State of the Arts California, 2020

The California Arts Council (CAC), which is headquartered in Sacramento, holds its board meetings in different cities throughout the state. In December, it was Oceanside’s turn and a number of us attended for a variety of reasons.  I wanted to make sure that the CAC was aware that we are trying to bring back the San Diego County Arts Council*.  Others were recipients of grants like the Oceanside which got recognition as an official cultural district which comes with a two year stipend. They were there to demonstrate how they used the money and how appreciative they were of the award. Other organizations wanted a chance to be seen by this important state board.

Although I could not stay for the entire meeting I was very impressed with the chair of the CAC, Nahomeh Lindo. She served as an independent museum consultant for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Oakland Museum of California, specializing in African-American cultural history. Her work is as a photographer, printmaker, and painter. She transfers her photographs on to textiles. A native of Philadelphia, Lindo received her M.S. from Pennsylvania State University. She was appointed to the California Arts Council by Governor Jerry Brown in October of 2014 and reappointed in February 2017. From April 22, 2016 to January 25, 2018, Lindo served as Vice Chair. On January 25, 2018, she was elected 21st Chair of the Council. Her current term expires on January 1, 2021.

Lindo spoke about the wonderful Increase in public funding toward goals of shared ideals and identity. This funding has enabled the CAC to grow and broaden scope instead of just surviving. She seems especially interested in promoting National Health programs for the healing arts. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It seems that grants that incorporate these sorts of goals will be favored because as she commented, “Every voice matters.”

The thrust here is for the arts to work with other government and non-profit agencies. In this regard and many others, the CAC is seen by other states to be an art council model. We are not just talking at the healing arts, but STEAM with the sciences, veterans, emerging leaders of color and native Americans. I was so impressed that every Indian nation in California was acknowledged and thanked at the beginning of this meeting.

My personal hope is that Larry Baza, a long time San Diego art activist and current vice chairman of the CAC will step smoothly into the chairman position at the beginning of 2021. At that time, our hopes are to have at least three county supervisors in favor of a SD County Arts Council.

* I am Patricia Frischer, founder of San Diego Visual Arts Network. I got my master’s degree in Art in the early 70s from CCAC in North CA. Art Education was in good shape at that time and the market for art was strong. I left America to work in the arts in London England for the next 30 years and returned 20 years ago.

San Diego County is larger than Delaware or Rhode Island. We have 18 incorporated cities. There are also 18 Indian reservations, 16 naval and military locations and a whopping 64 unincorporated areas. What I found when I returned was the wild west!

I asked at the MOCA for a guide to the arts and they laughed at me. Eventually I found a very rich population of arts and culture here but it took work….tremendous teamwork that resulted in the SDVAN directory and events calendar where we promote the 2500 visual arts resources of our site.

There are other strong county wide umbrella arts organizations like Synergy Arts Foundation that aids artist in needs, The Performing Arts Leagues, San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition plus of course the city of SD  Commission for Arts and Culture, 5 or 6 other paid city arts administrators and some good volunteer city commissions. There is now a North County Arts Network and organizations forming in the south and east countries.

I, along with many of my colleagues, am an advocate for bringing back the SD County Arts Council as a state local partner for the CA Arts Council. At the most basic level we need some sort of Chamber of Commerce for the Arts and a way to promote the arts as an economic driver. We need someone to wake up every single day whose job it is to administer the Arts in San Diego….County Wide.

Who wants to be a millionaire artist?

Patricia Frischer Not Your Mother's Finger Bowls, glycerin soap sculptures, 2019

Encinitas Friends of the Arts ARTIST COLLECTIVE Artist Salon

Sat. Nov 16, 2019, 2 to 4 pm Encinitas Library

I can honestly say that not all meetings I go to are great fun. Most have an element of good will, sometimes an occasional joke. On rare occasions there is actually tension in the air. But the first Encinitas Friends of the Arts Artist Collection Artist Salon was a hoot. That was not because of the brown bag wine that was smuggled into the library, or the delicious food that everyone contributed (death by chocolate cupcakes, amazing cheese, tajin flavored chocs). It was the humor that bubbled up from the creative energy in the space contributed by all those that attended. Thanks go to Lisa Longsworth, Naimeh Woodward,  Angela Jackson, Laura Diede, Kristen Francis, Debbie Schaefer, Genine O. Rainbeau-Heart, Portia La Touche, Rosemary KimBal, Molly Webb and the sole and much appreciated male attendee Zigaloe. We roared with laughter when the out of the box thinking gave us the permission to break a few rules.

