A year for the arts

San Diego is in the process of setting itself apart as a city that is made by and for artists. This is a wonderful development to my mind, given that I was raised by an artist and dabble in art (badly) myself. I also believe deeply in art’s power to communicate across boundaries, to find place that hurt, and then to heal those wounds.

That’s why I’m proud to present our main story of the day — looking back at the long and storied history of the venerable San Diego Museum of Art, which is celebrating its first century in existence in 2026. We’re celebrating it too, because without SDMA, the established art scene would look very different — which means the burgeoning and upcoming arts wouldn’t be what they are today, either.

No one asked me, of course, but while I’m a populist when it comes to art and believe that it should appreciated (and created!) by everybody who loves it regardless of training or background and that art should never have barriers to entry, I do love that the SDMA’s edifice was built in order to inspire reverence and “an elevated spiritual experience” viewing the art inside.

Despite my distaste for gatekeeping, that is — in my opinion, anyway — the appropriate approach.

Thoughts? Opinions? Let us know what you think by emailing news@timesofsandiego.com.