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Space 4 Art Presents "PHOSPHENE" Curated by Dinah Poellnitz Space 4 Art is pleased to present "PHOSPHENE," a group exhibition curated by Dinah Poellnitz and featuring the work of Bryttney-Mischele Salvant, Mark Chamness, Pastelle, and Akiko Surai. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. and remains on view through August 15, 2026, at Art Produce Gallery. Named for the phenomenon of seeing light without an external source, PHOSPHENE (phos·phene (noun)/ˈfäsˌfēn/) refers to the colors, patterns, and luminous sensations perceived behind closed eyes. The exhibition uses this phenomenon as a metaphor for artistic intuition, exploring the inner vision that emerges before conscious thought and the creative instincts that guide artistic practice. Developed through Poellnitz's curatorial residency with Space 4 Art, the exhibition began with a studio visit to S4A resident artist Bryttney-Mischele Salvant and expanded into a conversation among four artists whose practices embrace intuition, material exploration, and personal transformation. Though their approaches differ— from painting and fiber to illustration, embroidery, and found materials —they share a commitment to trusting the creative process before certainty. “There is a moment every artist knows and rarely names. It arrives somewhere between the first mark and the last, when the mind finally stops negotiating with the hand,” Poellnitz commented. “These artists did not plan their way to that moment. They surrendered to it. And in that surrender, something was made that could not have been made any other way.” Salvant's expressive paintings privilege emotional truth over technical perfection, while Mark Chamness transforms discarded plastic bags into richly textured fiber works that investigate color, place, and environmental memory. Pastelle's vibrant illustrations celebrate confidence, identity, and unapologetic self-expression through radiant color and fantastical imagery. Akiko Surai's embroidered and beaded sculptures draw from Black revolutionary thought and craft traditions across the African diaspora, creating works that speak to resilience, inheritance, and collective imagination. Together, these artists invite viewers to consider the moment when instinct overtakes intention—when making becomes less about knowing and more about trusting. "PHOSPHENE" celebrates the quiet inner light that artists follow and asks audiences to reflect on the creative spark that exists within us all. Exhibition Details: Title: "PHOSPHENE" Curated by: Dinah Poellnitz Presented by: Space 4 Art Venue: Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., San Diego Opening Reception: July 18 | 4-7 p.m. Closing Reception and Artist Talk: August 15 | 12-3 p.m. Exhibition Dates: July 18 - August 15 Gallery Hours: Fridays 1-7 p.m.; Saturdays 12-6 p.m.; and by appointment All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit Space 4 Art's website (www.sdspace4art.org) or follow @space4artsd on social media. About the Curator: Dinah Poellnitz is an interdisciplinary curator and writer whose practice centers artists who work at the intersection of material experimentation, intuition, and cultural memory. Developed through her curatorial residency with Space 4 Art, "PHOSPHENE" reflects her ongoing interest in how artists transform personal vision into shared experience. About Space 4 Art: Space 4 Art is a San Diego-based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting artists and strengthening the region’s cultural ecosystem by providing access to affordable creative spaces, artist opportunities, exhibitions, public programming, and community engagement.

A new state law targets people loitering with the intent to buy sex, but data show racial disparities in arrests. Plus, how public records requests fuel investigative journalism. And, this month's issue of San Diego Magazine celebrates arts and culture.

