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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250117T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250117T113000
DTSTAMP:20241218T160536Z
CREATED:20241216T231316Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241218T160536Z
UID:54043-1737108000-1737113400@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:The Role of Museums in our Changing Society
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, January 17\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Vincent Poussou\, GrandPalais\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nJoin us for an insightful lecture by Vincent Poussou\, former Director of Audiences at three major Parisian cultural institutions: Centre Pompidou\, Parc de la Villette\, and the Grand Palais. Drawing from decades of experience\, Poussou will explore how cultural institutions can meaningfully engage diverse audiences while addressing pressing social issues. Poussou will share concrete examples of successful initiatives\, including specialized spaces for different age groups\, digital innovations\, and mobile museum projects that have expanded access beyond Paris. The lecture will conclude with insights into the future of cultural institutions in our rapidly evolving global landscape. \nEssential for cultural professionals\, educators\, and anyone interested in the intersection of arts\, society\, and audience engagement. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $20 nonmembers \nSave my spot!\nNote\, Guest Lecture Series pricing available. Please call 619.696.1935 to inquire. \n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and\nthe museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured: Art installation by Colombian artist Diana Velásquez at Grand Palais\, Paris
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/the-role-of-museums-in-our-changing-society/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Docent Council,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Guest-Lecture-1.2025-Poussou_Grand-Palais.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250221T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250221T113000
DTSTAMP:20241220T001830Z
CREATED:20241220T001830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241220T001830Z
UID:54060-1740132000-1740137400@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Breaking Boundaries: The Transformative Power of African American Art
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, February 21\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Denise Rogers\, PhD\, Curator\, Mesa College Foundation World Cultures Art Collection\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nDr. Denise Rogers will spotlight a group of groundbreaking African American artists who are redefining the boundaries of contemporary art. Through an exploration of their diverse works—ranging from intricate paintings to interdisciplinary installations—this presentation will examine how these creators engage with themes of identity\, cultural heritage\, and social transformation. Featured artists\, including Alisa Sikelianos-Carter\, Devan Shimoyama\, and Fahamu Pecou\, will be discussed in depth\, offering insights into their unique artistic practices and their role in shaping cultural narratives. This lecture invites attendees to reflect on the power of art to inspire\, challenge\, and innovate in today’s world. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $20 nonmembers \nSave my spot!\n  \n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and\nthe museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/breaking-boundaries-the-transformative-power-of-african-american-art/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Docent Council,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Denise-Rogers.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250321T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250321T113000
DTSTAMP:20241218T160551Z
CREATED:20241216T232551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241218T160551Z
UID:54067-1742551200-1742556600@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Coexistence
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 21\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Becky Guttin\, Artist\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nDon’t miss hearing artist Becky Guttin as she presents a captivating exploration of cultural fusion and artistic innovation. Drawing from her unique perspective as a binational artist\, Guttin masterfully weaves together the threads of two worlds. Her artistic practice\, which includes the meticulous weaving of traditional sacks and integration of organic materials with technological components\, serves as a metaphor for the rich tapestry of borderland life. \n“I want to focus on everything positive about binationality\,” Guttin explains. “Living on the border\, one crosses back and forth\, witnessing profound experiences that go beyond language – manifesting in food\, landscape\, and ultimately\, in my work.” In her work Guttin demonstrates how seemingly contrasting elements – the organic and the mechanical\, the traditional and the modern\, the domestic and the industrial – can coexist in peaceful harmony. Her work stands as a testament to the power of embracing cultural differences and finding beauty in unexpected connections. \nExplore the intersection of art\, culture\, and identity through the eyes of an artist who has dedicated her life to bridging worlds through creativity and understanding. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $20 nonmembers \nSave my spot!\n  \n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and\nthe museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/coexistence/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Artist Talk,Docent Council,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Becky-Guttin.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250418T113000
DTSTAMP:20250529T185014Z
CREATED:20241220T001154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250529T185014Z
