History of Spanish Village artists in Balboa Park.

Sign outside the Spanish Village history exhibit, which is open to the public in Gallery 21.
Sign outside the Spanish Village history exhibit, which is open to the public in Gallery 21.

Anyone in San Diego who loves art must visit Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. Some of the region’s finest local artists occupy its 38 working studios. By strolling around the large, colorful courtyard and poking a nose here and there, the public can see (and purchase) finished artwork of every kind, watch the creative process, and talk to the friendly artists themselves.

While at Spanish Village–if you’re the curious sort–you might also check out a small but fascinating history exhibit. Just step into Gallery 21.

Earlier this summer I was graciously given a tour of the exhibit by one of the resident artists. Here are a few photos and captions describing what I saw. Of course, it’s much better to experience Spanish Village and these memories of its history firsthand. So I encourage everyone to head on over.

The exhibit reviews how, a century ago, Balboa Park (originally called City Park) was developed and transformed into a dreamlike landscape for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Many fantastic buildings were created, using a variety of influences from Spanish, Mexican, European Renaissance and Moorish origins. This unique mixture became what is known as Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Later, the successful California Pacific International Exposition of 1935 was promoted to boost San Diego during the Great Depression. It used existing buildings from the Panama-California Exposition and exhibits from the recent Chicago Century of Progress Expo. New construction designed by master architect Richard Smith Requa added a variety of buildings to Balboa Park, including those of Spanish Village. Spanish Village, as its name implied, originally recreated life in Spain, with “shops that sold art, curios, flowers, music and wine. It had a children’s theater, a Chinese Bazaar, a cocktail lounge called Cafe Granada and other restaurants. The Village was at the entrance to the Fun Zone which contained a Midway, a midget zoo, and an Indian Village.”

Today, this exhibit’s historical photographs, newspaper articles and ephemera relating to Spanish Village help visitors understand and appreciate the cultural contributions over many decades of hundreds of participating artists.

Doorway inside Gallery 21 leads to an unexpected treasure trove of Balboa Park and San Diego history.
Doorway inside Gallery 21 leads to an unexpected treasure trove of Balboa Park and San Diego history.
Beautifully painted mural in the small exhibit room pleases the eyes of curious visitors.
Beautifully painted mural in the small museum pleases the eyes of art-loving visitors.
The walls, like a scrapbook, contain images and articles chronicling the history of Spanish Village and its many fine artists.
The walls, like a scrapbook, feature a mosaic of images and articles chronicling the history of Spanish Village.
Old photographs show Spanish Village buildings, which were erected for the 1935 California Pacific Exposition in Balboa Park. They housed shops and restaurants during the expo.
Old photographs show Spanish Village buildings, which were erected for the 1935 California Pacific Exposition in Balboa Park. They housed shops and restaurants during the expo.
The California Pacific Exposition closed September 9, 1936, and the idea for Spanish Village Art Center was soon realized. Artists completed their studios and had a public opening on April 7th.
The California Pacific Exposition closed September 9, 1936, and the idea for Spanish Village Art Center was soon realized. Artists completed their studios and had a public opening on April 7th.
Display details Spanish Village's artist founders, including newspaper clipping's Officers of Culture Project--Sherman Trease, Mina Schultz Pulsifer, and Henry Long.
Display lists Spanish Village’s artist founders.  Newspaper clipping’s “Officers of Culture Project” included Sherman Trease, Mina Schultz Pulsifer, and Henry Long.
Old San Diego Union newspaper announces first Art Fiesta, a festival held September 3-6, 1937. Spanish Village hosted all forms of visual art, plus theater groups, writers and musicians.
Old San Diego Union newspaper announces first Art Fiesta, a festival held September 3-6, 1937. Spanish Village hosted all forms of visual art, plus theater groups, writers and musicians.
Visitor to the Spanish Village history exhibit learns about the rich heritage of this very unique and wonderful place.
Visitor to the Spanish Village history exhibit learns about the rich heritage of this very unique and wonderful place.
Another display tells of the coming of World War II, and how the Army took over Spanish Village. Many departing artists would serve in the military. Some later returned to renew their art.
Another display tells of the coming of World War II, and how the Army took over Spanish Village. Many departing artists would serve in the military. Some later returned to renew their art.
After the Army left, a financial dispute with the City of San Diego was resolved. Artists would pay affordable rent for each studio. A jury would decide on qualified renters.
After the Army left, a financial dispute with the City of San Diego was resolved. Artists would pay affordable rent for each studio. A jury would decide on qualified renters.
Samples of past Spanish Village publications, including a quarterly. Today the artists promote their work online using websites, e-newsletters and social media.
Samples of past Spanish Village publications, including a quarterly. Today the artists promote their work online using websites, e-newsletters and social media.
Do you have a memory or story about Spanish Village Art Center Experiences are being collected and added to this show. Thanks for the community spirit!
Do you have a memory or story about Spanish Village Art Center? Experiences are being collected and added to this show. Thanks for the community spirit!
Spanish Village in amazing, historic Balboa Park. Art grows here.
Spanish Village is located in amazing, historic Balboa Park. Art grows here.

…

Follow this blog for more photos of cool stuff! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.

Published by

Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

4 thoughts on “History of Spanish Village artists in Balboa Park.”

  1. Pingback: Cool photo memories from August 2015. – Cool San Diego Sights!

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.