I was walking along the Embarcadero this evening after dark when I heard some music in the “Lighthouse District” of Seaport Village. I headed over to see what was going on.
To my delight, I discovered a serious attempt is being made to revitalize Seaport Village, and the concert I stumbled upon is part of this effort. The weekly event is called Seaport Sessions.
Important speakers from around San Diego provide presentations about art, culture, history and other fascinating subjects every Thursday evening, followed by drinks and live music at the East Plaza Gazebo. (Next Thursday Adam Smith, Executive Director of the Comic-Con Museum will be the speaker!)
I also observed that Seaport Village now offers a podcast studio for rent, and I stepped inside for a moment and took the following photo.
I asked a few questions of a nice lady, and she informed me that Seaport Village is working to upgrade its image and will be getting new tenants. From what I could gather, the long term plan to redevelop Seaport Village into a completely different, greatly enlarged Seaport San Diego is apparently in flux and any groundbreaking is still many years away.
I have special childhood memories of Seaport Village, so it has pained me to watch its gradual decline in recent years. But now things appear to be on the upswing!
I hope so!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
The Balboa Park Activity Center is a popular destination for San Diego residents who enjoy indoor sports. During a walk last weekend I poked my nose inside to see if anything interesting was going on. What I discovered was a whole lot of art!
A variety of beautiful artwork can be observed both inside and outside the Activity Center. Four years ago I posted photographs of the outdoor installation titled The Circle and the Self: A Picture Story, which is located in the south plaza. To see those photos, click here.
The photos I’m posting today are of the artwork inside the building.
Detailed information from the artist is displayed near the Activity Center’s front door:
Joyce Cutler-Shaw
In 1996, I was invited to be part of the design team for the Balboa Park Activity Center with architects Rob Wellington Quigley, Richard Blackman, landscape architect Martin Poirier and artist Raul Guerrero. It was a most rewarding collaboration. In April 1999, I completed five installations of my work, which are integral to the building. There are twenty-five drawings in terrazzo squares (@ 16″ x 16″), titled The Circle and the Self: A Picture Story in the south plaza (1); leaf “paintings” with shadows etched into the double glass panes of the sliding front doors (2); two terrazzo floor “paintings” in the entrance lobby at the reception desk and window wall (3′ x 20′ and 5′ x 11′) of, respectively, 26 colors and 68 color/chip combinations (3); and seventy-two metal plates at the corner connections of the gymnasium – these are another translation, by flame-cut drawing in steel, of The Circle and the Self: A Picture Story (4).
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
There’s some very cool public art in Middletown that almost nobody sees. You can find it at the intersection of Kettner Boulevard and West Palm Street, just east of the San Diego Trolley’s Middletown Station. A mosaic welcomes people to the ramp that ascends to the pedestrian bridge that crosses over Interstate 5.
Very few people use this pedestrian bridge. They are the only ones who are likely to see this public art. Drivers coming down Kettner might glimpse something, but it requires a good turn of the head at exactly the right moment. The artwork is on a wall tucked in a corner.
I don’t know who created this colorful mosaic. Some names are written on it. The mosaic is composed of tiles, stones, sculpted clay, beads, bits of glass. There are images of surfers, skateboarders, butterflies, flowers… There are wise sayings. It appears to be a community project. I’ve searched the internet but find nothing.
If you know more about this fantastic but mysterious public artwork, please leave a comment!
Thinking is more interesting than knowing but less interesting than looking…You cannot stop the waves but you can learn to surf.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
I’m an amateur photographer. When I see an exhibition of photography by experts who actually know what they’re doing, I’m filled with wonder and a little bit of jealousy.
This evening I was walking through downtown, heading for my home atop Cortez Hill, when I saw a cool collection of photographs inside the front room gallery of Safelight Labs. About every month the exhibition in Safelight Labs changes, giving local photographers who use film a chance to showcase their work and perhaps sell a few pieces.
If you’re into photography, make sure to check out Safelight Labs, which is described as a community darkroom space.
Rob Cowan, the owner, is super knowledgeable and friendly. By offering workshops, classes, and an onsite studio and darkroom, he helps others to pursue their passion for photography!
The current gallery exhibition “One by Three: A Wide View of San Diego” is by photographer Carlos Lopez Medrano. He has taken many fantastic photos all around our beautiful city!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Sculpted clay tiles form beautiful mosaics that were created by artist Betsy Schulz. This is a red-tailed hawk.
On Sunday I walked the length of Solana Beach’s Coastal Rail Trail, which runs along the east side of Highway 101.
