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A Month Long Celebration Takes Place in Escondido
In 2019, California for the Arts successfully campaigned for the state of California to recognize and celebrate the arts by declaring April as Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month (ACCM). This month is dedicated to free events, resources, and advocacy opportunities across the state, aimed at engaging arts advocates and raising awareness about the impact of the arts within communities.
In 2024, the Escondido Public Art Commission and Escondido City Council adopted a plan for Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in Escondido. Our goal is to activate the city and make it easy and educational for residents and visitors to participate in ACCM and discover all that Escondido has to offer.
We emphasize that “Art Work is Real Work,” building on our belief that artists are essential workers in our communities. Artists significantly contribute to various areas, including community pride, placemaking, health, education, and economic development. Help us amplify the message that artists and creatives are vital to Escondido’s well-being and economic prosperity.
Escondido takes pride in its diverse and well-established arts and culture community. We have more arts organizations than many cities of our size, which support hundreds of artists. Numerous organizations also offer youth programs, internships, and scholarships.
The Escondido Art Association, established in 1959, began with the mission of enriching the community through art. They later opened a gallery on Grand Avenue to support their artist members, hosting monthly art shows open to artists of all levels.
The California Center for the Arts, established in 1994, serves as a vibrant cultural hub that enriches lives, fosters creativity, and empowers communities through transformative artistic experiences.
The Escondido Arts Partnership, founded in 1995, aims to strengthen and enrich our community as a cultural destination through the power of the arts.
Queen Califia’s Magic Circle, opened to the public in 2003, is the only American sculpture garden and the last major international project created by Niki de Saint Phalle, attracting visitors from around the world.
Distinction Gallery, opened in 2004, is renowned for its extensive collection of pop surrealism, highly detailed figurative art, and Western-style oil paintings.
ArtHatch provides affordable, juried exhibition space for local artists and studio spaces for artists and creative small businesses, as well as free exhibition space, art supplies, and education for teen artists.
The Photographers Eye Collective, led by Donna Cosentino, has brought high-level photographers from around the world to participate in exhibitions and has taught photography for more than 30 years.
Esco Alley Art, established in 2021, creates public art and outdoor gallery spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors in Escondido.
The Public Art Commission is excited to fund nine projects that celebrate Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month throughout April 2025. The following are the recipients and the funded projects:
James Stone, a Jewish artist from Stone and Glass, received a grant to present a live glassblowing demonstration on April 18 and 19 at the California Center for the Arts. He believes that glassmaking is deeply rooted in our heritage, with a rich Jewish history dating back to Abraham. The Hebrew word for glass, “זכוכית” (zekukith), meaning “pure” or “clean,” reflects its transparent nature and is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.
The earliest archaeological evidence of man-made glass suggests it was created around 3,500 BC in Mesopotamia and Egypt. In ancient Egypt, glass was considered a luxury item, primarily used for small, colorful vessels like perfume containers and jewelry. These items often featured vibrant colors such as blue and green, imitating precious stones like turquoise and lapis lazuli.
One of the most remarkable pieces of Jewish historical glass can be found in Beit She’arim, Israel. This artifact is a massive block of glass measuring six feet wide, ten feet long, and eighteen inches thick, with an estimated weight of sixteen thousand pounds. Experts believe this large, lime-rich block of glass was likely made in the 9th century and was discovered during excavations for a museum in 1956.
Little has changed in the thousands of years we have been working with glass. Join James to experience his art and enjoy a demonstration of the skills that are deeply embedded in our culture. –
Other grantees include: ArtHatch, ESCO ALLEY ART and the Escondido Downtown Business Association, CoLabCrafts, Escondido Arts Association, Escondido Choral Arts Foundation and California Center for the Arts, Glass House Arts and California Center for the Arts, Escondido Arts Partnership and Daydream Here Gift Shop.
In addition, the MAGEC (Museums and Art Growing Escondido Culture) group is planning a full month of activities, including art scavenger hunts, guided sculpture and mural walks, educational opportunities, pop-up art galleries and shows, hands-on art activities, and, of course, our 2nd Saturday Art Walk.
Learn more about Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month in Escondido at https://visitescondido.com/to-do/arts-culture.
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