The Art of Music lives in San Diego!

The Art of Music is a cool exhibition now playing at the San Diego Museum of Art. Depicted in this poster is Fernando Botero's painting Dancing in Columbia, 1980.
The Art of Music is a cool exhibition “now playing” at the San Diego Museum of Art. Depicted in this poster is Fernando Botero’s painting Dancing in Columbia, 1980.

Do you love beautiful music? Do you appreciate fine art?

Answer yes to both questions, and you have two compelling reasons to visit an exhibition “now playing” at the San Diego Museum of Art!

The Art of Music explores the intersection of art and music throughout world history, from ancient times to the present. Visitors to the San Diego Museum of Art will experience a large variety of paintings, posters, sculptures and film, depicting musicians, dancers and various aspects of life that are splashed with the colors of music. Visitors will also enjoy seeing many extraordinarily beautiful musical instruments, historical objects related to music, and encounter surprising sounds at every turn.

My museum docent friend Catherine recently provided another great tour! There was so much to absorb, so many cool sights and sounds, that I hardly know how to translate my feelings into words. I could’ve spent many hours just lingering. The experience was almost like standing on stage during a symphony orchestra’s performance, and turning slowly around with eyes and ears wide open.

I was absolutely floored by the impressive sweep of this exhibit, and the number of pieces by important artists. I noted works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Edgar Degas, Salvador Dalí, William Hogarth, Toulouse-Lautrec, Jasper Johns and John Baldessari, a highly regarded artist who grew up in National City in San Diego’s South Bay.

The very first piece visitors encounter is Baldessari’s Beethoven’s Trumpet (with Ear) Opus #127, a fun sculpture which perfectly captures the essence of what is to come. Press your own ear against the ear trumpet and you’ll hear musical notes penned centuries ago by Beethoven, as if they’re emerging from the famous composer’s brain!

In other rooms, visitors can listen to a statuette of a satyr playing the pipes of Pan, a qin from China dating from the 19th century, or an absolutely gorgeous 18th century harpsichord that was converted to a piano.

One amazing room in the exhibit contains the Microtonal Wall, created by Tristan Perich in 2011. A large section of wall contains 1,500 small speakers, which are tuned individually to create a complex and interesting continuum of pitch. The interactive experience was so fascinating, I ended up walking with my ear close to the wall bobbing up and down like a mesmerized chicken!

Another dazzling room is filled to the brim with psychedelic concert posters from the 1960s! Aficionados of this type of artwork will find themselves in heaven!

The Art of Music features so much cool stuff, and such variety, I couldn’t possibly describe it all here. You really have to go see for yourself. I’m no expert when it comes to either art or music, but I found myself completely enthralled!

Here are a few samples of what you’ll experience…

People head up steps from Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama to visit the wonderful San Diego Museum of Art.
People head up steps from Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama to visit the wonderful San Diego Museum of Art.
Neck-Amphora with Apollo Playing the Cithara, and Hermes, Athena and Dionysus. Greece, Attica, circa 510 B.C. Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Neck-Amphora with Apollo Playing the Cithara, and Hermes, Athena and Dionysus. Greece, Attica, circa 510 B.C. Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Shiv Chand, Madhumadhavi Ragini of Bhairav, ca. 1690. The San Diego Museum of Art.
Shiv Chand, Madhumadhavi Ragini of Bhairav, ca. 1690. The San Diego Museum of Art.
Lyre Guitar, early 19th century. The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Lyre Guitar, early 19th century. The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Childe Hassam, The Sonata, 1893. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Childe Hassam, The Sonata, 1893. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's first poster, Moulin Rouge - La Goulue. Introduced into poster design a bold simplification of form, space and composition learned from Japanese woodblock prints.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s first poster, Moulin Rouge – La Goulue, which introduced into poster design a bold simplification of form, space and composition learned from Japanese woodblock prints.
Beauford Delaney, Marian Anderson, 1965. J. Harwood and Louise B. Cochrane Fund for American Art. Renowned singer was first African American artist to perform at the White House, in 1936.
Beauford Delaney, Marian Anderson, 1965. J. Harwood and Louise B. Cochrane Fund for American Art. Depicts renowned singer who was the first African American artist to perform at the White House, in 1936.
Hans Burkhardt, Sex Pistols, 1981. Courtesy Jack Rutberg Fine Arts Hans G. and Thordis W. Burkhardt Foundation.
Hans Burkhardt, Sex Pistols, 1981. Courtesy Jack Rutberg Fine Arts Hans G. and Thordis W. Burkhardt Foundation.
John Baldessari, Beethoven's Trumpet (with Ear) Opus #127, 2007. Beyer Projects.
John Baldessari, Beethoven’s Trumpet (with Ear) Opus #127, 2007. Beyer Projects.

