SAAL+M 2026 Artist of the Year: Sandy Whitby

San Antonio Art League + Museum, 130 King William St, San Antonio, TX 78204 The San Antonio Art League + Museum will honor acclaimed abstract artist Sandy Whitby as its 2026 Artist of the Year with a retrospective exhibition opening Sunday, September 20. The exhibition will remain on view through November 14 at the Art League, located at 130 King William Street in San Antonio. Since 1945, the Art League’s Artist of the Year distinction has recognized artists whose work and creative careers have made a significant contribution to the cultural life of San Antonio. Whitby’s selection celebrates both the strength of her abstract paintings and her decades-long commitment to artistic exploration. Whitby’s paintings are distinguished by bold abstraction, dynamic composition, expressive gesture, and richly textured surfaces. Rhythm, movement, and an intuitive sense of geometry animate her work. Rather than representing the visible world literally, she creates immersive visual experiences that evoke emotion and invite contemplation. Her use of layering, color, and tactile surfaces gives the paintings both physical depth and energetic presence. A pivotal influence in Whitby’s artistic development was her study with renowned artist Alberto Mijangos. Mijangos encouraged expressive freedom and large-scale abstraction, reinforcing Whitby’s confidence in her own visual language and helping guide her transition from commercial design to a deeply personal and intuitive fine art practice. Throughout her career, Whitby has exhibited widely in the San Antonio area and earned recognition for her sustained contribution to the region’s artistic landscape. Her Artist of the Year exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to experience the evolution of her work and the distinctive visual language she has developed across decades of creative practice. Exhibition Information Sandy Whitby: 2026 Artist of the Year September 20–November 14, 2026 San Antonio Art League + Museum 130 King William Street, San Antonio, Texas 78204 Regular Museum hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Admission is FREE.