Curated by Dinah Poellnitz Space 4 Art is pleased to present "PHOSPHENE," a group exhibition curated by Dinah Poellnitz and featuring the work of Bryttney-Mischele Salvant, Mark Chamness, Pastelle, and Akiko Surai. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. and remains on view through August 15, 2026, at Art Produce Gallery. Named for the phenomenon of seeing light without an external source, "PHOSPHENE" (phos·phene (noun)/ˈfäsˌfēn/) refers to the colors, patterns, and luminous sensations perceived behind closed eyes. The exhibition uses this phenomenon as a metaphor for artistic intuition, exploring the inner vision that emerges before conscious thought and the creative instincts that guide artistic practice. Developed through Poellnitz's curatorial residency with Space 4 Art, the exhibition began with a studio visit to S4A resident artist Bryttney-Mischele Salvant and expanded into a conversation among four artists whose practices embrace intuition, material exploration, and personal transformation. Though their approaches differ— from painting and fiber to illustration, embroidery, and found materials —they share a commitment to trusting the creative process before certainty. “There is a moment every artist knows and rarely names. It arrives somewhere between the first mark and the last, when the mind finally stops negotiating with the hand,” Poellnitz commented. “These artists did not plan their way to that moment. They surrendered to it. And in that surrender, something was made that could not have been made any other way.” Salvant's expressive paintings privilege emotional truth over technical perfection, while Mark Chamness transforms discarded plastic bags into richly textured fiber works that investigate color, place, and environmental memory. Pastelle's vibrant illustrations celebrate confidence, identity, and unapologetic self-expression through radiant color and fantastical imagery. Akiko Surai's embroidered and beaded sculptures draw from Black revolutionary thought and craft traditions across the African diaspora, creating works that speak to resilience, inheritance, and collective imagination. Together, these artists invite viewers to consider the moment when instinct overtakes intention—when making becomes less about knowing and more about trusting. "PHOSPHENE" celebrates the quiet inner light that artists follow and asks audiences to reflect on the creative spark that exists within us all. Exhibition Details Title: "PHOSPHENE" Curated by: Dinah Poellnitz Presented by: Space 4 Art Venue: Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., San Diego Opening Reception: July 18 | 4-7 p.m. Closing Reception and Artist Talk: August 15 | 12-3 p.m. Exhibition Dates: July 18 - August 15 Gallery Hours: Fridays 1-7 p.m.; Saturdays 12-6 p.m.; and by appointment All events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit Space 4 Art's website (www.sdspace4art.org) or follow @space4artsd on social media. About the Curator: Dinah Poellnitz is an interdisciplinary curator and writer whose practice centers artists who work at the intersection of material experimentation, intuition, and cultural memory. Developed through her curatorial residency with Space 4 Art, PHOSPHENE reflects her ongoing interest in how artists transform personal vision into shared experience. About Space 4 Art: Space 4 Art is a San Diego-based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting artists and strengthening the region’s cultural ecosystem by providing access to affordable creative spaces, artist opportunities, exhibitions, public programming, and community engagement.

A phone call sends Taylor Guitars founder Bob Taylor to Cameroon, where he encounters a problem that changes how he thinks about the instruments he builds. His search for answers takes him deep into the forests and into an unexpected connection with elephants.

Bridge Music Series presents GRAMMY-nominated pianist HAN CHEN. Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-flat major, Op. 81a “Les adieux” Liszt: "Funérailles," S. 173 No. 7 Stravinsky: "Four Études," Op. 7 (intermission) Lei Liang: "A Book of Time I" (2023) (west coast premiere) Stravinsky: "Trois mouvements de Petrouchka" Additional Description: A fearless performer with seemingly limitless imagination and possessed with uncanny energy, GRAMMY-nominated pianist Han Chen plays scores old and new with rare rigor and insight. A GRAMMY® nominee for Best Classical Instrumental Solo, Chen was recognized for his recording of Florence Price's Piano Concerto in One Movement in D minor with conductor John Jeter and the Malmö Opera Orchestra. Alex Ross, classical music critic of The New Yorker, who selected Mr. Chen's disc of the Ligeti Études and Capriccios as a "Notable Classical Recording of 2023," characterized him as follows: The Taiwanese pianist Han Chen, a noted interpreter of the Ligeti Études and other modernist repertory, has made a blistering album of the [Liszt] opera transcriptions. — The New Yorker, September 4, 2023 Attending Mr. Chen's recent traversal of the 18 Ligeti Etudes and 18 commissioned world premieres, George Grella titled his review: "Han Chen's remarkable playing equal to the genius of Ligeti's Etudes" and went on to exclaim: He is astonishing, with some of the finest pianism one has ever witnessed. — New York Classical Review, September 25, 2023 Gold Medalist at the 2013 China International Piano Competition and a prizewinner at the 2018 Honens International Piano Competition, Mr. Chen has also been praised by Gramophone as "impressively commanding and authoritative" and further cited by The New York Times for his "graceful touch," "rhythmic precision" and "hypnotic charm." He has appeared as soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic, Fort Worth Symphony, Lansing Symphony, Lexington Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, National Taiwan Symphony, and Xiamen Philharmonic. Han Chen has studied with Yoheved Kaplinsky, Wha Kyung Byun, and Ursula Oppens at The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, and CUNY Graduate Center. He is a Steinway Artist and is represented by Black Tea Music. Han Chen on Facebook / Instagram

In 2021, hundreds of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum were housed in the convention center. "Our Lady of the San Diego Convention Center" was inspired by that news event. Then, another new play about a rare and elusive bird — and your weekend preview.

