What is the River Artes District?

The River Artes District is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the south side by supporting artists, craftsmen, and local manufacturers to create a thriving commercial and cultural district.

We believe communities can prosper when we support local businesses who take pride in their work.

Glasstire logo with 'Texas visual art' text underneath

River Artes Has Been Featured In:

A woman practicing yoga outdoors on a mat in front of trees
KENS 5 television station logo with bold black and red lettering
Logo of NEWS4SA and NBC

Our History

Located between Roosevelt Park and the historic Missions, the district blends working-class history, creative expression, and cultural pride.

We started out with an idea to connect all the creators along Roosevelt Ave and South Presa with each other, which eventually became the Studio Tour.

With funding from the City of San Antonio and Main Street America, we were able to put an overlooked community on the map by drawing over 200 visitors to the district.

A man in a light-colored shirt and gray cap working on a large mosaic portrait of a woman on a concrete wall. The mosaic features multicolored tiles with a focus on her face, dressed in a dark outfit, with palm leaves visible on the upper right side.

Leadership

Gabriela Gast

With deep roots in San Antonio, Gabriela and her family have experienced the positive impact that investing in local manufacturing has brought to the city.

As a result she is committed to strengthening local businesses through community building and attracting investments.

In 2022, she was accepted into the Revitalize SA Corridor Leadership Program, where she began laying the groundwork for what is now the River Artes District.

Drawing on her background in marketing and experience within startup companies, Gabriela has played a key role in helping the River Artes District make meaningful, early progress while maximizing limited resources.

President, Co-Founder

Ruth Bushman

Ruth Bushman is a San Antonio–based artist and organizer whose work explores transformation, material memory, and connection. She works at Caliente Hot Glass, a boutique glass studio on the city’s South Side, where she supports programming and community development. Immersed

Beyond the studio, Ruth is actively involved in cultivating the River Artes District, working alongside artists, businesses, and neighbors to strengthen a connected creative landscape. Her focus is on coalition building and accessible pathways for participation, helping creative ecosystems grow with intention.

Co-Founder

Board Of Directors

  • President

    Gabriela Gast

    President

  • Ruth Bushman

    Secretary

  • Anthony Dolcefino

    Director

  • Jacob Steddum

    Director

  • Vanessa Reveles

    Director

  • John Stolz

    Ex-Officio