Tag: artists

Dots, squares, cubes, and a crazy tangle.

Colorful dots on the side of a building in downtown San Diego.
Colorful dots on the side of a building in downtown San Diego.

Every walk through the city is a voyage of discovery. Everywhere you turn there are sudden surprises of color, form and depth. An inquisitive scientist might see geometric order; an artist might discern shades, intimations, emotion.

This morning, during a walk through downtown, I photographed dots, squares, cubes and a rather crazy tangle.

Six blue squares on the north side of the Columbia Place building.
Six blue squares on the north side of the Columbia Place building.
Steel cubes on west side of Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which is housed in the Santa Fe Depot's old baggage terminal. Art by Richard Serra, 2005.
Steel cubes on west side of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which is housed in the Santa Fe Depot’s old baggage terminal. Art by Richard Serra, 2005.  Litter atop cube 1 is by Anonymous.  Idealized (though rusty) art meets messy (real) life.
A crazy tangle of electrical lines in the entrance of the David C. Copley Building in downtown San Diego.
A crazy tangle of electrical lines in the entrance of the David C. Copley Building in downtown San Diego. A sculpture at MCASD. Power Maze with Sconce, Roman de Salvo, 1998.

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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 colorful windows of Seaport Village.

Christmas angels peer out of a window at Silver Crossing in Seaport Village.
Christmas angels peer out of a window at Silver Crossing in Seaport Village.

Radical changes are coming to nearly 40-year-old Seaport Village. A redevelopment plan that was recently approved will transform the quaint collection of shops and restaurants on downtown’s waterfront into a massive complex called Seaport San Diego.  The new development will contain even more shopping and dining options, several hotels, a 480-foot observation tower, a public beach, aquarium, Smithsonian attraction, and more.

Many of the shops that people have come to know over the years will vanish. Admittedly, Seaport Village today is a touristy hodgepodge. One wouldn’t really expect to see a New England lighthouse in Southern California. But no matter. I still enjoy meandering through on a sunny weekend! There are buskers aplenty and live music and people-watching and the nearby grassy park with kites flying in the breeze. And onion rings and pretzels and ice cream!

And there are the windows. Kaleidoscope windows. Windows winking with color. Windows painted with unexpected images. Windows full of gaudy trinkets, the typical souvenirs, whimsical novelties, and even a rare treasure or two you’ll find nowhere else.

Here are a few of the windows.

A lady holding a colorful bouquet in the window of Seaport Deli and Salad Bar.
A lady holding a colorful bouquet in the window of Seaport Deli and Salad Bar.
Beach, clouds, muffin and coffee in a window of the Seaport Cookie Company.
Beach, clouds, muffin and coffee in a window of the Seaport Cookie Company.
Exotic masks for a masquerade in a window of Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse.
Exotic masks for a masquerade in one window of Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffeehouse.
Floral designs around one window of the Seaport Fudge Factory.
Floral designs around one window of the Seaport Fudge Factory.
Window mural painted by San Diego artist Joel Sharp in 1996. You can find it in Seaport Village at Margaritas Kitchen and Cantina.
Window mural painted by San Diego artist Joel Sharp in 1996. You can find it in Seaport Village at Margaritas Kitchen and Cantina.
Christopher M., known as The Painter of Chefs, has samples of his work displayed in one window of Exclusive Collections Gallery in Seaport Village.
Christopher M., known as The Painter of Chefs, has samples of his work displayed in one window of Exclusive Collections Gallery in Seaport Village.
Delightful characters fill the window at The Mugger in Seaport Village.
Delightful characters fill the window at The Mugger in Seaport Village.
A window full of irresistible treats at the Seaport Cookie Company.
A window full of irresistible treats at the Seaport Cookie Company.
Three smiling faces in the Upstart Crow window. Can you spot all three.
There are several smiling faces in this Upstart Crow window. Can you spot all three?
Zoltar the fortune teller will read your future from his own small window.
Zoltar the fortune teller will read your future from his own small window.
Coral and other beautiful objects in a window of Seaport Village Shell Co. Limited.
Coral and other beautiful objects in a window of Seaport Village Shell Co. Limited.
Tourists might take home a glittery San Diego sombrero once they glimpse these in the window of Mexican Fiesta.
Tourists might take home a glittery San Diego sombrero once they glimpse these in the window of Mexican Fiesta.
Sunflowers and blue window frames at Frost Me Gourmet Cupcakes in Seaport Village.
Sunflowers and blue window frames at Frost Me Gourmet Cupcakes in Seaport Village.

