Since the late 1930s Warwick’s 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. Village News: One year ago you created the “Art + Culture | La Jolla” website. What inspired its creation? Nancy Warwick: The idea for “Art + Culture | La Jolla” grew out of a discussion I had with Doug Dawson, who is president of the Friends of the La Jolla Library. During this conversation, I learned for the first time about the number and variety of programs offered at the library.  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. Also, 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’s arts and cultural events. VN: I understand your friend Nancy Bockoven is a professional artist, graphic designer and former employee of Warwick’s. How did she become involved in the “Art + Culture” project? NW: I wouldn’t 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: Your website is La Jolla-focused. Why La Jolla and not all of San Diego? NW: Our commitment to promoting the artistic and cultural happenings in La Jolla is simultaneously a commitment to the community itself. Our 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’s vibrant and diverse arts scene. It is our expectation that many La Jollans will be amazed to discover what’s in their own backyard. VN: Were there any surprises or interesting developments that occurred during the first year? NW: First, the weekly e-newsletter has become very popular. We have about 650 subscribers. Every Thursday we send out a listing of what’s happening in La Jolla that week. Included in this weekly calendar is a listing of which events are free. By the way, there are a surprising number of free events.   Second, the quality of the student reports far exceeded my expectations. Most of our student reporters attend La Jolla High School and their submissions are impressive and sophisticated. The 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.   VN: What are some challenges that the website has faced? NW: Our biggest challenge is getting the word out. The website is commercial-free and we don’t charge for the event listings. While Warwick’s is the sponsor of the site, I’m pretty much limited to just paying for the graphic design work and web maintenance.    VN: How does one submit, and what are some tips for students that will help their submissions get published?   NW: 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. Once 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.  Given the severe cutbacks in arts funding at the public schools, this is an especially important time to step in and help foster a connection between students and the arts. Participation in the project also looks great on a college application! For more information on how to get involved, or to check out what’s going on in La Jolla this week, visit www.artculturelajolla.com or email at [email protected].