For Beliz Iristay, the past year has been a series of ups and downs.
First, two exhibitions of her ceramic-based work were postponed after galleries and art spaces began to close out of concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak. Like many artists, Iristay did her best to stay productive in quarantine at the Valle de Guadalupe estate she shares with her husband, fellow artist Jamex de la Torre.
But then the worst happened.
“I got diagnosed with COVID and then got pneumonia. I had to take a six-month break because I was sick. I wasn’t able to come back to my studio because my lungs were very sensitive,” says Iristay, who often works with clay, which can generate a lot of dust particles. “Half a year passed with the recovery and symptoms.”
Gilbert Castellanos (trumpet) plays at Panama 66’s Wednesday night jam.
For years, San Diego’s favorite destination for jazz on a Wednesday night was the jam session curated by trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos at Panama 66. He would feature performances in the early evening by students from his Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, and at around 8 p.m. Castellanos would move inside to the auditorium of the San Diego Museum of Art, where his pro-level jam would feature local heavyweights and a packed audience that frequently numbered in the hundreds. It was an ideal situation for the musicians, the fan-base and Panama 66 co-owners, husband-wife team Jeff Motch and Clea Hantman.
I’m
David L. Coddon,
and here’s your guide to all things essential in San Diego’s arts and culture this week.
To all those who had tickets for or planned on getting some for “An Evening With Sutton Foster,” scheduled for March 21 at Copley Symphony Hall but obviously canceled, take heart. I’ve got a consolation prize for you. For 35 bucks, you can watch
New York City Center Digital’s presentation of “Sutton Foster / Bring Me to Light.” It’s an hour’s worth of the Broadway star at her most effervescent bantering with friends and cohorts, sincerely addressing her fans and, of course, singing many beloved Broadway tunes.
Print
South San Diego County students’ art is featured in the San Diego Museum of Art’s biennial student exhibition, “Young Art.”
Young Art is a juried exhibition that features art created by San Diego County students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The theme of Young Art 2021 is the environment and sustainability. Educators and students were encouraged to express innovation and creativity through art that conveys a sustainable message while referencing the museum’s permanent collection.
Young Art 2021 also features programs and interactive activities. Find featured student works and programming on the Young Art 2021: My World, Our Planet exhibition webpage at www.sdmart.org/exhibition/young-art-2021-my-world-our-planet. The museum is open at 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego.
Print
Josephine “Jo Bobbie” MacConnell Showley, a consummate hostess and the last surviving founding member of the women’s philanthropy Las Patronas, turned 100 on April 11, celebrating with immediate family members at her home in La Jolla.
MacConnell Showley was born in Chicago and moved to La Jolla as a child. After graduating from The Bishop’s School (class of 1938), she studied theater across the country before returning to San Diego.
She also traveled the world, which provided diverse inspirations for parties. Her family, including son Kellogg Hooker, said she is known for her hospitality, savory meals and elaborate decorations, especially during the holidays.