UID:54088-1744970400-1744975800@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Artists and Galleries in the San Diego/Tijuana Region - POSTPONED
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, April 18\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Lizzie Zelter\, Director and Curator\, TWO ROOMS Gallery\, and Joe Yorty\, Artist\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nEvent rescheduled for June 12\, 2025.\nSee new event info here.\nJoin us for a morning of artistic dialogue with acclaimed artist Lizzie Zelter in conversation with interdisciplinary artist and gallerist Joe Yorty. This engaging panel discussion delves into the art of place-making and the evolving landscape of contemporary art spaces. \nAfter exhibitions from Tel Aviv to Tijuana\, Zelter brings her unique perspective on creating immersive installations and paintings that challenge our understanding of space and belonging. As the visionary director of Two Rooms gallery\, she’ll share insights into curating transformative artistic experiences and fostering community through art. \nJoe Yorty is founding Creative Director of BEST PRACTICE and a multifaceted artist whose work critiques American consumer culture through sculpture\, collage\, video\, and photography. His innovative use of thrift store finds and discarded materials offers a compelling commentary on our relationship with material possessions in the 21st century. \nDon’t miss this rare opportunity to hear from two dynamic forces in the art world. With their combined expertise – Zelter’s Columbia University MFA and background in Cultural Studies\, and Yorty’s UCSD training and experience running both a non-profit gallery and a neighborhood coffee shop – this conversation promises to explore the intersection of art\, community\, and cultural identity from fascinating angles. \nSpace is limited. Experience the convergence of artistic vision and curatorial expertise in this thought-provoking morning session. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $20 nonmembers \n\n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and\nthe museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/artists-and-galleries-in-the-san-diego-tijuana-region-postponed/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Artist Talk,Docent Council,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Lizzie-Zelter-Artist-Image-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250516T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250516T120000
DTSTAMP:20250226T175349Z
CREATED:20241220T001345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T175349Z
UID:54094-1747389600-1747396800@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Drawing Instruction in the Amazon: Artistic Creative Formation in the Mojos Region
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, May 16\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Verónica Muñoz-Nájar\, PhD\, Associate Curator of Art of the Spanish Americas\, the Thoma Foundation\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nJoin us as Dr. Muñoz-Nájar examines the fascinating intersection of art\, colonialism\, and cultural transformation in 18th-century Amazonia. The presentation explores how Spanish administrator Lázaro de Ribera established drawing schools in the Mojos region as a tool for both “civilizing” Indigenous populations and spurring economic development. \nThe lecture highlights the remarkable work of Indigenous artists including Heugene\, Avirá\, Guayacho\, Guacayane\, Noé\, and Hojeari\, who studied and reinterpreted European masters like Carracci\, Guercino\, and Le Brun. Through their drawings\, these artists created a unique visual language that both emulated European academic traditions and subtly subverted them\, embedding their own cultural perspectives and artistic agency. \nDr. Muñoz-Nájar will demonstrate how these works served as both a bridge and a boundary between colonial authority and Indigenous expression\, revealing how artistic education became a complex space where European aesthetics were simultaneously adopted\, transformed\, and reimagined within the context of Spain’s colonial project in the Americas. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $20 nonmembers \nSave my spot!\n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and\nthe museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/drawing-instruction-in-the-amazon-artistic-creative-formation-in-the-mojos-region/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Docent Council,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture,Tours,Wonders of Creation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Munoz-Naja-Luque.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250612T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250612T193000
DTSTAMP:20250530T192142Z
CREATED:20250529T181034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250530T192142Z
UID:166299-1749751200-1749756600@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Artists and Galleries in the San Diego/Tijuana Region
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, June 12\n6:00–7:30 p.m.\nSpeakers: Lizzie Zelter\, Director and Curator\, Two Rooms; Joe Yorty\, Artist\, Co-Founder and Creative Director\, BEST PRACTICE; and Talia Perez Gilbert\, Co-Director\, Sala de Espera\nModerator: Deidré Guevara\, Director of Learning and Engagement\, The San Diego Museum of Art\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nDiscover how contemporary artists are reshaping the cultural landscape of our bi-national region through an engaging panel discussion featuring three innovative voices. \n\nLizzie Zelter – Artist and Director of Two Rooms gallery\, known for immersive installations spanning from Tel Aviv to Tijuana.\nJoe Yorty – Co-Founder and Creative Director of BEST PRACTICE a not-for-profit art gallery in Barrio Logan that promotes artists and curators whose work stimulates discourse.\nTalia Perez Gilbert – Co-Director of Sala de Espera\, an experimental artist-run space operating within a semi-abandoned 1950s hospital in downtown Tijuana.\n\n  \nThis engaging panel discussion will dive deep into the art of creating transformative spaces\, fostering community through art\, and navigating the evolving landscape of contemporary art galleries. From abandoned hospitals to bustling neighborhoods\, these visionaries are redefining how art connects communities across borders. \nWhether you’re an art enthusiast\, cultural explorer\, or community advocate\, this conversation is set to share invaluable insights into the intersection of art\, identity\, and cross-border collaboration in our dynamic bi-national region. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $20 nonmembers \n  \nSave My Spot \n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured: Joe Yorty\, Heart 01 & Heart 02\, 2024. Found materials on plywood\, Formica on MDF\, steel\, concrete\, Christmas ornaments\, and chain. © Joe Yorty
