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Established in 1994, the San Diego Latino Film Festival is one of the longest-running and most respected Latino film festivals in the United States. Dedicated to showcasing the diversity and richness of Latino culture, SDLFF continues to inspire audiences and empower filmmakers through the art of cinema. For more information visit: sdlatinofilm.com Stay Connected on Facebook and Instagram

Imagine a world where art and music intertwine, echoing the call for peace and unity. This is the world that the "Give Peace a Chance: The Art of John Lennon" exhibition brings to life at the EC Gallery in Gaslamp area of Downtown San Diego from February 9 to February 28, 2024. There are special receptions scheduled for Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10 from 6-9 p.m. This newly curated exhibition is a must see experience! Never in history has an exhibition been so meaningful, relevant, and so powerful. As Lennon sang, “All we are saying is give peace a chance,” this exhibition echoes that sentiment through its display of Lennon’s art. It invites us to pause and reflect on the possibility of a world where peace reigns supreme. It’s a call to action, a plea for understanding, and a testament to the power of art and music to inspire change and bring people together. The exhibition is a reminder of the enduring importance of peace and unity in an increasingly connected and tumultuous world. The exhibition showcases Lennon's visionary art, which has always been a reflection of societal themes that touched his life. His works celebrate human love and communication, two themes that were at the heart of his contribution to the art of the twentieth century. In the midst of current events going on around the world, the exhibition serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of Lennon's timeless message in his song "Imagine". As he sang, "Imagine all the people livin’ life in peace," this exhibition invites us to do just that. It encourages us to envision a world free of conflict, where peace, unity and harmony prevail. John Lennon, born John Winston Lennon, attended the Liverpool Art Institute for three years (1957-60). During that time, he developed a style of sketching and drawing figures containing his somewhat sarcastic sense of humor. In later years he would incorporate this whimsical style into art for his books and work done for various social movements. Lennon's artwork predated his success with the Beatles and remained a passion throughout his years as a music legend. During his lifetime, he produced numerous series of sketches and lithographs, which were published starting in the early 1960s. Often surreal and composed through a method of free association, his drawings from this period were widely considered some of the finest interpretive artworks of the era. In 1969, Lennon began exhibiting selected drawings from a series entitled "Bag One." This array, now part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, was wildly popular and frequently censored due to its overt eroticism. His peace-themed sketches were elevated through their use in antiwar movements. Capturing his emotional, political, and imaginative energy, this lavishly produced collection serves as a timeless record of John Lennon's creative spirit. John’s love for Yoko Ono inspired his work and this exhibition. After the Beatles broke up in 1970, John began to venture around the world in pursuit of a kind of happiness that was lacking as a BEATLE. He cherished his new wife Yoko and wanted to learn all he could about the Japanese culture and art that was her background. John and Yoko’s relationship was based on a mutual love for art. John met Yoko at one of her shows in New York. Yoko was part of the Fluxus movement of artists that eventually became the neo-expressionist’s period that influences much the art we see today. This art movement is often overlooked as to its importance in the evolution of modern/contemporary art in the 20th century. To Yoko’s installation of a hammer with nails next to it he asked her something to the effect of: “What if I pound the nails in”. That began a love story that John chronicled in sketch pads she had given him; and asked that he record their life together. Over the years John saved and preserved several hundred drawings he considered to be the most significant. In 1986, Yoko Ono, began releasing limited editions of some of the most meaningful drawings, using fine art printing techniques, she showcased John Lennon as an important artist of his time. Each print had John’s signature embossed as well as Yoko Ono Lennon hand signed in pencil. She also includes the chop in red ink on the art. So, let's come together at the EC Gallery, located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter at 621 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. Let's immerse ourselves in the art of John Lennon and give peace a chance. Let's imagine all the people, sharing all the world and the world will be as one. For more information or to RSVP to the opening receptions, please contact the gallery at (800) 599-7111 or email art@ecgallery.com. Admission is FREE and open to the public. All artwork is on exhibition and available for purchase. Don't miss this iconic experience! EC Gallery on Facebook / Instagram

An ecological ecumenical presentation of music, storytelling, and education as we celebrate Earth Day and focus on environmental stewardship through the arts. Led by the St. Bartholomew's Parish Choir, soloists Hannah Arevalo and Danielle Evans, and chamber orchestra. Suggested donation $20 ($10 for students, available at https://www.stbartsmusic.org/events/paul-winter-missa-gaia-earth-mass Proceeds will benefit local environmental advocacy groups.

