The La Jolla Historical Society has officially announced the comprehensive 2026 schedule for its Growing Together series, a groundbreaking initiative designed to unify the coastal community’s leading cultural institutions through a diverse array of free, family- and youth-focused programming. This ambitious year-long endeavor aims to transcend La Jolla’s renowned reputation as a picturesque beach destination, actively cultivating its identity as a vibrant and accessible cultural hub. Collaborating with esteemed partners including the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, and Murals of La Jolla, the series builds upon existing successes of each institution, linking them under a shared vision of community engagement and artistic enrichment. Each event within the Growing Together framework is meticulously crafted to foster an inclusive, festive atmosphere, encouraging exploration, nurturing creativity, and strengthening community bonds.

The Genesis of a Collaborative Vision: Uniting La Jolla’s Cultural Pillars

The Growing Together series represents a significant milestone in La Jolla’s cultural landscape, embodying a strategic move towards greater collaboration among its diverse arts and heritage organizations. The initiative is rooted in the understanding that while La Jolla boasts world-class institutions, their collective impact can be amplified through synergistic programming that directly addresses community needs and aspirations. The series is particularly focused on offering accessible entry points to the arts for families and young people, recognizing the crucial role early exposure to culture plays in personal development and community cohesion.

Lauren Lockhart, Executive Director of the La Jolla Historical Society, articulated the profound potential of this collective effort. " Growing Together demonstrates what’s possible when our institutions come together around a shared commitment to access to the arts and a collaborative vision," Lockhart stated. "These events invite families and young people to experience La Jolla’s rich arts and culture scene in new ways and inspire connection through hands-on participation." This sentiment underscores the core philosophy of the series: to dismantle perceived barriers to cultural engagement and to create a welcoming environment where art and history are experienced actively rather than passively. The choice of "Growing Together" as the series title itself reflects this dual objective—the growth of individuals through cultural exposure and the growth of the community through shared experiences.

La Jolla, often celebrated for its stunning coastline, pristine beaches, and upscale amenities, possesses a deeply rooted, albeit sometimes understated, cultural heritage. From its early days as an artists’ colony to its current status as home to internationally recognized museums and libraries, the community has always harbored a strong artistic pulse. The Growing Together series seeks to bring this pulse to the forefront, showcasing the depth and breadth of its cultural offerings to both residents and visitors, thereby enriching the community’s overall appeal and quality of life.

A Tapestry of Institutions: The Collaborators at a Glance

The success of Growing Together hinges on the strength and unique contributions of its collaborating institutions, each bringing a distinct flavor to the series:

• La Jolla Historical Society (LJHS): As the primary organizer and often the host venue, the LJHS serves as the central nexus for the Growing Together series. Dedicated to celebrating the history and culture of the coastal region, the LJHS operates as a distinctive historic house museum. Its mission extends beyond mere preservation, actively engaging in interdisciplinary programs, exhibitions, and research that challenge conventional expectations and foster meaningful connections between past and present. By balancing contemporary and historic perspectives, the LJHS is uniquely positioned to bridge different artistic disciplines and explore the intricate relationship between culture and society, often in collaboration with guest curators, artists, architects, and other cultural producers. Its campus at 780 Prospect Street offers a central, accessible location for many of the series’ events.

• Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD): A major cultural landmark, MCASD is renowned for its compelling collection of post-1950s art and its commitment to presenting cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions. Following a significant renovation and expansion, MCASD’s La Jolla campus provides an expansive and inspiring backdrop for engaging with modern artistic expression. Its participation in Growing Together offers an invaluable opportunity for families and youth to connect with contemporary art in an accessible, interactive manner, demystifying often-complex artistic movements and fostering an appreciation for innovation.

• Athenaeum Music & Arts Library: This independent, non-profit cultural institution is a rare gem, serving as both a library and an art gallery. With a rich history of supporting visual arts, music, and literary arts, the Athenaeum offers a unique blend of resources and programming. Its commitment to education, particularly through programs like "Teen Art Fridays," makes it a natural partner for Growing Together. The Athenaeum’s intimate setting and dedicated focus on arts instruction provide an ideal environment for hands-on creative exploration, nurturing emerging artistic talent within the community.

