TMI Fine Arts Teacher Cassie Gnehm was commissioned by The City of San Antonio World Heritage Office to do a painting commemorating the life of Madame Candalaria, who is known for numerous accomplishments in San Antonio, but most known for her story of nursing the ailing Jim Bowie during the siege of the Alamo.

The special outdoor exhibit features the works of 11 San Antonio artists and curated by Rigoberto Luna and is part of the World Heritage Office’s celebration of Dia de los Muertos (https://buff.ly/3jVflyO). “Alive in Memory & Spirit” is a visual interpretation of some of the critical contributors to San Antonio, the Missions, and the surrounding area. Each of the large-scale reproductions of original artworks commissioned by the World Heritage Office is a traditional or non-traditional portrait of these departed individuals whose memories are celebrated and honored.

The reader panel at the bottom of the painting reads, “Madam Candelaria became a household name for her many accomplishments. An excellent cook, socialite, philanthropist, and caregiver, she raised twenty-two orphan children. Candelaria often told numerous stories of nursing an ailing Jim Bowie during the siege on the Alamo. We may never know for sure about her presence at the battle. However, she was granted a pension and honored with a full military funeral.”