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/artists-and-galleries-in-the-san-diego-tijuana-region/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Joe-Yorty-Heart-01-Heart-02-2024-_-SD-Art-Prize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250620T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250620T113000
DTSTAMP:20250325T224845Z
CREATED:20241220T001557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T224845Z
UID:54100-1750413600-1750419000@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Reimagining Space: The Future of the San Diego Museum of Art - CANCELED
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, June 20\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Roxana Velásquez\, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO\, The San Diego Museum of Art\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nEvent Canceled.\nJoin us for our distinguished annual lecture featuring Roxana Velásquez\, Executive Director and CEO of The San Diego Museum of Art\, as she unveils her visionary outlook for the Museum’s ambitious renovation project. Building on her acclaimed discussion of architectural innovation from last year\, Ms. Velásquez will explore how the planned renovation will transform the Museum experience and strengthen its role as a cultural cornerstone of San Diego. \nDrawing from her extensive experience organizing groundbreaking exhibitions and fostering cross-cultural dialogue\, Ms. Velásquez will share how the renovation will create new possibilities for artistic engagement through thoughtful architectural design. Learn how the innovative use of space\, light\, and form will enhance the presentation of both the permanent collection and traveling exhibitions while honoring the museum’s historic character. \nThis lecture will offer a unique opportunity to understand how modern museum architecture can amplify artistic impact and deepen community connections. Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from one of the art world’s most dynamic leaders about a project that will reshape San Diego’s cultural landscape for generations to come. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $20 nonmembers \n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and\nthe museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/reimagining-space-the-future-of-the-san-diego-museum-of-art/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Docent Council,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Roxana-Velasquez-2020-IMG_1156-headshot-web_square.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250919T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250919T113000
DTSTAMP:20250917T215759Z
CREATED:20250911T220940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250917T215759Z
UID:336202-1758276000-1758281400@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Eduardo Chillida: Convergence - CANCELED
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, September 19\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Rachel Jans\, PhD\, Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art\, The San Diego Museum of Art\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nEvent Canceled.\nJoin us for a special talk by Dr. Rachel Jans\, Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Museum. Dr. Jans will be sharing insights on the life and work of Eduardo Chillida\, a visionary sculptor who transformed the way we think about form\, space\, and material. Her talk will explore Chillida’s artistic philosophy\, material experimentation\, and lasting contributions to modern sculpture. This program is presented in conjunction with the Museum’s current feature exhibition Eduardo Chillida: Convergence\, offering audiences a deeper appreciation of the artist’s powerful legacy. \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition led by our docent team. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $25 nonmembers \n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/eduardo-chillida-convergence/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Chillida_1976_013_Peine-del-viento-XV_NKO_0727_Foto-Inigo-Santiago_resize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251017T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251017T113000
DTSTAMP:20251014T183549Z
CREATED:20250922T194622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251014T183549Z
UID:342475-1760695200-1760700600@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:The Universe of Alfredo Castañeda
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, October 17\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Raymundo Silva\, Curator\, Alfredo Castañeda: Beyond Surrealism\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nThe San Diego Museum of Art continues its Guest Lecture Series with a presentation by Raymundo Silva Madrid\, curator of the Museum’s current exhibition\, Alfredo Castañeda: Beyond Surrealism. Join us as Silva shares his curatorial perspective on this visionary Mexican artist\, known for his deeply symbolic and introspective paintings that blend surrealism with philosophical reflection. This exhibition marks the first solo exhibition of Castañeda’s work in a U.S. museum\, and the lecture will offer exclusive insights into the development of the exhibition and a deeper understanding of Castañeda’s artistic language and legacy. \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition led by our docent team. \nThis lecture will be conducted in Spanish with simultaneous English translation. \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $25 nonmembers \nSave My Spot \n  \n\nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \n  \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Alfredo Castañeda\, Memento for an Exile (Recordatorio para un exilado) (detail)\, 1989. Oil on canvas. Private collection. Photo: Germán Romero Martínez / Alex Michajlowski.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/universe-of-alfredo-castaneda/
