Mojo Nixon is Toad in Mario Brothers. Toad may or may not have been a fiction of AI imagination.

ChatGPT. OMG!!!! I was peripherally aware of this application (cultural phenomenon? research tool on steroids?), but not really thinking about it much in terms of art and science, UNTIL, Mary Jo got an actual account, and began sharing the conversations (note how I’m not even putting “conversations” in quotes) she’s been having with her ChatBOT. It communicates with her in the first-person singular (“I really enjoy these types of questions”) does a ton of ego stroking, uses sentence structures that will elicit empathy for it and for her, remembers and references past conversations they have had about other topics, and cracks jokes that are really funny. Kind of creepy at first, though. Then I started thinking about ST: Next Generation’s Data, AI folks on the holodeck, the entire storyline from Caprica: the possibility of Human + AI relationships has been around at least since Homer. (Nope, did not use ChatGPT to find that out. I googled it 😁).

So, is ChatGPT an art form? Is it the best/worst thing to happen in human history? Will my binary questions ever stop? Think I’ll just drop a bit of insight from Ursula LeGuin right here: “You don’t see yet, Genry, why we perfected and practice Foretelling? To exhibit the perfect uselessness of knowing the answer to the wrong question.” Left Hand of Darkness

 

SHOWUPSHOWUPSHOWUP and change the world

Weds. May 27^th at 4:30p.m. Rally for arts support, followed by San Diego City Council meeting at 6:30 pm. At the S.D. Civic Center.    https://ma.to/event/arts-support-rally-city-council-27-may-2026

Tue Jun 2, 2026 - California Congressional, State and Gubernatorial Primary Election

June 4-July 30, 2026 Inspired By, III: Words Are Power full

Rancho San Diego Library 11555 Via Rancho San Diego El Cajon, 92019

                   

 

True confession: I am a fan of the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. Also of SPAM, but I’ve already mentioned that. The Diaries are laugh-out-loud funny and the main character (self-named Murderbot, which is tongue-in-cheek since it hates killing humans) is the best neurodivergent fictional being I’ve ever seen in print. The first of the diaries was turned into a limited series by Apple +. Knowing how that can go (I’m thinking Station Eleven), I hesitated to give it a try. The series kept getting good write-ups, though, from scifi critics who don’t usually steer me wrong. So. Yes. OMG! Laugh-out-loud hilarious and great acting. All you my friends who enjoy science fiction, all you my pals who like seeing neuro-divergent fictional folk, give it a look. I think you’ll love it.

On a somewhat related note, my art at the Fallbrook Art Center channels plenty of pop-science fiction, neuro-divergent references in lots of color.      

The FAC asked me to teach an upcycled pins/tags workshop on May 29^th. They’re wearable mini-versions of the big stuff, only you make them yourself.   

Following the workshop, I’ll give you a tour of the BIG art exhibit which runs through June 13^th. Reservations are required.

https://www.fallbrookartcenter.org/event-details/upcycled-pin-workshop-and-docent-tour

Well o.k. then. How about showing up and changing the world?

Monday May 18th is the last day to register to vote in the California primaries. 

Tuesday June 2nd, all day, Californians, VOTE

June 9th The San Diego City Council final vote on arts funding. Now and every day until then, submit public comments to https://www.sandiego.gov/economic-development/cultural-affairs/meetings

June 4-July 30, 2026, Inspired By III

Opening reception June 12, 3-4:30 p.m

 

Detail from Dancehall Fun, R.richetts

Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the music. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to approve $2.17 million to fund arts and culture programs next year. This is so very needed, especially in the rural/unincorporated areas of our county.  

Speaking of unincorporated, The Green Go Runway Show yesterday at the Fallbrook Art Center was "2 fun 2 B Legal". Sustainable Couture is what I’m calling “upcycled fashions” now. Thank you for that, Tiffany Wolfe https://tiffanyawolfe.com/ May we all get together and do it again next year. Image on the left, I'm with my friend, Maida. I'm wearing a sustainable couture top from Paris!! Image on the right, model Ani Saier in a super wearable bib-dress by designer Pepper Mullen. 

