San Antonio, TX – (May 29, 2025) This summer, the Briscoe Western Art Museum invites visitors to explore an extraordinary chapter of the American West that spans the Pacific Ocean. Aloha Vaqueros, on view June 13 – September 1, highlights the unexpected yet powerful ties between Mexico’s legendary vaqueros and Hawaii’s storied paniolo cowboys. Presented in conjunction with Museo del Vaquero de las Californias (MuVaCa), Aloha Vaqueros illustrates the far-reaching influence of Mexican vaqueros and the deep, abiding traditions they imparted on the American West.

 

Long before Hawaii became a U.S. state, Mexican vaqueros traveled across the sea in the early 19th century to teach cattle handling to the islanders. These skilled horsemen introduced the techniques, tools and traditions of ranching that took root and flourished in Hawaii, giving rise to the Paniolo – Hawaiian cowboy – culture. A fascinating fusion of cultures and styles built from a shared passion for working the land, Paniolo culture is a unique blend of island heritage and Western grit that continues to thrive today.

 

“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.”

 

Through artwork, artifacts and immersive storytelling, Aloha Vaqueros explores how these two ranching cultures – separated by geography but united in purpose – share deep roots in horsemanship, resilience and community. The exhibition celebrates both the historic impact and modern-day legacy of Paniolo life, highlighting the artistry, attire and music that embody this vibrant culture.

Developed by the Museo del Vaquero las Californias (MuVaCa) in El Triunfo, Baja California Sur, the exhibition challenges the traditional geographic boundaries of the American West, expanding and illustrating the influence of the vaquero way of life. By tracing the vaquero’s influence across the Pacific, Aloha Vaqueros broadens the scope of what defines the West and emphasizes the enduring legacy of vaquero traditions.

“The vaquero is the original cowboy, and the foundation of the American West as we know it. Their skills, traditions and culture shaped ranching and horsemanship across the West and even reached the shores of Hawaii. It’s an honor to showcase the vaquero’s legacy and share how their influence continues to define the spirit of the West today,” said Jackson.

Accompanied by a hands-on educational area featuring the traditional arts and crafts of the island vaqueros, the exhibition will help visitors discover and celebrate this enduring testament to cross-cultural collaboration and resilience.

See the West All Year Long at the Briscoe

Located along the historic San Antonio River Walk, the Briscoe is open Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday through Monday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission is free for children 12 and under and for active duty military. The museum grounds feature 35 sculptures portraying various aspects of Western life. The museum’s beautifully restored historic home inside the former San Antonio Public Library building includes 14 galleries, with special exhibitions, events and the Hendler Family Museum Store, providing art, culture, history and entertainment. Museum hours, parking and admission details are available online.

 

About The Briscoe Western Art Museum: Preserving and presenting the art, history and culture of the American West through engaging exhibitions, educational programs and public events reflective of the region’s rich traditions and shared heritage, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is located on the San Antonio River Walk at 210 W. Market Street in the beautifully restored 1930s former San Antonio Public Library building. Named in honor of the late Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. and his wife, Janey Slaughter Briscoe, the museum includes the three-story Jack Guenther Pavilion, used for event rentals and programs, and the outdoor McNutt Sculpture Garden. Follow the Briscoe on social media, @BriscoeMuseum.