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This course explores using stop motion animation to tell a story. Children will create their own characters, backgrounds, and sets using drawing, painting, collage, and even found objects. After storyboarding and planning, students will use photography and audio recordings to bring their story to life. Max students: 14 Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/classes/kids-5 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

We look back at the year’s most influential exhibitions in San Diego, exploring culture, identity and health.

San Diego French Film Festival 2025: A Celebration of Love, Diversity, and Cultural Connections The San Diego French Film Festival (SDFFF), presented by the Alliance Française San Diego, proudly returns for its fifth edition from May 4-7, 2025, at THE LOT La Jolla. This year’s theme, “Love in All Its Forms,” highlights the many facets of human connection—friendship, passion, solidarity, and resilience—through a compelling selection of French and francophone films. Festival Highlights Opening Night Gala – May 4 The festival launches with a glamorous red-carpet event and gala reception, featuring the screening of *En Fanfare* (*The Marching Band*, 2024). Directed by Emmanuel Courcol, this critically acclaimed drama tells the moving story of two estranged brothers brought together by music and an unexpected family discovery. The film, which received seven César Award nominations, stars Benjamin Lavernhe and Pierre Lottin. Following the screening, guests will enjoy gourmet hors d'oeuvres, champagne, live entertainment, and a dance party with DJ GreGTraXx. Gala attendees will also have the chance to win a luxury getaway at Club Med, courtesy of TravelBootik. Night with the Stars – May 5 A special highlight of this year’s festival is the screening of Neuilly-Poissy (2024, France), an engaging and humorous take on religious tolerance, social integration, and diversity. The film follows a wealthy businessman who is forced to rebuild his life in unexpected circumstances, using his wit to navigate a world far removed from his privileged past. Following the screening, attendees will have the unique opportunity to join a panel discussion with renowned French actor Max Boublil and director Gregory Boutboul, offering insights into the film’s themes and creative process. May 6 Screenings – Powerful Stories from Around the World Festivalgoers will have the choice between two compelling films: - Moto Taxi (*Bendskins*, 2021, Cameroon), directed by Narcisse Wandji, provides a raw and immersive look at urban life through the perspectives of three motorcycle taxi drivers in Cameroon. - Quelques Jours Pas Plus (*Just a Couple of Days*, 2024, France), directed by Julie Navarro, is a sharp and touching comedy-drama starring Camille Cottin and Benjamin Biolay. The film explores unexpected connections and personal transformation through the story of a journalist who reluctantly takes in a young Afghan refugee. Closing Night – May 7 The festival concludes with RU (2023, Canada), a poignant adaptation of Kim Thuy’s acclaimed novel. Directed by Charles-Olivier Michaud, the film follows a young Vietnamese girl and her family as they flee war-torn Vietnam and rebuild their lives in Quebec. With multiple award nominations, "RU" is a deeply moving story of exile, adaptation, and resilience. Beyond Film: Art, Community, and Education In addition to film screenings, SDFFF will feature two art exhibitions: - “Coeur D’Afghane, Amour À La Française” by Manaz Raiszadeh, a Franco-Afghan artist exploring themes of migration and love. - A showcase of student artworks from the Alliance Française of San Diego. The festival also includes a special educational screening on March 21, featuring *L’Océan Vu Du Coeur* (2023, Canada), a documentary about ocean conservation, presented to San Diego school students with a Q&A session. Visit: https://www.afsandiego.org/san-diego-french-film-festival-2025 Alliance Francais San Diego on Instagram and Facebook

Please join us for an artist talk with Ana María Herrera. He will share a special presentation on her Athenaeum show, Layered Memories, and how it connects to her career and process. Experience an intimate evening with Ana María Herrera, the renowned multidisciplinary artist behind Layered Memories, currently on exhibit at the Athenaeum Art Center. In her artist talk, Herrera will discuss her history and creative process, sharing how her identity as a Mexican-born American artist and community advocate informs her assemblages and creative process.  Through mediums like painting, photography, woodworking, and sewing, Herrera’s work captures the cultural dynamics of life along the U.S.-Mexico border, exploring themes of resilience, empowerment, and connection. This is an opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the inspirations and stories behind her pieces.  Visit: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=c8c37edf-c3eb-457b-b6ec-33c3bdbb43a4&envId=p-QeX-mAOG2USdMymY8jypFQ&zone=usa Ana Maria Herrera on Instagram

This week's arts and culture show takes us to an event celebrating Black women who are paving the way in San Diego and across the country. Plus, a sit-down with San Diego’s new poet Laureate. Then, our Midday Movies critics share their hottest Oscar takes and more.

Create your very own fantasy characters and scenery using color, clay, foil, and string. From pixies to dragons, princesses, knights and magical trees: together, we will explore a world of make-believe! **** Students are welcome to sign up for both sessions, but please keep in mind the majority of projects will remain the same. Max students: 12 Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/classes/kids-1a Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

The San Diego County unemployment rate was 4% in May, down from 4.1% in April, but above last year's 3.6 %, the state Employment Development Department announced Friday.

The San Diego Watercolor Society proudly presents “Nature’s Alchemy.” juried by award-winning artist, Kathleen Scoggin. The water-based media exhibition runs March 2-29, 2025 at our Gallery in The ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. The free Opening Reception is Friday, Mar 7 from 5-8 p.m. with over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings plus refreshments and the fellowship of other art enthusiasts. The Gallery is open Weds-Sun, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The paintings can also be viewed and purchased online. Please visit www.sdws.org for more information. San Diego Watercolor Society on Facebook / Instagram

Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Savor the Eternal City’s history and culture paired with Italian wines. We hear tales of good and evil set among Rome’s monuments, fountains, aqueducts, and sculpture—heroes and villains paired with vino Italiano. About Barbara Baxter Barbara Baxter studied wine academically at the Sorbonne in Paris and has continued her inquiry into the heritage of wine for more than a decade. She created visitor education programs for Francis Ford Coppolaʼs Rubicon Estate and has worked for Napa Valleyʼs most prestigious wineries: Sterling Vineyards and Opus One. She is the editor of Planet Wine and has also made wine in Napa Valley. Baxter has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, has lectured at major museums and universities in California, including the Getty Malibu, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Athenaeum Arts & Music Library, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Orange County, and The Huntington. Tickets: $60/65 The lecture will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for this event. Your name will be on an attendee list at the front door. Doors open at 7 p.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. Priority seating will be given to Donor level members and above.

Nonprofit art space The Hill Street Country Club, founded in 2012, has served as a hub for art, music and community. The gallery's final exhibit, Marisa DeLuca's "What Goes Up Must Come Down," is a study of Oceanside's lost or abandoned buildings — and the grief therein.