San Diego is buzzing with an exciting lineup of arts and culture events this June, showcasing local talent in visual arts, dance, theater, music, and literary programs.
John Singletary, a recent MFA graduate from UC San Diego, is set to unveil his debut solo exhibition titled ‘Sun Goin’ Down’ at Oolong Gallery.
Focusing on themes such as the intersection of myth and memory in Biblical tales and Southern folklore, Singletary’s work explores the inherent generational fears faced by Black men in the United States.
His paintings blend powerful imagery with haunting elements, including skeletons, while others take on a more abstract quality.
This exhibition runs on June 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. and will be available for viewing by appointment until June 25 at Oolong Gallery located at 6030 La Flecha, Rancho Santa Fe.
Admission is free for all.
Meanwhile, painter Avia Rose Ramm is also launching her solo exhibition named ‘Withholding Potential’ at Coffee & Tea Collective in North Park.
Opening on the same evening, Ramm’s work weaves rich narratives inspired by gender, mythology, and the relationships with backyard and ‘working’ birds and animals.
Central to her artwork is the use of quinacridone red, known for its evocative, luxurious appearance as a dark pink pigment.
Her exhibition will be open from June 6 to August 6, daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and features an opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. The coffee roaster will also unveil the 14th installment of its Artist Series coffee beans, with Ramm’s artwork positioned on the packaging.
In other artistic endeavors, sculptor Anne Mudge’s ‘Deodara’ is spotlighted at Quint Gallery for a brief one-week viewing until June 7.
Her intricate bead and metal sculptures resemble natural elements such as pine cones, nests, seedpods, and roots, suggesting concepts of germination and new beginnings.
In addition, the exhibit includes works by Mel Bochner and Peter Dreher.
For those eager for a more extensive arts experience, East County is welcoming a new art festival called Artivál, featuring music performances, visual art exhibitions, and food and drink vendors.
Scheduled for June 7, the festival highlights abstract expressionist Carlos Castrejon as the featured artist, and musical performances include acts from Cassie B. and Kimba Light.
Kicking off the dance scene is the Disco Riot: Queer Mvmnt Festival, which runs through June 8 at various locations.
Curated by Disco Riot directors Alyssa Rose, Desiree Cuizon, Trystan Merrick, and Martin Anthony Dorado, this annual festival celebrates LGBTQ+ movement, encompassing dance, film, and art.
Highlights include Friday night’s Tender Riots Dance Party at The Loft at UC San Diego— offering a substance-free environment where participants are encouraged to dance freely and creatively.
The festival culminates with a company performance on Saturday at City College’s Saville Theatre.
The week continues with an engaging performance by Cami Árboles at the Museum of Photographic Arts during the SDMA+ event titled ‘The Body as the Frame’.
On June 7 at 7 p.m., Árboles presents movement, dance, and yoga inspired by the ‘Women in Focus’ exhibition spotlighting the narrative of women in photography.
A cash bar will be present, and attendees can also explore the featured exhibits at MOPA.
For theater enthusiasts, The Old Globe is launching its summer season with Shakespeare’s ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’, opening on June 8 and running until July 6.
This comedic tale follows Helena as she passionately pursues Bertram against all odds, complete with a series of twists and Helena’s striking capability of manifesting her desires.
Directed by Peter Francis James, this production promises to be a highlight of the season.
For a contemporary theater experience, OnWord Theatre is presenting a staged reading of Ike Holter’s ‘Lottery Day’ on June 7 at 6 p.m. Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, this production is set in a gentrifying neighborhood where a dinner party confrontation escalates.
Included in the ticket price of $25 is dinner, making it an enticing option for theatergoers.
Music lovers will enjoy the acoustic performances at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library on June 6, featuring artists like Lee Coulter, Jesus Gonzalez, and Julia Sage among others, in a tribute to the late Jamie Shadowlight.
This event begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets range from $5 to $23.
Additionally, the North Park Music Fest returns on June 7 with over 40 musical acts performing across 10 venues throughout North Park.
This all-day event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., features talents including John Doe, Julianna Zachariou, and Tasha Smith Godinez.
Advance tickets are priced at $25, while day-of-show tickets are $35.
Lastly, the San Diego Public Library is hosting its annual Summer Reading Program kickoff this weekend, with events at the Central Library and various branches encouraging literacy through books and gaming.
Participants in this program can track their reading and gaming hours, with the possibility of winning prizes such as free books and tickets to the San Diego Natural History Museum— and yes, adults can join in on the fun too!
San Diego’s cultural scene this June is not to be missed, with a wide variety of events that celebrate both local talent and community engagement.
Whether you’re interested in art, dance, theater, music, or reading, there’s something exciting happening all month long.
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