Valise Project
Perched on the edge of their seats, 20 fourth-graders stretch their tiny bird-like necks towards the three-foot-long mock dolphin resting in a sling at the front of their class. They are curious to catch a glimpse of the strange paraphernalia attached to the inside and outside. "Come and walk around it and get a better look," says Kara Hwang, education coordinator of the Lux Art Institute. Table by table the children slowly flock around the strange creature to peer at the complex array of debris on its external body. Visible to the eye are rubbish items collected from storm drains and the beach. "Let's look what's inside," says Hwang, slowly lifting the top side off the dolphin like the lid of a suitcase. What lies inside brings a startled look to the young faces. "Put your hand up if you recognize any of these items," says Hwang. Twenty hands fly up with eagerness. "An old slipper," says one. "Plastic bottle," says another. "A snorkel," says a third. "Why do you think the artist chose these items to place in and on the dolphin?" asks Hwang. Eager arms wave in the air. "They die if they eat them," says one child. Inspired by the 20th Century French artist Marcel Duchamp - who made miniatures of his work and carried them in a briefcase (valise) to share with others - Lux has created the Valise Project, a portable museum with eight vastly different valises created by commissioned artists. These portable works of art come with curricular connections. In the case of The Run-Off Dolphin, it's ecological concerns; and with Animal Tales (featured here), created by Encinitas resident Jean Lowe, it's literature and animals. Established in 1998 to encourage visual literacy and arts appreciation, the Lux Art Institute in Encinitas brings museum-quality art to students in their classrooms. (760/436-6611, www.luxartinstitute.com) - Ingrid Hoffmeister, photography by Vincent Knakal

In With The New
Jung-Ho Pak is the newly appointed artistic director of the San Diego Chamber Orchestra. He is admired for his total devotion to classical music and his tireless outreach effort to the San Diego community on behalf of all musical genres. Pak plans to shake things up a little bit, and that's good news. After all, he is only the second artistic director in the history of SDCO, founded in 1984 by Donald Barra, who continued to guide it until this year. So, while there is strong tradition in place, a few changes are in order. For instance, the musicians will now enter the stage and bow together, and they will dress more fashionably. Also, Pak will direct all six of next season's subscription concerts. There will be more good news in the coming months. (858/350-0290, www.sdco.org) - Darlene Davies

Pop Music
The line-up for San Diego Symphony Summer Pops 2006 is tantalizing. Warning: Though you officially become a subscriber by purchasing tickets for only five concerts, the attractions are likely to prove so tempting, it may be hard to resist going for the entire series of ten. Among the terrific thematic concerts and popular performers: Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Broadway Today, Peking Acrobats, Righteous Brother Bill Medley, and Sinatra Sings Sinatra. Having savored the musicianship of Frank Sinatra Jr. on several previous occasions, his concert is likely to be a highlight. Sinatra's respect for musicians and music of the Big Bands is enormous, and the care he takes to honor the genre is meticulous. The summer program, which runs from June 30 through September 3, features add-on concerts, too: Lord of the Rings; Burt Bacharach; and The Music of Led Zeppelin. Summer Pops offers live music in a big bay setting, plus good food and friends. Have fun. (619/235-0804, or visit www.sandiegosymphony.com) - Darlene G. Davies

OMA Opens
The Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), dedicated to showcasing regional and international artists, will be featuring some its own for the June 18 - August 6 show, aptly named San Diego Design: New Work from Allied Craftsmen. Viewers can expect innovative work from long-standing members of the Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, an organization that is over 50 years old. Curator Beth Smith explains that the show seeks to recognize things that are new and different on the design scene. The show will feature mature artists with long-standing exhibition histories that are doing something different than what they are known for. Smith adds that the founding members have had a significant influence on those who are flourishing today." review reception is scheduled for June 17. OMA's groundbreaking ceremony for its new building is scheduled for August. The project was made possible by a rigorous fundraising campaign that raised $5.34 million. (760/721-2787, www.oma-online.org) - Kathe Gogolewski

Art Walk At The Forum
Get ready for an artful weekend - the second annual Art Walk at The Forum takes place on June 3-4 upstairs at The Forum at Carlsbad. Set to benefit the San Diego Chapter of Childhelp, more than 25 local artists will be showcasing their art in a beautiful outdoor setting. A variety of works including oil paintings, watercolors, photography, fabric art, and sculpture will be available for viewing and purchase. Various Forum shops will provide food, a Little Artists activity booth will be manned by Childhelp volunteers, and an opportunity raffle will be held for the many items donated by The Forum shops and restaurants. Local musicians will perform in the upstairs rotunda on Sunday. The event is being jointly sponsored by Perfectly At Home and The Forum shopping center. (760/436-2736) - Jane Shiomi

