The Briscoe Western Art Museum celebrates the influence of Mexican vaqueros on Hawaii’s cowboys with the Aloha Vaqueros exhibit, running June 13 to Sept. 1.
SAN ANTONIO — A new exhibit at the Briscoe Western Art Museum is honoring the connection between the Mexican Vaqueros and Hawaii.
Aloha Vaqueros tells the little-known story of the vaquero tradition of the 19th century being transported to the islands of Hawaii long before Hawaii became a U.S. state.
The story began in 1832 when King Kamehameha III of Hawaii invited three Mexican vaqueros from Alto California to tame the wild cattle of Hawaii. The partnership bridge the American West cowboy tradition with Pacific Island life.
The colorful Briscoe exhibit showcases the Hawaiian traditions with cowboy culture.
“This exhibition beautifully illustrates the rich cultural exchange that helped shape the cowboy traditions of the Pacific,” said Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum. “It’s a compelling reminder that the spirit of the West is both diverse and far-reaching, stretching from the plains of Texas to the mountains of Maui.”
The exhibit features several interactive elements, including a chance to get a keepsake photo in Hawaiian cowboy style.
Aloha Vaqueros runs from June 13 to Sept. 1 and is in partnership with Museo del Vaquero de las Californias.
The Briscoe Western Art Museum celebrates the past, present and future of western art, with a mix of permanent exhibits and traveling exhibits. The museum is open Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday through Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is free for children 12 and under and for active duty military members, while retired military receive discounted admission. Click here for more information.