The title of this Artist Salon was Who wants to be a millionaire artist? Moderated and introduced by Dr. Lisa Longsworth and our focus was How does the sale of your art work affect your artistic and creative production and content of your work?  This was not a workshop or lecture about selling your art to become a millionaire. Nope, Lisa started us with a stretch and a meditation to get in touch with what might be weighing us down (cocooning us) and how it would feel to be more free (turn into butterflies). We did a very short hands on drawing challenging us to be as abstract and expressive as possible. Then as a twist, we put a word title to each page. These beginning tasks served to disconnect us from the outside world and at the same time seemed to connect us all together.

We discussed what it would be like to be given an annual living wage as a designated official artist. There would be something so freeing about this recognition and about the release from some basic money worries. For some this was a thought experiment and that was very freeing. Not having to make something for sale meant ideas flowed about renegade art or art that was community themed.

For some, sales means validation. But at what point toward millions of dollars is the content of the work affected? And how far does $1 million dollars really go nowadays?  We had a laugh about combining all of our millions together to rescue the Pacific View Art Center. And what about the burden of responsibility that millions of dollars bring? The accountant artists have no trouble with this, but for others is was a step too far.

It turns out that we all have different benchmarks of success. Just having the time, energy, ideas to make art is success. Taking your art out of the closet and putting it on display is success. Communicating your ideas successfully and having someone recognize the value either in admiration or with a purchase is success.

Personally for me, I recognized that that I don't put myself forward as an artist as much as I should. I discovered this during the meditation. I also have my own challenges at an age when I start to think about what happens to the art that I have made for the last 50 years which has not yet sold. I took two years with the help of master glass artist Michelle Curtis Cole to learn the process of making cast glass sculptures. I love the light, weight and details that can be achieved with this medium. But two years just to begin to learn about this medium! My solution is to use the molds I have made and cast glycerin soap sculptures. I get the same wonderful light but with immediate gratification. And no problem with storage as these work are consumable and will, with luck produce bubbles of delight. Plus, clean up is a breeze!

I am including  two videos that I created of works I shared with the group. 

Would you like to get involved with this group? Contact Naimeh Woodward, director of Encinitas Friends of the Art friendsofthearts1@gmail.com. There is a special discounted EFA $15 artist membership which means you will be invited to the end of the year  party on Thursday, Dec 5 from 4:30 to 6:30, Encinitas Library Community Room, 540 Cornish Drive, Encinitas 92024. 

But member or not you should save the date Sat. Jan 11 at 2 pm for the next Artist Salon at the Creative Renewal Center moderated by  Ellen Speert where we will explore art which deals with environmental issues. We also have a topic for Sat March 14 at 2 pm moderated by Portia La Touche: The Good, Bad and Ugly of art criticism.  

Request for future artist salon topics. Please send to patricia@sdvisualarts.net 

Dr. Lisa Longworth is giving a lecture on the Art of Transformation on Sunday Jan.18 from 3-4 pm with a chance to se the art exhibition from Jan 11 to Feb 2020 at the Solana Beach Library. More info: dr@lisalongworth.com

EFA Artist Collective Mission Statement: Encinitas Friends of the Arts Artists Collective’s mission is to provide a positive force for visual and performing artists to support each other, create community, identify resources, and aid collaboration while giving back to our city.

EFA Artist Collective Vision Statement: To create a series of events and projects based on our current goals of creating an Artist Salon, a directory of venues that showcase visual and performing art including procedures for being involved and an EFA Artist Collective Instagram page documenting the stories of Encinitas artists through images.

I am adding this small video of 1000 origami cranes that my yoga group made to honor and help heal our yoga instructor Emmy Garnica. She has instructed me for more than 15 years and is fighting her 3rd round of cancer. These are displayed at the Cardiff by the Sea Library with every hope that when the spring comes, she will have regained her strength. She inspires us everyday.

Immigration, Migration, Integration: SD Chinese Historical Museum

by Patricia Frischer

Chinatown and a fishing village was established between 2nd and 4th avenues.