Entertainment At The Fair
The Del Mar, er, San Diego County Fair returns to town June 10 through July 4. While this signifies an increase in coastal traffic, it also offers musical and entertainment acts sure to bring you past the gates for at least one day or night. Most shows on Harrah’s Rincon Stage are free with admission to the fair for unreserved seats. However, if you want to guarantee a seat, you may purchase reserved-seat tickets for any show, and in fact, four shows require a ticket. Some shows include a dinner package, as well. Confirmed acts so far include Sinbad, Smash Mouth, Bo Bice, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Ozomatli, CeCe Winans, Triple Threat Tour featuring BlackHawk, Little Texas and Restless Heart; Tracy Lawrence; Heart; Styx; Reggae Day with Steel Pulse, Third World, and Boom Shaka; Melissa Etheridge; Lifehouse, Kenny Loggins, ¡Viva El Mariachi! Festival, Carrie Underwood, and KC and the Sunshine Band. Tickets can be purchased at the Del Mar Fairgrounds box office, as well as through Ticketmaster. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com, www.sdfair.com) - Jane Shiomi

Culture Calendar

June

Ongoing: Ocean Oasis
This giant-screen film takes viewers on a fascinating journey into Mexico’s Sea of Cortés and the Baja California desert. Winner of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and the International Wildscreen Film Festival, it is playing at the San Diego Natural History Museum. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)

Thru 6/7: Without Limits:
A Latin American Slant The Expressions of Mexico Gallery hosts the Digital Art Guild, an innovative blending of Latin American concepts, ideas, and temperaments, where art is re-energized with new digital imaging media. A wide range of personal history and art styles will be on exhibit at this show.(619/232-1699, www.digitalartguild.com)

Thru 6/9: Gary Cantor Exhibition
The expressionist paintings of San Diego native Gary Cantor recently opened the Back Door Gallery at Rhino Art Company. Cantor's work, sized on 24-, 30-, 32- and 36-inch boards and canvas, will be on display and for sale through June 9. (760/943-7440)

Thru 6/9: Living Aloha
The Daryl Millard Gallery presents Living Aloha, which showcases 30 new tropical island landscapes and still lifes by Daryl Millard. These stylized graphic compositions evoke old Hawaii and depict orchids and ginger together with a variety of lush foliage.(858/847-9030, www.darylmillard.com)

Thru 6/11: Illumination
La Jolla Art Association presents an exhibition of sculpture, painting, and photography by award-winning artists Carrie Barton, Dot Dodds, Dana Levine, Artie Mattson, Fumiko Niioka, Gregory Reade, and Jan Thompson. Reception to be held on June 4 from 5-8pm. Admission is free. La Jolla Art Association Village Gallery. (858/459-1196)

Thru 6/11: City And Shore
The Ordover Project presents an exhibition featuring the fine art photography of Peter Gorwin and Tom O. Scott. Gorwin will showcase color diptychs, triptychs, and collages that address visual aspects of the urban environment, while Scott will exhibit photographs, patterns, and still lifes left in the sand by the changing tides. (858/720-1121, www.ordoverproject.com)

Thru 6/11: International Digital Fine Art Exhibition
San Diego Art Institute: "Museum of the Living Artist", in collaboration with the Digital Art Guild, hosts the first ever International Digital Fine Art Exhibition 2006, sponsored by Sony. The exhibition features entries from the United States, Australia, Canada, Belgium, England, Germany, Israel, Lithuania, Mexico, and New Zealand, making this exhibition the only focused digital international competition in San Diego. House of Charm in Balboa Park. (619/236-0011, www.sandiego-art.org)

Thru 6/17: Ghost Portraits
Kat Flynn has felt haunted by images conjured from the clothing, accessories, and artifacts she has collected in more than 30 years as proprietor of Buffalo Breath Costumes. She brings together individual pieces into abstract pictures of the wearer's life as she imagines it, into what she calls ghost portraits. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

Thru 6/18: Goya's Portraits
San Diego Museum of Art presents an exhibition of approximately ten portrait paintings spanning the career of Spanish master Franscisco de Goya including Marquis of Sofraga. (619/232-7931, www.sdmart.org)

Thru 6/25: The Violet Hour
The Old Globe presents The Violet Hour by Richard Greenberg and directed by Carolyn Cantor, (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

Thru 6/25: Zhivago
La Jolla Playhouse presents the world premiere of a sweeping musical adaptation of Boris Pasternak's epic novel Doctor Zhivago. Mandell Weiss Theatre. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.com)

Thru 6/30: Tastes In Asian Art
This collection highlights the diverse tastes of different social groups and features a section dedicated to religious art. A recent re-installation of 45 new pieces has added works from the Islamic world, a newly restored bodhisattva head from Pakistan dating to the 1st century, and Japanese prints from the 20th century. San Diego Museum of Art. (619/232-7931, www.sdmart.org)

