The Special Projects Social: A Celebration of Creativity

San Antonio, Texas. ART Magazine.

By Haydeé Muñoz De la Rocha.

Photography by Xelina Flores-Chasnoff.

In our country, standardization seems to be taking over while franchises, big corporations, and productivity-oriented companies plague every city. Therefore, it is a refreshing treasure to find original venues and custom-made objects in our systematic culture. In the era of information, the value and the power of an idea is recognized more and more every time. The awareness of the importance of creativity and the value of the original vs. the standard is thankfully increasing. The Special Projects Social is a celebration of creativity and uniqueness. The dinner parties organized by the group offer one-of-a-kind experiences that do not only feature conventional creative professionals such as artists, musicians, and fashion designers, but they add chefs and industrial designers to the mix, whose creativity is not often appreciated.

The Special Projects Social is a series of pop-up restaurants which showcase food, beauty, craft, and society. Curated by Tim of Tim the Girl Catering and Peter of Zubiate Projects, the events consist of a meal carefully created by Tim served on the gorgeous handmade tables designed by Peter and feature the work of a guest visual artist as well as a musician from the community. The team also has an in-house graphic designer, Doris Palmeros. Every event is unique. Not only because of the specially crafted ideas of the talented participants, but also because they never take place on the same venue and feature a different theme every time. The event is a site-specific artistic collaboration in which the venue dictates the work to be showcased. From the food, to the tableware, and the table itself, everything is designed for that specific dining experience.

Their last event, “Head Case”, featured a fresh and delicious menu by Tim, light wood tables by Peter Zubiate, a fashion show by Angelina Mata,  an art installation and tableware designed and made by artist Nate Cassie, and music by the acclaimed Henry and the Invisibles. With a very friendly and cozy atmosphere, the guests enjoyed the unique treats: specialty cocktails, delicious food, electrifying funk soul, and a surprise present by Cassie.

The Social Projects Social never reveals its next location until two days before the event. However, the date for the next social will be soon found at their website: http://www.thespecialprojectssocial.com/