San Antonio unveils public art honoring St. James AME Church

The San Antonio River Foundation and San Antonio River Authority unveiled Presence of the Past and the Culture Crossing Pavilion at San Pedro Creek Culture Park on June 18, 2026. The installation marks a cultural site tied to St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church and the city’s Reconstruction-era Black history. Why it matters: - The installation turns a restored creek site into a place for public memory, linking San Antonio residents and visitors to the history of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church. - The project highlights the role of Reconstruction-era African American communities in shaping San Antonio’s cultural identity. - The dedication arrives during Juneteenth observances, adding civic and historical significance to the unveiling. What happened: - The San Antonio River Foundation and the San Antonio River Authority unveiled Presence of the Past and the Culture Crossing Pavilion at San Pedro Creek Culture Park on June 18, 2026. - Artist Gordon Huether created the new public art installation. - The unveiling took place during a special dedication ceremony in San Antonio. - The project was presented as a tribute to the legacy of St. James AME Church. The details: - The installation was developed after the discovery of a significant cultural site during the restoration of San Pedro Creek in 2020. - The church’s original cornerstone, laid in 1875, is at the heart of the project. - The cornerstone stands as a symbol of San Antonio’s Reconstruction-era African American community and its contributions to the city’s history. - Huether said the installation was designed to reflect the site’s physical history and the spirit of the people connected to it. - Huether said public art can transform a space into a place of remembrance and connection. - The weekend-long Juneteenth celebration included a community panel discussion led by Seeligson at Texas Public Radio’s Carlos and Malú Alvarez Theater on Friday, June 19. - The celebration also included a public dedication ceremony and a gospel performance at the site on Sunday, June 21. Between the lines: - The project shows how infrastructure restoration can surface historic sites and lead to cultural interpretation in public spaces. - By centering a church cornerstone rather than a new monument, the installation ties the work directly to an existing historical artifact. - The collaboration among the River Foundation, River Authority, and artist signals a preservation effort that blends art, history, and community programming. What’s next: - The Juneteenth events continue with public programming and a site dedication around the installation. - Visitors can experience the new artwork at San Pedro Creek Culture Park as part of the area’s ongoing cultural restoration. - More information is available through Gordon Huether Studio , San Antonio River Foundation , and San Antonio River Authority . The bottom line: - San Antonio has turned a discovered historical site into a public art landmark that honors Black church history and the city’s broader cultural past.