Tag: artists

Getting ready for 2017 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!

Putting sand into wooden forms, preparing to make sand sculptures that will welcome visitors to the Broadway Pier!
Putting sand into wooden forms, preparing to make sand sculptures that will welcome visitors to the Broadway Pier!

Look what I spotted during my walk along the Embarcadero after work today! Preparations are underway for the big 2017 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge which takes place this coming Labor Day Weekend!

As you can see, sand is being put into large wooden forms at the base of the Broadway Pier. I learned from a friendly guy scooping sand that the competing sculptures will actually be created inside the Broadway Pier’s Port Pavilion! (In past years they were outside, along the south edge of the nearby B Street Pier.)

I also see that this year, outside on the Broadway Pier, there will be all sorts of food, cool “dimensional art” and live music, much like the past events.

Finally, I learned that the three sand sculptures just getting started today will welcome visitors to the Broadway Pier. One sculpture will depict the USS Midway and Star of India. Another has something to do with LEGOs. A third will promote MTS, San Diego’s public transit system.

I’m getting excited! The best sand artists in the world will be here next weekend! I’m going! It will be cool to see their masterpieces!

The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is coming to San Diego's Broadway Pier during Labor Day Weekend!
The U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is coming to San Diego’s Broadway Pier during Labor Day Weekend!
Meanwhile, this afternoon during my walk, I saw some folks enjoying the pier, watching two harbor cruise ships coming in from the bay.
Meanwhile, this afternoon during my walk, I saw some folks enjoying the pier, watching two harbor cruise ships coming in from the bay.
This friendly guy told me there will be three sand sculptures here at the base of the pier. The competing sand sculptures will actually be created inside the Port Pavilion this year!
This friendly guy told me there will be three sand sculptures here at the base of the pier. The competing sand sculptures will actually be created inside the Port Pavilion this year!
Quarry sand mixed with water will be compacted, and then carved into some cool sculptures during the coming week!
Quarry sand mixed with water will be compacted, and then carved here into three cool sculptures during the coming week! Stay tuned!

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Cool new mural in East Village crushes it!

Crushing It. A cool new mural just completed in San Diego's East Village at the corner of Park Boulevard and J Street.
Crushing It. A cool new mural just completed in San Diego’s East Village at the corner of Park Boulevard and J Street.

Last week I noticed a new mural was being painted on a building wall in East Village. I glimpsed the preliminary outlines as I passed by on the trolley, which was heading along Park Boulevard just south of the Market Street station.

Well, today I observed that this very cool mural has been completed! You can find it at the intersection of Park Boulevard and J Street. Apparently titled Crushing It, this colorful spray paint art was created by Carly Ealey and Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective, a group of local artists who have awesome urban artwork all over San Diego!

It appears to me the local artists Carly Ealey and Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective have crushed it!
It appears to me the local artists Carly Ealey and Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective have crushed it!
Lots of old wrecked cars are piled up behind Rant's Demolition neon sign!
Lots of old wrecked cars are piled up behind that Rant’s Demolition neon sign!
A beautiful female face has materialized on a building wall in downtown San Diego!
A beautiful female face has materialized on a building wall in downtown San Diego!

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Quick peek at the SoCal Etsy Guild Market!

The SoCal Etsy Guild Market took place today in Horton Plaza Park.
The SoCal Etsy Guild Market took place today in Horton Plaza Park.

My walk downtown today took me through Horton Plaza Park, where I came upon a very cool event.

The SoCal Etsy Guild Market had drawn a nice crowd of curious shoppers! Lots of handmade, original goodies were for sale by all sorts of crafts makers and artists…

I took a few photos as I wandered through…

Lots of cool crafts and artwork was for sale!
Lots of cool crafts and artwork was for sale!
Shoppers wore big smiles.
Shoppers wore big smiles.
Izzy's Sounds is on Etsy. He makes one-of-a-kind bluetooth speakers out of vintage radios and other interesting objects.
Izzy’s Sounds is on Etsy. He makes one-of-a-kind bluetooth speakers out of vintage radios and other interesting objects.
An artist advises us to live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air. Sounds wise to me!
An artist advises us to live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air. Sounds wise to me!
It appears a good crowd turned out for SoCal Etsy Guild Market in downtown San Diego!
It appears a good crowd turned out for SoCal Etsy Guild Market in downtown San Diego!