I have lived in San Diego more than 23 years, but there are still many, many art resources that I have never been able to visit. Once of those, until last week, was the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. I was told about the Museum by Philip Swenson (some may remember ArtRocks Radio and Philly Swendoza!) a few years ago as he lives near by and ever since, I have looked for an occasion to visit.   Located right in the Gaslamp district and not far from the Convention Center, this museum is small but packs in such quality and so many fascinating artifacts that I am happy to report on it this month. 

What I found was a story of immigration, then migration and finally integration. The museum was only established in 1996. In the 1990’s, the local Chinese community learned that the building that had served as their church and school was slated for demolition. In response, the Historical Society rallied to save the historic mission building. Finally, the City approved plans to relocate the building to the heart of old Chinatown, at the corner of J Street and Third Avenue. They offers exhibitions, events and children and adult education.


What you will find is a treasure trove of 3-d dioramas of scenes preserving historical moments along with a selection of object of art and craft. A delightful small garden in back includes a koy pond and some lovely sculpture. Across the street is a special exhibition themed on Dragons. In the added extension  some contemporary art by a local Chinese artist is on view.San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is open 6 days a week: Sunday: 12 PM-4 PM Monday: CLOSED Tuesday-Saturday: 10:30 AM-4 PM

Between 1860 and 1890, the Chinese fished from Cabo San Lucas in Baja  in the South to Monterrey in the north, settling in Point Loma in San Diego.  Chinatown and a fishing village was established between 2nd and 4th avenues with junks harbored in the bay. There were drying racks, shanties and salt tanks where the SD Convention Center now stands.

Woo Chee Chong Store in miniature above and below. These charming reproductions are a delight.

An ornate carving depicting a scene from a book Romance of the Three Kingdoms 

An ancient stone with a natural floral design created by thousands of years of compression. 

Bedchamber with carved wood walls and inset chairs and embroidered bed linens

Hanjialin Bao : Between Black and White  The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is proud to host a solo show featuring the works of Hanjialin Bao, a local graphic artist, comic artist, and illustrator, and student at California State University Long Beach currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Fine Arts. Bao’s kaleidoscopic works embrace both East Asian folk art traditions and American comic aesthetics. On show are works from her two series, Liao Zhai Zhi Yi (Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio), 2016, and Gui (Ghost), 2019-Present. “I love traditional Chinese culture. I would be proud to become one of the artists who introduces it to the rest of the globe while contributing to the diversity of the illustration world. Ideally, my works would make traditional Chinese mythology more accessible and entertaining for people of various cultures.” - Hanjialin Bao. On extended exhibit until Jan 26, 2020. More info: Natalie Zhang

Isolationist or Globalist?

I have been thinking a lot about the divisions in the world today. At this point in time one is asked to choose between being an isolationist or a globalist. This makes for a very polarized atmosphere. I seem to walk on egg shells with some people and rant in unison with others.

People are entrenched in their views. We don’t seem to be able to hear what the other side is saying. Someone told me recently that in advertising, if the message is confusing, then the first reaction is NO. Our minds become shut and once closed, it is difficult to open them again.

Art is often used to express a passionate point of view.  We know that a picture can bear a potent message.   But I can’t help thinking there is a role for art to play to reduce tension and not just contribute to it.  

I think it could be very important to use art to clarify situations. This means asking questions and getting beyond the superficial answers. We need to stop thinking about art as branding and think of it more as education, clarification and enlightenment.   

So do we tuck away our prejudices in a safe box so that we can co-exist? Perhaps this is not as good as getting rid of our prejudices and helping other to get rid of theirs

Ocular Artist

I have a little story of rebirth for you.  I just finished  cataract operation for both my eyes. My cataracts were bad enough to have them paid for by Medicare, but not really stopping me that much. However, I decided that fear was holding me back from doing a procedure that everyone who had it, said changed their lives. So I mustered all my courage and went forward. The first eye for the first 15 hour was surprisingly painful but after that I saw without glasses for the first time in 65 years. Because of the pain, the second eye took even more courage. But it was less painful and now I can declare that my doctor is an ocular artist.