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Alfredo-Castaneda_Recordatorio-para-un-exiliado.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251122T173000
DTSTAMP:20251119T192944Z
CREATED:20251014T164751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251119T192944Z
UID:346495-1763827200-1763832600@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Nick Cave: A Conversation on Art and Identity
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, November 22\n4:00 p.m.\nSpeaker: Nick Cave\, Artist\nSDMA James S. Copley Auditorium and Online\nHybrid Event \nJoin us for an evening with renowned artist Nick Cave\, whose multidisciplinary practice spans sculpture\, installation\, performance\, and video. Best known for his celebrated Soundsuits\, elaborate full-body sculptures that merge art\, fashion\, and social commentary\, Cave creates work that speaks to issues of identity\, race\, and healing. His work Rescue\, from the Museum’s permanent collection\, is currently on view in the Art of the Americas galleries\, offering audiences a chance to experience his practice firsthand. \nThe program will begin with a talk by the artist reflecting on his body of work\, followed by a conversation-style interview and an audience Q&A. This special event offers an opportunity to hear directly from Cave about the ideas\, processes\, and social concerns that shape his practice. \n  \nThis is a hybrid event. Please select in-person tickets to experience the event in-person at SDMA or livestream tickets to enjoy the event online from the location of your choice. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for in-person attendees. Livestream ticket holders will receive the viewing link prior to the program.  \nIn-person event tickets are now sold out. Livestream tickets remain available. Get your tickets today!\nIn-Person Tickets: $20 for members | $25 students\, seniors\, and military | $35 nonmembers  \nLivestream Tickets: $5 for members | $10 students\, seniors\, and military | $20 nonmembers \nGet Livestream Tickets \n  \n  \n  \nThis artist talk is presented as part of the Guest Lecture Series and SDMA+ programming. \n\n  \n  \nSupport for this program is provided by Nissan Foundation.  \n\n  \nFeatured at top right: Photo of Nick Cave by John Edmonds
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/nick-cave-a-conversation-on-art-and-identity/
LOCATION:The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1450 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Artist Talk,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture,SDMA+
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nick-Cave-By-John-Edmonds_web-resize.jpg
GEO:32.732119;-117.1504179
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260130T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260130T193000
DTSTAMP:20260113T001741Z
CREATED:20251027T183545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T001741Z
UID:391575-1769796000-1769801400@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me (SOLD OUT)
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, January 30\n6:00 p.m.\nSpeakers: Patrick Bringley\, Author\, All the Beauty in the World\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nSOLD OUT\nPatrick Bringley will discuss his New York Times-bestselling memoir about his decade working as a guard at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Named one of the best books of the year by the New York Public Library\, Financial Times\, Audible\, The Sunday Times (London)\, and others\, the book has resonated globally\, with translated editions from Brazil to Ukraine to South Korea\, where it became a number one national bestseller. Prior to his time at The Met\, Bringley worked in the editorial events office at The New Yorker magazine. He lives with his wife and children in Sunset Park\, Brooklyn. All The Beauty In The World is his first book. \nBooks will be available for purchase at the event. Patrick’s lecture will be followed by a book signing at the MOPA@SDMA Store. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $25 nonmembers \n  \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \n  \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/all-the-beauty-in-the-world-the-metropolitan-museum-of-art-and-me/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Bringley-Gallery-Image_edit.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260203T113000
DTSTAMP:20260120T182201Z
CREATED:20260120T181349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T182201Z
UID:629557-1770112800-1770118200@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:A Conversation with Artists Marianela de la Hoz and Marc Urselli
DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, February 3\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Marianela de la Hoz\, Artist\, and Marc Urselli\, Sound Artsist\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n\nJoin us for a special joint lecture with Marianela de la Hoz and Marc Urselli\, currently featured in Palpitations at The San Diego Museum of Art\, as they explore the powerful intersection of visual art and sound. In this immersive exhibition\, de la Hoz’s psychologically charged imagery—rendered directly onto speaker cones—forms the conceptual and visual core of the installation\, while Urselli’s original sound compositions activate the works through vibration and resonance\, creating a multi-sensory experience that engages themes of memory\, identity\, duality\, and the visceral rhythm of the human heartbeat. A three-time Grammy Award–winning and seven-time Grammy-nominated audio engineer and composer\, Urselli brings his celebrated expertise to a dialogue that is equally shaped by de la Hoz’s distinctive visual language and narrative depth. This conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear both artists discuss their creative processes and the dynamic exchange that defines this innovative collaboration. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $25 nonmembers \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \n  \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/palpitations-a-conversation-with-artists/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/0904259200234.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260320T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260320T113000
