Happy July!  I hope everyone is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of this country in a way that is worthy of this incredibly epic event.  I know that as someone who remembers the bicentennial celebration in the 70’s I am somewhat in awe that this “great experiment” has lasted to this point in time. 

For those not familiar with that concept, it is something referred to by George Washington.  He famously referred to the new United States as "the last great experiment for promoting human happiness".  In his first inaugural address, he framed it as a republican model of government whose destiny was "staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people". 

The Foundational Pillars of the democracy of our nation, based on the Constitution written by our Founding Fathers, were:

Popular Sovereignty: The government's power comes directly from the consent of the governed.

Separation of Powers: A system of checks and balances within the 3 executive branches is designed to prevent tyranny and self-interest.

The Rule of Law: A framework of laws where the Constitution is the supreme authority, not the whims of any single ruler.

On this 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America, I hope we take a moment to consider how fortunate we are to be a part of this experiment in spite of some of our history.  As a part of the governed, we all have a duty to make sure we support those pillars and do all that we can to make sure the success of America is continued on, not just for our own country, but to be a beacon to the world. 

Remember that as we head into year 251, the diligence of all of America’s citizens is necessary.  As a country, there have been mistakes in the process over the years but we always have opportunities to be better men and women and I still have faith that we will be.

The usual firework show sponsored by the City of Lake Elsinore from the levy on the south end of the lake starts at 9 pm.  Find a spot to enjoy it.  It is always inspiring.  For any other local events, I’d refer to the website www.lake-elsinore.org and on the landing page, scroll down to Upcoming Events. 

So, July starts out with classes at the Outlets Workshop for kids with Coyote Cubs on Saturday mornings and a grown-up painting of fireworks on the lake on Thursday, the 2nd with The Painted Coyote.  If you are interested, see the Events on our FB page for more information. 

I also have committed to finally getting around to leading a “class” myself.  Starting on Sundays 11 am to 1 pm I will be leading the Anti-social Audio Book Club & Craft Circle.  I realize that sounds odd but hear me out.  At this late stage in life I have begun to understand that I am likely neurodivergent.  I like people, in small amounts; if it's too people-y, I shut down or flee.  I’m not a fan of socializing with strangers but genuinely understand that socializing can be a good thing for someone as introverted as I am.  So, this book club is structured in a way that those who might be like me, can be comfortable and engaged in some of the things I like: books that are educational and maybe amusing on topics that are interesting to my dark, goth heart while doing some easy crafts, and maybe having some snacks.  Conversation is not required, in fact it is discouraged while the book is playing.  You can buy and do our craft, or bring your own craft work or choose to listen only.  You can bring your own snacks and drinks (to share or just for yourself) and we will have a cooler with ice and a table for those who have snacks to share.  No pressure, no expectations: just be yourself, with others.  Check out the flyer on this newsletter for more information.

The first book, From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death (5 sessions to cover this one), is by a favorite author and podcaster, Caitlin Doughty, who is a trained mortician and mortuary owner in Los Angeles.  The appeal on this one for me is her practical and amusing telling of stories she experienced around the world that outline the very different views and perspectives about death and grief and how it is managed by different cultures and countries.  It is so enlightening and as someone who has become a bit of a maven on the Dia de los Muertos I appreciate how the full cycle of life, including death, is important to all cultures.  It will be fun so come by and give yourself some “me” time.

The other important mention for July is that we will dark for our monthly Art Walk.  Our esteemed artist and event leader, Shila, will be out of town on a family vacation.  But we will be back on schedule for the third Saturday in August.

As always, there are things coming soon, including a way to be an inaugural member of STUDIO 395 by supporting our programming and our overall mission.  There will also be a way for local artists to utilize our workshop space to create their own art at regular open hours. 

We look forward to a great second half to 2026 and we hope you will join in on the fun with us soon!  If you need to reach me you can always find me a rebecca@studio395.org.