And oh, by the way, Sustainable Creations, the BIG exhibit remains on display at the Fallbrook Arts Center through June 13. Entrance is Free on  Tuesdays. I have my work there in the back salon.

              Detail from Jokers, R. Richetts                               Freak Show Entrance, R. Richetts

The County Arts and Culture Commission has meetings. True, we do!  https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cao/edga/arts-culture-commission.html  The next one is Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11 a.m. You can go in person (1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 402A, San Diego, CA 92101) or attend virtually Phone: +1 669 444 9171  Webinar ID: 833 2424 4450 

Next month, please plan to join me at my opening reception for Inspired By, III in the Rancho San Diego County Library, 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA 92019

Friday June 12, 3-4:30 p.m     FREE entry and free parking. Doesn't get any better.

                     

 

Woo-hoo did we have some fun! 'We" being everyone who braved the fires along I-15 yesterday to attend the Sustainable Creations reception at the Fallbrook Art Center (FAC). See this show where sustainable art is fine art. (Closes June 12). Of course I was there in my upcycled vest and scarf. I met up with the outstanding Jim Gilliam, Chair of the San Diego County Arts and Culture Commission. 

AND, this just in: I said yes to the FAC's request that I hold an upcycled pins/tags workshop for them this month. After we make cool stuff, I will docent a tour of the exhibit. Pre-registration is required. 

https://www.fallbrookartcenter.org/event-details/upcycled-pin-workshop-and-docent-tour

I saw an amazing documentary on Netflix last week, Shark Whisperer (2025) focusing on marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey. she free-dives with Tiger sharks in Hawai'i to promote conservation and challenge misconceptions. I learned a lot about shark behavior, plus a had a strong refresher in grass-roots organizing. Highly recommend. 

THE WORLD IS RUN BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP, 

SPEAK UP, 

SHAKE IT UP

Tuesday May 6th, The San Diego County Board of Supervisors will consider an initiative to put $2.75 million into arts and culture. We can sure use this. Please show your support by communicating with your supervisor for a "yes" vote on the initiative. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cob.html

The County Arts and Culture Commission has a new meeting schedule for 2026:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cao/edga/arts-culture-commission.html

Commission meetings are now on Thursdays at 11:00am unless indicated otherwise. Next meeting is May 21, 2026. Meeting location: 1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 402A, San Diego, CA 92101

OR join via calling in. 669 444 9171  Webinar ID: 833 2424 4450 

Mark your calendars for the opening reception of Inspired By, III

Friday June 12, 3:30 p.m.

Until next Sunday, be the best.

 

Thank goodness for more rain. An underground root-eater took out all my peas and nasturtiums. Of course I'm replanting. The rain certainly helps. 

Plenty of art events coming up very soon, including a solo show I have opening May 2nd  in the back room of the Fallbrook Art Center, 103 S Main Ave, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Anyone remember the hinged metal books, made from cans, junk plastics and other "supplies" diverted from the land-fill? My exhibition is all about them. I Organize will be there, as will themes ranging from SPAM gustatory delights to free art supplies. I'll be there, too, sporting my up-cycled kimono in all its glory. Please saunter into the back of the FAC on May 2nd and lets gab.

The World is run by those who show up!

May 2, 2026 4-6 pm Opening reception FREE and plenty of FREE parking nearby

https://www.fallbrookartcenter.org/sustainablecreations  

30 artists in an amazing space (click on the link above for the list of artists), Sustainable Art Creations will hold the opening reception at the Fallbrook Art Center 103 S Main Ave, Fallbrook, CA 92028.

The exhibit runs from May 2-June 13, 2026   

                                                            Detail from “Jokers” by R. Richetts

 May 09, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Nine designers, over 20 amazing up-cycled outfits, the Green Go Runway Show is a fundraiser to support programs at the Fallbrook Art Center.

