Invariably, every time we’re at Gallista Gallery for an opening reception or event, we feel like we just walked into a large, boisterous, fun family reunion, where we run into old friends and colleagues at a time and place that prompt us to feel a deeper kinship with these former partners from various historic endeavors; a kinship that makes us wonder why we don’t meet as frequently any more. And then we wonder as well why our family reunions are not more like this.

Of course, Joe Lopez, South Flores pioneer, artist, and owner of Gallista Gallery and the Gallista complex of art studios and coffee shop; always extends a warm welcoming embrace, which adds to the at-home, at-ease, fuzzy neon glow of the Gallista ambiance. But take a step or two and the warm fuzzies are promptly countered by the full frontal assault of the color, the volume and the vivacity of the Gallista space.

We are very fond of Joe and his colorful corner of South Flores. The Gallista Coffee Shop is always buzzing with artists, intellectuals, authors, friends, Chicano activists old and young, veterans who served in the military with Joe; all engaged in conversations muffled or drowned out by music blaring from jukeboxes, large screen TV’s, or DJ’s in the main back gallery, plus maybe a band or two out in the back patio, a patio that is typically covered by thick layers of barbecue smoke, and overrun by visitors of all stripes and ages.

Whenever we stroll through a Gallista event, our spirits are lifted even as our senses are completely overwhelmed. It’s like having a hearty wonderful meal, followed by a big, flavorful cup of Joe. San Antonio’s one and only Gallista Joe.

Exhibiting at Gallista for FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA is Jorge Sandoval, photographer, producer, writer, traveller, and a partner in several of those long-gone historic endeavors mentioned above. His exhibit Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) is a collection of images from ten years of travels to Mexico, Latin America and Asia, and the images do not put the lie to the exhibit’s subtitle (De Colores).

Jorge Sandoval, featured artist, Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA exhibit at Gallista Gallery.

Joe Lopez, owner/artist, Gallista Gallery.

Partial view of the Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) exhibit.

Partial view of the Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) exhibit.

Partial view of the Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) exhibit.

Partial view of the Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) exhibit.

Partial view of the Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) exhibit.

Detail from the Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) exhibit.

Detail from the Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) exhibit.

FOTOSEPTIEMBRE USA opening reception at Gallista. Is this a party or what?

Wonderlandia/Not Disneyland (De Colores) opening reception at Gallista.

Long-time camaradas Eduardo Cavazos Garza and Jeannie Calliandro.

Jorge Sandoval working it.

Jorge Sandoval really working it. Down boy…

Jesse Borrego, Ann Kinser and Jorge Sandoval. Talk about history…

View of the Gallista Coffe Shop. Dr. Gary D. Keller, Regents’ Professor and Director of the Hispanic Resource Center of Arizona State University is seated at left (with the ‘stache). Dr. Keller is the author of the book Triumph of Our Communities: Four Decades of Mexican American Art, which featured the work of Joe Lopez and other San Antonio Chicano artists. Dr. Keller was at Gallista for the presentation of a documentary based on his work.

David Halliday, Joe Diaz, Joe Bravo, David Rubin and Lori Bravo, just outside Gallista.

When you see this sign you know where you are, and you know where you belong. Bolillos and coconuts be forewarned.