First PechaKucha of 2024 Coming to the Eastside at the Carver Community Cultural Center

SAN ANTONIO, TX (August 21, 2024) – PechaKucha San Antonio, the global arts and culture series known for its dynamic and concise presentations, is thrilled to announce Volume 44, the first event in its 2024 series. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Carver Community Cultural Center’s Jo Long Theatre for the Performing Arts (226 N Hackberry St, San Antonio, TX 78202). A welcome reception begins at 6:30 p.m., with the main presentations starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Carver Community Cultural Center’s mission is to celebrate diverse cultures, with a focus on African and African-American heritage, through premier artistic presentations, community outreach activities, and educational programs.

Volume 44 will feature a lineup of seven engaging local speakers, each bringing their unique perspectives to the stage. The presenters include:

– Brittney Ackerson, Homeless Advocate
– Nicola Blaque, Chef + Restaurateur
– Maura Bobbitt, Death Rights Advocate
– Cotton Estes, Architect
– Jimmy LeFlore, Artist
– Mike Sutter, Restaurant Critic
– Jorge Villarreal, Artist + Residency Founder

PechaKucha alumni Jessica Conrad will serve as the evening’s emcee. The welcome reception will feature live music by Los Dos Coyotes, a local duo composed of Mike Ryan and Michael Galindo. Guests will enjoy complimentary bites from San Antonio’s top chefs and restaurants, including Bakery Lorraine, Liberty Bar, Naco Mexican, and Tandem. Cocktails will be available for purchase, curated by local bar Amor Eterno.

Tickets for the event are $10 per person and can be purchased online. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and purchase tickets at the door to avoid processing fees.

PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with The Power of Preservation Foundation and is supported by annual sponsors, including the San Antonio River Foundation, Maltz Properties, Lake Flato Architects, and many more. In-kind sponsors for this event include The Carver Community Cultural Center, Josh Huskin Photography, Morris Design, Giant Noise, and Sprocket Productions.

For more information about PechaKucha, visit pechakucha.org/cities/san-antonio and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

—

VOLUME 44 PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES:

Brittney Ackerson, Homeless Advocate
www.corazonsa.org
Brittney Ackerson is a person in long-term recovery, who has battled homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. She now advocates for those currently struggling on the streets and serves as the Day Center Director at Corazon Ministries.

Nicola Blaque, Chef + Restaurateur
@chef_nicola_blaque
Chef Nicola Blaque is the executive chef and owner of The Jerk Shack and Freight Fried Chicken. An Army Veteran and a Culinary Institute of America graduate, she was recently nominated for a James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Texas” in 2023.

Maura Bobbitt, Death Rights Advocate
www.bespokedeath.com
Maura Bobbitt is a licensed funeral director and death rights advocate, dedicated to community-focused, sustainable death practices. She believes that accepting death is an act of revolution.

Cotton Estes, Architect
www.cottonestesarchitect.com
Cotton Estes launched her architecture practice in 2018, receiving national recognition for her innovative approach to urban infill in San Antonio. Her work reflects a deep interest in repurposed industrial architecture.

Jimmy LeFlore, Artist
www.artfieldagency.com
A San Antonio native, Jimmy LeFlore served for 20 years as the City’s Public Art Manager. He is now focused on mentoring and advocating for the arts community.

Mike Sutter, Restaurant Critic
@fedmanwalking
Mike Sutter has been the restaurant critic for the San Antonio Express-News since 2016. His work has appeared in NPR, ABC, Bon Appetit, and The Wall Street Journal.

Jorge Villarreal, Artist + Residency Founder
www.jorge-villarreal.com + @pachowmycow
Jorge Villarreal, a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Casa Caché artist residency in Havana, explores identity, memory, and place. His work is exhibited internationally.

—

ABOUT PECHAKUCHA:
PechaKucha, meaning “chit chat” in Japanese, is a 20×20 presentation format where speakers share their passions using 20 images for 20 seconds each. Since its inception in Tokyo in 2003, PechaKucha has spread to over 1,200 cities worldwide. San Antonio’s first event was held in February 2011 and has since become a beloved quarterly tradition.