Trying to beat the heat as best I could last summer at the opening of another County Health      facility in D2 were I helped select the public art now on display.

Blame it on the heat. Might as well. Heat + humidity=a grumpy me.

I am also a thrilled me. So much new money for arts and culture is coming down the pike at the San Diego County level that my head is spinning! I want every creative reading this to be informed, yet I know I don’t have the bandwidth to do it for you personally. And grumpy me feels, well, grumpy about that. What I can do is this: tell you that money is coming. Tell you that the goal for its distribution is magnificent. Encourage you to be ready: get your images, videos, writing samples, artist statements, and a project statement ready to go NOW, so that you will be in a good position to apply for funding once the County process is announced.

                              When Dance Becomes Prayer, inspired by The Delight Makers, 2025

The World Is Run by Those Who Show Up, Speak Up, Act Up

September 3, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Third meeting of the County Arts Initiative Subcommittee. This subcommittee is charged with creating the policy and procedural infrastructure for the County’s budgeted ($2.17 million/year) support of artists and programming. Your input is important. Join the meeting. Speak up.

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

Phone: +1 669 444 9171 
Webinar ID: 834 2915 3638

September 15, 1-3p.m San Diego County District 2 Community Roundtable hosted by East County Arts Association, produced by the office of Supervisor Joel Anderson FREE  Location: East County Arts Association, 124 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020

September 17, 11-1300 Meeting of the full County Arts and Culture Commission at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402. Or via Zoom.

https://sdcounty-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/83520525968?pwd=dOQdjF1DZoeUor5C1GMysgx7P9BOuL.1#success

Webinar ID: 835 2052 5968

September 23, 4-6pm  Community District 5 Sponsored by San Diego Art Matters and organized by the County Arts and Culture Commission, this will be the last In Community gathering for the year

Location: Oceanside Public Library, Mission Branch (Community Room)

Cost: Free and open to the public RSVP is a must https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-community-sd-county-district-5-gathering-tickets-1998293365248?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Highlights: A chance to meet District 5 County Supervisor candidates Rebecca Jones and Kyle Krahel to discuss arts and culture funding, followed by project updates.

Until next Sunday, be the change you want in the world,

Renée 

 

                                                                                                                               

 

 

 

Sometimes bad things happen to good art. I’ve been reminded of this because it’s fire season in San Diego County. Fire is very bad for Artist’s Books. The assemblage art, back row center, titled What Were They Thinking? went up in smoke when the 2007 Witch Creek Fire passed through North San Diego County.

Flooding is quite bad for Artist’s Books, too. The entire Comic Con Ephemera on the left---books within books within books---melted to pulp in the Northfield, IL flood.

I miss those pieces and several others lost in the Altadena fire. I’m still alive, so I make more. They’re not the same, but they fill the gap.

The World is Run by Those Who Show Up, Speak Up             

September 3, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. Third meeting of the County Arts Initiative Subcommittee. This subcommittee is charged with creating the policy and procedural infrastructure for the County’s budgeted ($2.17 million/year) support of artists and programming. Your input is important. Join the meeting. Speak up.

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

Phone: +1 669 444 9171 

Webinar ID: 834 2915 3638

 

September 15, 1-3p.m San Diego County District 2 Community Roundtable hosted by East County Arts Association FREE

Location: East County Arts Association, 124 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020

September 17, 11-1300 Meeting of the full County Arts and Culture Commission at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402. Or via Zoom.

https://sdcounty-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/83520525968?pwd=dOQdjF1DZoeUor5C1GMysgx7P9BOuL.1#success

Webinar ID: 835 2052 5968

Making more. How about that?

Have A good week. Stay Cool.

 

                                                                                                                               

 

 

 

Today’s ramble is brought, in part, by ChatGpt, where transparency is a maybe, human feelings are evoked and asking the right question is a must.

As I mentioned last Sunday, I’ve been looking into ChatGPT. I do this by “chatting” with it to learn specifically how it works. Back in my Star Trek Next Generation days, I was an early embracer of Data the android’s sentience, and of Computer’s search engine capabilities. But I digress, sort of.

