Tag: art

Balboa Park’s vibrant WorldBeat Cultural Center.

Ancient Egypt inspires much of the vibrant mural.
Ancient Egypt and its symbols inspire much of the vibrant mural.

Folks heading up Park Boulevard beside Balboa Park often turn their heads as they pass the amazing, enormous mural painted on the side of the WorldBeat Cultural Center.

The WorldBeat Cultural Center, based in a former water tower, is a multi-cultural arts organization that promotes and preserves the African and indigenous cultures of the world through music, art, dance, education and technology. The center is also used as a venue for concerts and other special events.

Last Saturday I walked around the structure and took some pics of the huge, colorful mural. It completely spans the outside wall of the cylindrical building.

Front entrance of the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park.
Front entrance of the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is based in an old water tower.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is based in an old water tower.
A variety of bold faces gaze in every direction from the mural.
A variety of bold faces gaze in every direction from the mural.
Fantastic images catch the eye of people passing on Park Boulevard.
Fantastic images catch the eye of people passing on Park Boulevard.
The north side of the WorldBeat Cultural Center.
Egyptian figures painted on the north side of the WorldBeat Cultural Center.
The back door looks like a magical entrance to another realm.
The back door looks like a magical entrance to another realm.
Exotic falcon with spread wings.
Exotic falcon with spread wings.
Diverse cultures from around the world are celebrated.
Diverse cultures from around the world are celebrated.
Image in mural similar to Tutankhamun's mummy mask.
Image in mural similar to the Mask of Tutankhamun.

UPDATE!

After posting these photographs, I did some research and learned a little more about this amazing mural that celebrates Egyptian, African, and Indigenous cultures.

Nearly all of the artwork was created by Mike Watson, otherwise known as AIR MIKE. He was the original artist at World Beat’s first location on Hancock Street, before moving to the repurposed water tower in Balboa Park under the leadership of Makeda Cheatom.

I also learned the King Tut artwork was contributed by muralist Mario Torero and a group of students.

Here are more pics I took with a different, better camera in early 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!

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!

Three utility boxes on Bankers Hill.

Happiness is the art of making a bouquet of those flowers within reach.
Happiness is the art of making a bouquet of those flowers within reach.

Here are three colorful utility boxes along Laurel Street on Bankers Hill. I really like the message on the first one.

Exotic face on a utility box on Bankers Hill.
Exotic face on a utility box on Bankers Hill.
Koi and pond flowers adorn a colorful utility box.
Koi and pond flowers adorn a colorful utility box.

Murals from San Diego’s famous Chicano Park.

Barrio yes, junkyards no.
Barrio yes, junkyards no.

Here’s one last group of cool pics from Chicano Park. These photographs begin near the center of the park, then we move west under the Coronado Bay Bridge.

The junkyards referred to in the above photo used to be numerous in this area.

