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What We Do

Viva Arte is a digital platform dedicated to celebrating the vibrant art community in San Antonio and beyond. We bring you the latest news on local public art projects, insightful artist interviews, and in-depth reviews of art exhibits, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of our city. Join us as we explore the ever-evolving world of art and highlight the creative voices shaping our communities.

Vision

Viva Arte is a respected digital publication dedicated to thoughtful art criticism and news in San Antonio, amplifying diverse artistic voices and perspectives. Rooted in grassroots values, it serves as a platform for meaningful dialogue, fostering connections between local and global art communities. By blending rigorous scholarship with accessible storytelling, Viva Arte champions cultural innovation and critical engagement with art in all its forms.

Viva Arte is a digital platform dedicated to celebrating the vibrant art community in San Antonio and beyond. We bring you the latest news on local public art projects, insightful artist interviews, and in-depth reviews of art exhibits, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of our city. Join us as we explore the ever-evolving world of art and highlight the creative voices shaping our communities.

Mission

Viva Arte’s mission is to provide insightful and accessible art criticism and news that highlights diverse voices, fosters meaningful dialogue, and nurtures grassroots creativity. Through a commitment to integrity, inclusivity, and cultural engagement, we aim to inspire critical thinking and build connections within and beyond the art community

Values

Integrity in Criticism We are committed to honest, well-researched, and insightful art criticism that upholds journalistic and scholarly rigor while remaining accessible to all audiences.

Amplifying Diverse Voices We prioritize and uplift artists, writers, and perspectives from underrepresented communities, ensuring that our platform reflects the rich cultural landscape of San Antonio and beyond.

Grassroots Creativity We believe in the power of independent, community-driven art spaces and initiatives, celebrating the artists and collectives shaping cultural innovation from the ground up.

Meaningful Dialogue We foster thoughtful discussions around art, encouraging deep engagement between artists, critics, and audiences to expand the conversation beyond the gallery walls.

Inclusivity & Accessibility We strive to make art criticism and news engaging and approachable, bridging gaps between academia, the art world, and the general public.

Cultural Engagement & Connection We recognize that art does not exist in isolation. Our work connects local and global perspectives, exploring how art shapes and is shaped by cultural, historical, and social contexts.

Commitment to Community We are dedicated to nurturing relationships within the San Antonio art scene and beyond, supporting artists, curators, and institutions through thoughtful coverage and collaboration.

Our Team

Katherine Deck-Portillo

As an art historian and passionate advocate for the creative community, I founded Viva Arte to spotlight the rich and diverse art scene in San Antonio and beyond. With years of experience in teaching and researching contemporary art and decolonial practices, I’ve dedicated my career to making art accessible and engaging for everyone. Viva Arte is the culmination of my love for art and commitment to elevating the voices of artists who shape our cultural landscape, sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect art enthusiasts, collectors, and creators.

Chris Karr headshot.jpg

Chris Karr

I’m Chris Karr, a Chicano artist originally from the Rio Grande Valley, and now living in San Antonio, Texas. I started painting when I was eight years old and have been creating art ever since. I earned my Bachelor's of Art in studio art from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in December 2021 and my Master's of Art in art history from the University of Texas at San Antonio in December 2023.

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Currently, I’m the Lead Retention Specialist at the University of Texas at San Antonio and an adjunct professor of art history. In addition to making art, I’ve recently begun writing about it, and my passion for both creating and understanding art continues to grow.

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