Aguirre and Anderson stated that their proposal "also removes legacy barriers to allow Jacumba to pursue smart growth, expand job opportunities and attract tailored private investment."

Get ready to shake things up at the 17th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival — the ultimate destination for cocktail lovers and spirits enthusiasts! It's a Cocktail and Foodies Paradise! Sneak Peek: Eclectic live entertainment featuring: Singer Andrew Cole; Flamenco Jason Jenkins; Samba and Belly Dancers; Ride Share Jazz; 7-piece band Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas bringing Irish shenanigans! Indulge in two unforgettable days by the sea where you can: Sip Without Limits: Enjoy unlimited craft cocktails and taste over 65 premium spirit brands. Discover New Favorites: Explore bold whiskeys, smooth bourbons, vibrant tequilas, smoky mezcals, crisp gins, and refreshing RTDs. Experience Luxury by the Coast: Immerse yourself in stunning La Jolla ocean views at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Dress to Impress: It’s San Diego’s most stylish happy hour! San Diego Spirits Festival on Instagram

The Library's Autumn Concert Series takes place on Fridays from September 4 to October 23. Each concert will begin at 1 p.m. in the Winn Room. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performance. On September 4, we will have Eric Starr on brass featuring Hyemi Kwon on piano. Dr. Eric Starr maintains a multi-faceted musical career as a faculty member at SDSU, Trombonist for Westwind Brass, board member for the Hausmann Quartet Foundation and for San Diego New Music where he is Director of the Emerging Composers Project and was Executive Director from 2012 to 2022. At SDSU, Dr. Starr serves as Studio Artist Teacher, Lecturer, Brass Coordinator, Director of Brass Chamber Music, Co-director of the Experimental Music Ensemble, Program Advisor for the Music, Entrepreneurship and Business degree and Head Coach for SDSU Cycling. He was named “Most Influential Faculty” in 2025, 2023 and 2018. Dubbed a “Trombone Champion” with “Stunning Style” (San Diego Union-Tribune), Eric has performed with the San Diego Symphony, Pacific Symphony, San Diego Opera, La Jolla Music Society, Art of Elan, Ojai Festival and Broadway shows including Frozen and Mary Poppins. As an Arts entrepreneur, Eric is Creative Director of Sounds and Swells for Art of Elan, pairing surfing videos and classical music, and has developed Tasting Notes, a curated evening of music and wine. He lives in Ocean Beach with his wife, Sarah, where he watches the waves daily, has continued interests in fine wines, cooking, summer time body surfing, and is a member of the San Diego Bicycle Club race team. Hyemi Kwon grew up and studied in South Korea, was admitted to the Sunhwa Arts middle and high school, and completed her BM in Piano Performance at Sungshin University, where she also became a Teaching Assistant for the Piano department. Hyemi earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance at Roosevelt University in Chicago and worked for Chicago Civic Orchestra as an Associated keyboard member and earned her Artist Diploma at San Diego State University. Hyemi performs throughout San Diego including with the San Diego Symphony on multiple occasions. Visit: https://coronado.librarycalendar.com/event/acs-hold-44476

Create, Remember, Celebrate! Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m. - Noon Family-friendly! Ages 10+years are welcome, or 5+years with an adult! Join Ms Cristy, Mexican-American artist & educator, as she guides students in this hands-on, family-friendly workshop in preparation for Día de los Muertos. In this session, you will explore the beauty of this celebration while creating your very own mini ofrenda (altar). Learn about the meaning behind this tradition and immerse in its beauty creating papel picado, cempasuchil flowers, candles, and other special elements as you design your meaningful altar to take home. This workshop is a fun, hands-on cultural art experience celebrating love, family, and remembrance. No experience necessary. All materials included. Ages 10+years are welcome, or 5+years with an adult! This workshop is hosted by San Diego Craft Collective. For more free family-fun, please join us on Sunday, November 1st, for our all-ages Día de los Muertos Celebration. • Military, first responders and sibling discounts • Scholarships available • If this class is full of you would like to be notified of future offerings, join the Interest List.