When you talk about something so much in anticipation of it happening, and then it happens. Wow! A new hip for the summer. What are you doing this summer? I’m doing rehab, and making things while I do it. Of course I am. I brought home jewelry stuff, and macrame stuff, and plan on sing that in my rehab. I do wish I could get out to see some of the art going on around town. Soon enough.
We also must not forget that our “great” nation is having a big birthday this year. 250 years. A time of deep reflection could be in order, especially since the orange turd is doing everything in his reduced power to screw the whole occasion up. If you wander over to Poet’s Place you can read the poetry Linda has gathered together this month.
You will also find art in the city for you to enjoy listed below. If you haven’t yet gone to LACMA to see the Geffen Galleries, please do. Also go over to the Broad to see the Yoko Ono show.
California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick’s “My California” Selected for America250 Time Capsule
Poem representing California's creative spirit will be preserved outside Independence Hall until 2276
SACRAMENTO, CA, UNITED STATES, July 2, 2026 -- California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick’s poem “My California” has been selected as one of seven official California contributions to the America250 time capsule, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The time capsule will be buried outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, and will not be opened until 2276.
Written by California’s current poet laureate, “My California” captures the diversity, imagination, vitality, and promise of the California experience. Herrick, a two-time appointee of Governor Newsom, celebrates the spirit of the Golden State and the Central Valley — the agricultural capital of the United States — through a poem that speaks to place, belonging, creativity, and the many voices that shape California.
“‘My California’ was inspired by my deep belief that every person’s voice is beautiful and important. California’s creative spirit is fueled by our diversity and imagination, ideals held dear by the California Arts Council. I hope that future Californians and Americans always have the arts and continue to hope, dream, and create,” said Herrick.
Herrick has worked closely with the California Arts Council through statewide poetry initiatives, including the California Poetry Out Loud recitation contest for high-school students and Our California, Herrick’s cultural writing project inviting California residents to share their own creative expressions about their town, city, or state.
The selection also comes as the California Arts Council marks 50 years of championing arts, culture, and creative expression as essential to California’s communities, identity, and future.
July at Craft Contemporary
Come visit Craft Contemporary’s current exhibitions tierra and Earthen Comforts: Airing Earth, both on view until October 25, 2026.
Registration is now live for our July programs and workshops, all inspired by our exhibitions.
Finally, please save the date for our next market on August 1-2!
