- Assist, represent, recognize and promote the effort and work of its members
- Recognize and expose children to the art and culture of their ancestry
- Foster self-affirmation of cultural identity
- Create a forum and context that vigorously encourages the development of art and culture.
- Encourage artistic and cross-cultural partnership
- Collaborate in joint-venture programs that support the efforts of SAEAS
- Provide culturally sensitive and socially relevant services and programs for children and youth of all ethnic backgrounds
SAEAS Historical Highlights:
- 1983 - Founded as the Southwest Ethnic Art Society by collectors Aaronetta and Dr. Joseph Pierce, Dr. Gary Houston, Johnnye Yates, John Coleman, F. L. “Doc” Spellmon.
- 1984 - Inaugural Exhibit, Sponsored by the San Antonio Chapter of The Links, Inc. at the Institute of Texas Culture.
- 1988-1995 - Membership was enlarged across ethnic lines and to include poets; high school students allowed to exhibit at SAEAS annual exhibits.
- 1994 - Society hosted its first Art Banquet and Award Presentation.
- 1995-2010 - Society changed name to San Antonio Ethnic Art Society launched annual “Lunch with the Artist”.
- 2000 - 501(c)3 non-profit status was acquired. Society arranged with Dr. Leo Edwards to host series of individual exhibits for SAEAS members at his eastside medical office.
- 2004 - SAEAS Youth Art Scholarship program was formed.
- 2010—2015 - Society recruited supporters of SAEAS to form the “Friends of SAEAS”, that included Dr. O.Raye Adkins, Gerri Buhl, Mae Thomas Gentry, Terry Hookstra, Clem Lyons, Yolanda Miller, San Antonio Zulu Association, Lon Taylor, Dr. Linda Holley, Adolph Thomas, Ronnie Washington, and Rachel Edwards; SAEAS “Honorary Board of Directors” was established and has included Mayor Lila Cockrell, Aaronetta Pierce, William Sinkin, and Dr. Leo Edwards.
- 2015 – 30th Anniversary Exhibition at University of Texas-San Antonio Ethnic Art Gallery.
- 2017 – Launched biennial SAEAS Abaraka Award in conjunction with collectors Aissatou Sidime-Blanton and Stewart Blanton.