• Murals of La Jolla: This public art project transforms the village into an outdoor art gallery, commissioning renowned artists to create large-scale murals on various buildings. These vibrant installations inject art directly into daily life, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they step foot inside a museum. Murals of La Jolla’s involvement in Growing Together is crucial for demonstrating how art can be integrated into public spaces, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the urban environment and fostering a sense of shared ownership over the community’s aesthetic identity.

• Songs4Smiles: A notable addition to the May 3rd event, Songs4Smiles is a non-profit organization run by students from the San Diego Youth Symphony. Their participation highlights the series’ commitment to youth engagement not only as participants but also as contributors. Providing live music, Songs4Smiles adds an auditory dimension to the visual art experience, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of the arts and showcasing the talent of young musicians.

The 2026 "Growing Together" Program Calendar: A Year of Engagement

The 2026 calendar for the Growing Together series is thoughtfully curated, offering a balanced mix of immersive experiences, educational workshops, and community celebrations throughout the year. Each event is designed to be free and open to all ages, though some are specifically tailored to youth demographics, ensuring broad appeal and maximum impact.

May 3, 2026 | 12-2pm | Outdoor Art Immersion with Murals of La Jolla

The series kicks off its public programming on Sunday, May 3rd, with a vibrant collaboration centered around Murals of La Jolla, hosted at the La Jolla Historical Society campus. This immersive, community-forward event is poised to transform the experience of viewing public art into an interactive adventure for families. Participants will embark on a self-guided "mini-murals" tour, featuring a carefully selected route of 3 to 4 prominent murals. A downloadable map will guide explorers, complemented by a scavenger hunt designed to encourage close observation and engagement with the artworks. To enhance the festive atmosphere, live music, provided by the talented students of Songs4Smiles, will animate select stops along the tour route. Children will be particularly delighted by the interactive "passport stamps" collected at each mural, serving as tangible mementos of their artistic journey.

Upon returning to the La Jolla Historical Society, the artistic exploration continues. Guests can enjoy shaded, hands-on activities directly inspired by the murals, allowing them to experiment with themes, colors, and techniques observed during their tour. An artist-guided workshop will offer deeper insights into mural creation and artistic processes, providing a unique learning opportunity. A highlight of the afternoon will be the collaborative community mural project, where individuals of all ages can contribute to a collective artwork, fostering a sense of shared creativity and community ownership. Beyond the art, the event promises a convivial atmosphere with lawn games for lighthearted recreation and delicious tacos available for purchase, rounding out a fun, creative afternoon designed to connect families with art, place, and each other in a truly memorable way.

June 5, 2026 | 4-6pm | Teen Art Fridays at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

Shifting focus to youth engagement, the Growing Together program on June 5th will be presented as a special iteration of the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library’s successful "Teen Art Fridays" series. Hosted at the Athenaeum, this event is specifically designed as a free after-school program for middle and high school students. "Teen Art Fridays" has a proven track record of providing a safe and inspiring space for young artists to develop their skills and express themselves. The Growing Together collaboration will amplify this mission by offering guided, hands-on art experiences tailored to encourage creative exploration, foster meaningful connections among peers, and deepen their engagement with La Jolla’s rich cultural landscape. Participants can expect to work with various mediums, learn new techniques, and receive mentorship from experienced artists and educators, all within the supportive and stimulating environment of the Athenaeum.

August 21, 2026 | 12-2pm | Second Teen Art Fridays at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

Recognizing the immense value and popularity of the "Teen Art Fridays" model, a second collaboration with the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library is scheduled for August 21st. This repeat engagement underscores the commitment of both the La Jolla Historical Society and the Athenaeum to providing sustained opportunities for youth artistic development. The August event will further expand avenues for teens to delve into creativity, likely featuring new workshops and different artist-led instruction. This continued partnership ensures that a broader cohort of middle and high school students can access high-quality arts education in a welcoming, youth-focused setting, reinforcing the message that La Jolla’s cultural institutions are deeply invested in the next generation of artists and cultural enthusiasts.

Fall 2026 | Contemporary Art Engagement with Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD)

As the year progresses into fall, Growing Together will partner with the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego for a program specifically designed to engage families through the dynamic world of contemporary art. While specific details of the MCASD collaboration are yet to be fully unveiled, participants can anticipate an event that leverages the museum’s impressive collections and newly revitalized spaces to offer unique hands-on creative experiences. This could involve family art-making workshops inspired by current exhibitions, interactive tours that encourage critical thinking about contemporary themes, or creative projects that allow participants to experiment with modern art techniques. The partnership with MCASD is crucial for introducing younger audiences to the relevance and excitement of contemporary art, making the often-intimidating museum environment feel welcoming and inspiring for all ages.

