A Gift of Art

“A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect.”
— Jonathan Lockwood Huie

What do you buy for the person who has everything? An experienceor membershipis an opportunity to participate in a fun activity or a local organization and a great gift for that hard to buy for person on your list. Plus there is the chance you can join the recipient to make a memory together. And why not make it a gift of arts and culture such as tickets to a play, concert, movie or lecture. Or consider a membership in a local arts non-profit organization or reserve a space at an art class. The options are endless but below are some ideas.

The Gift of Music

This December marks the third year that the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra will offer “Holidays in Coronado” a classic music concert featuring over 50 musicians, a choir and dancers from Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) interpreting classic holiday themes from the Nutcracker to your favorite holiday music. For an opportunity to create an early holiday experience purchase tickets for this beautiful performance on Saturday evening, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is held in the Coronado Performing Arts Center located at 650 D Avenue. Tickets range in price from $5 for students to $50 for VIP seating. Purchase online at coronadophilharmonia.org.

The Gift of Theater

Coronado has two theaters. Coronado Playhouse has been a Coronado tradition since 1946. Located at 1845 Strand Way within the Coronado Community Center they have six productions planned for their 2024 Season. A subscription for all six shows is $108 and includes seating at the FREE Summer Classic. All single tickets are priced at $27. For best seating contact the box office at (619) 4354856 or boxoffice@coronadoplayhouse.com.

Lamb’s Player’s Theatre located in the historic Spreckels Building at 1142 Orange Avenue since 1994 is celebrating their 30th anniversary in Coronado in 2024. They were a centerpiece of the revitalization of Coronado’s downtown in the 90’s. Through Christmas Eve they have merged the cast members from their recent musical hits “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” and “Million Dollar Quartet” into a joyous celebration of Christmas songs and carols. The production “Respectfully Christmas” is 90 minutes and as an early holiday gift you can combine the performance with dinner beforehand at one of the many restaurants within walking distance. Tickets for this performance range from $24-$82. Purchase tickets online at lambsplayers.org or contact their box office at (619) 437-6000.

The Gift of History

Just down the way from Lamb’s is the home of the Coronado Historical Association (CHA) at 1100 Orange Avenue. Established in 1969 the organization presents intriguing exhibits and innovative programs highlighting Coronado history for all ages. A General Family Membership is $60, and all memberships receive two complimentary Historic Walking Tour tickets, a discount in the Museum Store, invitations to CHA events, exhibit openings, and programs. Benefits also include reduced fees for archival research and discount prices on all special event tickets, including CHA's annual fundraiser, the Mother's Day Historic Home Tour. This gift will be supporting one of the things we all love most about Coronado –our history.

Another way to experience Coronado history is to purchase a CHA Wine & Lecture series ticket, so you always have a seat at their latest installment of their popular lecture series.

Current members can pre-purchase a series of tickets for the 2024 January through May Wine & Lectures for $60 (a $15 savings). New members also can gain exclusive access to this series ticket for $120, which includes a oneyear General/Family Membership to CHA (a $40 savings). Purchase membership or lecture series tickets at coronadohistory.org or call (619) -435-7242.

The Gift of Books

Have a reader in the family? Coronado’s Public Library is a gift that keeps giving with an abundance of free programs throughout the year. Did you know that a majority of the library’s programming is funded through the work of the Coronado Friends of the Library (FOL) organization? Consider gifting a membership to the Friends. Individual memberships start at $25, and a Family membership is $50. Benefits include supporting library programs, Friday entry to the Annual Book Fair, early notice of special sales, invitation to and voting privilege at their annual membership meeting and eligibility for organization participation. Other FOL member benefits include special promotions at Secondhand Prose (The Friend's bookstore) and early notification and priority seating at events such their popular Author Lecture Series. You can sign up online at coronadofol.org or pick up a membership form at the front desk of the Coronado Public Library at 640 Orange Avenue.

The Author Lecture Series in 2023 included evenings with best -selling authors Bonnie Garmus, “Lessons in Chemistry,” Rebecca Makkai , “I Have Some Questions for You,” Kristin Hannah, “The Four Winds,” William H McRaven , “The Wisdom of the Bullfrog: Leadership Made Simple (But Not Easy),” and most recently Michael Connelly “Resurrection Walk”.

On Wednesday evening, December 13 married authors Neal Allen and Anne Lamott will discuss the new book “Better Days” at the Coronado Performing Arts Center at Coronado High School, located at 650 D Avenue from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Coronado Public Library. Tickets range from $10 to $38.95 and you can purchase a copy of the book to be signed at the event. To purchase tickets, visit www.warwicks.com or call (858) 454-0347.

The Gift of Film

And for the cinephiles in your family, why not purchase tickets to the Coronado Island Film Festival (CIFF) Monthly Classic Films Series at the Coronado Vintage Village Theater at 820 Orange Avenue and enjoy classic films the way they were meant to be watched – on the BIG SCREEN!

And just in after a very successful festival CIFF has announced the Emerald Badge for the 2024 Film Festival at the 2023 rate of $295.00 (plus fees). Prices will increase to $350 after December 24. For more information visit coronadofilmfest.com.

The Gift of Creativity

Finally if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend an evening in Coronado, why not give the gift of an evening at Coronado’s Emerald C Gallery (located behind the Brigantine Restaurant at 1331 Orange Avenue) for their Wine & Paint Nights. Happening every Wednesday & Saturday from 6-8 p.m. enjoy a night with friends or meet new ones while creating a beautiful work of art. Each month they have new featured paintings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll have a great time creating your own masterpiece. Cost is $48 for a two -hour workshop and includes all supplies, instruction, and beverages to complete a 11” x 14” canvas masterpiece. For more information or to reserve your seat visit emeraldc.com or call (619) 996 -3315.

Wrap it Up!

That wraps it all up for gift ideas for a 2023 artful holiday but if you want more ideas for arts events throughout the year visit CoronadoARTS.com and sign up for “Five on Friday” a free publication of the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission. Every Friday morning you will receive an email of five or more art events happening in Coronado during the upcoming week.