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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!

More art discovered while walking downtown!

Girl jumps rope. Street art on a utility box in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.
Girl jumps rope. Street art on a utility box in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.

Here’s another batch of colorful photos! These capture works of art that I’ve discovered while walking around downtown San Diego.

Enjoy!

A lion's head decorates the Star of India's cathead.
A lion’s head decorates the Star of India’s cathead.
Painted flowers inside a downtown window.
Painted flowers inside a downtown window.
Old sculptural figures surround a planter at San Diego High School, near Park Boulevard. They depict academic and athletic endeavors.
Old sculptural figures surround a planter at San Diego High School, near Park Boulevard. They depict academic and athletic endeavors.
This winged doughnut was painted about a week ago at the Donut Bar.
This winged doughnut was painted about a week ago at the Donut Bar.
Artwork on outside wall of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum Extension.
Artwork on outside wall of the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum Extension.
A space invader made of tile near a Horton Plaza escalator!
A space invader made of tile near a Horton Plaza escalator!
Beautiful sculpted relief panel above door of 700 1st Avenue building.
Beautiful sculpted relief panel above door of the 700 1st Avenue building.
Art that I spied on a parked car in downtown San Diego.
Art that I spied on a parked car in downtown San Diego.
Artwork near west entrance of San Diego's cool House of Blues.
Artwork near west entrance of San Diego’s cool House of Blues.
Colorful shoes like flowers on the ceiling at the west entrance of House of Blues San Diego.
Colorful shoes like flowers on the ceiling, at the west entrance of House of Blues San Diego.
Plein air painter Paul Strahm creates a beautiful work of art near the USS Midway Museum.
Plein air painter Paul Strahm creates a beautiful work of art near the USS Midway Museum.
Street art in the Gaslamp shows child making a secret painting.
Street art in the Gaslamp shows child making a secret painting.

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Broad City fans paint big coloring book at Comic-Con!

A scene from Broad City comes to life inside Comedy Central's enormous coloring book during 2017 Comic-Con.
A scene from Broad City comes to life inside Comedy Central’s enormous “coloring book” during 2017 Comic-Con.

Have you ever stepped inside a coloring book? You can at 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!

The Comedy Central series Broad City has a cool, free attraction where people can paint the walls of a room with colorful scenes from the show! It’s paint by numbers! It’s a brilliant idea that inspires fan interaction! Take a look!

Anyone can enjoy this Broad City special attraction during Comic-Con. If you share a photo with a certain hashtag, you can win a prize.
Anyone can enjoy this Broad City special attraction during Comic-Con. If you share a photo with a certain hashtag, you can win a prize.
People look at the colorfully painted walls, or take up a brush and contribute with their own creativity.
People look at the colorfully painted walls, or take up a brush and contribute with their own creativity.
Some of the bright artwork inspired by the wacky Comedy Central show Broad City.
Some of the bright artwork inspired by the wacky Comedy Central show Broad City.
Photo of finished artwork on the floor.
Photo of some finished artwork on the floor.
SpongeBob SquarePants checks out the dazzling Broad City coloring book room!
SpongeBob SquarePants checks out the dazzling Broad City coloring book room! He must think the luminous colors are like bright fish underwater.
The paint seems to magically glow in the dimly lit room.
The paint seems to magically glow in the dimly lit room.
More humorous images inspired by the popular Comedy Central show.
More humorous images inspired by the popular Comedy Central show.
Artwork painted by fans.
Artwork painted by fans.
Someone adds color to the Season Premiere.
Someone adds color to the Season Premiere.
These kids are contributing, too. It's color by number.
These kids are contributing, too. It’s color by number.
Fan of the Comedy Central show Broad City paints a wall during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.
Fan of the Comedy Central show Broad City paints a wall during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con!

