Debra Disman

Artist

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Artists

“Hidden Gems of Santa Monica” Episode

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18th Street Arts Center Featured in “Hidden Gems of Santa Monica” TV Show Episode!

I was thrilled to be a part of the  “Hidden Gems” TV episode   featuring precious, special places places Santa Monica has to offer, including 18th Street Arts Center.

Thank you Jan Williamson, and 18th Street Arts Center, Peter Greenberg and  Hidden Gems, and Lauren Salisbury and Santa Monica Travel and Tourism.

The filming was great fun and the resulting episode a revelation. I learned about magical Santa Monica places and offerings, some of which I had not been aware of despite living there for ten years, and being a part of the 18th Street Arts Center community for several.
https://petergreenberg.com/2025/12/16/hidden-gems-of-santa-monica/.

In the episode, he talks about the lure of Santa Monica’s surf, sea and sun, its signature art scene, and its gems are hiding in plain sight.
“It’s more than just a vibrant Los Angeles community. It’s a destination that is emblematic of the California dream, best known for its beaches, pier, promenade and iconic bathing beauties. It also happens to be the final stop of historic Route 66. But there’s far more to do here than to just soak up the sun. I take you to, through, and high above my hidden gems of Santa Monica.” —Peter Greenberg

Such offerings help us top see place and things, in a whole new way, and I am appreciate, grateful and excited about participating, learning, growing and sharing along with fellow 18th Street Art Center Artists in Residence, Dan Kwong and Lita Albuquerque.

“Thank you so much for your support of this exciting media opportunity! I am so pleased to share that the episode is live. Here’s the link: https://petergreenberg.com/2025/12/16/hidden-gems-of-santa-monica/.” — Jan Williamson, 18th Street Arts Center Executive Director

“The segment will continue to receive broad distribution in the months ahead, including placement in Peter Greenberg’s weekly e-newsletter. This spring, the episode will premiere as the cover story within Season 11 of The Travel Detective, airing on PBS stations nationwide. Approximately one month following the broadcast premiere, the episode will be available globally on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+, followed by YouTube approximately six months later.” —Lauren Salisbury, Santa Monica Travel and Tourism.

WATCH THE EPISODE HERE!

“WE Write the Book” Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency CULMINATION!

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I was thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!

On December 20, 2025, after 11 onsite bookmaking workshops with the community at the Library,  we held our Residency CULMINATION Event!

Below are videos and images of the event. Families, seniors, students and staff graced us with their presence!

View the splendid books participants created through the Residency!
Hear the participants words as they share their books!

Participants shared the books they had made, supported and celebrated each other, and reveled in project materials to create small, sewn, travel books to send them into 2026 and Beyond!

Artists and devoted workshop attendees Amy and Cathie share their BookWorks!


This young bookmaker loves cars, and his book/s reveal his knowledge of them!

His sister created books about endangered animals and how to help them; flowers; and a cookbook of favorite recipes!

    Moms and sons create books!

          A a beautiful, learning-filled and fun time was had by all.

Here’s to a healthy and creative 2026!

 

“WE Write the Book”: Making Flower Fold Gift Books-in-a-Box at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!

It was a joy to teach the “flower fold” book structure that participants could place in small boxes they embellished, and offer to to others or to themselves for the holidays!

Makers had access to beautiful origami papers direct from Japan!

Participants including family groups, seniors and others learned how to make the flower fold book structure using a myriad of beautiful origami papers, and then how to attach multiple flower folds together to create a longer book that folds up into a square.

Needless to say, magnificent works were created!


Makers’ Hands!

       
Making use of materials in a different way!

This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!

Join us for our next workshop on December 10, 2025!

And for our CULMINATION Event on December 20th!

“WE Write the Book”: Making CODEX Books with Spines at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!

On November 22, 2025, participants learned how to create a sewn “codex” book with a spine, and how to add a single  signature. Signatures are two or more sheets of paper stacked and folded as a group, or a gathering of folded pages, using the pamphlet stitch.


Using all sorts of materials, participants transformed paper scraps into intricate scenes and designs,


used material found in nature,

employed drawing tools, using markers, paint pens and pencils,

added maps and more,

and supported each other while having fun and learning new things!

We have three more programs in December, including a grand CULMINATION event on December 20th.
JOIN US!

This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!

“WE Write the Book”: Two-Signature Bookmaking at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!
The participants here are finding combination style books, folding accordion structures and pockets, and sewing in signatures, or gatherings of folded pages into the folds. 


These books are perfect for recording and holding treasured family recipes!


Stickers remain a perennial favorite of the younger set…


and a lovely time of learning and making was had by all. 


This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!

“WE Write the Book”: “Storybook Theater” Bookmaking at the Northridge Branch Library!

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I am thrilled to serve again as a 2025-26 “NEAR” Artist in Residence at the Northridge Branch Library!

This Neighborhood Engagement Artist Residency (NEAR) is supported by the wonderful City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

On October 18, 2025,  participants of a diverse ages and backgrounds gathered to learn how to create the “Storybook Theater” structure, which integrates books, stories and theater into one delightful form. A bit more advanced, this bookmaking process challenged our participants in a fun and engaging way, opening their minds and imaginations to greater bookmaking possibilities!


 


JOIN US for MORE BOOKMKAING FUN and LEARNING!
All programs free and open to the Public, All materials provided!