| April showers bring May flowers… |
| and many exciting new art experiences in Carlsbad! The sun is out and it’s a great time to visit one of the newly installed iconic Carlsbad Beach Chairs (don’t forget to tag #carlsbadarts when you snap a selfie!), enjoy in-person music in the Schulman Auditorium with a performance by Jimmy & Enrique, or take one last tour of Reimagined: The Artist’s Book exhibition in the Cannon Art Gallery—some have said “This is the best exhibition I’ve seen in the gallery!” Cultural Arts staff is proud to offer an array of programs, services and resources to support our flourishing community! |
Last Chance: Visit the Cannon Art Gallery’s current exhibition!
Cannon Art Gallery Now ‒ Saturday, May 14 Free
“Reimagined: The Artist’s Book” closes on May 14. In this very popular exhibition, the work is created from or inspired by books. This show includes fourteen book artists — half of them locals including Dirk Hagner, Sage Serrano, Elena Lomakin, Viviana Lombrozo, Amandine Nabarra, Judith Christensen and Gina Pisello. You’ll find conceptual works, incredible works of bookbinding, book-inspired ceramics and sculptures made out of actual books and pages.
More info
Cinema Club series
Schulman Auditorium at Dove Library Free
In May, the Cinema Club Wednesday night film series will feature inspirational documentaries. On Fridays, the International Film Series will continue with two historical thrillers from Germany and Japan.
More info
Front Row Saturday @ The Schulman Auditorium
Jimmy & Enrique Schulman Auditorium at Dove Library Saturday, May 14, 7:30 p.m. Free
Jimmy & Enrique’s musical collaboration has given creation to their unique, fiery world-music style that has captivated audiences from all over. Listeners will experience virtuosic guitar passages accompanied by exotic percussive rhythms, which together produce a sound that will grab your soul. Sponsored by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts.
More info
Showtime @ The Schulman Auditorium
Mando Basso Schulman Auditorium at Dove Library Saturday, May 21, 7:30 p.m. Free
Bill Bradbury and Gunnar Biggs make up Mando Basso, one of San Diego County’s great duos. Returning by popular demand, come listen and enjoy their spin on beautiful Irish, American Folk and original compositions. Sponsored by the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation.
More info
San Diego Opera in Concert
Schulman Auditorium at Dove Library Saturday, May 28, 7:30 p.m. Free
Come out to hear about the San Diego Opera’s upcoming season and experience a special night featuring performances by their talented cast of performers. Sponsored by the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation.
Input wanted for Proposed Fire Station 2 Public Art
The City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office is seeking community input on public art that will be prominently featured on the west-and south-facing side of Fire Station 2, visible from El Camino Real at the corner of Arenal Road in south Carlsbad. This location is close to the city’s southern border and can be seen from a major thoroughfare, creating an opportunity for a gateway through public art. This glass fused artwork, by artist Mary Carter Taub, will be the first of its kind to be included in the city’s public art collection. It aligns with national best practices and will foster the spirit of innovation. View the artwork and provide input online. More info
Virtually Artful – Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
Sponsored by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts and the Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation’s Robert H. Gartner Cultural Endowment Fund.
Winds from Different Lands Streaming May 9-14
“Winds from Different Lands” might sound like an experimental rock band from the 1970s, but in all seriousness, this program brings together four uniquely different composers spanning the 18th, 19th and 20th century. This wonderful compilation of artists and their music in presented in collaboration with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Featuring: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 ‒ 1791); Mily Balakirev (1837 ‒ 1910); Samuel Barber (1910 ‒ 1981); and Frances Poulenc (1899 ‒ 1963)
More info
Monumental Trios Streaming May 23-27
No, this is not a new supergroup, or the next generation boy-band. “Monumental Trios” are wonderful instrumental trios playing the works of Ludwig van Beethoven and Johannes Brahms. Monumental Trios are presented in partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
Featuring: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 ‒ 1827) and Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897)
More info
Pop Up Art: Celebrate Sculpture with Us
Carlsbad Sculpture Garden 2955 Elmwood St. Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. ‒ 2 p.m. Free
Create your own 3-D sculptural masterpiece in the beautiful setting of the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden. Explore a new art medium and learn how to make a sculpture inspired by the artworks in the Sculpture Garden. Hear from our featured artists before your visit. Then, come out to view the works on exhibit, then use unique art materials to create an artist inspired three-dimensional work of your own. All materials are provided, including the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden coloring book for all ages!
More info
These interactive arts experiences are presented by the City of Carlsbad’s Cultural Arts Office and are sponsored by the Carlsbad Friends of the Arts.
Visit the newly unveiled iconic Carlsbad Beach Chairs!
Join Us, Watch-and-Learn with Guest Artist Betsy Schulz
Batiquitos Lagoon Nature Center –7380 Gabbiano Lane
- Saturday, May 14, 4 ‒ 6 p.m.
- Sunday, May 15, noon ‒ 2 p.m.
- Saturday, May 21, noon ‒ 2 p.m.
Free, all ages
Come out to meet local artist, Betsy Schulz! Betsy created site specific artwork that connects to the flora and fauna seen at the Batiquitos Lagoon on the popular and iconic Carlsbad Beach Chairs!
More info
Get Ready for Summer, Sign Up for an Arts Camp!
Club Peacock, Leo Carrillo Historic Ranch
Missoula Children’s Theatre, Carlsbad City Library complex
Whether it’s fun out at The Rancho or trying out your theatre and improvisational skills in the Schulman Auditorium, each arts camp will fulfill your best summer experience! Registration will be available at www.carlsbadconnect.org.
Celebrating 35 Years! TGIF Concerts in the Parks
| Stagecoach Park June 24 & July 1 | Poinsettia Park July 8, 15 & 22 |
| Calavera Hills Park July 29 & Aug. 5 | Alga Norte Park Aug. 12 & 19 |
It’s official, TGIF Concerts in the Parks are back this summer! Join us in celebrating 35 years of Carlsbad’s favorite musical tradition! Mark your calendars and share with friends.
Also, know of anyone looking for a summer job? We are hiring crew to support the concerts. Check out the city’s job listings! Watch for more info.
Join the 35th Anniversary Celebration of TGIF Concerts!
Be a Part of Art: Partner with Carlsbad Friends of the Arts
Opportunities for Businesses and Supporters:
- Advertise / Sponsor starting at $300
- 30,000 guests / 500,000 unique online views
- Opportunity Prize Donors get special recognition
- Banners available in limited quantities — Act Fast!
Contact tgif@carlsbadfriendsofthearts.org. Deadline is Monday, May 9.
City of Carlsbad | 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