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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious?  There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Cool street art: The Nest Murals near Chicano Park.

The Nest Murals include a big blue whale on a yellow fence in Barrio Logan, not far from downtown San Diego.
The Nest Murals include a big blue whale on a yellow fence in Barrio Logan, not far from downtown San Diego.

I stumbled upon a collection of colorful murals the other day while walking through Barrio Logan. A project of The Nest, founded by San Diego artist Jorge Mendoza, this very cool street art can be found near the intersection of National Avenue and Evans Street, a block southeast of Chicano Park.

Check out these pics!

Boldly spray painted designs dazzle the eye and inspire imagination.
Boldly spray painted designs dazzle the eye and inspire imagination.
A large eye watches Evans Street, a block southeast of Chicano Park.
A large eye watches Evans Street, a block southeast of Chicano Park.
Swirls of blue, green, pink, and an old Volkswagen Beetle.
Swirls of blue, green, pink, and an old Volkswagen Beetle.
Entering an alley, we see a lot more cool street art spray painted on a fence.
Entering an alley, we see a lot more cool street art spray painted on a fence.
A brush-head and skull-flower makes one look twice.
A brush-head and skull-flower makes one look twice.
Three eyes in a blazing sun, which shines from The Nest Murals in Barrio Logan.
Three eyes in a blazing sun, which shines from The Nest Murals in Barrio Logan.
Odd creatures made of cloth, buttons and pins paint graffiti on a garage door.
Odd creatures made of cloth, buttons and pins paint graffiti on a garage door.
A hand emerges from the mouth of a fish at The Nest Murals.
A hand emerges from the mouth of a fish at The Nest Murals.
Fun colorful designs include cheese.
Colorful artwork includes images of cheese.
A face with odd geometric features in the Barrio Logan alley.
A face with odd features in the Barrio Logan alley.
Super creative street art at The Nest Murals, located near Chicano Park.
Very creative street art at The Nest Murals, located near Chicano Park.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

New Barrio Logan mural honors four lost lives.

A long mural painted on a building at the corner of National Avenue and Evans Street honors four lives that were lost during a tragic accident in Chicano Park on October 15, 2016.
A long mural painted on a building at the corner of National Avenue and Evans Street honors four lives that were lost during a tragic accident in Chicano Park on October 15, 2016.

Here are photos of the new mural in Barrio Logan that honors the lives of four people who died tragically last month in Chicano Park under the Coronado Bay Bridge. On October 14, the four–Annamarie Contreras, Cruz Elias Contreras, Andre Christopher Banks and Francine Denise Jimenez–were attending the annual La Raza Run motorcycle festival in Chicano Park when a car driven by a drunk driver suddenly plummeted from the bridge onto the crowd below. The news that four were killed and eight were injured was shocking. Many were shaken. So many hearts were broken.

The new artwork, which includes a tribute to the four victims, can be found at the corner of National Avenue and Evans Street, a block southeast of Chicano Park. Chicano Park is famous for its many colorful murals that depict the civil rights struggles of Mexican Americans and immigrants.