DTSTAMP:20260227T014831Z
CREATED:20260227T014831Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T014831Z
UID:662988-1774000800-1774006200@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:“Sin Poder Mirar” – The Eye/I as Surrealistic Oracle and Existential Portal in 20th and 21st Century Art
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 20\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeaker: Dr. William Nericcio\, Professor of English & Comparative Literature and Director of Master of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences at San Diego State University\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nDirector of San Diego State University’s longest-running Interdisciplinary and Cultural Studies graduate program\, MALAS (the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences program)\, Dr. William Nericcio is Professor of English and Comparative Literature at SDSU. Dr. Nericcio will lead the audience through an engaging exploration spanning the writing of Carlos Fuentes and Jean-Paul Sartre and including works presently on view at The San Diego Museum of Art\, considering what it means to be “sin poder mirar\,” or to exist without the power to see. \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour led by our docent team. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $25 nonmembers \nSave My Spot \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Diego Rivera\, The Hands of Dr. Moore (detail)\, 1940. Oil on canvas. Bequest of Mrs. E. Clarence Moore\, 1970.20.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/sin-poder-mirar-the-eye-i-as-surrealistic-oracle-and-existential-portal-in-20th-and-21st-century-art/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Hands-of-Dr.-Moore-by-Diego-Rivera-1970.20.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260403T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260403T113000
DTSTAMP:20260402T190732Z
CREATED:20260310T162636Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T190732Z
UID:666021-1775210400-1775215800@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:A Journey Across the Pacific: Tales from the Masterpiece Tour (CANCELED)
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, April 3\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeaker: Dr. Michael Brown\, Senior Curator of European Art\, The San Diego Museum of Art\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nEvent Canceled\nJoin Senior Curator Michael Brown\, PhD\, for a talk on The San Diego Museum of Art’s unprecedented touring exhibition of European paintings\, which made stops in Japan and Korea. Dr. Brown will share a behind-the-scenes look at this monumental undertaking\, detailing the logistical challenges\, unexpected hurdles\, and\, ultimately\, the joys of fostering new partnerships with global audiences. \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour led by our docent team. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $25 nonmembers \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Domenikos Theotokopoulos (AKA El Greco; Kryiakos Theotokopoulos)\, The Penitent Saint Peter\, ca. 1590-1595. Oil on canvas. Gift of Anne R. and Amy Putnam\, 1940.76.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/journey-across-the-pacific-tales-from-the-masterpiece-tour/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/el-greco-1940-76-resize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260515T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260515T123000
DTSTAMP:20260331T233338Z
CREATED:20260331T233338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T233338Z
UID:672894-1778842800-1778848200@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Sacrifice and Service: The History of SDMA and Balboa Park in World War I and World War II
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, May 15\n11:00 a.m.\nSpeaker: Karl Zingheim\, Historian\, USS Midway Museum and Lecturer at San Diego State University’s Center for War and Society\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nKarl Zingheim\, a lecturer at SDSU and Historian for the USS Midway Museum\, will present on the crucial\, and often overlooked\, history of The San Diego Museum of Art and Balboa Park during World War I and World War II. His talk will detail how Balboa Park and the Museum supported the home front and war effort by serving as military facilities\, temporary housing\, training grounds\, and centers for morale and cultural preservation. \n  \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour led by our docent team. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the state-of-the-art MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$10 members and students | $15 seniors and military | $25 nonmembers \nSave My Spot \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Photo of Navy boat training in Balboa Park. Courtesy of the San Diego History Center.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/sacrifice-and-service-history-sdma-and-balboa-park-world-war-i-world-war-ii/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/boat-training.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260911T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260911T113000
DTSTAMP:20260922T235709Z
CREATED:20260821T182454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T235709Z