This is really a story about overcoming fear. I think there is so much fear in the world right now…so much unpredictability, that being able to control your own fear is one way not to get overwhelmed. It is easy to feel there is nothing that you can do and that freezes you from taking any action. The obvious answer is courage. We all have it but we don’t all utilize it. By calling upon my own courage, I was able to overcome not just that particular fear of losing my sight, but I gained a new perspective on how courage can empower us in general.

My ophthalmologist gave me a huge gift. He allowed me to see without glasses. But the vision that I gained was a future where we can all overcome our fears and have a world of harmony.  

Birthing a New Art Organization

On July 6, 2019 a fairly large group (36) of East and South County visual and performing arts leaders gathered together at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center to give birth to a new organization. It is not named yet, nor does it have a logo, but the energy and enthusiasm was more than apparent. It may end up with a very noble mission and vision and it may even set lofty goals, but this particular birth bodes well as it has already established an attitude of positive progress.

The people who attended had lots of needs and wishes, but I think the most important ones were to be heard and to be understood and most important to be appreciated. You may think that sounds pretty basic. What about programs and funding and promotion!  But learning about our neighbors in a respectful way is actually key to future connection and to building an arts community that has power not just in its size but through its common beliefs. 

Blanca lucia Bergman photo by Anna Siqueiros

Blanca Lucia Bergman of Art Unites introduced herself as the Executive Administrator of this group (name yet to be determined but probably ESCAN or SECAN). She was hired by San Diego Visual Arts Network to launch this much needed hub.

Anna Siqueiros - Siqueiros Foundation spoke about the importance of being a united front and artists as visionaries. She was passionate about laying a path for future generations and the need to make a commitment to move forward together.

Lynnette Tessitore -  Cultural Art Manager for City of Chula Vista reminded us that each part of the county has its own dynamic personality. This grass roots approach is a good way to build community.

John Campbell – Offered the services of Smorgborg for a directory and events calendar plus a way to connect as communities online. This means that the new baby does not have to worry about emails and websites and can concentrate on social media.

Naomi Nussbaum –Synergy Arts Foundation volunteered the services of the North County Arts Network for advice and support. But they realize that this new east and south county organization will have different goals and will use different strategies to reach those goals.

I was particularly delighted to welcome Larry Baza, the vice chairman of the California Arts Council who attended as an observer. Larry was formerly a director of the SD County Arts Council many years ago before it was absorbed in the Commission for Arts and Culture. He is keen to see San Diego once more have an Art Council as it is the only county in California not to have one.

We see this new southern and eastern group joining with the northern group and maybe a group in central San Diego to reform such an organization. The baby would then be fully mature and ready to step into its major role as a force for arts and culture in our county.

More than 50 pages of notes were compiled from this meeting with everyone joining in to contribute an idea, a venue, or a belief. A mission and vision will surface With a clear show of hands we got the go ahead to start meeting monthly to pin down some goals and priorities. Yes, there will be much more networking but I was taken by the much stronger description by Francisco Eme, The Front Gallery in San Ysidro, “We should embrace each other.”

If you want to join in this effort to support arts and culture in the east and south  part of San Diego County, join the mailing list of this new organization by subscribing at this link.  Their next meeting will be in August. For more details, read their last email.  

P.S. I am writing this on July 9, 2019 the date that my niece made me a great aunt with a baby girl of 8 pounds and 8 oz. Blame that for the title of this article!

Three Things You Need to Know

by Patricia Frischer

Founder and Coordinator SDVAN

Nuestra Frontera: Our South Bay Families at the Border from June 29 - August 24, Gala on Sat, June 29 from  5:30pm-8:00pm  (reservations required $100.00) at Bonita Museum and Cultural Center: 4355 Bonita Road, Bonita CA. 91902

1.The Arts are alive and well in south and east San Diego counties. After a rough couple of year, James Halliday has brought Arts: A Reason to Survive back to a stable base in National City. Bonita Museum and Cultural Center is thriving under the new management of Wendy Wilson. Gerda Govine and Luis Ituarte  have come back to San Diego to build an arts camp and retreat complex in Jamul.  Lynnette Tessitore has renewed support from the city council as the cultural arts manager in Chula Vista.  Studio C run by Carlos Castrejón has a new show opening in July in El Cajon and is currently showing Street Whispers.

2.  There is a new umbrella organization forming called South County Arts Network (SCAN) that aims to pull together all the arts resources in both east and south county.  This will be a collaboration of top leaders not only to work together to promote events in this region, but to be a united voice for the arts. If you are interested in joining in there is a meeting on July 6 from 10 am to noon at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center.  