The Art of Music lives in San Diego!

Go check it out! The Art of Music, at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, runs through February 7, 2016.

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Read the joyful history of Christmas in San Diego!

Bill "Santa" Swank has written a really great book about the history of Christmas in San Diego!
Bill “Santa” Swank has written a really great book about the history of Christmas in San Diego!

I was privileged today to meet Bill Swank. Perhaps you’ve met him, too. Since 2002, Bill has been the volunteer Santa Claus at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during Balboa Park’s popular December Nights. He’s a friendly good guy who effortlessly spreads cheerfulness and joy.

Bill Swank is probably best known for being a leading expert on baseball and the San Diego Padres. He’s written numerous books about baseball history. His knowledge is so deep, the San Diego Historical Society has called him our city’s top baseball historian.

His most recent book, published earlier this year, is titled Christmas in San Diego. If you love both Christmas and San Diego, I know you’ll treasure this book. It’s loaded with history, local traditions and hundreds of fun, very unique photos. (Six photos from Cool San Diego Sights are in the book! How cool is that?)

Bill “Santa” Swank believes the true meaning of Christmas is found in the Golden Rule. His excellent book also proves another important truth: that human hearts are warmed when we are generous and kind. In the book you’ll see community-spirited Santas through the decades bringing joy to many generations, lifting the spirits of all.

From Christmas Eve way back in 1775, to the present day, Christmas in San Diego covers over two hundred years of local history. You’ll find out how both famous and ordinary San Diegans have celebrated the holiday season, and learn a good deal about many historical places and events. Personally, I love the parts concerning unselfish Santa Claus volunteers who’ve participated in a surprising range of charitable activities. Touching young and old alike, with a twinkle-eyed smile and merry Ho, Ho, Ho!

I was privileged to shake the hand of Santa Claus today. Read Christmas in San Diego, and you will be able to peer into Santa’s heart.

Fun photos of 2015 December Nights in Balboa Park!

Everyone has a great time at the 2015 December Nights celebration in San Diego's glorious Balboa Park!
Everyone has a great time at the 2015 December Nights celebration in San Diego’s glorious Balboa Park!

Saturday was the second day of the December Nights holiday event in Balboa Park. (It’s 2015, and we’re coming to the end of Balboa Park’s centennial year. It has been a real blast!)

I walked around randomly and took a bunch of photos during the afternoon, while it was still light outside. This year December Nights was just as wonderful as ever! At night, the lights came on and the scene was pure magic!

