The renovated Casa Romantica anchors downtown San Clemente, bridges new residents to San Clemente's original charm, enriches arts programming in local schools, and bolsters the quality of life for all of South Orange County by offering unprecedented educational and cultural programming for people of all ages and backgrounds.

To request a media packet or for more information about Casa Romantica news, please email our Marketing Director at Karena@casaromantica.org.

Director’s Welcome

As spring turns into summer at Casa Romantica, the gardens are in bloom and are flourishing daily with new plantings, such as the heirloom roses in the Butterfly Garden and the native blooms in the Richard & Donna O’Neil Native Plant Garden.  From the gardens to new programming, there is a lot “in bloom” at the Casa.

It was a joy to see the turnout for the opening reception of the 5^th Annual Student Art Showcase.  Not only did our student artists amaze us with their talent, the musicians from our high school provided wonderful music for all to enjoy. There is still time to take in this exhibition that includes the work of students from San Clemente High School as well as our three middle schools.

While our staff prepared for this exhibition, we were off and running with The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts.  By now, I am sure you know that the Casa and our partners invited all of Orange County to read To Kill a Mockingbird and then join in on one of the many discussion groups.  The Big Read program is designed to revitalize the role of literary reading in American popular culture. I want to personally thank everyone who participated. 

I had the chance to attend the book discussion group for the San Clemente Surf Team led by Stephanie Edwards at the Surfing Heritage Foundation.  I was impressed by the insightful comments and analysis coming from these students. They are all busy in many ways, but still they participated in The Big Read. I extend special thanks to John Donnell, the SCHS Surf Coach who encouraged his team members to participate.  I would have to bet it is the first time a Surf Team participated in this national program! I was also thrilled to accompany former child star of the movie, To Kill a Mockingbird, Mary Badham, to San Clemente High School and St. Margaret’s High School.  Mary had a lot to say about her life and the students had many questions about her experience in filming the movie. 

The involvement with our young people is so important.  Research shows that the skills developed through arts education include creative problem solving, learning how to focus, how to take risks and how to develop self-discipline. Casa Romantica is pleased to act as a catalyst and a place of encouragement for young artists in a variety of ways. 

On a final note, I would like to personally invite you to join us at one or all of the wonderful events that will take place during the running of our summertime exhibition, Pressing Matters, 500 Years of Wine in Art from the Sterling Vineyards Print Portfolio which opens June 18 and runs through August 10.  From wine blending and tasting to a special evening concert and picnic, there is something magical for everyone at Casa Romantica this summer.

Our treasured historic home and cultural center is here for all to enjoy. Please visit us soon to enjoy the gardens and partake in our growth.

Jan McKay

Executive Director

©2004 Casa Romantica
Site Design by DardenLentz

"SAN CLEMENTE, THE SPANISH VILLAGE BY THE SEA"

The wonderful coffee table book entitled "San Clemente, Spanish Village by the Sea" will be on sale at Casa Romanitca throughout the year. Created by the Chamber of Commerce and the San Clemente Heritage Foundation, the book is a beautiful photographic and artistic journal of scenes from San Clemente, compiled from the works of local artists and photographers. Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit Casa Romantica. Cost is $65.