Cultural Arts eNews

May Cultural Arts eNews

Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month

This month's artist in residence, Jessica Fichot, is a singer/songwriter who draws from her multi-ethnic French/Chinese/American upbringing to fuse styles and languages. Finish the month with captivating dances from Polynesia.

Songwriting and stories with Jessica Fichot

Friday, May 9, 10 a.m.

Georgina Cole Library

1250 Carlsbad Village Drive

Join us to discuss the many sources of inspiration for songwriting, including nature, film, stories or our own lives.

Multilingual songs and video game music with Jessica Fichot

Friday, May 9, 3:30 p.m.

Pine Avenue Senior Center

3209 Harding Street

Drawing from her experience as a children's songwriter and a composer of video game music, Jessica and her band will engage audiences of all ages with activities like multilingual call-and-response songs, interactive video games music and a fun musical instrument presentation.

History and sounds of Shidaiqu with Jessica Fichot

Saturday, May 10, 3:30 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

"Shidaiqu" is a musical fusion of Chinese folk and European jazz, which originated in 1920s Shanghai. Explore a brief history of the genre, intertwined with song performances.

Saturdays in the Courtyard concert featuring Jessica Fichot

Saturday, May 10, 5 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

Ann Kulchin Courtyard

1775 Dove Lane

Accompanied by her accordion, toy piano and fiery band, Jessica draws from her French, Chinese and American heritage to create a lively program of French chanson, 1940s Shanghai jazz, gypsy swing and international folk.

Kūhai Hālau O ʻIlima Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko Dance Troupe

Saturday, May 24

Carlsbad City Library

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

4:30 p.m. seating opens

5 p.m. curtain

Delight in traditional Polynesian dance from Tahiti, Hawaii, Samoa and other South Pacific cultures.

Cannon Art Gallery

"Silent Storytellers"

Fredric Hope

Feb. 7 through June 28

Carlsbad City Library

William D. Cannon Gallery

1775 Dove Lane

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday noon to 5 p.m., Friday noon to 7 p.m.

Starting May 18: open Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m.

Fredric Hope "Silent Storytellers" on view February 7 through June 28.

Growing up by the sea and observing Southern California’s shores and seasonal cycles for decades, regional artist Fredric Hope’s work brilliantly celebrates the beauty of nature’s artistry, refracted through memory, in a unique form of visual and emotional archaeology. Hope’s distinct approach expands Southern California painting traditions that invite us to interpret silent stories, and contemplate the visual whispers of time, place, and the increasing vulnerability of coastal regions.

Artist Talk

Thursday, May 15, 11 a.m.

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

Join artist Fredric Hope for an in-gallery talk on his work, artistic practice, the roles of creativity and curiosity, and his approach to visual storytelling.

Creative Cultures Arts Festival

Saturday, May 17

Noon to 2 p.m.

Library Learning Center

3368 Eureka Place

World Day for Cultural Diversity, celebrated on May 21, highlights the richness of different cultures and promotes intercultural understanding.

Join us for an exciting afternoon of arts and crafts, music and dance. The Creativity Suitcase will showcase hands-on art activities where you can explore diverse artistic traditions from around the world.

This event will also feature vibrant music and dance performances, creating a space for people to appreciate and connect through cultural expressions.

Club Pelican returns for Summer 2025

July 21 through 25

July 28 through Aug. 1

Aug. 4 through Aug. 8

Batiquitos Lagoon

7380 Gabbiano Lane

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon

The City of Carlsbad's Cultural Arts office is excited to be offering Club Pelican Summer Camp for ages 7 to 11 beginning in July - this camp is an opportunity like no other! Club Pelican is a Science and Art experience that takes place on site at the Batiqutios Lagoon located in Carlsbad. Each day campers will be introduced to a unique science theme, enjoy a hands-on science activity, explore the Lagoon environment on a nature walk and create imaginative themed related works-of-art using intentional techniques, art forms and mediums. Every day is different, and campers will have a ton of fun learning in nature!

REGISTRATION: Coming soon! Look for registration on the Cultural Arts website mid-May!

Reel Wednesday

Wednesdays, 4 & 7 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Our beloved Wednesday Cinema Series is back with a fresh new name—Reel Wednesday! *

Cinema Club Film Fridays

Fridays, 4 & 7 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

1775 Dove Lane

Join us in May for our Cinema Club Film Friday series. *

*Doors will open 30 minutes before showtime. All films are free to the public and are subject to change. All films are shown in original language with English subtitles. No food or drinks allowed.

Library Sunday hours

Starting May 18

1 to 5 p.m.

Georgina Cole Library

Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane

William D. Cannon Art Gallery

We are thrilled to announce that the Cole Library, Dove Library and William D. Cannon Art Gallery will once again offer Sunday hours, expanding community access to library services in time for summer.

We can’t wait to see you back on Sundays. Learn more about Carlsbad City Library services and hours.

Author Panel featuring Kristina McMorris, Rosa Kwon Easton and Sarah Ahn

Monday, May 12, 6 p.m.

Carlsbad City Library

Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium

1775 Dove Lane

Come to the Schulman Auditorium at the Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander month and hear authors Kristina McMorris, Rosa Kwon Easton and Sarah Ahn discuss their books and the writing process. An author signing will follow the conclusion of the event.

Please email ashleigh.hvinden@carlsbadca.gov if you have any questions.

Mark your calendar for TGIF concerts

With spring underway, the countdown is officially on for the city’s popular TGIF Concerts in the Parks series. Stay tuned for band announcements coming this month.

Save the dates below:

Stagecoach Community Park

June 20, June 27, July 11 and July 18

Calavera Hills Community Park

July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8

Alga Norte Community Park

Aug. 15 and Aug. 22

Grantee Spotlight

Arts Commission Updates

The next Arts Commission meeting is at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 5 in City Council Chambers, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive. See what’s on the agenda, attend in person or watch online. The Arts Commission typically meets on the first Thursday of the month.