Two artists explore memory at the Athenaeum.

Within the Context of Time: May-ling Martinez and Coralys Carter is an exhibition of art now showing in La Jolla at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library.

As its webpage explains, the exhibition explores memory, time, and family history through two distinct yet deeply resonant artistic practices . . . While Martinez uses symmetry and balance to shape her assemblages and drawings, Carter plays purposefully with off-kilter constructions and hand-spun details . . .

A variety of sculpted works seem like memories that vaguely return in dreams and daydreams. Hair, baskets, racquets, tools, shells, fabric, a projector screen and other common everyday objects are often combined, just as memories can suddenly surface and strangely intertwine.

Evocative, mysterious, beautiful, and often melancholy, these two artists create frameworks from which one can begin to ponder the edges of the human experience: the vastness of time and memory alongside the mundanity of daily life.

I can’t describe the exhibition with words better than that.

This is visual art, meant to be absorbed not through words but with searching eyes. When you enter the Athenaeum, turn left at the front desk and walk into the Joseph Clayes III Gallery, then add the experience to your own memories.

Within the Context of Time: May-ling Martinez and Coralys Carter continues through July 25, 2026.

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Design and art meet in La Jolla exhibition.

The potential of human creativity is celebrated in a fantastic exhibition in La Jolla.

Art that was created by practical designers is now being showcased inside the Wisteria Cottage, which operates as the museum of the La Jolla Historical Society. The exhibition is titled Space Maker.

Technical designers–such as architects–often enhance their work with artistic practices. Space Maker explores this fusion. It includes the work of many local visionaries, including the likes of Robert Irwin, Eugene Ray and Sim Bruce Richards.

You’ll be surprised by the range of work in the exhibition: from visual art that is puzzle-like or oddly geometric, to futuristic blueprints, to stained glass that appears 3-dimensional, to textile artwork featuring complex patterns . . .

It’s hard to describe everything you’ll encounter–it’s so very diverse. But that’s the genius of creativity, right?

Two sculptures standing outside of the Wisteria Cottage are also part of the exhibition. I posted photos of them earlier today.

I recommend a visit. But you have one more week. Space Maker inside the Wisteria Cottage continues through June 7, 2026.

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Two sculptures at La Jolla’s Wisteria Cottage.

Perhaps you’ve seen these two sculptures standing in front of the La Jolla Historical Society‘s Wisteria Cottage. They were installed back in February as part of the cottage’s current Space Maker exhibition.

If you notice these sculptures seem unusually geometric, it’s understandable. Space Maker celebrates the intersection of art and design. When I first saw the two sculptures, they appeared like forms that arise from some complex mathematical equation.

This first sculpture is titled Blue Ocotillo. Made of steel, it was created by artist Christopher Puzio in 2026. Christopher Puzio describes his art as blurring the lines between sculpture, craft and design.

Blue Ocotillo reminds me of a matrix or a crystal lattice. It now stands on the lawn in front of the Wisteria Cottage courtesy of the Quint Gallery.

(In 2017 I photographed similar sculptures by Christopher Puzio outside the San Diego Central Library’s 9th Floor art gallery. See those photos here.)

The second sculpture is titled marine layer and was created by Miki Iwasaki in 2026 using Corten steel.

Miki Iwasaki lives in San Diego. With architectural experience in places like New York and Los Angeles, he has created his own art pieces and furniture designs. He often explores new materials and methods.

The Space Maker exhibition ends in about a week (running through June 7, 2026), and when it does these two fascinating sculptures will be removed. So admire them in this beautiful outdoor setting while you can!

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Creating a World Cup goal in San Diego!

An artistic soccer goal that celebrates the upcoming World Cup was being set up today in San Diego’s Balboa Park!

Noted Mexican artist Betsabeé Romero and some helpers were creating the outdoor installation in the Plaza de Panama, in front of the San Diego Museum of Art. They got started at nine this morning. What you see is their progress by early afternoon.

This unique public art is being created in partnership with the General Consulate of Mexico in San Diego.

The colorful goal is half the size of a regulation goal. Its woven nets contains colorful Aztec and soccer motifs made of metal, as you can see in one of my photos.

