The institute's department of education and interpretation has developed a series of oral history podcasts and educational materials to help teachers plan classes and activities based on aviation. The materials will be posted on the Institute of Texan Cultures Web site in early November.
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The Institute of Texan Cultures is on the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. Durango Blvd., a short distance from the Alamo and the River Walk. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults (ages 12-64); $7 for seniors (ages 65 +); $6 for children (ages 3-11); free with membership, or UTSA or Alamo Colleges identification. For more information and resources for multiple audiences, call (210) 458-2300 or visit the Institute of Texan Cultures Web site.
The Institute of Texan Cultures is an agency of the UTSA Vice President for Community Services. The mission of the institute is to engage lifelong learners in the understanding and celebration of Texas cultural heritage. The 182,000-square-foot complex features 65,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and displays that tell the stories of Texans.
The institute develops quality, accessible resources for educators and lifelong learners on topics of cultural heritage and strives to develop a rich and vibrant culture in the arts and humanities that will expand community awareness and appreciation of Texas through an engaging series of exhibits, programs, and special events.
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