Tiffany Bociek at North Coast Rep from May 29 to June 23 

3.  North County Arts Network (NCAN) was the pilot program for this second southern network. Since 2015, NCAN has created a website with a directory and  a growing Events Calendar with 17,000 visitors and 48,000 visits;  presented the Arts & Economic  Summit in collaboration with the North County Economic Development Council and Americans for the Arts;   Received grants including San Diego County Neighborhood Reinvestment and Community Enhancement; Formed a Steering Committee of arts leaders in North County to establish 501(c)3 status: created a successful arts month called  Open Your hearts to North County Arts and is in the process of creating web hooks for 7 major art orgs to automate calendar entries.

SCAN and NCAN together with an envisioned Central County Arts Network (CCAN) could all come together someday to form a San Diego County Arts Council.  Did you know that we are the only county in the entire state that does not have a County Arts Council? Larry Baza served as executive director of the county of San Diego's Public Arts Advisory Council 20 years ago and he is now the Vice Chairman of the California Arts Council. He would like to see this happen.

At the heart of these goal is collaboration with existing organization. For example the San Diego Regional Coalition for Arts and Culture  (SDRCAC)  is a great advocate for the arts.  I believe as we are making real progress in an authentic way to serve the arts in our county, there is a possibility of a SD county Arts Council if each of these organizations grows and prospers.

Passport to Dance produced by Encinitas Friends of the Arts

Encinitas Friends of the Arts (EFA) presented an evening of dance from Indonesia, China, Spain, Ireland and America on Saturday May 11,  at the Encinitas Community Center. I did not realize it at the time, but I was coming down with a stupid cold which came out later that night. Because of that I apologize for not being able to give a full report on this outstanding events. I saw the last act only in rehearsals as I had to leave early and my head was a bit muzzy and still is. But I so thoroughly enjoyed this very special evening that I have to crow. What would it have been like if I had been able to stay to the end and was on fine form?  

The stage was enormous, giving plenty of room for the performances and turning the humble community center into a happening place. I have included video of part of three of the performances because, after all this is dance. There also links so you can see more.But nothing replaces the experience of being there so close for what was really an intimate evening.  This international event was brought to our town and we got to have a taste of these other cultures...no passport needed.  I along with others feel very lucky to be living near Encinitas. 

Litvak Dance Company

Blue Ming

Flameco Arana

Ni Wayan Ekarini, Balinese Spiritual Journey

Malone Dance Academy of Irish Dance

Wren Polansky's art series, I'm the American, was on display in the lobby and entrance. 

Life Doesn't Frighten Me: Hope Inspired through Art at Fallbrook Library

I have a few of my own paintings in a show Life Doesn't Frighten Me: Hope Inspired through Art at Fallbrook Library (124 S Mission Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028) from  March 10 - May 4, I am starting to show my own art again as I make time in my life for more of my own creations.  Some of these works were created in England after our trip to India, for example the following two: Brave Hand and Power Digits.  My work for this show is about the sense of safety that a child needs to grow up confident and how they turn to adults to supply that security,

Patricia Frischer

Patricia Frischer

Patricia Frischer

Patricia Frischer

Patricia Frischer

My dear friend Kira Carrillo Corser, Co-founder Compassionate ARTS in Action  (kiracorser@gmail.com 510.684.4651) has been working with Fallbrook Library Arts to put this multi-media project together and includes much more than just an art exhibition with poetry, music and video performed at the opening. 

Kira Corser's idea was to showcase how art might help reduce the huge suicide rate which continues to escalate in children and teens.  How can that be achieved? The exhibition highlights how parents and our society as a whole needs to be involved to protect our children. They need to make sure children are not abused, that they are loved and educated. Children need to find their voices and be aided to define themselves. The Arts can play a large role in empowering them to do that and to heal from past horrors or even just subtle belittlings.  Some of the artists in the show revealed their own frightening episodes and how the arts helped them to overcome fear. Others admitted they are still frightened and turn to art regularly to express themselves and find solace. 

I hope you can visit this beautiful area of San Diego County during the run of the exhibition. You can read more  and see a selection of images from this exhibition below.