UID:875579-1789120800-1789126200@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:In Conversation: The Remarkable Legacy of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (SOLD OUT)
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, September 11\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Fanny Girard\, Director of the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum\, and Michael Brown\, PhD\, Senior Curator of European Art\, The San Diego Museum of Art\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nSOLD OUT\nCelebrate the closing of SDMA’s acclaimed Cafés and Cabarets: The Spectacular Art of Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition through a conversation between two scholars who know the artist best. Fanny Girard\, Director of the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum in Albi\, France\, joins exhibition curator Michael Brown\, PhD\, Senior Curator of European Art\, to reflect on Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s remarkable legacy\, the international collaboration that made the exhibition possible\, and the artist’s lasting influence on modern art. Drawing from the perspectives of both institutions\, this engaging discussion offers audiences a deeper appreciation of the exhibition while highlighting the enduring relevance of one of France’s most celebrated artists. \n  \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour led by our docent team. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nSOLD OUT\n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec\, Jane Avril (detail)\, 1899. Lithograph\, poster on paper. Gift of the Baldwin M. Baldwin Foundation\, 1987.103.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/in-conversation-the-remarkable-legacy-of-toulouse-lautrec/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Toulouse-Lautrec-Jane-Avril-1899_SDMA-1987-103_web-resize_square.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261016T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261016T113000
DTSTAMP:20260922T235857Z
CREATED:20260827T191807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T235857Z
UID:875891-1792144800-1792150200@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Meteorites as Artistic Matter: Artist Ulrike Arnold in Conversation with Astronomer Gerard van Belle PhD\, and Curator Rachel Jans PhD
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, October 16\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeakers: Ulrike Arnold\, Artist; Gerard van Belle\, PhD\, Director of the Las Cumbres Observatory; and Rachel Jans\, PhD\, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at The San Diego Museum of Art\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nMeteorites as Artistic Matter brings together internationally acclaimed artist Ulrike Arnold\, astronomer Gerard van Belle\, PhD\, and the Museum’s Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Rachel Jans\, PhD\, for a fascinating interdisciplinary conversation exploring the intersection of art\, science\, and the cosmos. Known for incorporating meteorite dust and pigments gathered from some of the world’s most remote landscapes into her paintings\, Arnold will discuss how celestial and earthly materials become powerful artistic media. Joined by van Belle’s astronomical perspective\, including award-winning science endeavors that have been pioneering in the fields of stellar surface imaging and characterization of exoplanet host stars\, and Jans’s expertise on the work of Sigmar Polke\, a German artist also known for incorporating unconventional materials into his work\, and contemporary artistic practice\, this engaging guest lecture offers a rare opportunity to discover how meteorites inspire creativity\, expand our understanding of materiality\, and connect artistic expression with the vast universe beyond our planet. \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour led by our docent team. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nGet Tickets \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Ulrike Arnold\, Flagstaff\, Arizona\, San Francisco Volcanic Field (detail)\, January 2024. Earth and meteorites. Courtesy of the artist.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/meteorites-as-artistic-matter/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/11-26-Ulrike-Arnold-Flagstaff-Arizona-San-Francisco-Volcanic-Field_web-resize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261030T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261030T193000
DTSTAMP:20260929T225657Z
CREATED:20260827T192727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T225657Z
UID:883195-1793383200-1793388600@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Artistic Practice: Roxana Velásquez in Conversation with Artist Betsabeé Romero
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, October 30\n6:00 p.m.\nSpeakers: Roxana Velásquez\, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director and CEO at The San Diego Museum of Art\, and Betsabeé Romero\, Artist\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nPresented in conjunction with the Museum’s Día de los Muertos celebration\, this special conversation introduces internationally acclaimed Mexican artist Betsabeé Romero. In dialogue with SDMA Executive Director and CEO Roxana Velásquez\, Romero will discuss her artistic practice\, the themes of memory\, migration\, identity\, and cultural heritage that define her work\, and the inspiration behind her site-specific project for the Museum. This conversation offers audiences an opportunity to meet the artist behind one of the season’s most anticipated installations and to discover how contemporary art can bridge tradition and innovation. \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour led by our docent team. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nGet Tickets \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Photo of Betsabeé Romero at Green Carpet: The 12th Player event on August 8\, 2026\, at The San Diego Museum of Art.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/artistic-practice-roxana-velasquez-in-conversation-with-artist-betsabee-romero/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Artist Talk,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/10-26-Betsabee-Romero_0808269X-00186_web-resize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261119T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20261119T120000