Tens of thousands stream into Balboa Park from across the Cabrillo Bridge. December Nights is one of the largest holiday festivals in the United States.
Tens of thousands stream into Balboa Park from across the Cabrillo Bridge. December Nights is one of the largest holiday festivals in the United States.
This nice lady in an information tent usually works at the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
This nice lady in an information tent usually works at the Balboa Park Visitors Center.
Folks in Santa hats enjoy dancing at the Gator by the Bay stage in the Plaza de Panama.
Folks in Santa hats enjoy dancing at the Gator by the Bay stage in the Plaza de Panama.
Lots of unique Christmas gifts were out on display for purchase throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.
Lots of unique Christmas gifts were out on display for purchase throughout Balboa Park during December Nights.
Of course, you can buy mistletoe from this guy near the Natural History Museum!
Of course, you can buy mistletoe from this guy near the Natural History Museum!
One of many fun images near the Old Globe Theatre that celebrate local author Dr. Seuss' classic book How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
One of many fun images near the Old Globe Theatre that celebrate local author Dr. Seuss’ classic book How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Kids by the Botanical Building paint a huge community canvas during December Nights.
Kids by the Botanical Building paint a huge community canvas during December Nights.
A close-up photo of the colorful holiday-themed work of creative kids!
A close-up photo of colorful holiday-themed artwork painted by creative kids!
Poinsettias of many colors fill the amazing Botanical Building.
Poinsettias of many colors fill the amazing Botanical Building.
Mother duck and ducklings are a bit wary of all the excited humans crowding about the reflecting pool.
Mother duck and ducklings are a bit wary of all the excited humans crowding about the reflecting pool.
One of the Santas in Balboa Park will be stationed here in the Casa del Prado once night falls.
One of the several Santas in Balboa Park will be stationed here at the Casa del Prado once night falls.
Children file onto a stage on the Casa del Prado patio. Joyful dancing could be seen here throughout the day.
Children file onto a stage on the Casa del Prado patio. Joyful dancing could be seen here throughout the day.
Another Santa Claus will be stationed here in the evening near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
Another Santa Claus will be stationed here in the evening near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
Some fun holiday decorations on an artist studio in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Some fun holiday decorations next to an artist studio in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.
Christmas presents dangle from a tree in festive Spanish Village during December Nights.
Christmas presents dangle from a tree in festive Spanish Village during December Nights.
Many glittery, colorful Christmas trees could be seen throughout Spanish Village.
Many glittery, colorful Christmas trees could be seen throughout Spanish Village.
A funny Jungle Bells banner near the entrance to the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.
A funny Jungle Bells banner near the entrance to the world famous San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park.
The one and only light up cotton candy! Just wait until it's dark!
The one and only light up cotton candy! Just wait until it’s dark!
Folks are buying goodies at the cookie shack near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during December Nights.
Folks are buying goodies at the cookie shack near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during December Nights.
Another Santa will be seated at the organ pavilion, welcoming many kids.
Another Santa will be seated in the colonnade at the organ pavilion, welcoming many kids.
In mid-afternoon, the Peninsula Singers community choir was performing on stage beneath the giant Christmas tree.
In mid-afternoon, the Peninsula Singers community choir was performing on stage beneath the giant Christmas tree.
These folks enjoying a December Nights concert are dressed for the season.
These folks enjoying a December Nights concert are dressed for the season.
Deep friend bacon, cheesecake, candy bars, candy and cookies! Yikes! This stand is by the ride-filled fun zone, in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Deep friend bacon, cheesecake, candy bars, candy and cookies! Yikes! This stand is by the ride-filled fun zone, in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
These guys preparing food are in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
These guys preparing food are in front of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Performers in folk costumes behind the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages stage during December Nights in Balboa Park.
Performers in folk costume wait behind the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages stage during December Nights in Balboa Park.
Traditional costumes, holiday food from diverse nations and cultures, and lots of crafts were found around the International Cottages!
Traditional costumes, holiday food from many nations and cultures, and cheerful crafts were found around the International Cottages!

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Santa Claus parachutes onto an aircraft carrier!

Santa Claus is ready to leap from a helicopter onto the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum on San Diego Bay!
Santa Claus is ready to leap from a helicopter onto the deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum on San Diego Bay!

Santa has been known to make some pretty grand entrances. But this one takes the cake!

Jolly old Saint Nick paid a visit to San Diego today, and arrived by air as usual. He dropped in by parachute, landing atop an aircraft carrier!

A Toys for Tots toy drive is being held on Navy Pier next to the USS Midway Museum. Bring two new toys and you’ll receive free admission to the very popular museum. The Marines have a huge truck they need to fill up! Santa will be performing a whole bunch of parachute jumps throughout the day. Bring the kids!

To learn more about the Toys for Tots program, and how you can help, please check out my blog post from several days ago.

Look! Here comes Santa Claus! I guess Rudolph and the other reindeer are getting lazy. Or maybe they're just resting up for Christmas.

Look! Here comes Santa Claus! I guess Rudolph and the other reindeer are getting lazy. Or maybe they’re just resting up for Christmas.