Thru 7/2: Therman Statom: Through The Looking Glass And Judit Hersko: Shifting Baselines
These two exhibitions at California Center for the Arts, Escondido will feature local, installation artists who have received international acclaim for their epic works. (800)/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

Thru 7/9: Asking For Eyes: The Visual Voice Of Southeast Africa
On view at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery in Carlsbad, this exhibit displays works made by the indigenous people now inhabiting the areas throughout Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, and South Africa. (760/602-2021, www.carlsbadca.gov/arts)

Thru 7/9: Spring Colors
On view at the Rancho Santa Fe Art Gallery, this exhibition focuses on color and includes all media. It is only open to Rancho Santa Fe Art Guild members. (858/759-3545)

Thru 11/30: Vikings: Journey To New Worlds
This cinematic portrait of the Vikings explores their historical and cultural impact, as well as their technological and scientific achievements. San Diego Natural History Museum. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)

Thru 1/1/07: Dinosaurs: Reel & Robotic
This exhibit showcases the world's largest collection of original movie posters, models, and memorabilia, an interactive animation studio, a dino dig box, and giant robotic dinosaurs. San Diego Natural History Museum. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)

6/1-30, 8/1-30: Off Track Gallery Hosts Coastal Living Artwork
during the months of June and August, the lobby of Off Track Gallery will host a show that will feature local landscapes, ocean and surfscapes, classic woody cars, and anything that will be reminiscent of beach-town life. (760/942-3636, www.offtrackgallery.com)

6/2-4: Blurred Borders International Dance Festival
The Patricia Rincon Dance Collective in conjunction with the San Diego Dance Alliance present new works by one of Ireland's premiere contemporary dance companies, Daghdha. (760/632-5340, www.rincondance.org)

6/3: 1964 - The Tribute
Rolling Stone proclaims that 1964 - The Tribute "is the best Beatles tribute show on earth." 1964 recreates a live Beatles show with all of the unmistakable touches: instruments, costumes, even hairstyles. Concert Hall at California Center for the Arts, Escondido. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

6/3-7/9: Christmas On Mars
By Harry Kondoleon and directed by Kristen Brandt, this production exhibits a strange, twisted, and self-serving assortment of characters trying to live together while their hidden agendas collide. The Old Globe's Cassius Carter Centre Stage. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

6/3-7/10: Landscapes Of The Spirit
The Ordover Gallery presents contemplative nature photography created by William Neill at the San Diego Natural History Museum. In addition to imagery by Neill, the fine-art photography of Bill Evarts, Abe Ordover, Tom O. Scott and Melissa Teller will also be shown. Wall pieces by glass artist Dick Ditore and the sculpture of Jeffery Laudenslager will also be featured. (619/232-3821, www.sdnhm.org)

6/4-8/5: Exhibition Featuring The Paintings Of Hugo Salinas, Christopher Blaikie And Distinction Victoria Huckins
An opening reception on June 10 from 5-8pm will feature live jazz music by RazzMaJazz. (760/781-5779, www.distinctionart.com)

6/4-5: Jeffrey Siegel, Keyboard Conversations
A concert-plus-commentary format in which Siegel speaks to the audience about the music before performing each work in its entirety. (619/239-0100, www.mainlymozart.org)

6/5-7: A Tribute To An Uncommon Playwright: Wendy Wasserstein
Wasserstein's wonderfully humorous and thought-provoking plays made her a premier Jewish voice in the theatre. Staged readings of three of her most popular plays (June 5 - Uncommon Women and Others; June 6 - Isn't It Romantic?; June 7 - The Heidi Chronicles) will be performed by San Diego's brightest stars. North Coast Repertory Theatre. (888/776-NCRT, www.northcoastrep.org)

6/6: Donavon Frankenreiter With Guests
The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)

6/8: Poncho Sanchez With Guests
The Latin jazz musician tells stories through his congas and seasoned ensemble, paying homage to the glories of a half-century tradition that was born when Afro-Cuban rhythms merged with bebop. The Belly Up. (858/481-8140, www.bellyup.com)

6/9: X-Fest XII
91X and House of Blues Concerts presents X-Fest XII featuring: The Cult, Dashboard Confessional, Franz Ferdinand, Panic! At The Disco, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Sounds, She Wants Revenge, Hard-Fi, and OK Go. Coors Amphitheatre. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

6/9-11: Irene Bedard Headlines San Diego Museum Of Man's Annual Indian Fair
A Native American singer and actress best known for her roles in the film Smoke Signals and as the voice of Pocahontas in the popular Disney film, Irene Bedard will headline the festivities at the museum's annual Indian Fair with her unique brand of "Native Rock." (619/239-2001, www.museumofman.org)

6/9-7/23: Amadeus
Lamb's Players Theatre presents a modern classic by Peter Shaffer, directed by Kerry Meads. (619/437-0600, www.lambsplayers.org)