The Photographer’s Eye Gallery is hosting an exhibit of hand-crafted photographic prints that were selected in its annual Alternative Photographic Processes juried exhibition, "(S)LIGHT OF HAND." More than 200 entries from across the United States were submitted for this exceptional exhibition. Michael Kirchoff, this year’s juror and editor of Analog Forever Magazine, narrowed down the prints to 40 for display, and named “Manzanita in the Round,” a photogravure by David Marsh, as his Juror’s Choice. Photographer’s Eye Director Donna Cosentino chose “Enchanted Forest,” a gum over salt print by Lisa Brussell, as the Director’s Choice. This exhibit opens on Sept. 14, with an artists’ reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on opening day, and will end on Oct. 19. The Photographer’s Eye Gallery, a non-profit, is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and by appointment by calling 760-522-2170. The artworks on display are one-of-a-kind, hand-made works using myriad processes, including cyanotype, transfers, gum over platinum, chemilumens, tintypes, kallitypes, salt, phytogram, carbon transfer and more. 3-D works will also be on view. Each work will be accompanied by an explanation of the process involved to create it. In his juror’s statement, Kirchoff praised the artists for their creativity and skill in using historic and modern processes. “What I noticed when going through the submissions is the high caliber of images I found,” Kirchoff said. “Each submission was unique and special in its own way, and I discovered new photographers making excellent work.” He also said that “it is thoroughly evident to me that those living far and wide are playing an integral part in the success of this fine establishment.” The Photographer’s Eye will honor artists David Marsh and Lisa Brussell in a two person exhibit of their works in 2025. https://www.instagram.com/thephotographerseyecollective/ The Photographer’s Eye Collective on Facebook / Instagram

Many Muslim and Arab American voters are leaning toward third-party candidates or not voting, feeling neither main candidate values their families' lives. Others are choosing between Harris and Trump.

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and a local nonprofit is celebrating the season of love through a variety of artwork. St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is hosting the "Gotta Have Heart" art show on Friday, February 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This free public reception will present the Sophie's artists' latest Valentine's Day-inspired exhibit that runs until the end of March. The student artists will showcase their love-themed pieces, including a weather-inspired collection of umbrellas embellished with original designs, paper mache´ sculptures, contemporary jewelry, heart prints, mosaics, and a Weaving Rainbow. Guests can expect a showcase of colorful and creative works done by students of St. Madeline's Sophie's Center. Artwork sales directly support Sophie’s artists and art program, with 40% going to the artists and 60% to the art program. Sophie’s Gallery is an art studio where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are given the opportunity and tools needed to realize their full creative potential. Students are taught a variety of media, including print-making, jewelry-making, painting, charcoal, pastels, fabric arts, and more. All of the classes are taught by professional artists. Stay Connected with St. Madeleine Sophie's Center! Facebook & Twitter

Carmen Cuenca (Mexico City,1958) is Executive Director of INSITE Proyectos de Arte AC, the non-profit established to facilitate the development of INSITE in Mexico. She has played key roles with INSITE since 1993—from overseeing the production and permitting of artists projects to promoting and maintaining binational institutional collaborations to directing administration and fundraising efforts. In addition to her involvement with INSITE over the past twenty-seven years, Cuenca was Director of the Tamayo Museum of Contemporary Art in Mexico City (2011-2014); Subdirector for Visual Arts at the Centro Cultural Tijuana (2006-2009) where she oversaw the construction of EL CUBO, the city’s first traditional museum space; and Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Institute at the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. Cuenca studied Art History at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. Andrea Torreblanca (Mexico City, 1979) has a master’s in curatorial studies from CCS, Bard College, New York. Torreblanca has held several curatorial positions in Mexican institutions, including Associate Curator at the Museo Tamayo; Coordinator at Sala de Arte Público Siqueiros; Deputy Director for the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art; and Collection Manager at the Museo de las Californias at CECUT. She is currently the Director of Curatorial Projects at INSITE, for which she conceived Commonplaces, a curatorial platform being developed in different regions around the world, including Baja California (MX)-San Diego (US), where she is the editor-curator of the five-year project The Sedimentary Effect. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of the INSITE Journal. https://insiteart.org/

Bonjour! Welcome to our fragrant adventure! No experience necessary – just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm. Join us in crafting your very own signature scent under the guidance of our in-house French Perfume Designer, Jil Croquet. This workshop is an enjoyable three-hour session where you’ll dive into the art of perfume-making. From uncovering composition secrets to the sheer joy of smelling and blending scents, you’ll gain hands-on experience while learning the basics of fragrance design techniques. All the materials and tools you need are provided and included in the workshop fee. With a carefully curated selection of essential oils, we’ll explore this hidden world together. You’ll leave with your own personalized travel spray as a delightful keepsake of our aromatic journey. Come, let’s discover the captivating world of perfumery! This workshop is perfect for ages 14 and up, so grab a friend or come solo and let’s create some magic together! All materials and tools will be provided, and the cost of materials is included in the workshop fee. • Military and sibling discounts. • Scholarships available. • Homeschool vendor funds accepted. • If this class is full, join our Interest List. • 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 is on Facebook

This weekend in local arts and culture: Poetic Justice's self-portraiture and poetry exhibit; free museums; a play about cooking; AAPI fashion; Puerto Rican LGBTQ+ theater; ballet meets the stock market crash and more.

These stories didn't get huge numbers of views, but readers who found them stayed with them for what qualifies as an eternity on the online clock. Here are our underappreciated favorites.