Old Saint Nick nimbly descends from the blue sky in order to greet the nice boys and girls of San Diego. Beats using a sooty chimney.
Old Saint Nick nimbly descends from the blue sky in order to greet the nice boys and girls of San Diego. Beats using a sooty chimney.
Santa doesn’t need a tailhook when landing atop a huge aircraft carrier. Just a sturdy parachute!
Santa doesn’t need a tailhook when landing atop a huge aircraft carrier. Just a sturdy parachute!
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the USS Midway Museum are collecting toys today at Navy Pier. And Santa will be parachuting several more times! Just for fun, I suppose.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the USS Midway Museum are collecting toys today at Navy Pier. And Santa will be parachuting several more times! Just for fun!
A guy checks out an ejection seat during the Toys for Tots toy drive on Navy Pier. I wonder if Santa has one of those on his sleigh?
A guy checks out an ejection seat during the Toys for Tots toy drive on Navy Pier. I wonder if Santa has one of those on his sleigh?
Marines collect toys to help spread holiday cheer, with downtown San Diego's skyline in the background.
Marines collect toys to help spread holiday cheer, with downtown San Diego’s skyline in the background.
Here's smiling Santa, with Mrs. Claus! Spectacular entrance! They wished me a Merry Christmas! And the same to you! Ho, ho, ho! Stay jolly!
Here’s smiling Santa, with Mrs. Claus! Spectacular entrance! They wished me a Merry Christmas! And the same to you!

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Cool sights in San Diego’s historic Chinatown.

An amazing statue of China's unifying First Emperor stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
A statue of China’s unifying First Emperor. It stands at the front entrance of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Extension of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.

From time to time I walk through San Diego’s historic Chinatown, which is located in what is officially called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The area is bounded by Market Street, 2nd Avenue, 6th Avenue and J Street. You’ll find it downtown right next to the Gaslamp Quarter.

Over the years, I’ve learned a bit about San Diego’s early history during these walks. And I’ve accumulated a few photographs. Here are some cool sights that you might enjoy. I’ve provided interesting information in the captions.

The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1996 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. The Chinese Mission Building, built in 1927, was moved in 1995 to its present location at 404 3rd Avenue.
The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.
The California Mission Revival-style Chinese Mission Building, dated 1927, was designed by Louis Gill, nephew and protege of renowned architect Irving Gill.
Banners along side of downtown's San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Banners along side of downtown’s San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.
Looking through the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Gate on Third Avenue. Behind the museum is a small Asian garden.
Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District, San Diego's historic Chinatown.
Ornate front of the San Diego Chinese Center, a community resource located in the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District.
A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.
A century ago, Quin Produce was located here on Third Avenue. Ah Quin ran a family produce business and was once considered the unofficial mayor of Chinatown.
The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
The Chuang Archive and Learning Center of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.
Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.
Display in window explains Feathered Beings Iconography. Feathered beings were frequently seen motifs in artifacts of the Han Dynasty.
Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego's old Chinatown.
Three bay windows at the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Extension display historical photographs and common artifacts from San Diego’s old Chinatown.
Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.
Photographs in this outdoor exhibit show various aspects of Chinese culture.
A view of San Diego's Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.
A view of San Diego’s Third Avenue a hundred years ago, and the family of influential businessman and civic leader Ah Quin.
Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, scale and soup spoon.
Items from daily life in old Chinatown include kerosene heater, iron, and a grocery scale.
Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.
Scale manufactured by National Store Specialty Company, circa early 1900s.
Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego's old Chinatown.
Display includes various articles used for food preparation and cooking in San Diego’s old Chinatown.
Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.
Beautiful, artistic and historically interesting objects from daily life long ago in Chinatown.
A walk through San Diego's Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights.
A walk through San Diego’s Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District provides many cool sights!

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3 Ways to Help Others during the Holiday Season.

There are many opportunities to help others in need this holiday season, in San Diego and around the world.
There are many ways to help others in need this holiday season, in San Diego and around the world.

Tomorrow is “Giving Tuesday”. This special day, celebrated worldwide, is all about generosity and people coming together to help others who are in need.

There are countless ways to give back during the holiday season. Here are 3 opportunities that you might consider…

The Toys for Tots Program collects toys nationwide for children who could use a happy surprise during the holidays.
The Toys for Tots Program collects toys nationwide for children who could use a happy surprise during the holidays.

Provide a toy for a grateful child through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program. Toys for Tots works with non-profit organizations nationwide. You can find a nearby toy donation drop site or create your own by visiting their website.

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation helps those born with Primary Immunodeficiency. The disease is often fatal.
The Jeffrey Modell Foundation helps those born with Primary Immunodeficiency. The disease is often fatal.

Make a donation to the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to fight Primary Immunodeficiency, a genetic condition that is chronic, serious, and often fatal. Donations help provide early diagnosis, treatment, and hopefully, an eventual cure for this devastating disease. About 1 in 500 people are born with Primary Immunodeficiency.

