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.
This is a local location celebrating the National Craft Open Studios Weekend. Yes, I will be there, along with many talented artists. Please come by.
National Craft Open Studios Weekend
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 12:00 PM
Sun, Jul 19, 2026 5:00 PM
Save the date: National Craft Open Studios Weekend!
I am excited to participate in the American Craft Council’s National Craft Open Studios Weekend, taking place July 18-19, 2026. Studio tour at Heather McLarty’s teepee wonderland in Highland Park will be open 12 p.m.–5 p.m. on both days, so come by to see us metalsmiths in action, shop my whimsical jewelry and get a glimpse into my process and inspiration.
Heather McLarty's
4757 North Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA, 90042 United States
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.
Barnsdall Fridays Wine Nights Continues with New Food, Art & Cultural Experiences
Barnsdall Fridays Wine Nights continues through September 11, inviting guests to enjoy wine, art, and sunset views every Friday from 5:30–9 p.m. on the West Lawn of Hollyhock House, LA's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is $55 and includes four wine tastings from Silverlake Wine, with local food vendors, DJs, and cultural programming; proceeds benefit Barnsdall Art Park.
New highlights for the rest of season include Cafe Maghreb's Moroccan-inspired pop-up (beginning July 31), globally inspired ice cream from Servet and the Summer Night Art Fair where guests can purchase one-of-a-kind handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, paintings and more from the Barnsdall Arts Center and Junior Arts Center community!
While at the Park, attendees can also enjoy artist-led workshops by Heavy Manners Library, a new Susan Silton exhibition at Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery (opening September 3), and $20 raffles on July 24 and August 21 for a chance to win VIP tickets to Just Like Heaven Fest. For wine series tickets and more information, including limited VIP tickets with after-hours tours of Hollyhock House, visit www.barnsdall.org
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!
