A flash from the past, when I had red hair! I’m with Stargate star Alexis Cruz at S.D. Comic Con. Fine times. How about those green Raybans?

 

July in San Diego is packed with Arts and Culture. I learned last week that the San Diego Pride weekend with its quarter million supporters (happening as I type) and next week’s Comic Con with at least that many, are the second and third largest annual A&C events hosted in San Diego (The County Fair comes in at numero uno). We’re so infused with creatives from the border to Camp Pendelton; you can’t move 2 blocks without running into the effects of one. And that, my dear readers, is a really good thing.

The World is STILL Run by Those Who Show Up

Now through July 30, Inspired by III Artist's books by yours truly.

Rancho San Diego Library 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, 92019

August 6, 2026 magnificent paste paper at Front Porch Gallery   FREE   

2903 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, CA 92008

(760) 795-6120                    

Our August hot weather is perfect for this. Join me to make paste paper masterpieces. What is it, you ask? Just one of the oldest (and best) paper decorating techniques, ever. My approach to making the colored paste is beyond easy. No cooking required: you can truly do this anywhere (how about at the beach?

I provide materials, tools and ideas. You bring an apron to protect your clothes, and more ideas.  Call the Gallery by August 1st to reserve a spot: (760) 795-6120

August 7, 2026   Make Your Own Paste Paper artist Book at Front Porch Gallery   FREE

2903 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, CA 92008 (760) 795-6120

 

I’ll demonstrate two artist’s book formats. 

You will use the paper you decorated on the 6th to produce books so original that they scream:

“I. Made. This!!!

Not able to attend the class on Thursday the 6^th, but still want to make artist’s books? No worries, I’ll provide materials, tools and ideas. Pre-registration with Front Porch Gallery is required by August 1st. (760) 795-6120

More to come next week, no doubt. 

XOXOX

 

Wow. So, this happened today. Holy smoke. An article about me, art, healing in this morning’s San Diego Union Tribune! Check it out. Huge thanks to San Diego Union Tribune writer Michael Rocha for writing this so well, and to Nelvin C. Cepeda for his photos.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/07/12/for-artist-renee-richetts-art-heals-mind-body-and-soul/

Image by N. C. Cepeda

The world is run by those who show up

(Just as true today as it's ever been)

Now through June 30, 2026, Inspired by, III show-cases 16 artist's books. The exhibit is timed to support San Diego County's summer reading program by focusing on published books you can get through the San Diego County Library system. 

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

July 16, 11-1pm County Arts and Culture Commission meeting

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

July 17, 2026 San Diego Pride Spirit of Stonewall Rally

Diane F. Germain. Image from Lambda Archives

There will be art. There will be politically-minded speakers. Show up!    https://sdpride.org/rally-2026/

July 18 2026 San Diego Pride Parade kicks off at 10 am. https://sdpride.org/ Of course you want to go, right? THEN

July 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Meet me for FREE art talk and tour of the artwork on display at:

Rancho San Diego County Library

11555 Via Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, CA 92019

THEN (yes there's more) head over to Balboa Park for the San Diego Pride Festival. Couldn't have a better day if you tried!

Until next week, be the change you want in the world.

                                            

      

 

              Photo from Lambda Archives

I’ve been banging this drum for a while now and am unlikely to stop for a while more: Participating in or experiencing art can foster hope, optimism, and emotional healing on a community-wide scale. Over the weekend, we’ve seen loads of “performance” art in fireworks, music, parades. This next week, San Diego Pride events promise even more, mostly free. Flash from the past when Activist Judi Scheim and I carried our uniquely designed banner for the San Diego Lesbian Health Project. Still marching. Still making art. Still healing while being the change!

 The World is Run by Those Who Show Up

July 11, 11:00 am  San Diego Pride Dyke March steps off at 308 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 You can bet, there will be ART!!!

After party at Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave,CA 92103|

July 13, 6-8 p.m.   Beyond Burnout: Art Journaling for Stress Relief 4-week series begins at the Oceanside Museum of Art. I'm all-in for this. Pre-registration is required. CEU's are available for health care providers. Check it all out https://oma-online.org/events/beyond-burnout/

Happiness Runs I made this folded art journal to house memories of my sister, Kelley, after she        passed in 2018.

July 16, 11-1pm County Arts and Culture Commission meeting

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

July 17, 2026 6:00 – 7:00 PM Spirit of Stonewall Rally and Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award to Songwriter Sanctuary  https://sdpride.org/larry-t-baza-arts-culture-award-2026/

535 Robinson Ave, 92103

July 18, 10:00 am San Diego Pride Parade along University and Normal Streets.

THEN get on over to:

July 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m. I'll be facilitating a discussion of Art for Community Healing with journalist Brooke Binkowski and Fallbrook Art Center E.D. Karen Trapane. 

Rancho San Diego County Library 11555 Via Rancho, San Diego, 92019