San Antonio Celebrates Literary Excellence and Cultural Legacy with Naomi Shihab Nye Award and New Public Art Installation

San Antonio Celebrates Literary Talent and Cultural Heritage

San Antonio is buzzing with creativity and recognition as two significant events unfold that celebrate both literature and culture in this vibrant Texas city.

Naomi Shihab Nye Receives the Texas Writers Award

In exciting news for the literary community, the talented Naomi Shihab Nye has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Texas Writers Award by the Texas Book Festival. This recognition, which acknowledges writers who have had a profound effect on Texas literature, highlights Nye’s impressive career as both a poet and educator.

Nye, a Palestinian-American poet and educator from San Antonio, has a remarkable curriculum vitae that includes serving as the Young People’s Poet Laureate for the U.S. Poetry Foundation and working as the poetry editor for prestigious publications like The New York Times Magazine and the Texas Observer. Her work has been honored with several lifetime achievement awards, including those from the Texas Institute of Letters and the National Book Critics Circle.

“Naomi Shihab Nye is not only a profoundly gifted and accomplished writer, but also a dedicated educator and cherished figure in the Texas literary community,” said TBF Literary Director Hannah Gabel in a statement. The award will be presented during the Texas Book Festival, set to take place on November 16-17, where attendees can also celebrate her two 2024 releases: I Know About a Thousand Things: The Writings of Ann Alejandro of Uvalde, Texas and a new poetry collection titled Grace Notes.

As a special touch, Nye will receive a pair of custom handmade boots from El Paso’s Rocketbuster, further honoring her deep connection to Texas. Known for her diverse range of works, including Everything Comes Next and Sitti’s Secrets, Nye continues to inspire a new generation of writers through her role as a writer-in-residence at Texas State University.

Public Art Installation Honoring San Antonio’s Heritage

Meanwhile, just down the road, another remarkable project is in the works to highlight San Antonio’s rich history. In February 2025, visitors to San Pedro Creek can look forward to the unveiling of a new public art installation called Presence of the Past and Culture Crossing Pavilion, created by California artist Gordon Huether. This two-part, $2 million project pays tribute to the legacy of the St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, a cornerstone of the African American community in San Antonio.

The installation has been in the works for some time, especially after archaeologists discovered the foundation of the church during construction work in 2020. St. James AME Church has deep roots in the city, having been the first Black congregation in San Antonio where formerly enslaved and free African Americans could gather in autonomy. It played a crucial role in establishing a community focused on education, civil rights, and economic empowerment.

Huether’s design will draw on historic quilt patterns to lead visitors through the exhibit, which is inspired by the church’s architecture and significance. The art will include the AME shield and an altar with the names of original parishioners, inviting everyone to reflect on their contributions and stories. This installation is not just about looking back; it’s about engaging today’s community and keeping the narrative alive.

“Thanks to careful assessment and input from the community, this site will be rehabilitated into a gathering place where people can connect with San Antonio’s dynamic and multi-layered history,” said Frates Seeligson, executive director of the San Antonio River Foundation. With the construction of this cultural landmark, visitors will have the chance to explore a vital part of the city’s heritage, further enriching San Antonio’s unique cultural tapestry.

As these exciting developments unfold, it’s evident that San Antonio is a city that honors its past while embracing its creative future. The fusion of literature and cultural heritage signals a bright path ahead for this vibrant community.