I was delighted to observe all sorts of colorful public art, beautiful flowers and trees, and even some unexpected poetry!
My walk was from south to north: from Via de la Valle up to a spot just beyond Ocean Street, where the trail through Solana Beach ends.
The pathway is extremely easy and flat. I saw many families riding bikes along it, and walkers and joggers, too.
Come along with me and read the photo captions.
Two arches by artist Betsy Schulz welcome walkers and riders to Solana Beach’s Coastal Rail Trail at Highway 101 and Via de la Valle.Wild nature on one amazing arch.Local history depicted on both arches includes the native Kumeyaay, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.The arrival of Spanish missionaries is depicted.The history of Solana Beach includes great upheavals and transformations, including the coming of the railroad.Scenes of Solana Beach in the early 20th century.More scenes of Solana Beach in the early 20th century.The City of Solana Beach was incorporated in 1986.Surfing on the timeless Pacific Ocean.
You can see more public art by Betsy Schulz by clicking here and here.
As I continued north on the Coastal Rail Trail, I noticed what appeared to be a crescent moon on the pathway, with a moon poem by Walter de la Mare.A bit farther on I found another glistening moon. This one includes a poem by Emily Dickinson.I then came upon this colorful stained glass sunburst, standing between the pathway and nearby Highway 101!Sunburst of Color, by artist Amber Irwin, 2005. Amber Irwin is a founding member of the Solana Beach Art Association.A small garden beside the Coastal Rail Trail was bright on a late summer day with flowers.An electrical box with painted artwork.Looking over a fence, I saw a Coaster rumbling up the train tracks that run parallel to the trail.Then I stumbled upon a third crescent moon, and a mysterious hat! This poem is also by Emily Dickinson.A water fountain near steps to the Dahlia Drive pedestrian bridge that spans the train tracks. The fountain stands above colorful mosaics.This mosaic is a love gift from the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church.A local youth group made these many cheerful ceramic leaves and flowers.Across the train track I spotted the huge, eye-catching mural by artist Lindu Prasekti. It’s titled Myths at Play.
You can learn more about this very cool mural by clicking here.
I’m passed by bicyclists who are also heading north.Sea life mosaics decorate concrete benches at the bus stop across from the Solana Beach train station. By artist Michelle Griffoul.
You can learn more about these eleven benches and see up close images of the sea life tiles by clicking here.
I’ve come to some steps leading down to the Solana Beach train station platform. Lots of passengers are waiting below.The visually interesting Solana Beach train station was designed by architect Rob Wellington Quigley, and was built in 1994.Another photo of people on a train platform below the Coastal Rail Trail in Solana Beach.Some more colorful art on another electrical box beside the pathway.Red bougainvillea and the Cliff Street bridge over train tracks.A City of Solana Beach plaque on the CLIFF STREET BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE.As I approached the northern end of Solana Beach, I saw a sign that reads RAIL TRAIL ENDS 500 FT. (At this time the trail doesn’t continue into Cardiff-by-the-Sea.)In addition to the distant ocean, I see something interesting ahead.A monument with a plaque stands near an observation platform beside a small grove of Torrey Pine trees.Some sculptural Torrey Pine artwork on the side of the monument.The plaque explains the history of these few transplanted Torrey Pine trees. Figuring in that complicated history are billboards along the highway and the installation of train tracks.More beautiful artwork, at the north end of Solana Beach’s Coastal Rail Trail.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Surfer crossing sign near a golden dome of the Self-Realization Fellowship ashram in Encinitas.
Today I went for a long walk beside the Pacific Ocean. I began along old Coast Highway 101 from the Coaster’s Encinitas Station, headed south through Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and walked all the way through Solana Beach to Via de la Valle.
The following photographs are from one very cool stretch of my walk.
Come along! We begin at Swami’s in Encinitas and proceed south down Coast Highway 101 to the Cardiff Kook sculpture.
As you will see, this is quite an amazing walk.
Please read the captions!
