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Art, Power, Equity Partners with J. Walcher Communications for “Curator-in-Residence” Shows First Show Features Chicana, Interdisciplinary Artist Katie Ruiz Art, Power, Equity (APE) – an arts-based enterprise that supports underrepresented artists and promotes equity, access and opportunity in the creative economy – and long-time public relations and marketing firm, J. Walcher Communications (JWC) – have announced a series of three artist residencies this summer. This programming is the evolution of APE and JWC’s “Curator-in-Residence” partnership that began in 2021. JWC will provide a dedicated exhibition space within its historic offices in Sherman Heights, with the first show of San Diego-based interdisciplinary artist Katie Ruiz, known for her paintings and fiber sculpture. The first artist will select the next artist in the series. APE’s first exhibition will open with an artist talk, reception and viewing with painter and multimedia artist Ruiz on Saturday, June 8, 6 - 9 p.m. The show is open to the public every Saturday 1 - 4 p.m. from June 8 through June 29, and during the week by appointment only. Ruiz' work is based on textiles from blankets to crochet, using painting and textile art as a metaphor for her identity as a mixed-race woman raised in two cultures. This show will feature Pompom installations as well as mixed media works she has coined as "Combinas," mixing painting and fiber art. Art, Power, Equity establishes relationships with BIPOC artists and art professionals to develop projects and exhibitions that cultivate, promote and showcase those who meet at the intersections of under-representation, economic vulnerability and community development. “Artists have a wide range of needs and affordable spaces to create and exhibit work is essential. Additionally, the power to influence and determine who gains access to available spaces is another critical issue for artists and creators and we believe this program addresses both; empowering artists as a creative community to support their peers and gain access to new markets and networks,” said founder and curator Kamaal Martin. “JWC is powerfully demonstrating the role the business community can play in supporting San Diego’s creative economy.” Ruiz is the creator of the Pompom Project, a community program that invites participants to make yarn pompoms for large installations made of pompoms. Building community is at the zenith of Ruiz' work. She aims to connect folks through craft making and "craftivism." Ruiz has a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Art from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s degree of Fine Art from The New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting & Sculpture in NYC. “As long-time art supporters and enthusiasts, we love having the opportunity to use our office to support artists and curators, especially underrepresented BIPOC artists,” said Jean Walcher, president and founder of JWC. Ruiz has selected Kelvin Lopez, a printmaker with a MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, to be August’s featured artist. For more information and reservations, please visit artpowerequity.com or call 619-373-2039. Stay Connected on Facebook and Instagram

The U.S. postal service is reversing course a day after it said it would not accept packages from China and Hong Kong. The ban came after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods.

"JULIAN TAN: END TRANCES" Jan. 18–April 19, 2025 Opening Reception: Friday, January 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Gallery Walk-through: Saturday, January 18, 11 a.m., free Artist Talk: Thursday, February 27, 6 p.m. reception; 6:30 p.m. lecture, $15/ 20/ 5 “The gaze is ours to give, and the journey is ours to take.”—Chat GPT analyzing "End Trances" For his exhibition "End Trances," Los Angeles–based painter Julian Tan has created a body of work centered on a blinding, mysterious light in the sky and humans’ moments of wonder, panic, and solace as they witness it. In creating these paintings, Tan was thinking about recent trends including the use of AI in art making, the vastness of knowledge at our fingertips in a world dominated by instant information, public fascination with unidentified aerial phenomena, and a pervasive sense of being at the precipice of something—whether the end of the world or a cultural shift we have yet to understand as a society. The unknown light offers us all a glimpse of our own humanity, a sublime focal point in each work that remains open to interpretation. Julian’s work reflects his personal experiences and his fascination with the intersection of history, politics, and cultural change. As a second-generation Chinese American, the tension of not fully belonging has given him a unique perspective, one that informs his exploration of identity, culture, and the way people navigate a rapidly changing world. His paintings aim to capture the present while reflecting on the past and imagining the future, offering a lens through which viewers can connect with shared experiences and universal questions. In his BFA studies at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tan immersed himself in foundational principles of design, art history, and critical theory, setting the stage for a serious pursuit of painting and a life as an artist. While the program introduced him to conceptual thinking and problem-solving, it was the painters in the program and the drawing classes that left the biggest impression on him. He went on to earn an MFA at the University of California, Davis, dedicating himself to refining his techniques and developing an original visual language. Tan spent most of his time at UC Davis deeply immersed in understanding and creating abstract painting and sculpture. While he loved earnestly creating and looking at abstraction, he began questioning whether it could express the ideas he wanted to communicate. This challenge led him to rethink his approach and focus on work that carried more personal and cultural meaning. Painting became a way for him to say things he felt couldn’t be said with words. Now, working from his own studio, Tan is propelled by questions of the future, universal truths, and a desire to create works that capture a “mirror’s gaze of the near future.” Alongside his wife and dogs, Oso and Sumi, he continues his search for expression that resonates with universal truths about the human experience. Julian Tan on Instagram

The Trump administration dismissed all the scientists working on the next National Climate Assessment. The report is the most comprehensive source of information about climate change in the U.S.