November 8, 2026 | 11am-2pm | Second Murals of La Jolla Celebration

The 2026 Growing Together series will culminate in November with a second collaboration with Murals of La Jolla, providing another opportunity for families and visitors to engage with public art. Building on the success and popular elements of the May event, this concluding program will likely offer new mural routes or different interactive activities, ensuring a fresh experience for repeat attendees while maintaining the core appeal of blending visual art, music, and community storytelling within La Jolla’s public spaces. This final event will serve as a celebratory capstone to a year of artistic exploration and community building, reinforcing the impact of the series and leaving participants with a lasting impression of La Jolla’s vibrant cultural identity.

All Growing Together events are consistently free and open to all ages, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to accessibility. The La Jolla Historical Society campus at 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037, will serve as a central hub for many of these activities, symbolizing the collaborative spirit of the entire series.

Broader Implications and Community Impact

The Growing Together series carries significant implications for La Jolla, extending far beyond the immediate enjoyment of its participants.

• Elevating Cultural Tourism and Identity: By actively promoting La Jolla as a cultural destination beyond its world-class beaches, the series diversifies the region’s appeal. This strategic emphasis on arts and culture can attract a different segment of visitors—those seeking enriching experiences alongside leisure. Cultural tourists often stay longer and spend more, providing a tangible economic boost to local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. Furthermore, it solidifies La Jolla’s identity as a well-rounded community that values intellectual and artistic pursuits alongside natural beauty.

• Fostering Youth Engagement and Education: The strong focus on youth and family programming addresses a critical need for accessible arts education. Studies consistently show that early exposure to the arts enhances cognitive development, problem-solving skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Free programs like "Teen Art Fridays" provide invaluable opportunities for students who might otherwise lack access to such resources, potentially inspiring future artists, patrons, and cultural leaders. By offering a continuum of engagement from early childhood through adolescence, Growing Together invests directly in the human capital of the community.

• Strengthening Community Cohesion: Shared cultural experiences are powerful tools for community building. The events within the Growing Together series create common ground for residents from diverse backgrounds to interact, learn, and create together. This communal participation fosters a sense of belonging, reduces social isolation, and strengthens the overall fabric of the community. The collaborative mural projects, in particular, symbolize this collective spirit, allowing individuals to contribute to a shared legacy.

• Demonstrating the Power of Inter-Institutional Collaboration: The partnership among the La Jolla Historical Society, MCASD, the Athenaeum, and Murals of La Jolla sets a precedent for how cultural organizations can work together effectively. This model of resource sharing, joint planning, and integrated marketing can serve as a blueprint for other communities seeking to maximize the impact of their cultural assets. Such collaborations can lead to more innovative programming, broader outreach, and a more sustainable cultural ecosystem.

• Enhancing Accessibility and Equity: The "free and open to all ages" policy of Growing Together is a cornerstone of its mission. By removing financial barriers, the series ensures that high-quality arts and cultural experiences are available to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. This commitment to equity is vital for fostering a truly inclusive community where cultural enrichment is a universal right, not a privilege.

The La Jolla Historical Society: A Catalyst for Cultural Innovation

At the heart of this ambitious initiative is the La Jolla Historical Society, an institution that consistently challenges the traditional perception of a historical society. While deeply rooted in preserving the past, LJHS embraces contemporary relevance through its interdisciplinary programs, exhibitions, and research. Operating as a distinctive historic house museum, it actively develops projects that cross disciplinary boundaries, exploring the dynamic relationship between culture and society in collaboration with a diverse range of guest curators, artists, architects, and other cultural producers. Its role in spearheading Growing Together exemplifies its commitment to not just documenting history, but actively shaping the cultural future of La Jolla.

The 2026 Growing Together series, orchestrated by the La Jolla Historical Society and its esteemed partners, is poised to redefine La Jolla’s cultural landscape. Through a thoughtful blend of historical context, contemporary art, and community engagement, the series reinforces the region’s identity as a vibrant and cultural destination—one where families, youth, and visitors are not merely observers, but active participants invited to explore, create, and connect in profound and meaningful ways. This year-long celebration of art and community promises to leave an indelible mark on La Jolla, cementing its status as a beacon of cultural enrichment for years to come.