A woody with surfboard heads along old Coast Highway 101, past one of the Self-Realization Fellowship’s iconic Golden Lotus Towers.As I walked south by the exotic ashram, a surfer passed me on the sidewalk going the opposite way. I turned to take a photo.A few steps farther and here comes another surfer, heading through the park by the Swami’s Beach parking lot. It appears he just finished surfing at Swami’s Reef.I’ve arrived at the entrance to Swami’s Beach, which was mentioned in the Beach Boys’ song Surfin’ U.S.A.Two huge Easter Island Heads carved from dead tree stumps tilt in the grassy park at Swami’s.Both Easter Island Heads were created by Tim Richards and are in the Encinitas Public Art Collection.Cool art on a park planter.People walk past another planter with cool tile art depicting a palm tree and Pacific Ocean sunset.A blue wave seems to be splashing up from the walkway ahead.This public artwork is the Swamis Surfing Memorial.Dedicated with appreciation to Gary Taylor and the others whose efforts of the past and future make Encinitas a better place to live and surf.One guy stretches while a couple gets ready to head down to Swami’s Beach.Descending steps to the public beach far below.Benches above the bluffs allow people to watch the surfing action at Swami’s internationally famous point break.My small camera catches some distant surfing action.Many surfers were out on a sunny September day, enjoying good conditions.Engraved on a rock by the benches are the words: Waves on the Point are dedicated to Syrus King.Looking south along the beautiful shoreline as I get ready to resume my walk along Coast Highway 101, sometimes referred to as Pacific Coast Highway.Bicyclists head down South Coast Highway 101, leaving Encinitas.I turn for a moment to glance back north at Swami’s.The surging Pacific Ocean and the narrow beach below.A cool pink residence near the highway with a great view of the ocean.As I continue south I see a lifeguard tower coming up.People gaze at the foaming water from a rocky beach.I couldn’t help looking back north one more time.Lifeguard tower 19 near the north end of San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff rises above wet sand.I saw hundreds of surfers out in the water during my walk. Looks like fun!Walking down a path that enters the campground area at San Elijo State Beach.A smiley for a laid-back, sunny day in Southern California.Entrance sign at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff-by-the Sea.Continuing south along Coast Highway 101, approaching Chesterfield Drive.Up ahead at the intersection I see the Cardiff Kook. The bronze sculpture is officially called Magic Carpet Ride, but to most people the youthful figure on a surfboard appears awkward and silly.Someone looks up at the Cardiff Kook, which is often dressed up by pranksters in odd clothing and costumes.Magic Carpet Ride, 2007, bronze, Matthew Antichevich.If the balloon is any indication, the Cardiff Kook must be celebrating a birthday.A poem for the Cardiff Kook.
Magic Carpet Ride
Grommit of bronze
On an ocean of stone
Frozen in time
In Cardiff, at home
Action in art
Still life by the sea
Community pride
Goofy footed and free
Exuberant youth
Arms open and wide
A cultural ambassador
Takes his first ride
His story is our story
Personified Grace
Both the past and the future
See yourself in his face
Grommit of bronze
On an ocean of stone
Surfs by the sea
In Cardiff, at home.
A wonderfully kooky conclusion to this amazing stretch of my walk!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Today I enjoyed a really great exhibition at the future home of the Comic-Con Museum. The popular artist Josh Agle, who goes by the name Shag, has a big gallery of super cool artwork on display free to the public through this weekend!
I must admit I was unfamiliar with the name Shag, but once I saw the artwork I recognized his distinctive style. And now I’m a big fan! His snappy colorful images have a 1960’s commercial art feel, and many of the pieces celebrate popular entertainment and scenes from that era. His sly, often subversive “Mid-Century Modern aesthetic” is all in good fun.
Shag’s art often depicts Hollywood stars raising glasses at decadent cocktail parties. Many of his images include exotic Tikis. He creates vivid, snazzy scenes that invoke a sense of what is referred to as retro decadence.
Some of his pieces pay tribute to classic cartoons and Disney. As you can see in my photos, he also re-imagines popular movies like Planet of the Apes, Star Wars and Guardians of the Galaxy, comic books like Spider-Man, and television shows like the Twilight Zone and Batman.
If you’d like to see some really cool art, definitely head over to Balboa Park tomorrow and check out the Art of Shag! The free exhibition will be open 10 am to 4 pm in the Federal Building, which used to house the Hall of Champions, and which is destined to become the Comic-Con Museum in 2021.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Over the years I’ve taken photos “behind the scenes” at various interesting and historic places in San Diego. I thought it would be fun to revisit some of those blog posts, in case you’ve missed them.
Here are ten guided tours and curious walks that provided fascinating views of San Diego that many do not see.
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
About a week ago I walked down F Street in East Village, between 13th Street and 16th Street. I hadn’t ventured that way in a long time.
I took photos of a some colorful new murals. I also aimed my camera through a chain-link fence at spray painted graffiti-style art on the walls of SILO, which has replaced previous artwork. I noticed a lot of litter and weeds inside the SILO venue. Perhaps it hasn’t been used recently.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Cool San Diego Sights! 