The Command Museum at Marine Corps Recruit Depot has been around for decades at MCRD.

Unleash your creativity in our “Sculpture: The Animal Figure” ceramics class! In this specialized workshop, you’ll learn to sculpt lifelike and imaginative animal figures using clay. You will explore techniques in shaping, detailing, and texturing to bring your favorite creatures to life. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced sculptor, this class offers a fun and engaging way to develop your skills and create a unique piece of art! *No class Monday, February 10. All students receive one month of FREE MEMBERSHIP at the ICA ceramics studio following the conclusion of the course. Visit: Ceramics Sculpture: The Animal Figure (6 weeks) ICA San Diego on Instagram and Facebook

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the virtual world. But reality bytes.

U.S. officials are not attending the main public event commemorating the end of the Vietnam war in Ho Chi Minh City this week, according to a guest list released by the organizers and seen by NPR.

The Blue Heart Foundation is all about, "Building our community by providing a secure and equitable path to higher education, emotional health and character development for young African American males." Morris Chestnut just confirmed with us he is coming to the Best Blue Heart Breakfast. Therefore, it is our distinct pleasure to invite you to join us and cover our signature Annual Blue Heart Christmas Breakfast and Community Service Awards this Saturday, December 14 from 8 a.m. to Noon. Liberty Station Conference Center: 2600 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106 https://theblueheartfoundation.org/annual-christmas-breakfast/ About The Blue Heart Academy The Blue Heart Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 2013. Blue Heart supports underserved African American male youth ages 13-18 in the greater San Diego County community. We offer a solid holistic mentoring program through adult and peer mentoring, that facilitates positive interactions, education, empowerment and emotional well-being that is a critical part of their lives. Check out their website at www.theblueheartfoundation.org to enroll in or become a volunteer with the Blue Heart Academy, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/blueheartinc.

Julian Tan: End Trances January 18 – April 19, 2025 Opening Reception: Friday, January 17, 5:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m. Gallery Walk-through: Saturday, January 18, 11 a.m., free Artist Talk: Thursday, February 27, 6 p.m. reception; 6:30 p.m. lecture, $15/ 20/ 5 “The gaze is ours to give, and the journey is ours to take.”—Chat GPT analyzing End Trances For his exhibition End Trances, Los Angeles–based painter Julian Tan has created a body of work centered on a blinding, mysterious light in the sky and humans’ moments of wonder, panic, and solace as they witness it. In creating these paintings, Tan was thinking about recent trends including the use of AI in art making, the vastness of knowledge at our fingertips in a world dominated by instant information, public fascination with unidentified aerial phenomena, and a pervasive sense of being at the precipice of something—whether the end of the world or a cultural shift we have yet to understand as a society. The unknown light offers us all a glimpse of our own humanity, a sublime focal point in each work that remains open to interpretation. Julian’s work reflects his personal experiences and his fascination with the intersection of history, politics, and cultural change. As a second-generation Chinese American, the tension of not fully belonging has given him a unique perspective, one that informs his exploration of identity, culture, and the way people navigate a rapidly changing world. His paintings aim to capture the present while reflecting on the past and imagining the future, offering a lens through which viewers can connect with shared experiences and universal questions. In his BFA studies at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, Tan immersed himself in foundational principles of design, art history, and critical theory, setting the stage for a serious pursuit of painting and a life as an artist. While the program introduced him to conceptual thinking and problem-solving, it was the painters in the program and the drawing classes that left the biggest impression on him. He went on to earn an MFA at the University of California, Davis, dedicating himself to refining his techniques and developing an original visual language. Tan spent most of his time at UC Davis deeply immersed in understanding and creating abstract painting and sculpture. While he loved earnestly creating and looking at abstraction, he began questioning whether it could express the ideas he wanted to communicate. This challenge led him to rethink his approach and focus on work that carried more personal and cultural meaning. Painting became a way for him to say things he felt couldn’t be said with words. Now, working from his own studio, Tan is propelled by questions of the future, universal truths, and a desire to create works that capture a “mirror’s gaze of the near future.” Alongside his wife and dogs, Oso and Sumi, he continues his search for expression that resonates with universal truths about the human experience. Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/upcoming-exhibitions