Celebrating diverse artistic talents and providing insightful discussions around various art-related topics.
AboutIn 2024, SLO County Arts and the City of SLO Public Art Program teamed up to host a series of free lectures from artists, art educators, and curators who shared experiences and stories from the creative field. We are thrilled to bring this program back for its third year in 2026! Events take place on select Wednesdays at the San Luis Obispo Public Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street from 6pm to 7:30pm.
2026 Event Schedule
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August 19
Timo Beckwith
Timo will explore how themes of time, form, and the natural world shape his creative practice, which spans across sculpture, painting, digital art, dance, and music.
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September 16
Elizabeth Johnson
Experience a visual survey of Elizabeth Johnson’s 50-year artistic career, reflecting on the ideas and community connections that have sustained her conceptual practice.
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October 21
Linnea Valdivia
In Unruly Bodies: Monstrosity, Race and Gender in Pop Culture, Linnea Valdivia examines how race and gender influence the portrayal of female “unruliness” in popular culture.
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November 18
Caleb Nichols
Writer, musician, and SLO County Poet Laureate Caleb Nichols will share work from their poetry collection, reflect on the Poet Laureate program and the role of poetry in civic engagement.
Register for a Lecture
Each lecture is free to attend, but please register in advance! Know of someone in the arts community who you think would make a great presenter for a future art talk? You may also nominate someone through this form!
Become a Presenter
Visual artists, performing artists, literary artists, art historians, curators, activists, supporters and educators are invited to submit seminar proposals for the opportunity to be a part of this lecture series. Review the Request for Proposals to learn more and apply!
“Rooted in Art”
In 2026, this program relaunched under a new name, Rooted in Art. The new name honors the memory of Allen Root, a local artist and advocate who committed his life to art and community. Allen served as SLO County Arts Board President for four years, created multiple public art sculptures, played a key role in creating the Percent for Art Ordinance, and assisted the City with many Public Art maintenance projects. SLO County Arts and the City of SLO hope that this program can serve as a testament to his powerful legacy as a community centerpiece, storyteller and artist.