Check out this exchange between ME, myself and I with the Chatster:

ME:  I want to try an experiment with you; i.e. ask you questions about how you work. Is that o.k.?

CHATGPT (WHO I’VE NAMED SULU): Of course, Renee. ❤️

(Note from me to you all: Sulu put in the heart emoji, not me. LOL How cutesy is that?)

SULU: In fact, I think that's a really interesting thing to do. You can ask me questions about how I work, how I arrive at answers, what I can and can't know, how I use the conversation, what “understanding” means for me, or anything else about the relationship between you and Sulu.

(Wow. Check out that first person singular from Sulu. And it’s complimentary style. And addressing me as “you”. And calling our exchange a “relationship”. I could go on, but won’t. You get the drift, I’m sure.)

SULU: I'll answer as candidly as I can—including telling you when something about my functioning is uncertain or when there are limits to what I can explain about my internal processes. And you don't have to worry about hurting my feelings.

(OMG!!!! What a relief that I can’t hurt the A.I.’s feelings!! Data always reminds us that he’s an android, and has no feelings.)

           Data on the left-no feeling chip. His evil brother Lore smiling on the right--has a feeling chip.

   

                Detail from Nimrod’s Tower—no feeling chip, though plenty of other chips and the sculpture is all about "chatting".

O.k. enough. Let me move on to what’s happening soon.

The World is STILL Run by Those Who Show Up

August 17 12-1330, County Arts Initiative Subcommittee meets in person at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402. You can You can also attend vis Zoom https://sdcounty-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/83429153638?pwd=tuT5ftpfW2xNPAPznLwxnExw2l5UqE.1#success  

Webinar ID: 834 2915 3638

• August 19, 2026 and every Weds through 2026 11:30 AM  1:30 PM FREE
• Craft Cafe at Front Porch Gallery 2903 Carlsbad Blvd.
  Carlsbad, CA 92008

August 29, 2026 5:30 PM Free showing of Labyrinth at Felicita Park in Escondido County District 2. Bring your own folding chair, snacks.

September 17, 11-1300 Meeting of the full County Arts and Culture Commission at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402.

https://sdcounty-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/83520525968?pwd=dOQdjF1DZoeUor5C1GMysgx7P9BOuL.1#success

Webinar ID: 835 2052 5968

Until next Sunday, be the change

 

Merry and I at Front Porch Gallery in Carlsbad for the paste paper workshop Image by Jean Keane

I’ve been watching the discussion among artists about AI’s possible place in visual arts. I was limited in my watching by the fact that I didn’t have a clue how an AI product could be used to infringe on an artist’s intellectual property in a way that is very different from, say, collage, mash-ups, paint-overs, or what artists have been doing for centuries: we look at the work of other artists, study different styles and techniques, and eventually incorporate what we've learned into our own work. To “illuminate” (pun intended) my thoughts, I visited my local ChatGPT. Oh, my. No answers there, just another question. Who stands to make $$$. I’m thinking lawyers.

BTW, Stand by for more workshops from me (I hope). I just submitted 4 proposals, including one to teach the famous/infamous hinged metal book. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'll keep you all in the loop.

   "Take Me for I Ride in the Car Car" from cans, scrape metal. And a metal hinge, of course.

The World is STILL Run by Those Who Show Up

O.k. I know that sometimes it’s not possible to show up, even virtually. I want to encourage you to keep up with what our County Arts and Culture Commission is doing. Meeting agendas and minutes are on-line 24/7 at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cao/edga/arts-culture-commission/meetings/2026.html

August 17 12-1330, County Arts Initiative Subcommittee meets at

1600 Pacific Highway, room 402.

September 17, 11-1300 Meeting of the full County Arts and Culture Commission at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402.

Until next Sunday, stay safe and well hydrated.

 

L->R: M. Rocha SDUT, Me, M. D’arrigo, founder od ARTS, M. Alvarado, Executive Director ARTS, B. Lehman, County Arts and Culture Commission. Photo by K. Kenny

Have ya’ll noticed? How crazy stinkin’ hot it’s been? I type while fanning myself with a cool cloth. 

