Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

06/13/2026

Explore the art of the human form with instructor Marty Davis this summer at the Athenaeum School of the Arts 🎨

👁️ Sculpting the Features
July 6–10 • Monday–Friday • 9 AM–1 PM
La Jolla Studio
Spend a day focused on each of the primary human features—the eye, nose, mouth, and ear. Working at a larger scale, students will sculpt each feature individually while gaining a deeper understanding of anatomy, form, and techniques that bring expression to life. Instruction includes lectures, demonstrations, and handouts.
Learn more: ljathenaeum.org/class/summer-8

✏️ Quick-Sketch Life Drawing (Drawing for Animation)
Mondays, July 6–August 3 • 6–9 PM
La Jolla Studio
Working with a life model, students will learn to capture the energy and gesture of the figure through short poses designed to strengthen observational skills and depict movement. Ideal for those interested in animation, entertainment arts, or adding more dynamism to their drawing practice.
Learn more: ljathenaeum.org/class/summer-9

Both classes welcome artists of all skill levels!

Nonprofit music & arts library with exhibitions, concerts, artist talks, lectures, and art classes.

06/10/2026

The Age of Baroque: Art History Lecture Series concludes this week with Velázquez in Spain ✨

This final lecture turns to Spain and one of the most compelling artists of the 17th century.

Velázquez in Spain examines the life and work of Diego Velázquez, often considered one of the premier artists of the Baroque Age. The only painter permitted to portray the Spanish king, Velázquez also created some of his most moving works depicting the poor and marginalized. In a country shaped by the Inquisition, he rarely painted religious subjects. Together, we'll analyze his magisterial masterpiece, Las Meninas, and discover why this radical and enigmatic painting continues to captivate viewers centuries later.

About Linda Blair:
Linda Blair has taught art history for many years, including at the UCSD Osher Institute and the Athenaeum. She holds degrees from Mills College and the University of San Diego.

📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026
🕰️ 7:30 PM
📍 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
🎟️ For more information and tickets, please see ljathenaeum.org/art-history-lectures or call us at 858-454-5872.

Photo: Diego Velázquez, "Las Meninas," 1656.

06/10/2026

brought 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯: 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 to life with an unforgettable performance! 🎙️🎷💎✨

Thank you for helping make this year’s celebration so special.
See you next year—Saturday, April 17, 2027 🩵

06/09/2026

We had a blast at 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯: 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴! 💎🎷✨

From sparkling cocktails and delicious food to vintage glamour, dancing, and swinging big band tunes, it was truly a night to remember.

Because of your incredible support, we raised over $120,000 to support the Athenaeum’s exhibitions, concerts, lectures, School of the Arts, community programs, and beloved library collections.

Mark your calendars for next year’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯on Saturday, April 17, 2027!

Hosted By:
Catering:
Bar:

🎵:

06/08/2026

We’re still dreaming about 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯: 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴! ✨💎🎷

Because of your incredible support, we raised over $120,000 to support the Athenaeum’s exhibitions, concerts, lectures, School of the Arts, community programs, and beloved library collections.

Mark your calendars for next year’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯 on Saturday, April 17, 2027!

Hosted By:
Catering:
Bar:

🎵:
📸 Photos 1–76 by , with second shot by

06/06/2026

Join us Saturday, June 13 at 5 PM at the Athenaeum Art Center for an artist talk with the recipients of the 21st Annual SDSU Art Council Scholarship Exhibition. Hear directly from the artists as they discuss their work, creative practices, and the ideas behind the exhibition.

This event takes place during Barrio Art Crawl, so be sure to explore the many galleries, studios, and creative spaces open throughout the neighborhood while you’re here. We hope you’ll join us in supporting these talented emerging artists!