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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!

Rabbitville gallery celebrates Gaslamp during Comic-Con.

Rabbits have been painted to commemorate the history of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, which once was nicknamed Rabbitville.
Rabbits have been created to commemorate the history of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, which once was nicknamed Rabbitville.

A “hop-up” art gallery can be found in the Gaslamp during 2017 San Diego Comic-Con! This fun Rabbitville exhibition, located at 453 Fifth Avenue, features a roomful of large colorful rabbits created by local artists! Their artwork celebrates the rich, unique history of the Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego.

You might recall we saw the Willabee rabbit at the Jacaranda Spring Thing, when I blogged about it here. Well, now you can enjoy a whole warren of art bunnies!

Swing on by during Comic-Con (through Sunday) and check them out!

People attending 2017 San Diego Comic-Con look at an artfully painted rabbit outside the Rabbitville "Hop-Up" Gallery.
People attending 2017 San Diego Comic-Con look at an artfully painted rabbit outside the Rabbitville “Hop-Up” Gallery.
Honoring the Disdained, by artist Tasha Hobbs. Art that honors the contributions of Chinese immigrants in early San Diego.
Honoring the Disdained: Carp Jumping Dragon Gate, by artist Tasha Hobbs. Art that honors the contributions of Chinese immigrants in early San Diego.
Alonzo Horton is the father of modern San Diego. He journeyed to San Diego in 1867, then purchased the area now known as downtown and called it New Town.
Alonzo Horton is the father of modern San Diego. He journeyed to San Diego in 1867, then purchased the area now known as downtown and called it New Town.
The Stingaree was a red-light district filled with prostitutes and gamblers, including the famous Wyatt Earp, who would run three gambling halls in San Diego.
The Stingaree was a red-light district filled with prostitutes and gamblers, including the famous Wyatt Earp, who would run three gambling halls in San Diego.

Steampunk author Jack Tyler is writing an exciting novel about San Diego’s infamous Stingaree. I blogged about it here!

It’s an exciting read. Check it out!

Mirrored Rabbit, by artist Mario Herbelin-Canelas.
Mirrored Rabbit, by artist Mario Herbelin-Canelas.
Ordinate, by artist Rebecca Nuvoletta. This rabbit celebrates the visions of a distant future in the founding of New Town.
Ordinate, by artist Rebecca Nuvoletta. This rabbit celebrates the visions of a distant future in the founding of New Town.
Willabee, by artist Matt Forderer. This rabbit has traveled through time to collect historical images of San Diego.
Willabee, by artist Matt Forderer. This rabbit has traveled through time to collect historical images of San Diego.
Against All Odds, We Thrive! by artist Sarah Soward. Alonzo Horton's passion and vision for San Diego are celebrated.
Against All Odds, We Thrive! by artist Sarah Soward. Alonzo Horton’s passion and vision for San Diego is celebrated.
Diego, by artist Monty Montgomery. The colors and shapes on this rabbit are visual impressions of experiences on the streets of San Diego.
Diego, by artist Monty Montgomery. The colors and shapes on this rabbit are visual impressions of experiences on the streets of San Diego.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Ron English’s POPaganda art exhibit at Comic-Con.

A humorous sculpture stands on the sidewalk outside the Ron English POPaganda art exhibit in San Diego.
A humorous sculpture stands on the sidewalk outside the Ron English POPaganda art exhibit in San Diego.

There’s a small but eye-popping exhibit a few blocks from most of the Comic-Con action that many art lovers should enjoy–particularly those who are fans of Ron English and his style of humorous, anti-corporate art.

I visited his POPaganda exhibit and captured a few photos to provide an idea of what you will see. This is the first US stop of his “Make America GRIN Again” tour. I wonder who is grinning? Personally, I found it a bit ironic that the effort to sell profuse merchandise seems to eclipse his few (but delightful) pieces of anti-consumerist art. But what do I know?