Mural makes political statement about immigration.
Mural makes political statement about immigration.
Zapata quote in a high nook.
Zapata quote in a high nook.
Chicano Park mural shows immigrants working in fields.
Chicano Park mural shows immigrants working in fields.
Elaborate Aztec figure painted on concrete pillar.
Elaborate Aztec figure painted on concrete pillar.
Various colorful images on a wall in Barrio Logan.
Various colorful images on a wall in Barrio Logan.
Broom leans up against mural of students in school.
Broom leans up against mural of students in school.
Virgin Mary and shrine at foot of Chicano Park mural.
Virgin Mary and shrine at foot of Chicano Park mural.
Murals under lanes leading to Coronado Bay Bridge.
Murals under lanes leading to Coronado Bay Bridge.
Central dance pavilion in Chicano Park.
Central dance pavilion in Chicano Park.
Ceiling of dance pavilion shows natives from Tenochtitlán.
Ceiling of dance pavilion shows natives from Tenochtitlán.
Female figure on beautiful ceiling of dance pavilion.
Female figure on beautiful ceiling of dance pavilion.
A series of murals on pillars supporting traffic lanes.
A series of murals on pillars supporting traffic lanes.
Bronze statue of the Mexican revolutionary soldier Emilio Zapata.
Bronze statue of the Mexican revolutionary soldier Emilio Zapata.
Poem in Chicano Park voices Mexican American pride.
Spanish poem in Chicano Park about dancing and life.
A variety of creative and amusing images.
A variety of creative and amusing images.
Aztec warrior and shield stand guard in San Diego.
Aztec warrior and shield stand guard in San Diego.
People walking through Chicano Park.
People walking through Chicano Park.
All The Way To The Bay refers to 1980 Chicano Park campaign.
All The Way To The Bay refers to 1980 Chicano Park campaign.
Diverse people on a very detailed mural.
Diverse people on a very detailed mural.
Faces tell many stories in Chicano Park.
Faces tell many stories in Chicano Park.
Cool green masked figure.
Cool green masked figure.
Brilliantly painted park structure near playground.
Brilliantly painted park structure near playground.
Wide view under Coronado Bay Bridge reveals murals and sculptures.
Wide view under Coronado Bay Bridge reveals murals and sculptures.
Environmental message on Barrio Logan mural.
Environmental message on Barrio Logan mural.
Mural protests toxic waste from nearby NASSCO shipyard.
Mural protests toxic waste from nearby shipyards.
Historical figures come alive in Chicano Park.
Historical figures come alive in Chicano Park.
Artwork provides a strong warning.
Artwork provides a strong warning.
Dynamic shapes, figures and bright colors.
Dynamic shapes, figures and bright colors.
Bold face shows strength.
Bold face shows strength.
Second beautiful female face.
Second beautiful female face.
Third female face is an excellent piece of art.
Third female face is an excellent piece of art.
Fourth female face on Chicano Park pillar.
Fourth female face on Chicano Park pillar.
More amazing artwork in the famous San Diego park.
More amazing artwork in the famous San Diego park.
Aztec warriors come alive in Chicano Park.
Aztec warriors come alive in Chicano Park.
Abstract plant-like painting appears symbolic.
Abstract plant-like painting appears symbolic.
Mattress of homeless person leans up against painted utility box.
Mattress of homeless person leans up against painted utility box.
More colorful artwork.
More colorful artwork.
I Bend Like Desert Flowers Do.
I Bend Like Desert Flowers Do.
Please do not throw litter in the fountain.
Please do not throw litter in the fountain.
Fantastic metal sculpture in tiled fountain.
Fantastic metal sculpture in tiled fountain.
Kid plays among pillars under Coronado Bay Bridge.
Kid plays behind neglected art under Coronado Bay Bridge.
Painted bases of pillars supporting the bridge.
Painted bases of pillars supporting the bridge.
Two vibrant abstract faces.
Two vibrant abstract faces.
Many who are homeless camp out in Chicano Park.
Many who are homeless camp out in Chicano Park.
A world of murals can be found in Chicano Park.
A world of murals can be found in Chicano Park.

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Joy and creativity thrive in Spanish Village.

Main entrance to Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Main entrance to Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.

One of the most popular attractions in San Diego’s Balboa Park is Spanish Village. Here are a few pics of the colorful courtyard and the quaint studios of local artists that surround it…

Studio 29 in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Studio 29 in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.
Peering at artwork in a studio window.
Peering at artwork in a studio window.
Lots of art can be bought from local San Diego artists.
Lots of art can be bought from local San Diego artists.
Live demonstrations by artists can be enjoyed by the public.
Live demonstrations by artists can be enjoyed by the public.
Artist at work outside one studio in Balboa Park's Spanish Village.
Artist at work outside one studio in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village.
Sculpture of dancers in central courtyard.
Sculpture of dancers in central courtyard.
Dogs from one artist's point of view.
Dogs from one artist’s point of view.
Couple explores folksy studios of Spanish Village.
Couple explores folksy studios of Spanish Village.
Art Glass Guild's room of shining color.
Art Glass Guild’s room of shining color.
People converge to see glassblowing in progress.
People converge to see glassblowing in progress.
Workshop inside San Diego Mineral and Gem Society building.
Workshop inside San Diego Mineral and Gem Society building.

