Two local artists were setting up a new exhibition called Shadows and Petals today. I saw them at work hanging selected pieces in Gallery 21 of Balboa Park’s Spanish Village Art Center.
Both Katarina Keane (@collagebykat) and Kimberly Brunetto (@brunettokim) were very nice, answering a few questions and allowing me to take photographs. They work in collage and mixed media. All of their pieces on display are for sale.
Kimberly describes her mixed media work as abstract expressionism. To me, her pieces convey subtle emotion. Shifts in form and color on certain canvases are like movement through time, through life. Contrasts on canvases can tug at curious eyes and suggest deeper things–an inner life.
She has written: “For me, a shadow is an unrealized part of ourselves that calls to us with longing . . . The petals represent what happens when we finally listen…”
Katarina told me her colorful works have a narrative quality. I noticed many of her collages include written words, almost like poetry. The images and words seem to tell a visual story about a life or a life experience.
Many of her pieces show flowers and vessels. They suggest an inner beauty, or potential beauty, that we all possess.
That’s the way I saw it.
Why don’t you swing by Spanish Village in Balboa Park and experience all this beautiful, subtle art for yourself?
Shadows and Petals will be exhibited in Gallery 21 through October 5, 2026.
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This mural was painted in 2021 by San Diego artist Regan Russell. Located at the southeast corner of Park Boulevard and University Avenue, it’s technically at the west edge of the North Park neighborhood.
Whenever I see this colorful mural, I’m reminded of that old Atari arcade game Marble Madness. If you’re old enough and remember once-popular video game arcades, you might also remember this groundbreaking game.
Using a trackball, players would try to roll a marble along a three-dimensional course around corners, down ramps, along precarious edges and through various obstacles. The isometric playing field appeared a bit like this mural!
Murals with similar geometric designs have lately become more common in San Diego. I usually don’t photograph them. This particular mural, however, allows my imagination to roll a marble along University Avenue down a colorful North Park slope into neighboring Hillcrest!
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I visited the amazing Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center today in Oceanside and learned they’ll have an art auction on Saturday, October 17 that will raise funds for the local Audubon Society.
Artistic birdhouses and other works of nature-themed art will be auctioned or for sale at the annual fundraiser.
There will be live music, food and drinks at this special event, too.
Very cool! Get some beautiful art while helping efforts to protect the environment!
To learn more, visit the Buena Vista Audubon Society website by clicking here!
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Okay, what’s this all about? A coffee bean smuggler mural in Carlsbad?
Yes! It’s painted on the side of Baba Coffee. As their website explains: Our name was inspired by the 16th-century mystic Baba Budan who heroically introduced the coffee plant to India by smuggling seven raw beans in his beard from Yemen.
Did you know that Constitution Week this year runs from September 17th to the 23rd? I was reminded of the celebration when I visited the Georgina Cole library in Carlsbad today. The library has a Constitution Week display!
If you enjoy being free, and like your ability to vote, think of the United States Constitution.
During our everyday life, it can be easy to take our rights secured by the Constitution for granted.
Curious about your own family history? Looking at this display, I learned the Georgina Cole Library has one of the largest genealogical collections in California!
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Another perfect sunny day in Encinitas. The beautiful views from Swami’s Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Swami’s Surf Beach brought out my camera.
It was the middle of the day mid-week in late summer. I didn’t see too many surfers out at the world-famous point break.
Look at the gorgeous blue and green colors of the water!
No, I didn’t walk down to the beach this time.
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