Things to Do

Roadside Artisan Smorgasbord Outside of Leon Springs

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Driving can be a tedious task but sometimes the road contains surprises right around the corner! Once such perk can be found just past Leon Springs at 26090 Toutant Beauregard Road. This beautiful roadside acreage is the home of local artist Gilbert Barrera. Scattered throughout the property are his works, and over 60 pieces by other artists, both local and international. Each piece weathers well to enhance the outdoors and is available for sale to the public. Several are kinetic and modify with the conditions.

Barrera hosted works

Photo courtesy of HomeTowninMyRearview

Barrera is a lifelong and multi-talented creator. He specializes in sculpture and works with bronze, marble, limestone, wood, clay, cement, and wax, and also creates drawings and paintings. Focusing on the human form and classic storying telling, time and talent have developed Barrera’s style.

Barrera describes

Photo courtesy of HomeTowninMyRearview

The property itself is scattered with elemental caches for future projects. In the past, he taught sculpture to children and is aiming to start up this venture again. A spacious hands-on classroom is being developed.

Beyond the hills, Barrera’s pieces can be found in familiar public spaces, such as a public park near Tom C. Clark High School in San Antonio and in front of the Bexar County Courthouse via a figure atop the flowing fountain. This work is a Barrera double exposure, as he created the statue and restored the fountain, which was originally created in 1896.

The Leon Springs property also contains several meticulously restored buildings, which originate beginning in 1860. Look for the follow-up article on TexasHillCountry.com highlighting this amazing renovation project!

Visiting here is a welcome escape from the city, and only a short drive away. Send Gilbert Barrera an email to [email protected] asking if you can stop by. For only $5 per person, enjoy evocative art and the splendor of the Hill Country under plenty of shade trees.

Sources:

San Antonio Lawyer

San Antonio Man