The World Heritage Missions Collection

A grand-scale KGS Studios fine art piece of Mission San José, displayed as a mural in a modern, expansive corporate lobby.
This project imagines art on a grand public scale. The rendering shows what a 35-foot-wide installation of Mission San Jose in Grand Scale could look like, creating a powerful piece with cultural and historical meaning. For forward-thinking patrons or institutions, it is an opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage and make a lasting impact.

A Moment Lost to Time, A Legacy of Proven Foresight

A city’s most important artistic record usually comes from one artist who can see what might soon disappear. In 2015, Kevin G Saunders created the World Heritage Missions Collection, capturing San Antonio’s own “Eugène Atget” moment. It offers a final, clear view of our shared heritage at the exact time of their UNESCO induction, before renovations and changes to Alamo Plaza. This collection is more than art; it is a cultural time capsule.

A Project Forged in Conviction

The idea for this project came after a meeting with Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff in the fall of 2015. Saunders understood the long-term ramifications of a grand-scale hyperrealistic collection of the Missions at that particular point in history. Realizing there was only a short time to capture the Missions at their best, he spent two intense months capturing thousands of images of the Missions. He then spent months carefully editing and combining hundreds of images at KGS Studios to create each large, detailed mosaic. This project was completely self-funded.

An Immortal Asset & A Legacy of Stewardship

Like a legendary 1868 vintage of Château Lafite Rothschild, the value of this collection goes far beyond the physical prints. It is a lasting asset that can appreciate over time. The full portfolio includes museum-quality art and all related intellectual property, creating a legacy that could last for centuries and keep its story alive for future generations.

A Public Trust: The Collection on Display

KGS Studios fine art from the Missions Collection on public display at the San Antonio International Airport.
A Public Scale image of Mission San Jose, a portion of the World Heritage Missions Collection on public display at the San Antonio International Airport.
The complete KGS Studios World Heritage Missions Collection, featuring five framed fine art pieces, on public display as a gallery wall in the main concourse of the San Antonio International Airport.
A Private Scale set from the World Heritage Missions Collection is on display at the San Antonio International Airport.

This collection has already been recognized as a significant cultural asset. Public Scale and Private Scale masterworks from the World Heritage Missions Collection are on loan to the San Antonio International Airport, providing millions of visitors each year with a powerful first impression of our city’s history and artistic excellence.

The Vision for Patronage

Acquiring a set is a modern act of civic leadership, much like the Medici family’s support that shaped Florence for centuries. It gives patrons the chance to help define San Antonio’s identity and leave a lasting mark as supporters of its cultural heritage.

Paths to Patronage

This collection offers a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking patron or group to preserve this historic asset. To learn more about artist Kevin G. Saunders’ skills, the story behind the project, and how to acquire the collection, please visit our detail page for the whole story and archives.

Explore the Full Story & Archive