Kira Carrillo Corser (Fallbrook), Patricia Frischer (Cardiff), Aldonia Bailey (Pasadena), Heather Bonds (Alameda), Helen Redman (San Diego), Renee Scott-Femenella (Sacramento), Brecia Kralovic-Logan (San Diego), Adeola D-aiyeloja (Redlands),Sergio V. Sanchez Mereno (La Hambra), Marilyn Huerta (San Marcos), Jennifer Colby (Monterey/Aromas) and Grace Adams (Oceanside).

Kira Carrillo Corser "We need more art programs that give a meaningful voice to life experiences so kids don't feel so alone. Art classes are often the place where youth can talk about issues and get understanding and help," said Kira Carrillo Corser. She has worked with schools, universities and community groups for 30 years. Kira worked as a photographer and journalist for KPBS TV and Radio in San Diego and then taught Social Justice art at CSU Monterey Bay and promoted meaningful art classes as Director of Arts in Education in Monterey County. 

Helen Redman

Aldonia Bailey works at a shelter for homeless families, and she said the child often becomes the parent when the family is in crisis.

Heather Bonds

Marilyn Huerta

Jennifer Colby 

Adeola D-aiyeloja

Sergio V. Sanchez Mereno

Renee Scott-Femenella

Grace Adams

Brecia Kralovic-Logan

The exhibition titled, " Life Doesn't Frighten Me: Hope Inspired Through Art, based on a poem by Maya Angelou. Teen suicide is soaring and Black and Brown youth teens currently have the highest rate of attempted suicide.  We feel youth need a way to find more hope. Art can uniquely give voice to their feelings, validate experience and strengthen supports. This exhibit brings together stories, photography, paintings and fabric art from the perspectives of 12 artists who work to help kids and youth, plus collaborative artwork created with professional artists in this show and 40 students from Fallbrook High and CSUSM, Los Angeles and San Diego.

The opening reception is March 15, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with a special performance by Fe Love, a Los Angeles award winning spoken word artist at 7:00 pm, a jazz poem by Aldonia Bailey from Pasadena, and a flute song by nationally known composer, author and Vista resident, Maria Kostelas.  The 12 visual artists in this show are: Kira Carrillo Corser (Fallbrook), Patricia Frischer (Cardiff), Aldonia Bailey (Pasadena), Heather Bonds (Alameda), Helen Redman (San Diego), Renee Scott-Femenella (Sacramento), Brecia Kralovic-Logan (San Diego), Adeola D-aiyeloja (Redlands),Sergio V. Sanchez Mereno (La Hambra), Marilyn Huerta (San Marcos), Jennifer Colby (Monterey/Aromas) and Grace Adams (Oceanside).

Every child needs a Safe Harbor, a place they can feel hopeful, so some of the life Issues in this show include coping with Safety & Justice; Immigration; Climate Change, Refugees, Suicide and Illness, balanced with Love, Compassion and Peace. This collection of art, is brought to the library by Kira Carrillo Corser, a Fallbrook artist and co-founder of Compassionate ARTS in Action. Posts for Peace and Justice and Compassionate ARTS in Action is a partnership of artists working with students, communities and nonprofits to paint "Visual Conversations" - artwork on 8-foot painted Posts. Posts will be on display at the library reception and some will continue to exhibit until May 4th. These posts were made by local Fallbrook High Migrant Ed students, along with posts made with CSU San Marcos students, Los Angeles and San Diego youth and teacher/artists.

A special event designed to help people build resilience will be on March 31st, when composer and author Maria Kostelas will perform her one person interactive Literary Concert, "The Gift of the Singing Stick: Through Healing Your Worst Tragedy You Can Discover Your Greatest Gift."

The work in this exhibition strives to promote hope, to encourage community support, and envision a better more compassionate future of peace and justice.  Come see what they all have to say about overcoming life obstacles and building hope!

More background:

Since, kids cope better when they don't feel alone, when they have a group of friends or family where they feel heard.  So the opening night reception will include painted collaborative Posts for Peace and Justice  created with:

·       Fallbrook High's Migrant Education Students, California State University San Marcos and local Fallbrook and San Diego and Los Angeles artists

·       Refugee Students in El Cajon and San Diego

·       Compassionate ARTS in Action's Posts with Black and Brown Youth from Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Pasadena