{"id":294543,"date":"2010-11-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2010-11-04T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sdnews.com\/owner-of-warwicks-opens-up-about-the-stores-arts-website\/"},"modified":"2010-11-04T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2010-11-04T07:00:00","slug":"owner-of-warwicks-opens-up-about-the-stores-arts-website","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/owner-of-warwicks-opens-up-about-the-stores-arts-website\/","title":{"rendered":"Owner of Warwick\u2019s opens up about the store\u2019s arts website"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since the late 1930s Warwick\u2019s bookstore, located at 7812 Girard Ave., has been owned and operated by the Warwick family. As an extension of its already thriving book, gift and stationary operations, owner Nancy Warwick and her friend, Nancy Bockoven, launched the website “Art + Culture | La Jolla” last October. The website focuses on La Jolla happenings, with a twist: local high school students write all the reviews and previews. In celebration of its first anniversary, Warwick provided some interesting developments in an exclusive Q&A with the Village News about what “Art + Culture” is all about. Noticias del pueblo<\/b>: One year ago you created the “Art + Culture | La Jolla” website. What inspired its creation? Nancy Warwick:<\/b> The idea for “Art + Culture | La Jolla” grew out of a discussion I had with Doug Dawson, who is president of\u00a0the Friends of the La Jolla Library.\u00a0During this conversation, I learned for the first time about the number and variety of programs offered at the library.\u00a0 After our meeting, I reflected on my own pattern of arts participation and realized how little I had changed in my habits over time. Despite the varied and rich array of events in La Jolla, I lacked awareness of those outside my routine.\u00a0Also, it occurred to me that there were probably many others like me, and I decided that what we needed a website in La Jolla that would provide a comprehensive listing of La Jolla\u2019s arts and cultural events. VN:<\/b> I understand your friend Nancy Bockoven is a professional artist, graphic designer and former employee of Warwick\u2019s. How did she become involved in the “Art + Culture” project? NW:<\/b> I wouldn\u2019t have pursued this project without her. I was familiar with the quality of her work and I was convinced that her artistic sensibility was well suited to a project such as this. I knew we would make a compatible team. VN:<\/b> Your website is La Jolla-focused. Why La Jolla and not all of San Diego? NW:<\/b> Our commitment to promoting the artistic and cultural happenings in La Jolla is simultaneously a commitment to the community itself.\u00a0Our goal is for everyone familiar with La Jolla to also be aware of the breadth and variety of the cultural experiences available. It is our hope that “Art + Culture” will help deepen awareness, pride and involvement in La Jolla\u2019s vibrant and diverse arts scene. It is our expectation that many La Jollans will be amazed to discover what\u2019s in their own backyard. VN:<\/b> Were there any surprises or interesting developments that occurred during the first year? NW:<\/b> First, the weekly e-newsletter has become very popular.\u00a0We have about 650 subscribers.\u00a0Every Thursday we send out a listing of what\u2019s happening in La Jolla that week. Included in this weekly calendar is a listing of which events are free.\u00a0By the way, there are a surprising number of\u00a0free events.\u00a0\u00a0 Second, the quality of the student\u00a0reports far exceeded my expectations.\u00a0Most of our student reporters attend La Jolla High School and their submissions are impressive and sophisticated.\u00a0The discovery that not just one or two, but a number of our young adults are already able to translate an art experience into a successful and sometimes beautiful journalistic piece is, for me, a source of optimism and excitement. \u00a0 VN: <\/b>What are some challenges that the website has faced? NW: <\/b>Our biggest challenge is getting the word out. The website is commercial-free and we don\u2019t charge for the event listings. While Warwick\u2019s is the sponsor of the site, I\u2019m pretty much limited to just paying for the graphic design work and web maintenance. \u00a0\u00a0 VN:<\/b> How does one submit, and what are some tips for students that will help their submissions get published? \u00a0 NW:<\/b> Any 11th- or 12th-grade student attending high school in San Diego may participate. Most students find out about the opportunity through teachers or friends. For example, three teachers at LJHS have done a great job in getting the word out.\u00a0Once an interested student contacts me, I arrange for comp tickets or help set up an interview. We request a report on the exhibit or event within a two-week time frame. Not only do we post the report, but we also profile the students.\u00a0 Given\u00a0the severe cutbacks in arts funding at the public schools,\u00a0this is an especially important time to step in and help foster a connection between students and the arts.\u00a0Participation in the project also looks great on a college application! For more information on how to get involved, or to check out what\u2019s going on in La Jolla this week, visit www.artculturelajolla.com or email at info@artculturelajolla.com.