103 S Main Ave, Fallbrook, CA 92028, USA. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.fallbrookartcenter.org/event-details/green-go-fashion-show

Designers

Maricruz Alvarado     Jean Appleby              Diane Coale

Arida Dhanaswar       Pepper Mullen           Marty Ornish 

Rosann Pearson           Andi Vetter                 Tiffany Wolfe

Models (in addition to those listed above)

Liana Ring                       Ani Saier                                                            

The County Arts and Culture Commission has a new meeting schedule for 2026:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cao/edga/arts-culture-commission.html

Commission meetings are now on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. unless indicated otherwise.

• May 21, 2026 
• July 16, 2026
• September 17, 2026
• November 19, 2026

Meeting location: 1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 402A, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: +1 669 444 9171 
Webinar ID: 833 2424 4450 

 

June 4-July 30, 2026

Opening reception June 12, 3-4:30 p.m           

 Home again, home again, jiggety jig

I returned to San Diego last Thursday and hit the ground running for arts and culture. Friday’s In Community event at the Ramona County Library was all we’d hoped to see happen: performing art, visual art, updates about arts and culture in rural San Diego County, and most important (to me, at least) NETWORKING. I can’t stop praising our County Library system. We met in the Community Room (for FREE) where tables, chairs and AV equipment were set up for our use. Our county libraries not only loan out books and CDs, they serve as arts and culture hubs throughout the county. To be eligible to reserve one of the community rooms, be a County library member. Our tax dollars at work people. Believe it.

COMING SOON AND THE WORLD IS RUN BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP

April 26, 08-11am The World Famous Del Dios Pancake Breakfast fundraiser to benefit arts and culture programs at the Ol’ Del Dios Firehouse/Community Center, 20155 Elm Ln, Escondido, CA 92029. Reservations are not required. 

I will be there at 0900. Join me. 

                     Public art at the Del Dios Community Center by C. La Porte and G. Cohen

May 2, 2026 4-6 pm Opening reception

https://www.fallbrookartcenter.org/sustainablecreations

30 artists in an amazing space (click on the link above for the list of artists), Sustainable Art Creations will hold the opening reception at the Fallbrook Art Center 103 S Main Ave, Fallbrook, CA 92028, USA. The reception promises to be amazing, and it’s FREE.

The exhibit runs from May 2-June 13, 2026

                                      Hinged metal books by yours truly will be on display

May 09, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Eight designers, over 20 amazing up-cycled outfits, the Green Go Runway Show is a fundraiser to support programs at the Fallbrook Art Center

103 S Main Ave, Fallbrook, CA 92028, USA. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.fallbrookartcenter.org/event-details/green-go-fashion-show

The County Arts and Culture Commission has a new meeting schedule for 2026:

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cao/edga/arts-culture-commission.html

Commission meetings are now on Thursdays at 11:00am unless indicated otherwise.

• May 21, 2026  ßNext month
• July 16, 2026
• September 17, 2026
• November 19, 2026

Meeting location: 1600 Pacific Hwy, Room 402A, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone: +1 669 444 9171 
Webinar ID: 833 2424 4450 

June 4-July 30, 2026

Opening reception June 12, 3-4:30 p.m

 

  

 

Good morning again from the Atlantic Coast, where storms are exciting and the views are above average.

I’m cutting to the “show up” chase this morning. Right to it. On Friday April 17^th 3p.m.-4:30 at the Ramona County Library, I, along with the rest of the County Arts and Culture Commission and San Diego Art Matters, will be out front, and in the wings, hostessing rural creatives to mix it up and bring it on. I’m talking about In Community, same thing I’ve been mentioning here for a few weeks now.

I know from years of grass-roots experience that we organize for arts and culture a lot differently out here in rural San Diego. We rely heavily on free resources and infrastructure, private donations of materials and labor and much less on government funding. We rely on building connections among other rural Creatives, cross-supporting each other’s projects both organizational and individual. The purpose of April 17^th’s event is to expand that cross-support with each other in person. To share, imagine, connect and listen to each other.

The event is FREE, but pre-registration is important. So please sign up and show up. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-community-sd-county-district-2-gathering-tickets-1985540716733?aff=oddtdtcreator

See you this Friday,