A Celebration of Heritage, Craft, and Culture

Every spring, collectors and enthusiasts alike look forward to a vibrant auction that captures the spirit of South Texas and the broader Latin American artistic tradition. This year’s Fiesta Auction, taking place April 11, 2026 on Bidsquare, brings together an extraordinary mix of folk art, devotional objects, and works by celebrated Latin artists.

What makes this sale particularly compelling is the inclusion of pieces from the Douglas Rhodenbaugh Estate, a deeply personal collection shaped by decades of travel through Latin American villages. Alongside these treasures are objects reflecting the cultural fabric of San Antonio, creating an auction that feels both regional and far-reaching.

Featured Auction Highlights:

Robert Indiana, “Viva HemisFair ’68 San Antonio” (Lot 1)
Few works capture the intersection of art, history, and place quite like this vibrant piece by Robert Indiana. Created in celebration of the 1968 HemisFair in San Antonio, the work reflects Indiana’s iconic graphic style—bold colors, sharp geometry, and an unmistakable sense of optimism.
With an estimate of $1,200–$1,800, this lot offers collectors an accessible entry point into the legacy of one of America’s most recognizable Pop artists. Beyond its visual appeal, it also carries strong regional significance, commemorating a defining cultural moment in San Antonio’s history.

Brother Cletus Behlmann, “The Missions” (Lot 39)
This powerful work by Brother Cletus Behlmann stands as a tribute to the architectural and spiritual legacy of the Texas missions. Rendered with reverence and detail, the piece reflects both artistic skill and a deep connection to place.
Estimated at $6,000–$8,000, it is one of the more substantial offerings in the sale. Collectors drawn to religious art or regional history will find this work particularly compelling, as it bridges fine art with cultural storytelling.

Gary Sweeney, “Canary Islands Cow” (Lot 32)
Playful yet layered with meaning, this work by Gary Sweeney exemplifies the artist’s conceptual approach. Known for blending text, imagery, and cultural references, Sweeney often explores themes of identity and heritage.
With an estimate of $3,000–$5,000, this piece offers a contemporary counterpoint to the more traditional works in the auction. Its nod to the Canary Islands, an important part of San Antonio’s cultural roots, adds another layer of regional relevance.

Vintage Altar Shrine Cabinet (Lot 98)
This charming vintage altar shrine cabinet embodies the heart of Latin American devotional folk art. With its handcrafted details and intimate scale, it was likely used as a personal space for prayer and reflection.
Estimated at $200–$500, this lot is an appealing option for collectors at all levels. Whether displayed as a decorative object or appreciated for its cultural significance, it captures the enduring tradition of faith expressed through craftsmanship.

What ties this auction together is not just the diversity of objects, but the sense of journey behind them. The Douglas Rhodenbaugh collection, in particular, reflects a lifetime of discovery, each piece a tangible memory of time spent in villages, markets, and studios across Latin America.

From bold Pop art to deeply personal devotional objects, the auction offers something for every type of collector. It speaks to the richness of cultural exchange and the enduring influence of Latin American artistry on the American Southwest.

As April 11 approaches, this sale stands out as more than just an auction, it’s a celebration of heritage, storytelling, and the objects that carry history forward.

See the full sale catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.com.