Donate to the Salvation Army. Or be an angel to a child this Christmas, by dropping off a gift at the Salvation Army's location in San Diego's popular Fashion Valley shopping mall.
Donate to the Salvation Army. Or be an angel to a child this Christmas, by dropping off a gift at the Salvation Army’s location in San Diego’s popular Fashion Valley shopping mall.

Assist others who need a helping hand by donating to the Salvation Army! Even better, create your own online red kettle, and ask friends and family to help spread the word to fill it!

If you live in San Diego and plan to shop at Fashion Valley, you can be an angel to a child by purchasing a present, and dropping it off by December 13 at the mall. Look for the Salvation Army at the center of Fashion Valley near the Christmas tree and gingerbread house!

Bloggers Lifting Others Generously - 500 x 500

Are you a blogger who’d like to help build a better world?

You can learn more about Bloggers Lifting Others Generously by clicking here.

Powerful genius at San Diego’s Ion Theatre.

The Aliens, a powerful award-winning play by Annie Baker, is now playing at the Ion Theatre in San Diego.
The Aliens, an award-winning play by Annie Baker, is now playing at the Ion Theatre in San Diego.

Yesterday evening I experienced something completely unexpected. Out of the blue I received a powerful jolt, as if struck to the core by a hammer.

What happened? I went to see The Aliens at the Ion Theatre. The Ion Theatre Company produces cutting edge live theater in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood. The Aliens is a very unusual and surprising play that won the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American Play. It was written by Annie Baker.

I wasn’t expecting such power.

The Aliens is well performed by three great actors: Brian Butler, Tyler Oakley and Reed Willard. The characters they portray are absolutely human–slightly absurd and terribly broken. They are troubled in ways that are disturbing, heart-wrenching. They are frustrated, uncertain, in pain, alienated, almost hopeless.

But they aren’t hopeless.

Each character possesses awkward warmth and connection. And humor.

Then, like a bolt from the blue, at the very end, the emotional hammer strikes. I won’t tell you what happens. You’ll have to find out for yourselves.

Here’s a hint. In everyone there is unique genius. And while some people might not go far in this world, that genius–that yearning outflow from each individual heart–never stops. Life’s path might be unexpectedly short, but genius does not die.

Thoughtful adults should see this play. Check out the Ion Theatre’s website. The Aliens runs through December 12.

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Another day to be thankful in San Diego.

Two gulls take a nap in the San Diego sunshine the day after Thanksgiving. Many people were taking a pleasant, easy walk along the waterfront.
Two gulls take a nap in the San Diego sunshine the day after Thanksgiving. Many people were enjoying a pleasant, easy stroll along the waterfront.

It’s the day after Thanksgiving. I just took a walk along San Diego’s Embarcadero. If a picture is worth a thousand words, here are 12,000 words that hint at why I’m thankful every day to live in this beautiful city. I could write volumes and volumes.

A sleepy sea lion doesn't care what sort of crazy, wild-eyed antics his buddy is engaged in.
A sleepy sea lion doesn’t care what sort of crazy, wild-eyed antics his buddy is engaged in.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego's historic ship Pilot crosses the bay as white clouds glow gloriously in a blue sky.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego’s historic Pilot boat crosses the bay as white clouds glow gloriously in a blue sky.
This seagull was watching me taking a walk around Tuna Harbor. I wonder what she thought I was up to.
This seagull was watching me taking a walk around Tuna Harbor. I wonder what she thought I was up to?
A couple snuggled on the rocks by Seaport Village watch a gull take flight from the nearby wall.
A couple snuggled on the rocks by Seaport Village watch a gull take flight from the nearby wall.
A busker magician comedian mime guy gets tied up in inescapable rope during his funny routine at Seaport Village.
A busker magician comedian mime guy gets tied up in inescapable rope during his funny routine at Seaport Village.
Mrs. Claus greets a child and mother at the Seaport Village's East Plaza Gazebo.
Mrs. Claus greets a child and mother at the Seaport Village’s East Plaza Gazebo.
A guy carrying a skateboard ambles past outdoor diners at Sally's Seafood on the Water.
A guy carrying a skateboard ambles past outdoor diners at Sally’s Seafood on the Water.
A helpful tot picks up a photographer's tripod after a photo shoot at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A helpful tot picks up a photographer’s tripod after a photo shoot at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
A snowy egret checks out a small stone in the Marriott Marina on San Diego's waterfront.
A snowy egret checks out a small stone in the Marriott Marina on San Diego’s waterfront.
Magnificent clouds the day after Thanksgiving on San Diego's Embarcadero. Visible is a Dole cargo ship at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Magnificent clouds the day after Thanksgiving on San Diego’s Embarcadero. Visible is a Dole cargo ship at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal.
Taking flight in the sunshine.
Taking flight in the sunshine.

