Welcome to Spring 2021. 
Arts events and activities are blooming everywhere!
William D. Cannon Art Gallery reopens April 6
The newest exhibition, Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints, opens Tuesday, April 6 and is focused on the art of quilt-making with 17 works by seven fiber artists. The Cannon Art Gallery is the only California venue to host this national traveling exhibition. Curated by internationally renowned artist and teacher Nancy Crow, Material Pulses contributes to the dialogue of contemporary textile arts. The exhibition features quilts, mixed media, and installation work. Cannon Art Gallery is following safety protocols with limited occupancy. For hours of operation, please visit our website or give us a call.

Virtual Family Open Studios returns May 8
Family Open Studios Live Arts Instruction Zoom Event
Date: Saturday, May 8
Time: 11a.m. – noon

Registration for a free art kit opens April 12: carlsbadconnect.org (Library & Cultural Arts tab in pink)
Join us for this live Virtual Family Open Studios and create an abstract work of art inspired by Arizona artist Barb Wills. This virtual live event showcases the art of this Arizona artist whose work is also being displayed in the Cannon Gallery’s current exhibit, Material Pulses: Seven Viewpoints.

Juried Biennial Exhibit: Calling Local Artists
Local artists are invited to enter the 2021 Juried Biennial, an exhibition featuring multiple media types including oil, acrylic, photography, sculpture and more. Over the past 20 years, the Juried Biennial Exhibitions have become an important showcase for the work of both emerging and mid-career artists in San Diego County. The Carlsbad Friends of the Arts sponsor cash prizes based on the jurors’ decision. The application is currently available on the Cultural Arts webpage. The exhibition runs June 13 through August 28. The deadline for applications is April 23.

Community Arts Grants – opening new 2021/2022 cycle
The 2021-22 Community Arts Grants cycle opens April 12 and features a new application platform allowing a more intuitive, user-friendly and streamlined applicant experience. Applications will be available through a link on the Cultural Arts Community Arts Grants homepage. Future virtual applicant workshops will be scheduled after the cycle opens.

CMS Front Row National | Chamber Music
Streaming April 3 - 9

Take a classical break with a CMS Front Row musical video performance from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center archive. Selections include works by Albinoni, Mozart and Brahms. Seasonally titled Summer Evenings III, the musicians include cellists Dmitri Atapine and Keith Robinson, violinists Benjamin Beilman and Mark Holloway and double bassist Stéphane Logerot.

The San Diego Opera: A Musical Preview
Streaming April 9 - 15

The multi-talented singers of the San Diego Opera recently returned to the Schulman Auditorium to film a very special musical preview of their upcoming Spring season. Conducted by Bruce Stasyna, San Diego Opera Chorus Master and Music Administrator, performances by tenor Bernardo Bermedez and soprano Tasha Koontz include selections from Tosca, A Streetcar Named Desire and LaBohéme.

Whitney Shay: Powerhouse Vocalist Returns to Carlsbad
Streaming April 16 - 22

With sparkly dresses, fiery tresses, and a talent rivaled only by her unstoppable energy, Whitney Shay is a local favorite having appeared at TGIF Concerts in the Parks. This four-time San Diego Music Award winner including 2019 Artist of the Year is scorching stages at home and internationally. Newly filmed in the Schulman Auditorium, Whitney Shay’s electric energy, soulful style and powerhouse pipes keep listeners connected and coming back for more.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Front Row
Streaming April 28 – May 4

This month, we are presenting a double dose of classical music with another excellent concert from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center archive. Titled Summer Evenings IV, this exquisite musical offering features works by Francesco Geminiani, Joseph Haydn and Aaron Copland. Featured artists include pianist Gloria Chien, violist Matthew Lipman, cellist Nicholas Canellak and co-artistic director of the Chamber Music Society and cellist David Finckel.

Pop-Up Art debuts in the Village
On your next visit to the Village, you may be surprised by an eye-catching window front creation by an established artist when entering your favorite local shop. Take an extra moment to enjoy their creativity! “We’re thrilled to bring this new visual artistic energy to the Village!” commented Public Art Coordinator Tonya Rodzach. This infusion of new art is the result of a collaboration between the Carlsbad Village Association and the city’s Cultural Arts Office to bring a wide array of media to display in different storefronts. 
Your child’s summer at Club Peacock
Parks & Recreation and the Cultural Arts Office have teamed up again to offer an exciting summer art camp at Leo Carrillo Ranch! Participants will be encouraged to think like artists as they explore different art making techniques while learning why the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is such a special place. Club Peacock is a half-day camp offered for five weeks in the summer beginning in June and ending in August. Registration is open now on carlsbadconnect.org.

New meeting time for Carlsbad Arts Commission
Two new Arts commissioners, Barbara Chung and Joni Miringoff, join the April 1 meeting of the Carlsbad Arts Commission which now meets at 6:00 p.m. on April 1. The meeting will include introductions of the new Arts Commissions and an update on activities in the William D., Cannon Gallery.

Springtime craft fun!
Check out some springtime craft videos for the whole family! Learn how to make these adorable springtime bunnies out of yarn and some creative ways to decorate eggs using rice or shaving cream as well as natural alternatives.

Coming Soon! Another Glance: Celebrating 25 Years in the Garden
Spring has sprung! There are some amazing sculptural pieces popping up in one of Carlsbad’s favorite outdoor garden settings, the Carlsbad Sculpture Garden! Watch for details in May.
Carlsbad Friends 
of the Arts
Dedicated to making the arts an integral part of the community experience. To become a member or volunteer, visit
Carlsbad Library & Arts Foundation
Financially supporting and enhancing Carlsbad libraries and arts facilities, programs and events.

Contact Us

Cultural Arts Office
Carlsbad City Library complex
1775 Dove Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92011
(located on second floor)

760-602-2090 main line