You can find this fun pop-up exhibit at 1037 J Street. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00am to 6:00pm. Ron English will be present and signing from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, Thursday through Saturday.

The Statue of Liberty is grinning like a skull during 2017 Comic-Con.
The Statue of Liberty is grinning like a skull during 2017 Comic-Con.
Looks like a Hulkish, supersized Ronald McDonald with red stretchy pants. He must work out after taking in all those calories.
Looks like a Hulkish, supersized Ronald McDonald with red stretchy pants. He must work out after taking in all those calories.
It's Sugar Diabetic Bear!
It’s Sugar Diabetic Bear!
Looks somewhat like Franken Berry. Uh, oh! This exhibit is making me hungry for sugary cereal!
Looks somewhat like Franken Berry. Uh, oh! This subversive exhibit is making me hungry for sugary cereal!

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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!

Original Comic-Con art near the convention center!

Local artist Suzka has created lots of colorful artwork that includes elements from San Diego Comic-Con and comic books.
Local artist Suzka has created some colorful artwork that includes elements from San Diego Comic-Con, popular culture and comic books.

Check this out! There’s a bunch of cool, original San Diego Comic-Con artwork on display in an eatery not far from the convention center! Head a couple blocks up First Avenue and step inside Simon’s Cafe to see these colorful Comic-Con paintings!

The artist’s name is Suzka, and you can read her bio in one of my photos–click it to enlarge for easier reading.

This morning I had a lot of fun looking at this art inside the cafe while waiting for my breakfast burrito. (Which was pretty good, too!)

Biography of painter and writer Suzka. Some of her art celebrating San Diego Comic-Con can be seen inside Simon's Cafe on First Avenue, a couple blocks north of Harbor Drive.
Biography of painter and writer Suzka. Some of her art celebrating San Diego Comic-Con can be seen inside Simon’s Cafe on First Avenue, a couple blocks north of Harbor Drive.
Cool original San Diego Comic-Con art shows timeline of the international pop culture phenomenon.
Cool original San Diego Comic-Con art shows timeline of the international pop culture phenomenon.
An enormous Superman seems to stand guard near a harbor.
An enormous Superman seems to stand guard near a harbor.
Dr. Fate is in a big hurry to save Inza from danger!
Dr. Fate is in a big hurry to save Inza from danger!
Fun versions of Batman and Superman welcome everyone to Comic-Con!
Fun versions of Batman and Superman welcome everyone to Comic-Con!

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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!

Terracotta female figures at Heritage Plaza.

Two terracotta female figures stand at corner of Heritage Plaza, near the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Hortensia Street.
Two terracotta female figures stand at Heritage Plaza, near the intersection of San Diego Avenue and Hortensia Street.

A number of fine sculptures by artists T.J. Dixon and James Nelson can be spotted around San Diego. During a walk down San Diego Avenue in Old Town, I paused to photograph their 1995 sculpture of two life size female figures in terracotta. If you drive down the street past Heritage Plaza, it can be easy to miss them. Here’s a look…

Plaque reads Sculpture by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson. Tile by Mark Emery.
Plaque reads Sculpture by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson. Tile by Mark Emery.
Graceful female figure sculpted with lifted head and smile.
Graceful female figure sculpted with lifted head and smile.
The second terracotta figure.
The second terracotta figure.
Art can represent essential human truth.
Art can represent essential human truth.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Street art along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.

Normal Heights is home to lots of great street art and other cool sights!
Normal Heights is home to lots of creative street art and other cool sights!

Here come lots of photos of street art in Normal Heights. I captured these while walking east along the south side of Adams Avenue, from I-805 to 35th Street. Then I crossed the street and walked back west to the bridge that spans the freeway.

(Please note–I haven’t included some artwork along Adams Avenue that I’ve already blogged. Check the related links at the bottom of this post, or use the search box.)

Here we go!