DTSTAMP:20260921T193528Z
CREATED:20260921T181817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T193528Z
UID:908884-1795082400-1795089600@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Malice in Wonderland: Cecil Beaton’s Life and Work
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, November 19\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeaker: Hugo Vickers\, Author and Historian\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nCecil Beaton (1904-1980) was a total self-creation. Through photography he rose to become one of the great observers of the twentieth century. His portraits of the British Royal Family and of stars of both the stage and screen are legendary. He became a designer of costumes and sets for stage\, screen\, opera\, and ballet; an artist; a wicked diarist; an arbiter of taste; and a man who moved easily in many varied worlds. He portrayed the great figures of the age in dazzling photographs as well as in drawings. \nIn this talk\, Hugo Vickers\, the biographer and literary executor for Cecil Beaton\, explains how Beaton turned himself into this extraordinary figure. Guests will meet the world of the Bright Young Things\, Hollywood\, the British Royal Family\, World War II\, Gigi\, My Fair Lady\, and the Peacock Revolution of the 1960s. \nHugo Vickers is well known as a biographer\, lecturer\, and broadcaster. He is also an acknowledged expert on the British Royal Family. Vickers has also published his own diaries about researching Cecil Beaton\, entitled Malice in Wonderland: My Adventures in the World of Cecil Beaton (2021). \nFollowing the lecture\, guests are invited to enjoy a guided tour led by our docent team. This special Guest Lecture complements Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World\, on view at the Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA) through January 10\, 2027. \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n  \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nGet Tickets \n  \nThe Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World exhibition and this lecture are generously sponsored by The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation. \n\n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council \n  \nFeatured at top right: Cecil Beaton\, Cecil Beaton in Hollywood (detail)\, 1930s. Gelatin silver print. The National Portrait Gallery\, London. © National Portrait Gallery\, London.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/malice-in-wonderland-cecil-beatons-life-and-work/
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Cecil-Beaton_150_x40537_web-resize.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270219T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270219T113000
DTSTAMP:20260923T000236Z
CREATED:20260827T194422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T000236Z
UID:883213-1803031200-1803036600@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Building Balboa Park: John D. Spreckels and the Shaping of San Diego’s Cultural Heart
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, February 19\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeaker: Sandra E. Bonura\, PhD\, Author and Historian\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nJoin The San Diego Museum of Art and Author Sandra E. Bonura\, PhD\, for a behind-the-scenes look into the monumental legacy of John Diedrich Spreckels\, the titan who shaped San Diego’s iconic Balboa Park. While history often casts Spreckels as an industrialist\, he was at his core a passionate patron of the arts who believed deeply in the power of civic beauty. When San Diego took on the gamble of hosting a world-class exposition\, Spreckels stepped up as its financial backbone\, personally underwriting the effort through two turbulent years to guarantee its success. From gifting the majestic Spreckels Organ Pavilion\, a grand musical monument to the public that remains a cultural cornerstone today\, to laying the civic and artistic foundation for what became The San Diego Museum of Art\, Spreckels proved that true empire-building went far beyond rail lines and sugar docks. It was about creating a vibrant\, enduring home for the human spirit. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nGet Tickets \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Detail of Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego book cover.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/building-balboa-park-john-d-spreckels-and-the-shaping-of-san-diegos-cultural-heart/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2-27-Sandra-E-Bonura-Book-Cover_Building-Balboa-Park-John-D.-Spreckels-and-the-Shaping-of-San-Diegos-Cultural-Heart_square.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270319T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270319T113000
DTSTAMP:20260923T000516Z
CREATED:20260827T195026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T000516Z
