The San Marcos Price Center Dives Into SMTX’s September Mermaid Celebrations

The Price Center is a non-profit community events and activity center with a special focus on the cultural and performing arts in downtown San Marcos.

San Marcos, TX – As San Marcans continue cleanup efforts from Hurricane Harvey, they’re also beginning final preparations for the second annual Mermaid Society SMTX’s September slate of activities.

The Price Center will again serve as the host site for several mermaid-related celebrations throughout the month. From arts shows, receptions and special film showings, the Center is providing locals and visitors alike with a variety of free ways to “get their mermaid on” all month long.

Mermaid season officially kicks off at the Price Center with an art show opening this Saturday, Sept. 2 from 6-9 p.m. The unique show focuses on Mermaids, Spring Lake and our natural springs, and water in general. 

The free event will feature nearly 50 original creations by local artists, including photographer, author and filmmaker Ron Coley; painter and former Aquamaid Janet Hardin; clay and assemblage artist Clay DeStefano; and members of Bee Friends.

Coley and Hardin Team up for a show of photographs and paintings hanging in the Tea Room that centers around Coley’s book “The Fountains of St. Mark.” Autographed copies of the book will also be available.

Hardin’s solo show, titled “the Mermaids of San Marcos” hangs in the historic 1910 Room and features a dozen new, original mermaid paintings. “Mer as Muse” is the title of DeStefano’s solo show, which hangs in the Main Parlor and features 15 of his best and newest original clay and/or assemblage works inspired by local mermaid lore.

“Wonderful Water” is the star within the Stairway Gallery and Small Parlor, where a special collection of nine original quilts inspired by water are displayed. The quilts were made by individual members of a Bee that quilts regularly at the Center. A quilt the group worked on collectively is displayed in the Small Parlor.

The Center is also teaming up with the San Marcos Cinema Club again for two special movie showings. First up is a screening of the newly remastered “The River of Innocence” by filmmaker Ron Coley, which will be shown at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7 in the historic 1910 Room. On Thursday, September 14, “Yakona,” an award-winning, locally produced film focusing on the underwater sights and sounds of the San Marcos River and Spring Lake through the ages will be shown in the 1910 Room at 7 p.m. 

Admission is free; however, donations are appreciated and will benefit the Cinema Club and Price Center. Seating for both films is limited to the first 100.  For more information about these events check out https://www.facebook.com/SMCinemaClub/

The Price Center is a non-profit community events and activity center with a special focus on the cultural and performing arts in downtown San Marcos. Opportunities to express oneself creatively abound through monthly porcelain painting, quilting and one-off art workshops. Rotating art shows provide cultural enrichment and entertainment. One-off musical performances, seasonal theatrical productions and movie showings offer more chances to enjoy the arts while meeting friends and neighbors.

 For more information about these or other Price Center activities, please call (512) 392-2900. Stop by the Price Center at 222 W. San Antonio St., Mon. – Fri., 9-5 p.m., or visit price-center.org.