The San Diego Mineral and Gem Society has a building in Spanish Village which showcases amazing rock and mineral collections. The lapidary workshop can only be glimpsed when one inside door is open.

Joyful works of art can be found everywhere.
Joyful works of art can be found everywhere.
Funny face greets those exiting toward San Diego Zoo.
Funny face greets those exiting toward San Diego Zoo.

Colorful chalk wisdom on a Little Italy sidewalk.

Is it right, true, needed--then say it!
Is it right? Is it true? Is it needed? Then say it!

A couple days ago I spotted these colorful words of wisdom on a Little Italy sidewalk.

A big rainstorm is coming. The chalk will be washed away.

Be aware. Love you.
Be aware. Love you.
Kiss a friend.
Kiss a friend.
Chalk flowers on sidewalk.
Chalk flowers on the sidewalk.
You are perfect.
You are perfect.

Great artwork on Harbor Island marina gates.

Whales depicted on a Harbor Island marina gate.
Whales depicted on a Harbor Island marina gate.

On Harbor Island, just east of the Hilton, several gates leading down to the marina have metalwork that is really beautiful. Check out these images…

Underwater scene on a marina entrance gate.
Lively underwater scene on a marina entrance gate.
Dolphins decorate a marina gate on Harbor Island.
Dolphins decorate a marina gate on Harbor Island.
Beautiful approach to one gate on Harbor Island marina.
Beautiful approach to one gate at Harbor Island marina.

Cancer Survivors Park: Hope, beauty, healing.

Today with modern medicine there's a pretty good chance of beating cancer.
Today with modern medicine there’s a pretty good chance of beating cancer.

Cancer Survivors Park is located at Spanish Landing, across Harbor Drive from San Diego International Airport. It’s an inspiring place of hope, beauty and healing.

At the center of the park is an arrangement of bronze sculptures by renowned artist Victor Salmones, representing people from all walks of life dealing with cancer. The journey can be complicated and difficult. A walkway that meanders through the park features plaques containing useful, positive messages.

If you also feel inspired, please feel free to share.

Some people have been cured from every type of cancer.
Some people have been cured from every type of cancer.
People from all walks of life can get cancer.
People from all walks of life can get cancer.
Cancer is the most curable of all chronic diseases.
Cancer is the most curable of all chronic diseases.
Bronze forms represent people beginning to undergo medical treatment.
Bronze forms represent people beginning to undergo medical treatment.
Realize that cancer is a life threatening disease but some beat it. Make up your mind you will be one of those who do.
Realize that cancer is a life threatening disease but some beat it. Make up your mind you will be one of those who do.
People like you and I start the difficult journey to have their cancer eliminated.
People like you and I start the difficult journey to have their cancer eliminated.
Make a commitment to do everything in your power to help yourself fight the disease.
Make a commitment to do everything in your power to help yourself fight the disease.
Beginning cancer treatment can be a bit scary and confusing.
Beginning cancer treatment can be a bit scary and confusing.
Find a qualified doctor in whom you have confidence who believes he can successfully treat you.
Find a qualified doctor in whom you have confidence who believes he can successfully treat you.
Young lady begins cancer treatment, feeling uncertain.
Young lady begins cancer treatment, feeling uncertain.
Treat your cancer promptly, properly and thoroughly and have a positive mental attitude.
Treat your cancer promptly, properly and thoroughly and have a positive mental attitude.
Happy family emerges from cancer treatment with a brand new life.
Happy family emerges from cancer treatment with a brand new life.
Get state of the art treatment. Know all your options. Knowledge heals.
Get state of the art treatment. Know all your options. Knowledge heals.
Bicyclist rides through San Diego's Cancer Survivors Park.
Bicyclist rides through San Diego’s Cancer Survivors Park.
Cancer Survivors Park is located at Spanish Landing, near Lindbergh Field.
Cancer Survivors Park is located at Spanish Landing, near Lindbergh Field.