A smiling face painted on a transformer box along Adams Avenue.
A smiling face painted on a transformer box along Adams Avenue.
Big lips.
Big lips.
A big eyeball.
A big eyeball.
An animated red fire extinguisher chases and douses a flame on the wall of All County Fire.
An animated red fire extinguisher chases and douses a flame on the wall of All County Fire.
A classic car and tire tracks painted on a utility box on the sidewalk in front of Tire Depot.
A classic car and tire tracks painted on a utility box on the sidewalk in front of Tire Depot.
A tropical island scene.
A tropical island scene.
A cool cat.
A cool cat.
A skull above palm trees and flowers.
A skull in sunglasses above palm trees and flowers.
I think I'm quite ready for another adventure. Bilbo Baggins. (A favorite book!)
I think I’m quite ready for another adventure. Bilbo Baggins. (A favorite book!)
Stenciled mandalas line the sidewalk near Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga.
Stenciled mandalas line the sidewalk not far from Pilgrimage of the Heart Yoga.
A mosaic of different tiles outline the front of some stores along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.
A mosaic composed of many different tiles graces the front of some shops along Adams Avenue in Normal Heights.
Marquee of old Adams Avenue Theater, which is now home to Discount Fabrics.
Marquee of old Adams Avenue Theater, which is now home to Discount Fabrics.
Fabric art in windows of the old theater, where movie posters were once displayed.
Fabric art in windows of the old theater, where movie posters were once displayed.
Colorful terrazzo design at entrance to old theater.
Colorful terrazzo design at entrance to old theater.
Two faces watch people walking down the sidewalk.
Two faces watch people walking down the sidewalk.
Colorful designs attract attention.
Colorful designs attract attention.
A series of fun utility boxes.
A series of fun utility boxes.
A snow-capped mountain peak on the side of a newspaper box.
A snow-capped mountain peak on the side of a newspaper box.
Real wrenches have been affixed to this utility box near an auto repair shop!
Real wrenches have been affixed to this utility box near an auto repair shop!
On the other side is this nostalgic graphic showing some car culture history in Normal Heights.
On the other side is this nostalgic graphic showing some car culture history in Normal Heights.
Colorful plant life painted in the city.
Colorful plant life painted in the city.
One wall has a mural with a couple of surprises flying behind a bush--parrots!
One wall has a mural with a couple of surprises flying behind a bush: parrots!
And behind another bush is this human form, sitting among small flowers!
And behind another bush is this human form, sitting among small flowers!
These smiling flowers want you to have fun at the Adams Avenue Recreation Center!
These smiling flowers want you to have fun at the Adams Avenue Recreation Center!
Now I've crossed Adams Avenue at 35th and am heading back west on the north side. Check out the cool mural near the rooftop of Humphrey Appliance.
Now I’ve crossed Adams Avenue at 35th and am heading back west on the north side. Check out the cool mural near the rooftop of Humphrey Appliance.
This box has some really good artistry.
This box has some really good artistry.
A mysterious face on another side.
A mysterious face on another side.
Butterflies are flitting about the wall of Mariposa Ice Cream.
Butterflies are flitting about the wall of Mariposa Ice Cream.
Two fantastic female faces, by talented muralists Gloria Muriel and Amanda Lynn. You've seen the distinctive work of each artist elsewhere on this blog!
Two fantastic female faces, by talented muralists Gloria Muriel and Amanda Lynn. You’ve seen the distinctive work of each artist elsewhere on this blog!
A beautiful face in a tropical setting.
A beautiful face in a tropical setting.
A bright design has emerged from human imagination.
A bright design has emerged from human imagination.
I love this box! Check out the face that seems to peer from behind bricks.
I love this box! Check out the face that seems to peer from behind bricks.
Eyes peer from one corner of the top.
Eyes peer from one corner of the top.
Another side.
Another side.
Many colorful stick figures around the planet Earth.
Many colorful stick figures around the planet Earth.
Painted scene of a painted scene in Normal Heights.
Painted scene of a painted scene in Normal Heights.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!