6/9-10: Songs Of Experience
Conducted by David Chase, La Jolla Symphony and Chorus presents Bolcom's ambitious setting of William Blake's complete Songs of Innocence and Experience for soloists, multiple choral forces, and orchestra. Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD. (858/534-4637, www.lajollasymphony.com)

6/10-7/6: Black And White
Sharp Gallery presents a group exhibition of multimedia fine art in shades of black and white. An opening reception for the artists takes place on June 10 from 6-10pm. (619/546-9546, www.sharpgallery.net)

6/11: Chicago With Huey Lewis & The News
Viejas Concerts at Bayside. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

6/11: Kol Zimra
From Israel to the White House, these five talented young singers do it all. An uplifting evening of simcha and song from one of New York's hottest Jewish groups. Lyceum Space, San Diego Repertory Theatre. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com)

6/11: Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra
Conducted by David Atherton and comprised of principal players from the country's leading orchestras, the Festival Orchestra is highly regarded for its superior interpretations of the great classics. Concert Hall at California Center for the Arts, Escondido. (800/988-4253, www.artcenter.org)

6/12: The 6th Annual Klezmer Summit
Experience the beauty of Israeli songs in a vivid blending of music and dance by Kolot Ami featuring vocalist Cheri Sasson, music director Ruth Lopez-Yanez, and dancers B'Mahol. Lyceum Stage, San Diego Repertory Theatre. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com)

6/15-7/16: Beyond The Visible: Works by Abe Ordover and Will Gibson
New photographic artworks by Abe Ordover and Will Gibson will be on exhibition at the Ordover Project. Meet the artists during the opening reception on Thursday, June 15. (858/720-1121, www.ordoverproject.com)

6/17: The Valerie Gallery Anniversary Show
The Randall M. Hasson Gallery presents an anniversary show to celebrate The Valerie Gallery, named after Valerie Hasson, now full-time director, as well as the launching of six new artists in residence (Sharla Kay Bafia, Libby Scott, Cris Weatherby, Alex Sample, Marileigh Schulte, and Lisa Ross). 5-9pm at The Randall M. Hasson Gallery. (858/792-0902, www.randallmhasson.com)

6/17: Open House At The Old Globe
The Old Globe will host a free open house from 9:30am-1pm. The event will include presentations by the 2006 Shakespeare Festival company, backstage tours, costume displays, musical performances, and more (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

6/17-7/23: Plein Air Eleven
The annual plein air landscape show returns to Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, featuring over a dozen painters. A reception for the artists takes place June 17 from 4-8pm. Admission is free. (760/765-1676)

6/18-9/29: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Directed by Darko Tresnjak and playing at outdoors at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

6/19, 7/17: Old Globe Free Films
The Old Globe is offering free films in conjunction with the theatre's Insights Seminars for selected productions. The two Woody Allen films to be presented are: A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy on Monday, June 19, and Hannah and Her Sisters on Monday, July 17. All films begin at 7:45pm. (619/23-GLOBE, www.theoldglobe.org)

6/20: Blessings Of A Broken Heart
A world premiere reading of a new work based on Sherri Mandell's deeply moving journey of discovery and growing faith following the tragic slaying of her son. Lyceum Stage, San Diego Repertory Theatre. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com)

6/20-7/23: Mother Courage
La Jolla Playhouse presents a classic drama by Bertolt Brecht and directed by Lisa Peterson. Mandel Weiss Forum. (858/550-1010, www.lajollaplayhouse.com)

6/21: INXS With Scott Stapp
Viejas Concerts at Bayside. (619/220-TIXS, www.ticketmaster.com)

6/21: BAT 58: 58 Years Old
A tribute to Israeli music, Bat 58 features stunning arrangements of Israel's most popular songs. Lyceum Stage, San Diego Repertory Theatre. (619/544-1000, www.sandiegorep.com)

6/23-10/1: Othello
Written at the height of Shakespeare's creativity, Othello explores the tragedy of a love destroyed by jealousy. Outdoors at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)

6/24-25: La Jolla Festival Of The Arts
A spectacular two-day festival that features more than 190 award winning artists from across the country, along with a wide variety of cuisine from gourmet food vendors. (858/456-1268, www.lajollaartfestival.org)

6/24-7/29: Mauro Staccioli Exhibition
Internationally renowned, minimalist sculptor Mauro Staccioli will exhibit drawings and small sculptures at the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla, and on the fa?ade of the Lapiz building in La Jolla Village. An opening reception will take place on June 23. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. (858/454-5872, www.ljathenaeum.org)

6/28-9/30: Titus Andronicus
The Old Globe presents the single most popular play in Shakespeare's theatre during his lifetime - today considered one of his bloodiest. Outdoors at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (619/234-5623, www.theoldglobe.org)