Featured artists:
Todd Bradley ()
Tina Mardan ()
Andrea Mendoza ()
Ana Saad ()
Isa Ybarra (.ybarra)

👥: Artist Talks: Saturday, June 13 at 5 PM 
🖼️ Exhibition on view through July 3, 2026; free admission
Hours: Tues–Sat, 11 AM–4 PM & every second Saturday, 5–8 PM ()
📍 Athenaeum Art Center, 1955 Julian Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113

06/05/2026

Creativity was in full swing at this week’s Crafty Kids Art Camp with instructor Erica Hurley! 🎨

Our young artists explored new materials, made colorful creations, and had a great time bringing their imaginations to life. 🌟

There are still more young summer art classes coming up at the Athenaeum School of the Arts. Join us for fun, age-appropriate art projects designed to inspire creativity all summer long.

For information and registration, see link in bio, visit ljathenaeum.org/art-classes, or call 858-454-5872. 

📍Athenaeum School of the Arts, La Jolla Studio, 1008 Wall Street

06/04/2026

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯: 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘑𝘢𝘻𝘻 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 was truly a night to remember! Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s celebration so special. ✨💎🎷

From sparkling cocktails, delicious food, and vintage glamour to swinging big band tunes and dancing late into the evening, the Athenaeum came alive in the most joyful way.

Because of your incredible support, we raised over $120,000 to support the Athenaeum’s exhibitions, concerts, lectures, School of the Arts, community programs, and beloved library collections.

Mark your calendars for next year’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯 on Saturday, April 17, 2027! 

Hosted By:
Band:
Rentals:
Catering:
Bar:
Photo Booth:

Special thanks to our committee, underwriters, and sponsors. 
 
     
 
📸: Photographer: , second shot by 

06/02/2026

Athenaeum Jazz Returns for Our Summer Series!

We’re thrilled to announce the Farrell Family Athenaeum Jazz Summer Series, featuring three unforgettable concerts in the intimate Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room.

First up:

🗓️ Rodriguez Brothers Quintet—Miles 100: A Celebration in Afro-Cuban Jazz: Sunday, June 14, 7:30 PM

Making their local debut, the Grammy Award–nominated Rodriguez Brothers Quintet honors the 100th birthday of Miles Davis with an electrifying tribute that reimagines his iconic music through the lens of Afro-Cuban jazz. Featuring Michael Rodriguez (), trumpet; Robert Rodriguez (), piano; Carlitos Del Puerto (), bass; Jimmy MacBride (.macbride), drums; and Luis Conte (), percussion, the ensemble blends Havana’s rhythmic energy with the spirit of innovation that defined Davis’s legendary career.

The summer series continues with:
🗓️ Sunday, June 21, 7:30 PM: Emilio Solla (), piano, and Antonio Lizana (), vocals and saxophone
🗓️ Friday, August 21, 7:30 PM: Sean Jones (), trumpet; Billy Childs (), piano; and Ben Williams (), bass

🎟️ Tickets & full details at link in bio, ljathenaeum.org/jazz, and 858-454-5872.

📍 Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Room, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

Nonprofit music & arts library with exhibitions, concerts, artist talks, lectures, and art classes.

05/30/2026

Open Print Studio at the Athenaeum Art Center ✨

Open Print Studio invites artists to work independently in our print studio space. Plan ahead for June—our upcoming sessions are perfect for getting creative in our fully equipped print studio.

Some printmaking familiarity is helpful as Open Print Studio is self-guided, and limited technical support is available for refreshers or help finding supplies. Our facility supports intaglio, screen print, relief, and letterpress. Printmaking classes are also offered throughout the year.

📍 Open Print Studio (Free and open to all)

– Friday, June 5, 1–6 PM
– Friday, June 12, 1–6 PM
– Friday, June 26, 1–6 PM
– No Open Print Studio on June 19—Juneteenth

📍 Members’ Open Print Studio (For Athenaeum members)

– Saturday, June 6, 11 AM–6 PM
– No Members’ Open Print Studio on June 13—Athenaeum School of the Arts art class
– Saturday, June 20, 11 AM–6 PM
– Saturday, June 27, 11 AM–6 PM

Check the link in bio for more details on Open Print Studio, printmaking classes, and Athenaeum memberships.