Barbara Felix: The Artist & Her Muses Panel

The Glorious Way She Moves

Join interdisciplinary artist Barbara Felix and five of the muses featured in The Glorious Way She Moves for an intimate panel conversation exploring the creative process behind this moving exhibition. Guided by moderator/muse, Stephanie Collier (Austin), the panel will delve into the collaborative journey at the heart of the project—from the moment each woman was invited to dance, to the ways movement, personal story, and trust shaped their portraits.

In a time marked by uncertainty and cultural strain, the conversation will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Felix developed the exhibition’s concept, using dance as a living language through which to celebrate multifaceted women and create a sense of connection and camaraderie between them and the audience. Each muse will share her experience stepping into the work: what it meant to be seen, to move, and to contribute her presence to Felix’s layered, luminous paintings.

Together, the artist and her muses offer a testament to the resilience of women inspiring and supporting one another—and to the profound beauty that emerges when storytelling, joy, and movement converge. Featured ‘muse’ panelists include Aissatou Sidime-Blanton (San Antonio), Andi Bucko (Austin), Anel Flores (San Antonio), Roberta ‘Nina’ Hassle (San Antonio), Tajah Revoir (Austin), and Barbara Felix (San Antonio).

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Aissatou Sidime-Blanton is an art collector and curator dedicated to amplifying the work of African American women artists. A former reporter and art reviewer, she has organized acclaimed exhibitions, including “Her America” at the Carver Community Cultural Center and Re/Devaluing Colorism at the Southwest School of Art. Notably, her 2024 retrospective of “Delita Martin” received a NEA grant. In San Antonio, she and her husband also fund the SAEAS Abaraka Award for research and visual arts projects by African American women.

Andrea ‘Andie’ Bucko was born and raised in New Jersey to Polish immigrants. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Chemical Biology and Master’s in Education, she moved to Austin to pursue her teaching career. Currently a science teacher at UT High School, she spends most of her time with her friends and dogs. Always eager to learn and try something new, you can find her hiking trails, exploring downtown, or curled up on the couch binging a docuseries.

Stephanie Collier is a fourth-generation Texan who has called Austin home since 2009. As co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of APEX Dispute Resolution Texas LLC, she brings a refined expertise in fostering collaboration and constructive dialogue—skills that translate seamlessly to creative and cultural environments. Ms. Collier is deeply engaged in community advocacy, serving in leadership roles with the National Council of Negro Women in Texas to advance policies supporting children and communities of color. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Known for her ability to bridge perspectives and nurture respectful relationships, Ms. Collier’s approach aligns with the values of inclusivity and dialogue central to the arts. Her commitment to problem-solving and building connections enriches every organization and initiative she supports.

Anel I. Flores is a queer, trans, Xicanx artist, writer, and cultural worker based in San Antonio, Texas. Their multidisciplinary work explores ancestral memory, queer identity, and reclaimed tradition. Author of Empanada and Curtains of Rain and editor of forthcoming JOTA (Dec 2025) and I Love Us (March 2026. )  Flores is a Mellon DRJ and Catalyst for Change Fellow, Macondo Writer, and founder of La Otra Taller Nepantla and Queer Voices. They’re currently completing Painted Red and Empanada: un cuento lésbico en probaditas (Translated by Mariana Romo-Carmona). A former educator and arts administrator, Flores now runs A&N Realty and offers coaching, training, and keynotes. Their mission is to create sanctuary for 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

Roberta “ Nina” Hassele is a Brooklyn-raised, Texas-based curator, arts supporter, and arts organizer.  As a child, New York’s museums and galleries were her playgrounds and safe spaces. After moving to Texas, Nina found her joy and refuge in art again, falling in love with San Antonio’s vibrant and inclusive downtown art scene.  Nina has spent over 25 years immersed in the arts community, first as a friend, volunteer, collector, and fundraiser, and now curating local and traveling exhibitions and serving as an advisor to art institutions. Her mission is to increase recognition and support for all of San Antonio’s artists.  She has been the Executive Director of Contemporary Art Month San Antonio since 2011. 

Tajah Revoir, a San Antonio-based author, has a deep passion for creativity expressed through writing, painting, and jewelry-making. Inspired by her self-taught artist father and supported by her encouraging mother, Tajah developed a lifelong love for the arts. She is dedicated to inspiring others, especially youth, to explore and share their own creative talents. Tajah is also a Womb Yoga Dance Instructor and a Celestial Beauty. Through all of her endeavors she aims to spark imagination, build confidence, and encourage self-expression and self-confidence in others.