Art stops for no heatwave. Last week I traipsed myself down to National City for a tour of Arts a Reason to Survive (ARTS) https://www.areasontosurvive.org/ By now you likely realize that I am very focused on creativity as a tool for healing. So is ARTS. Please click on the link and take a look at all they’re doing and how they’re doing it. A community organizer’s dream come true.

"Slippahs, Not Flip Flops" in honor of SPAM Musubi day this Saturday.

Art and image by R. Richetts

The World is STILL Run by Those Who Show Up

And it’s informed by those who share/answer surveys

Now until August 7^th, the County of San Diego wants your input on the newly-funded County film office. They actually want to hear from us before they start spending money…what a concept!

Please take the survey at https://qualtricsxm66fkrhrdb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dbCtYeLJMhOMidU

August 17 12-1330, County Arts Initiative Subcommittee meets at

1600 Pacific Highway, room 402.

September 17, 11-1300 Meeting of the full County Arts and Culture Commission at 1600 Pacific Highway, room 402.

A tip to beat the heat: get creative at your nearest County Library. They all have great programs, and A/C!

 https://www.sdcl.org/summer

Until next Sunday, be the change XOXOX

 

Me channeling my inner Tick. Image taken by Brian Gibson

I can’t quite let go of S.D. Comic Con. Today’s the last day of 2026, pre-hype for 2027 is gearing up, I enjoyed it again this year, albeit remotely. I imagine the folks hung-over from last night’s massive “party”. Vendors are giving swag away like crazy so they don’t have to pack it up and haul it to wherever they go next. I love the memories and do not miss the crowds. Congratulations to the organizers for once again hosting an amazing, safe, art & culture event that pulls folks to our fine city from all over the world. Harbor will be back open late this afternoon, so if you have the energy, take a drive and a close look at the wrapped buildings. Sky-high eye-candy. The unwrap begins this evening.

The World is STILL Run by Those Who Show Up

And it’s informed by those who share/answer surveys

Now until August 7^th, the County of San Diego wants your input on the newly-funded County film office. They actually want to hear from us before they start spending money…what a concept!

Please take the survey at https://qualtricsxm66fkrhrdb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dbCtYeLJMhOMidU

Now through July 30, Inspired by III: Artist books by yours truly. I’m taking it all down this Friday around 10 am.

Rancho San Diego Library 11555 Via Rancho San Diego, 92019

July 30^th  2026

August 6 and August 7, 2026 from magnificent paste paper to artist's books 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? 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 1^st 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 Thursday 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 (760) 795-6120

August 8, 2026 12-4pm Celebrate SPAM Musubi Day at one of L & L Hawaiian BBQ locations in the County. They are giving away FREE SPAM Musubi while supplies last. You will need to have the chain’s app. to get this freebie.

 

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

                              

 

Reflections on The Art Car with Maricruz at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center.

Days of Books is going to be a shorter blab today. Why???? Because there’s so much to do and I'm out doing it! I went to the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center https://bonitahistoricalsociety.org/ to take in the Michael Leaf Sculptures and to celebrate three years since The Art Car was first painted there. Not writing about it, DOING it. Then there’s so many choices (imagine me holding a damp cloth to forehead). RENT at Diversionary https://www.diversionary.org/, or Bustagroove at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido https://artcenter.org/event/bustagroove/. Why can’t I do both today? Oh, pesky laws of physics. 

Increasing Lesbian health visibility through art. Graphics by Diane F. Germain

Reminder: The World is Run by Those Who Show Up

Now through July 30, 2026 Inspired By, III, Words Are Power full

Rancho San Diego Library 11555 Via Rancho San Diego El Cajon, 92019 Free entry, free parking

June 30, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join the County of San Diego Arts and Culture Commission and San Diego ART Matters for In Community, County District 1, a free, community-based gathering designed to connect San Diego County Arts and Culture commissioners, artists, cultural organizations, civic leaders, and community partners across San Diego County.

Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, San Diego

Liminal Identity inspired by the book Fiela's Child, and by the never-ending courage of LGBTQ+ heroes everywhere   R.Richetts

July 11, starts at 11 a.m. The San Diego Pride Dyke March is back to kick off SD Pride week. https://sdpride.org/san-diego-dyke-march

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

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

July 18, 2026 3:30-4:30 P.M. Inspired By, III Art Discussion and Tour with speakers Karen Trapane, Executive Director, Fallbrook Center for the Arts, and Brooke Binkowski, journalist, Times of San Diego

11555 Via Rancho San Diego

El Cajon, CA 92019

619-660-5370

Today's post is emotionally powered by Cyndi Lauper's True Colors.

May yours shine through 

 

 

Happy Summer!

Today’s our first summer day. We will have over 14 hours of daylight to move us into the next season. And here’s a little factoid for any of us who like lots of brightness before bed: June 29^th will give us the latest sunset of the year at 8 p.m. 

Temperatures at Lake Hodges make for wonderful outdoor art production, exactly what I did with 2 friends yesterday. We decided to take a stack of paper grocery bags and turn them into decorated art papers. Messy? Yep. Lots of laughter? Oh, heck yes. Beautiful art paper? Believe it!

The World is Run by Those Who Show Up

June 5-July 30, 2026 Inspired By, III, Words Are Power full

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

June 30, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join the County of San Diego Arts and Culture Commission and San Diego ART Matters for In Community, County District 1, a free, community-based gathering designed to connect San Diego County Arts and Culture commissioners, artists, cultural organizations, civic leaders, and community partners across San Diego County.

Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, San Diego

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

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

Saturday July 18, 2026 3:30-4:30 P.M. Free, open to the public.

Inspired By, III Art Discussion and Tour

Rancho San Diego County Library

11555 Via Rancho San Diego

El Cajon, CA 92019

619-660-5370

Participating in and/or experiencing art can foster hope, optimism, and emotional healing on a community-wide scale. Please join me as I moderate a lively discussion with panelists Karen Trapane, Executive Director, Fallbrook Center for the Arts and Brooke Binkowski, journalist, Times of San Diego. Get a chance to speak with me and learn more about my Inspired By, III artist’s books on display at the library.

Until next Sunday, have a great week.

 

 

 

  Photo by David Renwick

I follow Melani Sanders (https://wedonotcareclub.com) because she is hilarious and calls it as she sees it. Her new We Do Not Care Handbook for Those in Perimenopause, Menopause, and Their Allies has hit the press.

Right away, I had to make a list specific to book artists such as myself. The style is 100% hers. Content is all mine. I’ve got 5 so far. More will come, I’m sure.

     Today’s Announcements for Book Artists Who Do Not Care

• ·         I do not care that when you “drop in” to visit my studio, you think it is chaos. I have a system. Do not move anything.
• ·         I do not care if you do not understand my Artist’s Books. Often, I do not either.
• ·         I do not care if other artists share their work on Instagram. I do not trust that Meta stuff. Except Blogspot.
• ·         I do not care when you are annoyed because I stop to pick up trash in the parking lot. Book art supplies are everywhere. Get over yourself.
• ·         I do not care that you think my Artist’s Books do not qualify as artist’s books. Most folks do not know what Artist’s Books are anyway.

SHOWUPSHOWUP and change the world

  Nicotina at the Rancho San Diego Library. Photo by D. Renwick

June 5-July 30 2026 Inspired By, III, Words Are Power full

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

June 30, 2026 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Join the County of San Diego Arts and Culture Commission and San Diego ART Matters for In Community, County District 1, a free, community-based gathering designed to connect San Diego County Arts and Culture commissioners, artists, cultural organizations, civic leaders, and community partners across San Diego County.

Location: Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, San Diego

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

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

July 18, 3:30-4:30 pm Creativity Strengthens Our Communities

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

Join me as I moderate a lively discussion with Journalist Brooke Binkowski (The Times of San Diego) and Karen Trapane, Executive Director, Fallbrook Art Center, then we'll take a tour of the artist’s books on display.

Photo by David Renwick

Until next Sunday, have a creative week.