On Saturday, October 16, the day we started our mural, four members of the annual Raza Run lost their lives in the tragic accident at Chicano Park.
On Saturday, October 16, the day we started our mural, four members of the annual Raza Run lost their lives in the tragic accident at Chicano Park.
The mural is titled Que Viva Barrio Logan, by artist Mario Torero. It's painted on the side of Diego and Son Printing. Making a difference in our community.
The mural is titled Que Viva Barrio Logan, by artist Mario Torero. It’s painted on the side of Diego and Son Printing. Words proclaim: Making a difference in our community.
The mural transmits great emotion. Many in the Barrio Logan community oppose gentrification.
The mural transmits great emotion. Many in the Barrio Logan community oppose gentrification.
The mural also includes a message opposing the building of a new stadium downtown.
The mural also includes a message opposing the building of a new stadium downtown.
Working under the Coronado Bay Bridge, home of Chicano Park.
Working under the Coronado Bay Bridge, home of Chicano Park.
A few of the many images in the mural. Breaking a chain of bondage. Music and pride. Protect the water.
A few of the images in the mural. Breaking a chain of bondage. Music and pride. Protect the water.
A bold face in Barrio Logan.
The face of Bob Dylan in Barrio Logan.
Skeletons on bicycles. Symbols, I believe, of past loved ones.
Skeletons on bicycles. Symbols, I believe, of past loved ones.
Withstanding with Standing Rock.
Withstanding with Standing Rock.
The face of a migrant worker.
The face of a migrant worker.
Walking down the National Avenue sidewalk, past a new mural that celebrates life, memory and history in Barrio Logan.
Walking down the National Avenue sidewalk, past a new mural that celebrates life, memory and history in Barrio Logan.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Create a collage in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village!

A cool work of art pieced together in Balboa Park's Spanish Village. Anyone can do this!
A cool work of art pieced together in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village. Anyone can do this!

My weekend walk in Balboa Park took me through Spanish Village Art Center. For a few pleasant minutes I paused to watch artist Kathi Vargo piecing together collages and unique assemblage at a table in the middle of the patio. Anyone passing by was invited to join in!

I learned that Kathi offers Paint and Paper Play classes where absolutely anybody can learn to create mixed media collages. If you’re interested, visit her website!

Kathi Vargo was having a fun Paint and Paper Play Collage Workshop in the middle of the Spanish Village Art Center's colorful patio.
Kathi Vargo was having a fun Paint and Paper Play Collage Workshop in the middle of the Spanish Village Art Center’s colorful patio.
All sorts of objects can be used to assemble this unique artwork.
All sorts of objects can be used to assemble this unique artwork.
Applying some paint to a strip of material.
Applying some paint to a strip of material.
Creating art expands the mind, enriches the spirit, and is just plain fun!
Creating art expands the mind, enriches the spirit, and is just plain fun!
You can make this!
You can make this!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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Cool urban art at Quartyard in East Village.

Some cool urban art by Exist1981, created for PangeaSeed's Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans festival. The artwork, located at the Quartyard in East Village, warns that melting sea ice due to climate change will affect polar bear populations.
Cool urban art by Exist1981, created for PangeaSeed’s Sea Walls: Murals for Oceans festival. The public artwork, located at the Quartyard in East Village, warns that melting sea ice due to climate change will affect polar bear populations.

Whenever I walk past Quartyard in San Diego’s East Village, I look around to see what cool urban art I might discover. I took out my camera yesterday and snapped a few photos of the colorful artwork!

Quartyard, at the corner of Market Street and 11th Avenue in San Diego's East Village, is a place where people can gather to eat, drink, talk, and enjoy entertainment.
Quartyard, at the corner of Market Street and 11th Avenue in San Diego’s East Village, is a place where people can gather to eat, drink, talk, and enjoy entertainment.
Mail delivery person heads into Quartyard, an unusual community gathering place made from repurposed shipping containers. Coffee, beer, concerts and food trucks are found here.
Mail delivery person heads into Quartyard, a community gathering place made from repurposed shipping containers. Coffee, beer, concerts and food trucks are found here.
A colorfully painted parking meter stands strangely by the mail box.
A cheerfully painted parking meter stands strangely by a mail box.
The Meshuggah Shack occupies one shipping container. The funky place is known for their great coffee and friendly vibe.
The Meshuggah Shack occupies one shipping container. The funky place is known for their great coffee and friendly vibe.
The Meshuggah Shack offers coffee, tea, oddities, smoothies, noshes, and other fun stuff.
The colorful Meshuggah Shack offers coffee, tea, oddities, smoothies, noshes, and other fun stuff.
Words on one shipping container at the Quartyard proclaims this is Your City Block.
Words on one shipping container at the Quartyard proclaim this is Your City Block.
Sun, water, hungry sharks and a tropical island. I'm not exactly sure what is going on in this crazy street art created by Nick McPherson and MR DVICE.
Sun, water, hungry sharks and a tropical island. I’m not exactly sure what is going on in this crazy street art created by Nick McPherson and MR DVICE.

