Experience the life and work of legendary artist Frida Kahlo in new, interactive ways this week through a series of free events with actor and playwright Vanessa Severo, Carlsbad’s latest Guest Artist in Residence. The city’s Guest Artist Residency program is designed to celebrate local talent and showcase a range of gifted performers, musicians and artists from the region and across the nation. Severo studied at Missouri State University as well as The American Conservatory Theatre, San Francisco. She is the creator of Frida… A Self Portrait, a one-woman production about the tumultuous and brilliant life of Kahlo, one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.

Cultural Arts Manager Richard Schultz commented, “Vanessa’s residency this week adds a new dimension to the Frida Kahlo exhibit. She brings an opportunity for local audiences to explore Frida’s story in a theatrical and interactive performance dynamic. Her talents and deep knowledge of Frida result in a memorable experience.”

Wednesday, Sept. 15

• 6:30 p.m. – Pre-film Q&A with Vanessa Severo and screening of the film Frida (Drama, 2002, R, 2h 3m), Schulman Auditorium

Friday, Sept. 17                              

• 7:30 p.m. – Frida… A Self-Portrait performance and Q&A, Schulman Auditorium

Saturday, Sept. 18

• 10 a.m. – Coffee with Frida in the William D. Cannon Art Gallery – Meet and greet with actor Vanessa Severo
• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Pop Up Art: An Interactive Encounter
• 7:30 p.m. – Frida…A Self-Portrait performance and Q&A, Schulman Auditorium

Severo’s artist residency in Carlsbad coincides with Frida Kahlo’s Garden, a breathtaking exhibition now on display at the city’s Cannon Art Gallery. From iconic photographs of the artist, her home, and garden to authentic memorabilia on loan by a Carlsbad private collector, the exhibition is an exploration of Kahlo’s life, home and natural surroundings. The exhibition continues through Oct. 20 at the Cannon Art Gallery, located at 1775 Dove Lane. Admission is free.

More information

The Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office presents a robust series of concerts, exhibitions, special events, arts educational opportunities and public art installations. The Guest Artist Residency program celebrates local talent and showcases a notable array of gifted performers, musicians and artists from the region and across the nation as part of the City of Carlsbad's Arts & Culture Master Plan. Most guest artist residencies are up to five days in duration with an array of events throughout Carlsbad including workshops and performances.

Media contact

Karen McGuire, karen.mcguire@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-2022