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Art exhibit: water, drought, and San Diego’s rainmaker.

The 9th floor gallery at San Diego's Central Library features an art exhibit called RAINMAKER. The theme is water, drought and climate change.
The 9th floor gallery at San Diego’s Central Library features an art exhibit called RAINMAKER. The theme is water, drought and climate change.

RAINMAKER is a fascinating, thought-provoking art exhibition at downtown San Diego’s Central Library. Because it will be coming to a close this weekend, I recently headed to the library’s 9th floor gallery to check it out.

Charles Hatfield was hired by the city of San Diego a hundred years ago to produce much-needed precipitation in order to fill Lake Morena. He might or might not have created the torrential rains and catastrophic flooding that followed his efforts at “moisture acceleration”. Was Hatfield an actual scientist or a charlatan? The question remains open.

This art exhibition focuses on the importance of water in our arid region, and how people affect and are influenced by the environment. Twelve local artists have contributed pieces which touch upon this theme. RAINMAKER is especially relevant today, considering San Diego’s current long drought, and the threat of coming winter storms caused by a strong El Niño that has developed in the Pacific Ocean.

Charles Hatfield, self-proclaimed rainmaker, was hired by the city of San Diego in 1915 to fill Lake Morena Reservoir during a severe drought. Record rain and floods ensued. Was this a coincidence?
Charles Hatfield, self-proclaimed rainmaker, was hired by the city of San Diego in 1915 to fill Lake Morena reservoir during a severe drought. Record rain and floods ensued. Was this a coincidence?
Photo at RAINMAKER exhibition shows catastrophic San Diego flooding caused by 30 inches of rain in 1915.
Photo at RAINMAKER exhibition shows catastrophic San Diego flooding caused by over 30 inches of rain in 1915.
Adam Belt, Willow Wash, 2015. Paint, graphite and reflective powder on canvas. Where is the boundary between science and magic.
Adam Belt, Willow Wash, 2015. Paint, graphite and reflective powder on canvas. Where is the boundary between science and magic?
Roman de Salvo, Joinery Blossom, 2013. Chinese elm, glue. Metaphor of Earth's ecosystem, with networks of family, community, interdependence.
Roman de Salvo, Joinery Blossom, 2013. Chinese elm, glue. Metaphor of Earth’s ecosystem, with networks of family, community, interdependence.
Eva Struble, Navy Yard, 2011. Oil and acrylic on canvas. This piece emerged from a trek through Brooklyn's Navy Yard. A vision of decay that is also expansive, waiting.
Eva Struble, Navy Yard, 2011. Oil and acrylic on canvas. This piece emerged from a trek through Brooklyn’s Navy Yard. A vision of decay that is also expansive, waiting.
Margaret Noble, I Have Arrived, 2015. Mixed media installation with 3 pedestals, 3 plant boxes, 3 sprinklers, and 3 handheld audio players. Lawns have been a symbol of status in society.
Margaret Noble, I Have Arrived, 2015. Mixed media installation with 3 pedestals, 3 plant boxes, 3 sprinklers, and 3 handheld audio players. Lawns have been a symbol of status in society.
Tools of the Rainmaker. The scales, measuring scoops and barometer in this case were donated to the San Diego Library in 1972 by Paul A. Hatfield, brother of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield.
Tools of the Rainmaker. The scales, measuring scoops and barometer in this case were donated to the San Diego Library in 1972 by Paul A. Hatfield, brother of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield.
Jim Wilsterman, Rain Event #10, 2011. Earth, fiber, raindrops. Somewhere between photograph, sculpture and painting, this art has recorded rainfall using clay and mud.
Jim Wilsterman, Rain Event #10, 2011. Earth, fiber, raindrops. Somewhere between photograph, sculpture and painting, this art has recorded rainfall using clay and mud.
Sheldon Wood, Drought Dreams, 2014. Watercolor on paper. With the lyrical movement of rain on a hot surface, references to petroglyphs and lost sinkholes, and an atmospheric perspective...
Sheldon Wood, Drought Dreams, 2014. Watercolor on paper. With the lyrical movement of rain on a hot surface, references to petroglyphs and lost sinkholes, and an atmospheric perspective…
Lisa Hutton, Supercell with Chickens, 2013. Graphite on paper. Environmental artwork depicts storm clouds.
Lisa Hutton, Supercell with Chickens, 2013. Graphite on paper. Environmental artwork depicts storm clouds.
Lisa Hutton, A Flood and a Fire, 2013. Graphite on paper. The catastrophic effects of environmental disasters.
Lisa Hutton, A Flood and a Fire, 2013. Graphite on paper. The catastrophic effects of environmental disasters.
Four pigment ink photographs of desert environment by Michael Feld record beauty and natural history.
Four pigment ink photographs of desert environment by Michael Feld record beauty and natural history.
Dominic Paul Miller, rain gatherer, 2008. Ink on mylar. Part of a larger body of work concerning uranium mining and the Navajo Nation, who have scant access to running water.
Dominic Paul Miller, rain gatherer, 2008. Ink on mylar. Part of a larger body of work concerning uranium mining and the Navajo Nation, who have scant access to running water.
Gabriel Kalmuss-Katz, Dear Hatfield, 2015. Speculative writing. Reflects modern anxiety associated with urbanization.
Gabriel Kalmuss-Katz, Dear Hatfield, 2015. Speculative writing. Reflects modern anxiety associated with urbanization.
RAINMAKER, a fascinating art exhibition at San Diego's Central Library, continues through November 29.
RAINMAKER, a fascinating art exhibition at San Diego’s Central Library, continues through November 29.