UID:883231-1805450400-1805455800@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:The Zoo Lady: How Belle Benchley Saved the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, March 19\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeaker: Sandra E. Bonura\, PhD\, Author and Historian\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nJoin us at The San Diego Museum of Art for a fully illustrated\, interactive presentation with award-winning biographer and historian Sandra E. Bonura\, PhD\, author of The Zoo Lady: How Belle Benchley Built the San Diego Zoo. When the Fine Arts Gallery (now The San Diego Museum of Art) opened its doors in 1926\, Belle Benchley was stepping up to run the neighboring San Diego Zoo. Over the next three decades\, as SDMA cultivated the city’s artistic soul\, Belle transformed the living world next door into a landmark of its own. In 1925\, a middle-aged\, divorced mother with zero animal training took a temporary bookkeeping job at a struggling local zoo. Through sheer grit\, administrative genius\, and media-savvy marketing\, Benchley didn’t just keep Balboa Park vibrant; she revolutionized animal welfare and built a global conservation powerhouse in our own backyard. Through a rich multimedia showcase featuring rare archival movie clips\, historic radio broadcasts\, and 1920s photography\, Dr. Bonura brings Benchley’s world vividly to life. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nGet Tickets \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Detail of The Zoo Lady: How Belle Benchley Saved the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park book cover. Artwork by Wagner Humphreys.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/the-zoo-lady-how-belle-benchley-saved-the-san-diego-zoo-and-balboa-park/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/3-27-Sandra-E-Bonura-Book-Cover_The-Zoo-Lady-How-Belle-Benchley-Saved-the-San-Diego-Zoo-and-Balboa-Park_square.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270416T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270416T113000
DTSTAMP:20260923T000535Z
CREATED:20260827T204732Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T000535Z
UID:883235-1807869600-1807875000@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:Art in the Public Realm
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, April 16\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeaker: Lara Bullock\, PhD\, Civic Art Project Manager with the City of San Diego\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nArt extends beyond museum walls to shape the identity of cities and the lives of the people who inhabit them. Drawing on histories of public art and monument-making\, her research on street art\, and her experience working with the Civic Art Collection and contemporary public art in San Diego\, Lara Bullock\, PhD\, considers the complicated relationship between artistic intervention\, institutional authority\, and the shared spaces of the city. Instead of asking “what public art should be?” what happens when we ask “what public art can do?” This talk examines the public art from objects that boldly represent collective histories to practices that invite varied forms of participation.  \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nGet Tickets \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n 
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/art-in-the-public-realm-guest-lecture/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/4-27-Lara-Headshot-Public-Art_web-resize.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270521T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270521T113000
DTSTAMP:20260923T000554Z
CREATED:20260827T200734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T000554Z
UID:883253-1810893600-1810899000@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:The Neuroscience of Art
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, May 21\n10:00 a.m.\nSpeaker: Ying Choon Wu\, PhD\, Associate Project Scientist\, Institute of Neural Computation\, UC San Diego\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nCan works of art change the way we think and feel? Drawing on years of collaborative research between the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and The San Diego Museum of Art\, research scientist Ying Choon Wu\, PhD\, presents groundbreaking findings on the neurological impact of aesthetic experiences. Discover how art influences attention\, emotion\, memory\, and well-being while gaining new scientific insight into the important role museums play in learning\, empathy\, and human connection. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nGet Tickets \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. \n  \nFeatured at top right: Photo of Dr. Ying Choon Wu.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/the-neuroscience-of-art/
CATEGORIES:Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/5-27-YingWu-Photo-1_web-resize.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270618T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20270618T113000
DTSTAMP:20260923T000612Z
CREATED:20260827T201147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T000612Z
UID:883258-1813312800-1813318200@www.sdmart.org
SUMMARY:The Surprise Artist
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, June 18\n10:00 a.m.\nHosted by: Deidre Guevara\, Director of Community Engagement\, The San Diego Museum of Art\nMOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater \n  \nEvery artist has a story\, but this one remains a surprise until the evening begins. In this signature program\, Deidre Guevara welcomes a contemporary artist whose identity will be revealed shortly before the event. Through an engaging conversation about artistic practice\, creative process\, and personal inspiration\, audiences will enjoy an intimate\, behind-the-scenes look at the ideas shaping contemporary art today. Each edition is unique\, making the element of surprise part of the experience itself. \n  \nPlease note\, this lecture is in-person only and held at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater in Balboa Park. \n$15 members and students | $20 seniors and military | $30 nonmembers \nGet Tickets \n  \nThis lecture is presented as a part of the Guest Lecture Series\, which offers a platform for renowned scholars and experts from the art world to share their insights and knowledge on topics related to art history\, art theory\, and the museum’s collections. \nSponsored by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council.
URL:https://www.sdmart.org/event/the-surprise-artist/
LOCATION:Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art\, 1649 El Prado\, San Diego\, CA\, 92101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Artist Talk,Guest Lecture Series,Lecture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sdmart.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/6-27-Surprise-Artist_istockphoto-162254820-612x612-1.jpg
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