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Join us for an enlightening discussion with Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, the Chicana textile artist and slow fashion designer behind Sew Loka. In this talk, Rodríguez-Biezunski champions sewing as both a vital art form and a powerful response to our disposable fashion culture. Rodríguez-Biezunski will explore how the deliberate practice of sewing transcends mere utility to become an expressive medium, worthy of the same respect given to traditional fine arts. She'll discuss how reclaiming this craft provides a meaningful alternative to fast fashion's environmental and ethical pitfalls, offering a path toward more conscious consumption and creation. The conversation will also address why sewing skills—once considered essential knowledge—deserve renewed appreciation in today's society, not just as practical abilities but as conduits for creativity, sustainability, and personal empowerment. Discover how Rodríguez-Biezunski's work honors the hands that make our garments while inviting us to reimagine our relationship with clothing in an age of mass production. Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, better known as Sew Loka, is a San Diego-based textile artist and fashion designer who has made a significant impact in the intersection of streetwear, sustainability, Chicana culture, and DIY fashion. She gained prominence for her distinctive style of customizing and upcycling clothing, while only using recycled, reclaimed and repurposed fabrics to create all of her one of a kind fashion designs and textile art pieces. Beyond her fashion work, Rodríguez-Biezunski is also known for her commitment to community engagement and teaching others the art of sewing and customization. You can visit her any time at her sewing studio, Sew Loka, in the vibrant neighborhood of Barrio Logan in San Diego, CA. Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski on Instagram Mingei International Museum on Facebook / Instagram

The only place to begin a discussion of modernism in San Diego is with Irving J. Gill. But what was his legacy? Were all his progressive ideas lost amidst the fashion for Spanish revivalism? We will look at the work of Gill’s protégé Richard Requa in a new light and see how he provides a link with the architects of the midcentury. The lecture will conclude with an examination of San Diego’s rogue architect, William Kesling. About the presenters: Presenters include Dr. Mark Hargreaves, Rector of St. James-by-the-Sea in La Jolla, Hallie Swenson an architectural designer in San Diego, Keith York, an architectural writer and real estate agent specializing in architect designed homes, and independent curator Dave Hampton. Hargreaves, author of The Sacred Architecture of Irving J. Gill. (2023), was inspired by a lifelong interest in the visual arts to complete a master's degree at The National Gallery and King's College in London on the topic of Christianity and the arts. Since moving to San Diego, he has had a keen interest in capturing the architectural history of San Diego. Hallie Swenson studied traditional architecture and urbanism in England at University of Buckingham, the architectural history of England at the University of Cambridge, King's College, and Roman architecture at the University of Notre Dame, Rome. She contributed an essay to Clive Aslet’s book The Academy, which celebrates the work of renowned traditionalist architect John Simpson. Tickets: $16/21 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. This event will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of the lecture. Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/events/hargreaves-24-1016 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Discover the beauty of San Elijo Lagoon: where fresh water and saltwater meet and mix, migratory and resident birds share a sanctuary, and many animals find a home. This guided tour will inspire all to watch and listen for various birds that rest in – and fly across – the salt marsh and mudflats. No matter the season, you can enjoy, photograph, and identify a host of native plants. Our Nature Center Loop Trail is accessible, providing fun for all. Nature Collective is a local conservation and science education nonprofit organization. They work to restore habitats, provide healthier waters, and increase wildlife diversity. They are dedicated to conserving the land and providing experiences for people to fall in love with nature. Ages 9+; Accessible Trail; Registration Required RSVP: https://naturecollective.org/event/discovery-tour-june-7-2025/ Nature Collective on Facebook / Instagram

Despite its fishy name, the bacterium salmonella has no connection to the underwater creature.

"Fashioning an Icon" explores the use of the Virgin of Guadalupe in fashion, textiles and adornment in Mexico and the San Diego border region. The exhibit includes work by locals Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, Diana Benavídez and Arianna Ytselle alongside nearly 70 Mexican artists. It is on view April 5 through Sept. 7.

Historians and citizens who say they are concerned about the Trump administration's pressure on the Smithsonian are working to document exhibits, as they exist today, throughout the museum network.

Made, in director Marlon Riggs’ own words, to “shatter this nation’s brutalizing silence on matters of sexual and racial difference,” "Tongues Untied" is a bold and beautiful film centering the experiences of Black gay men and Black gay love and desire. In the 1990s, it met with a firestorm of controversy that reached all the way to the U.S. Congress. A radical act of representation, it has lost none of its life-affirming resonance. In 2022, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". San Francisco based film curator Cornelius Moore who appears in Tongues Untied will introduce the film virtually. The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be in attendance and offer secular blessings. Visit our Juneteenth page for more information about the holiday and 2025 San Diego Public Library Juneteenth events. Visit: https://sandiego.librarymarket.com/event/picture-431766

We join a whirlwind birding trip through San Diego — one of the top birdwatching destinations in the U.S. — where devoted birders set out at sunrise to spot 100 species in one day. The result? A surprising mix of meditation, curiosity and high-speed nature chasing.

Monday–Saturday (no class Friday), 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. June 30–July 5 (no class July 4) (5 days, 15 total hours of instruction) La Jolla Studio Come shape your imagination into reality! This exciting camp is designed for teen artists eager to explore the world of sculpture, from conceptual design to hands-on construction. Over the course of the camp, teens will experiment with various materials and techniques, developing their skills while creating unique 3D artwork. Whether you're new to sculpture or looking to refine your abilities, this camp offers a fun and inspiring environment to learn, grow, and bring your artistic visions to life! Max students: 12 Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/class/summer-6 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on Instagram and Facebook

Spread some holiday cheer at the La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festival. A wonderful Christmas parade lures people from all around to the sidewalks of downtown La Jolla. You'll see floats, marching bands, community groups, drill teams, vintage vehicles, horses, Santa Claus and yes ~ a camel. Church bells peal with a fly-over. There is also a Holiday Festival called Santa's Village. It features Santa visits for children, arts-and-crafts, games, music, and face-painting. Visit: https://www.ljparade.com/ LJPARADE on Instagram and Facebook