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious?  There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Photos of art, fun and life at Liberty Station!

A walk through Liberty Station in Point Loma is always pleasurable. A photographer can find scenes of art, fun and life!
A walk through Liberty Station in Point Loma is always pleasurable. A photographer can find scenes of art, fun and life!

My walk yesterday took me to one of my favorite places in San Diego . . . Liberty Station! The historic old Naval Training Center San Diego in Point Loma has been converted into beautiful courtyards, shops, museums, art studios and more. It’s a lively but leisurely place where one can simply sit on a bench in a park and enjoy people, fountains, flowers and sunshine. It’s also a perfect place to walk randomly about to make new discoveries.

Here are a few fun photos my camera captured!

Two people on the North Promenade in the middle of the Arts District at Liberty Station learn how to take great photos from a personal instructor.
Two people on the North Promenade in the middle of the Arts District at Liberty Station learn how to take great photos from a personal instructor.
These Star Wars stormtroopers were caught without their helmets. They appear to be quite human! I believe they would be providing entertainment at a special event in NTC Park.
These Star Wars stormtroopers were caught near a parking lot without their helmets. They appear to be quite human and friendly! I believe they were getting ready to provide entertainment for a special event in the big grassy NTC Park.
Colorful banner outside the San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery. Their amazing International Exhibition is underway and will be open to the public through October 31.
Colorful banner outside the San Diego Watercolor Society Gallery. Their amazing International Exhibition is underway and will be open to the public through October 31.
A small collection of paintings can be enjoyed inside the entrance to the old Naval Training Center San Diego's command building.
A small collection of paintings can be enjoyed inside the entrance to the old Naval Training Center San Diego’s command building.
Art displayed in the NTC Command Center was created by artists who have studios inside several old barracks at Liberty Station.
Art displayed in the NTC Command Center was created by artists who have studios inside several old barracks at Liberty Station.
Window into one artist's studio. Artists, museums and cultural attractions now occupy many of the historic Navy barracks at Liberty Station.
Window into one artist’s studio. Artists, museums and cultural attractions now occupy many of the historic Navy barracks at Liberty Station.
A fun sculpture graces the North Promenade at Liberty Station.
A fun sculpture graces the North Promenade at Liberty Station.  Flowers, by John Dupree.
Families and kids love the small USS Brave boat bench at Liberty Station.
Families and kids love the small USS Brave boat bench at Liberty Station.  Wood art by Jonathan Allen.
Photo of entrance to the Dorothea Laub Dance Place building in Liberty Station.
Photo of entrance to the Dorothea Laub Dance Place building in Liberty Station.
Lavendar Ballerina by Jori Owens, one of many paintings on display in the main hallway of the Dance Place San Diego at Liberty Station.
Lavendar Ballerina by Jori Owens, one of many paintings on display in the main hallway of the Dance Place San Diego at Liberty Station.
Blue Ballerina, a painting by Jori Owens.
Blue Ballerina, a painting by Jori Owens.
Red Ballerina, a painting by Jori Owens.
Red Ballerina, a painting by Jori Owens.
A busy Saturday inside the new and very popular indoor Liberty Public Market.
A busy Saturday at the new and very popular indoor Liberty Public Market.
Flowers add color and life to Liberty Public Market.
Flowers add color and life to Liberty Public Market, one of many places to visit at Liberty Station.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

Photos of chalk art at 2016 Festa in Little Italy!

Lawrence Godfrey. Sunflowers and a peaceful country scene interpreted with chalk.
Lawrence Godfrey. Sunflowers and a peaceful country scene interpreted with chalk.

Check out these photos of amazing chalk art!

This morning dozens of chalk artists were busy working to complete their masterpieces as 2016 Festa in Little Italy officially opened. There was no special theme this year, so the artwork along Beech Street included anything and everything Italian. The photos I took yesterday (for my previous blog post) provided only a hint of what would materialize. Today’s photos show hours of hard work by the artists, who have brought their unique visions to life.

