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Tuesday, April 14 7:30 p.m. The Diderot String Quartet will make their Athenaeum debut with a journey to 18th century Vienna, featuring masterpieces by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. One of the premiere ensembles performing on gut strings and historical instruments, this dynamic group (Adriane Post, violin; Johanna Novom, violin; Kyle Miller, viola; Paul Dwyer, cello) breathes new life into old works. Program: Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) - Quartet No. 27 in D Major, op.20, no. 4 (1772) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) - Quartet No. 15 in D Minor, K. 421 (1783) Intermission Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) - Quartet No. 6 in B-flat Major, op. 18, no. 6 (1800) The Diderot String Quartet—named after the 18th century French philosopher, and Boccherini enthusiast, Denis Diderot—brings a fresh approach to works of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Wall St Journal called a performance “emotional, riveting, and ultimately cathartic.” The quartet came together in 2012, after having first met at Oberlin Conservatory and The Juilliard School. The four musicians share a background in historical performance and a passion for the string quartet genre; they found the thrill of exploring the quartet repertoire on period instruments to be irresistible. Recent and upcoming engagements for the Diderot String Quartet include Chamber Music Pittsburgh, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music (NE), Chamber Music Corvallis (Oregon), Pegasus Early Music / NYS Baroque, Connecticut Early Music Festival, Friends of Chamber Music Vancouver and Early Music Vancouver, Early Music Society of the Islands (Victoria, British Columbia), Belvedere Series (Virginia), Helicon Foundation (New York City), Music in the Somerset Hills (Bernardsville, New Jersey), Rockefeller University’s Tri-Institutional (Tri-I) Noon Recital Series (NYC), Carmel Bach Festival (California), Electric Earth Concerts (Peterborough, New Hampshire), and The Crypt Sessions and Music Before 1800 in New York City. The quartet has also been featured in performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Toledo Museum of Art, and the Morgan Library in New York. Diderot String Quartet served as Quartet-in-Residence at Washington National Cathedral for five seasons and served as guest faculty for Oberlin’s Baroque Performance Institute. The quartet commissioned and premiered Small Infinities, a new work for gut strings from composer Lembit Beecher, and collaborates frequently with internationally acclaimed artists, including Jesse Blumberg, Dashon Burton, David Breitman, Avi Stein, and Harry Bicket. Diderot has a forthcoming album of string quartets by Haydn (op. 20, nos. 2 and 4). This concert is generously sponsored by Sally and Einar Gall. All concerts are preceded by a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. and are followed by a reception with the artists in the Sharon & Joel Labovitz Entry Hall. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Facebook / Instagram

Join Museum educators for a special workshop inspired by the practice of sobremesa, cherished by artist Alfredo Castañeda. Sobremesa refers to the moments when a meal extends into lingering conversation, when guests talk, listen to music, and reflect on life and ideas. This workshop invites participants to gather in community, engage in both prompted and organic conversation, and take part in an art-making activity inspired by Castañeda’s work and practice. Poetry and storytelling, central to Castañeda’s sobremesas, will guide the flow of dialogue, sparking creativity and connection. Visit: https://sdma.ticketapp.org/portal/product/78/events The San Diego Museum of Art on Instagram and Facebook

Free Art Classes for Teens (13–18 years old) Free Teen Art is a free program for teens, who are interested in art-making as an enrichment activity that goes beyond making crafts. The aim of the program is to provide a space for youth to create art, share stories, collaborate, explore, and identify new ways to use art in their lives. The Athenaeum offers facilities, resources, guidance, instruction, and support. The open studio program includes a rotation of multidisciplinary art instructors offering workshops in their respective fields, as well as curricular activities that involve the use of the Athenaeum library resources as a starting point for projects. Activities include drawing, painting, research, and introduction to various media. Nancy Walter’s approach to art making flows out of design, illustration, photography, travel and self-inquiry. She has taught graphic design, arts & crafts, book arts, art journaling and hand stitching. Over the last few years she has done art residencies in Morocco, Twenty-Nine Palms and Los Angeles. She has trained as an Expressive Art Therapy coach and a Soul Collage facilitator. Nancy co-founded Art Lounge, in Encinitas CA. She’s a member and former publications Chair of SDBA (San Diego Book Arts). Currently her daily art practice incorporates slow-stitching, book arts, collage, drawing and gelli printing!