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Signs of the holiday season appear in San Diego!

Signs of the holiday season have sprung up around San Diego a week or two before Thanksgiving.
Signs of the holiday season have sprung up around San Diego a week or two before Thanksgiving.

The holidays are almost upon us! Four days until Thanksgiving!

While walking around San Diego this weekend, I noticed some signs of the coming holiday season. So I took pictures!

Ushers file past the Dr. Seuss Grinch Christmas Tree at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park.
Ushers file past the fun Dr. Seuss Grinch Christmas Tree in front of the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park.
Holiday lights are up in the courtyard of Balboa Park's House of Hospitality.
Holiday lights are up in the courtyard of Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality.
Poster in Balboa Park advertises New Direction at the North Pole! Joyful music will fill San Diego during the holiday season.
Poster in Balboa Park advertises New Direction at the North Pole! Joyful music will fill San Diego during the holiday season.
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park is almost ready for December Nights, which will be held December 4 and 5 this year.
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park is almost ready for December Nights, which will be held December 4 and 5 this year.
Frosty the Snowman painted on a store window in San Diego's sunny East County.
Frosty the Snowman painted on a store window in San Diego’s sunny East County.
The Salvation Army will be serving Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless in Golden Hall at the Civic Center.
The Salvation Army will be serving Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless in Golden Hall at the Civic Center.
White Christmas opens Friday at the Spreckels Theatre.
White Christmas opens Friday at the Spreckels Theatre.
Kansas City Barbeque is offering active military a free Thanksgiving dinner.
Kansas City Barbeque is offering active military a free Thanksgiving dinner.
The San Diego Run For the Hungry takes place Thanksgiving morning.
The San Diego Run For the Hungry takes place Thanksgiving morning.
Traditional holiday garland and colorful ornaments festoon the famous Donut Bar in downtown San Diego.
Traditional holiday garland and colorful ornaments festoon the Donut Bar in downtown San Diego.
One of many beautiful wreaths hung all around the Horton Plaza shopping center in downtown San Diego.
One of many beautiful wreaths hung all around Horton Plaza in San Diego.  Christmas shopping is about to really get started on Black Friday!
Surfing Santa poster in a window of the Seaport Cookie Company.
Surfing Santa poster in a window of the Seaport Cookie Company.
Some shiny Christmas tree ornaments and festive entertainment near the Seaport Village carousel.
Some shiny Christmas tree ornaments and festive entertainment near the Seaport Village carousel.
Jolly old Saint Nick is being hung with care near stockings and candy cane pillars at the front door of a Seaport Village shop.
Jolly old Saint Nick is being hung with care near stockings and candy cane pillars at the front door of a Seaport Village shop.

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