I’ve included what I believe to be the team names in the photo captions. Congratulations to all the great artists!

Artists complete their chalk art masterpieces at 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Artists work to complete their chalk art masterpieces at 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Santa Fe Christian High School. Colorful trees and hills. Perhaps its an orchard or vineyard in Italy.
Santa Fe Christian High School. Colorful trees and hills. Perhaps it’s an orchard or vineyard in Italy.
Elisabeth Eckert. Flowing artwork on the streets of Little Italy during Festa.
Elisabeth Eckert. Flowing artwork on the streets of Little Italy during Festa.
Canyon Crest Academy. A chalk depiction of The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio.
Canyon Crest Academy. A chalk depiction of classic painting The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio.
Liberty Charter High School. A scene from Venice, Italy produced with chalk.
Liberty Charter High School. A scene from Venice, Italy produced with chalk.
Pearson Family. A colorful face sure to please thousands of visitors at 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Pearson Family. A colorful face sure to please thousands of visitors at 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Lidia F. Vasquez. Another sensational work of art by a very accomplished young chalk artist.
Lidia F. Vasquez. Another sensational work of art by a very accomplished young chalk artist.
Lydia Puentes Phillips. The face of Christ before the Crucifixion.
Lydia Puentes Phillips. The face of Christ before the Crucifixion.
Stan Tang. A strong masculine face drawn with chalk.
Stan Tang. A strong masculine face drawn with chalk.
Chalkolate. A red Alfa Romeo made entirely of chalk. The Gesso Italiano at 2016 Festa celebrates everything Italian, including cars!
Chalkolate. A red Alfa Romeo made entirely of chalk. The Gesso Italiano at 2016 Festa celebrates everything Italian, including cars!
Mount Miguel High School. Someone is trying to reach out of the asphalt on Beech Street!
Mount Miguel High School. Someone is trying to reach out of the asphalt on Beech Street!
Alex Dejecacion. Some fine chalk artistry has produced a lovely woman.
Alex Dejecacion. Some fine chalk artistry has produced a lovely woman.
Weenie Kingdom. Another amazing chalk female portrait.
Weenie Kingdom. Another amazing chalk female portrait.
Liliana Mai. It seems a gondolier is waving from beneath a San Diego street!
Liliana Mai. It seems a Venetian gondolier is waving from some water beneath a San Diego street!
Valerie Michelle. Unusual chalk art depicts an elegantly dressed dog!
Valerie Michelle. Unusual chalk art depicts an elegantly dressed dog!
Megnificent. A chalk art portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio.
Megnificent. A chalk art portrait of Leonardo DiCaprio is being created.
Team Pinoy. Sylvester Stallone, a movie icon whose father was Italian.
Team Pinoy. Sylvester Stallone, a movie icon whose father was Italian.
Judith Arnaud Gary. The head of David, a famous sculpture by Michelangelo.
Judith Arnaud Gary. The head of David, a famous sculpture by Michelangelo.
Francois Lariviere. An elaborate chalk figure created for 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Francois Lariviere. A chalk figure in exotic armor created for 2016 Festa in Little Italy.
Team Parada. Colored chalk has produced a stunning face.
Team Parada. Colored chalk has produced a stunning face.
Shuji Nishimura. The face of famous Italian actor and comedian Roberto Remigio Benigni.
Shuji Nishimura. The face of famous Italian actor and comedian Roberto Remigio Benigni.
Holly Lynn Schineller. In Praise of Imperfection, a tribute to Italian twin sisters.
Holly Lynn Schineller. In Praise of Imperfection, a tribute to Italian twin sisters.
Carlos Alberto Cortez Gomez. Colorful classical figures created with Gesso Italiano.
Carlos Alberto Cortez Gomez. Colorful classical figures created with Gesso Italiano.
Cecelia Linayao. A mother and child take form on the street at Festa.
Cecelia Linayao. A mother and child take form on the street at Festa.
Grasiela Rodriguez. The iconic Roman Colosseum. A work of Italian chalk art.
Grasiela Rodriguez. This Roman Colosseum is an Italian chalk art work in progress.
Brenda Mora. In loving memory of Josephine Pecoraro.
Brenda Mora. In loving memory of Josephine Pecoraro, resident of Little Italy.
Angela Checco. Two lovers enjoy romance in Rome.
Angela Checco. Two lovers enjoy romance in Rome.
Tonie Garza. Madonna in Glory by Italian painter Carlo Dolci. One of many Catholic chalk art images created for Festa in Little Italy.
Tonie Garza. Madonna in Glory by Italian painter Carlo Dolci. One of many Catholic chalk art images created for Festa in San Diego’s Little Italy.
Tiffany Garza. A face from Italian popular culture appears on a San Diego street.
Tiffany Garza. A face from Italian popular culture appears on a San Diego street.
Renee Keady. Grapes crown a beautiful female face.
Renee Keady. Grapes crown a beautiful female face.
Brianna Cunha. The Italian theme at Festa most certainly includes grapes!
Brianna Cunha. The Italian theme at 2016 Festa most certainly included grapes!
Kira Lewis-Martinez. A graceful religious figure composed of chalk.
Kira Lewis-Martinez. A graceful religious figure softly composed of chalk.
Shawnet Sweets. A classic Italian painting translated into chalk.
Shawnet Sweets. A classic Italian painting translated into chalk art.
Team Zamora. The colors of Italy. Looking upward with pride.
Team Zamora. The colors of Italy. Looking upward with pride.
Lisa Pierre-Davis. A life-filled chalk character at 2016 Festa in Little Italy!
Lisa Pierre-Davis. A life-filled chalk character at 2016 Festa in Little Italy!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Beautiful chalk faces created on a Little Italy street!