Step into the heart of Oaxaca without leaving town! This vibrant cultural celebration brings together the sights, sounds, and flavors of Oaxaca in one unforgettable event. Guests will be treated to traditional dances, showcasing the region’s colorful heritage, and performances by indigenous folkloric groups, offering a window into centuries-old customs and storytelling. Cultural music will fill the air, from lively rhythms to haunting melodies, while authentic Oaxacan cuisine tempts your taste buds with flavors straight from Mexico. Explore a marketplace of traditional arts and crafts, discover the skill and passion of local artisans, and connect with community resources celebrating heritage and cultural pride. Whether you come to dance, eat, learn, or simply soak in the energy, Oaxaca de Mis Amores promises an immersive experience for all ages a day where tradition, community, and celebration come alive. Oaxaca De Mis Amores on Instagram

Free Art Classes for Teens (13–18 years old) Free Teen Art, the Athenaeum’s free program for teens offers a rotation of multidisciplinary art instructors and curricular activities involving the use of the Athenaeum library resources and art exhibitions as starting points for projects. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Facebook / Instagram

The New Music Friday and Pop Culture Happy Hour host had a hard time narrowing his favorite albums of 2025 down to 10 — the year in music was good enough to fill a list two or three times longer.

One growing point of concern involves generative AI’s relationship with state resources as the technology becomes everyday life for Californians. Experts say generative AI is driving up energy and water demands at data centers.

Monday & Tuesday, December 22 & 23 from 1 – 4 p.m. Ages 13+ years welcome! This Woodworking Camp is all about designing seasonal ornaments in wood! We will cover shop safety and how to use a scroll saw, as well as best practices for sanding and finishing. Students will choose from a template to transfer to their wood, to create multiple pieces depending on their own speed. At the end of the camp, each student will leave with their own collection of ornaments as keepsakes or to share as gifts. This camp is recommended for teens ages 13+ years. OPTIONAL | Crafty Lunch Hour: Click here to read more & add the lunch break. Need a full day of Camp support? Visit The Music & Arts Center — The MAAC — to see other camps in our building! • Military, first responders and sibling discounts • Scholarships available • If this class is full, join the Interest List to be notified. San Diego Craft Collective on Facebook / Instagram

Join San Diego Shakespeare Society actors as they share Halloween-inspired performances combining art and spooky selections from William Shakespeare’s works at the Museum of Photographic Arts. Co-directors: John Tessmer and Patricia Elmore Costa. Performances at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Admission Prices: https://www.sdmart.org/visit-mopa-at-sdma/ The San Diego Shakespeare Society on Facebook / Instagram

Saturday, October 11, from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Immerse Yourself in Japanese Culture with a Hands-On Kintsugi Experience: Join us for a captivating journey into the heart of Japanese culture with our unique Kintsugi Experience. Kintsugi, often called “golden joinery,” is more than just an art form; it’s a profound philosophy deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It treats the mending of broken pottery as an artful and spiritual practice, celebrating imperfections and the beauty of resilience. This philosophy aligns closely with the essence of Wabi-Sabi, which embraces life’s imperfections. Our Kintsugi Experience offers you the chance to not only learn about this rich cultural tradition but also to experience it firsthand. You’ll delve into the history and philosophy of Kintsugi, gaining a profound understanding of how it represents life’s journey. Then, it’s your turn to roll up your sleeves and try it for yourself, making two pieces of kintsugi to take home and enjoy. In our studio, you’ll receive all the materials needed, and our experienced instructor will guide you through the hands-on process. As you mend your own piece of pottery, you’ll discover not only the art of Kintsugi but also the art of self-acceptance and resilience. This isn’t just a class; it’s a cultural immersion and a transformative experience. By participating in our Kintsugi Experience, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and the profound wisdom that lies within this ancient art form. Ages 12+ are welcome. • Military, first responders and sibling discounts • Scholarships available • Homeschool funds accepted • If this class is full, join the Interest List to be notified. • If you would like to be notified of future offerings, join the Interest List to be notified when new dates or spaces are available. San Diego Craft Collective on Facebook / Instagram