Betsabeé (smiling in my final photo) told me that the goal and the space in front of it can be used as a sort of public performance stage.

Many similar goals are being created around the United States, where World Cup teams will be based or where games will take place. There’s also an artistic goal in Tijuana, Mexico that faces this one in San Diego, forming a “vast field of play” that includes both international border cities!

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A very tiny Taco Bell in San Diego!

There’s a Taco Bell in San Diego so tiny you might drive past it without noticing. The building is so small you have stand beside it and bend over just to have a good look!

The miniature building is located next to a regular-size Taco Bell at the corner of University Avenue and College Avenue. Look for this oddity between the drive-thru and parking lot. You’ll see a model of the original Taco Bell that stood at this location from 1965 to 2008.

Longtime San Diego residents might remember the first incarnation of the fast food restaurant, which attracted customers with its distinctive sign and Mission style architecture.

A plaque at the base of the mini Taco Bell reads:

In Commemoration of Taco Bell #15 1965-2008

The 1st Taco Bell in San Diego

Thank you! Glen and Marty Bell

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Prayer spray painted in Rolando.

Perhaps you’ve glimpsed this mural while driving east down University Avenue through Rolando, a bit east of College Avenue. The street art is spray painted on the side of Island Spice Jamaican Restaurant. During my last walk in the area I checked it out.

The art is by Lao rapper, muralist and tattoo artist One Hunned (@imonehunned). Central to the mural’s message is a prayer. Splashed among the graphics are the words WHEN LIFE SHOWS UP and Family First.

The prayer for happiness, blessings and protection from evil begins: “LET ME BE HUMBLE & GIVE ME STRENGTH TO OVERCOME ANYTHING…”

I’m glad I got a closer look at the beautiful message.

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Free community screening of GOAT in Encinitas!

A free family screening of the sports comedy movie GOAT will take place this Friday, May 29, 5:30 -7:30 pm, at the Encinitas Community & Senior Center!

The event is hosted by the Encinitas Youth Commission and will include a good time watching the funny animated movie plus activities for youth and teens. There will also be raffle prizes featuring movie merch!

How cool is this?

The movie screening is being done in partnership with the Kevin Love Fund and Sony Pictures Animation. This event is in recognition of Mental Health Awareness month.

You can register for the fun event by clicking here!

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“love joy peace patience kindness” in North Park!

A mural proclaiming “love joy peace patience kindness” brightens a block in North Park. You can find the painted words on Iowa Street, just north of University Avenue.

The world would be such a better place if we all strived for these positive ideals. A beautiful work of art like this is a perfect reminder.

According to the artist signature I found, the mural was created by @beccakaybeal and Jenna Marie.

Inspiring!

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Flag Day celebration coming to San Diego.

A special Flag Day Celebration is coming up on June 6, 2026 in Old Town San Diego. What makes it special? This year is the 250th birthday of the United States of America!

The “Legacy of Liberty” ceremony will be held at 5:00 pm at the Mormon Battalion Historic Site at 2510 Juan Street.

I went to the Mormon Battalion’s patriotic Flag Day event last year and it was quite moving. There was stirring music and deserving honorees were recognized. Should you go, you’ll likely see participants in colonial uniforms and attire, much red, white and blue, and plenty of smiles.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

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Creators unite nerd and lowrider cultures!

Ish Galvan is a cool dude I met during the Vista Strawberry Festival. He and Vince Vargas are the creators behind Triple OG Comics. He was showing everybody the Tamale Guy comic book they’ve published.

As I understood it, Ish is a writer who loves to mash up different concepts in his work, from mythology to metaphysics to science fiction to neo-noir. The story of the multi-issue Tamale Guy is described as: A tamale vendor escapes his violent past to begin a peaceful life. However, an ex-cartel killer with Aztec powers seeks revenge.

Ish explained that he’s bridging both nerd and Chicano lowrider culture. At first glance the two cultures might seem very different, but in fact they have things in common. Consider the graphics painted on many lowrider cars. It’s the sort of art you’d find in a comic, graphic novel, or at Comic-Con for that matter. Some deep in the lowrider culture have confided to Ish they secretly collect comic books, too!

That these two artists are cultural trailblazers is pretty awesome!

Good luck guys!

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