Little Curch of La Villita built in 1879 is a non-denominational church. What I found most interesting about this church is that it holds the Annual Starving Artist Art Show in which nearly 900 artists, professional and amateur alike, exhibit and sell their work along the banks of the San Antonio River in the Historic Village district of La Villita. The proceeds of this show are donated to the Little Church's program to feed the hungry.

     La Villita, meaning Little Town, is San Antonio’s first neighborhood. Now nestled downtown off the banks of the San Antonio River it is restored and inhabited by an art community whose art reflects that of their ancestry.

     The shops at La Villita that now dwell within the historic homes of this neighborhood date back to the early 1800's. La Villita contains about 27 shops that sell and exhibit commodities from modern day Southern Texan or Wild West artifacts such as western wear and foods at Mustang Grey's to Spanish influenced hand crafted artifacts such as jewelry, sculptures and authentic woven clothing.

      The first buildings of La Villita were those of primitive huts made of stone and adobe that were dwellings for Spanish soldiers it was not until the 19th century when the affluences of immigrants from European countries such as Germany and France began to reflect in the architectural styles of La Villita’s buildings. One of my favorite buildings is the Little Church of La Villita. The church is active in the arts, hosting various exhibits and donating proceeds to needy members of the community. The community is touched full circle within this church, bringing together the heritage of its founders, the rising art community and reaching out to the members of our community in need.

     Arneson River Theatre was another personal favorite during this expedition into the heart of San Antonio heritage. Even though is was constructed almost a century after the original settlement of La Villita, it was constructed to mimic the architectural design of the now standing village. The stage of the theatre is located on the North Bank of the San Antonio River. The backdrop of the stage contains five bells which represent the Five Missions of San Antonio, the largest chain of Catholic Missions in North America. Built primarily to expand Spanish Influence northward and to introduce Spanish Society to the native inhabitants. On the south side of the bank the seating of theatre is staged in a steep of grassy steps where audiences can sit back and enjoy a performance as well as the eye pleasing architecture from across the river

   This historic theatre shows gratitude to the Spanish heritage of San Antonio and helps support the present day economic growth of the city being a pinnacle attraction along the banks of the San Antonio River.

Arneson River Theatre was built in the 19th century, constructed on the banks of the San Antonio River the Arneson River Theatre was incorporated into La Villita and coincides with the architecture of the neighborhood. It seats nearly 800 people the outdoor theatre mainly holds concerts and plays.