Stylish street art in a dark, unexpected place.

Elegant street art found on Highway 163 underpass wall.
Elegant street art found on Highway 163 underpass wall.

I was surprised to discover this polished bit of street art in a place where few venture in Mission Valley:  in the darkness under Highway 163, along Camino de la Reina, among graffiti and windblown litter.  Joggers and the homeless pass through here, but not very often.  Who was the artist?  Why did they paint a stylish image in this location?  It’s a mystery!

UPDATE!!!

This morning, February 5th, exactly one day after the first photo was taken, I walked to work again and the street art and graffiti were painted over! I don’t know if this is pure coincidence, or the result of my blog yesterday…

The street art has been painted over!
The street art has been painted over!

The dynamic, spiritual chalk art of Steve Mac.

Steve Mac, chalk portrait artist at Seaport Village.
Steve Mac, chalk portrait artist at Seaport Village.

Artists abound along the Embarcadero near Seaport Village. They’ll paint a quick portrait for a modest donation. Today during my walk, I stopped for a bit to chat with Steve Mac.

Steve uses his talent to capture the essence of his subjects. He has a philosophical outlook on life, shunning the material and the ego for the beautiful essence found everywhere around, and within us. About a year and a half ago he had a profound spiritual experience not far from where we spoke, and he woke up from a state of worry and confusion to a spirit-filled life in the now.

Here are a few of his works he had out on display:

Chalk art contains symbols of yin and yang, and the four elements.
Chalk art and symbols of yin and yang, and the four elements.
Serene face between wolves of creativity and destruction.
Serene face between wolves of creativity and destruction.
Sample of colorful double portrait rendered in chalk.
Sample of colorful double portrait rendered in chalk.
Amazing abstract chalk art captures life's essence.
Amazing abstract chalk art captures life’s essence.

I promised to link to his Facebook page.

More photos of murals around Chicano Park.

Ser humano, to be human.
Ser humano, to be human.

Here are even more pics from Barrio Logan!  These photos were taken on the north side of Chicano Park, from the basketball court to Cesar Chavez Boulevard, including a stretch under the I-5 overpass.

As I mentioned before, some of these images might be considered controversial.  To see previous photos, click the Chicano Park tag at the bottom of this post and scroll down.  I have one more batch of photos coming up.  Please feel free to share anything on this blog!

Raza mural decries Operation Gatekeeper.
Raza mural decries Operation Gatekeeper.
Cesar Chavez Blvd mural under busy freeway.
Cesar Chavez Blvd mural under busy freeway.
Arriba Mexico on I-5 underpass mural.
Arriba Mexico on I-5 underpass mural.
Painted family greets traffic in Barrio Logan.
A painted Cesar Chavez and two youth greet traffic in Barrio Logan.
Aztlan mural on Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
Aztlan mural on Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
Pedestrians near Chicano Park walk past public art.
Pedestrians near Chicano Park walk past public art.
Mural at edge of Chicano Park opposes retrofitting.
Mural at edge of Chicano Park opposes retrofitting.
Painted images on Interstate 5 north of Chicano Park.
Painted images on Interstate 5 north of Chicano Park.
Utility box painted with El Corazon.
Utility box painted with El Corazon, the heart.
Mural supports Race, opposes the Border Patrol.
Mural supports Race, opposes the Border Patrol.
Elaborate mural on handball court in Chicano Park.
Elaborate mural containing ancient symbolism on a handball court in Chicano Park.
Painted jaguar crouches near basketball court.
Painted jaguar crouches near basketball court.
A very detailed mural in Chicano Park.
A very detailed and colorful mural in Chicano Park.
Aztec mural painted near chain link fence.
Aztec mural painted near chain link fence.
Utility box with colorful figures.
Utility box with colorful figures, including a mariachi.
Classic cars depicted on a concrete pillar.
Classic cars depicted on a concrete pillar.
San Diego Lowrider Council mural in Chicano Park.
San Diego Lowrider Council mural in Chicano Park.