A beautiful face comes alive on a Little Italy street. Amazing chalk art will be a central attraction at the annual Festa celebration in San Diego.
A beautiful face comes alive on a Little Italy street. Amazing chalk art will be a central attraction at the annual Festa celebration in San Diego.

Tomorrow Festa will be enjoyed by thousands of people in Little Italy. One of the annual festival’s biggest attraction is the amazing chalk art, which is also known as Gesso Italiano. Today the chalk artists began creating their masterpieces. Their unusual canvas is two blocks of asphalt along Beech Street.

I walked this afternoon from Cortez Hill down to Little Italy, to see how far the artwork has progressed. Most of the artists had already made a good start.

I looked with wonder at many colorful chalk art faces that have gradually come to life. The artists, when drawing a human form, often begin with the face. So many beautiful faces were gazing up from the asphalt.

Festa begins tomorrow, Sunday, at 10 o’clock. Thousands will enjoy the finished chalk masterpieces. I will definitely be there!

Chalk artists line two blocks of Beech Street. It's a very special October weekend in downtown San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood.
Chalk artists line two blocks of Beech Street. It’s a very special October weekend in downtown San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood.
This chalk artist uses a grid to form his emerging creation.
This chalk artist uses a grid to form his emerging creation.
Another face mysteriously materializes on the street. Many different colors of chalk can be used to create subtle effects.
Another face mysteriously materializes on the street. Many different colors of chalk can be used to create subtle effects.
Elaborate chalk artwork, also known as Gesso Italiano, is being created the day before 2016 Festa begins in Little Italy.
Elaborate chalk artwork, also known as Gesso Italiano, is being created the day before 2016 Festa begins in Little Italy.
Chalk can be used to produce truly sensational images.
Chalk can be used to produce truly sensational images.
Another chalk artist at work creating a bold face in the middle of the street.
Another chalk artist at work creating a bold face in the middle of the street.
Many classical images borrowed from Italy's rich culture will appear tomorrow on Beech Street for 2016 Festa.
Many classical images borrowed from Italy’s rich history and culture will appear tomorrow on Beech Street for 2016 Festa.
Chalk and asphalt. Passion and skill. A human face is born.
Chalk and asphalt. Passion and skill. A human face is born.
Eyes peer up from the street, regarding a talented chalk artist.
Eyes peer up from the street, patiently regarding a skilled chalk artist.
A colorful chalk angel in Little Italy.
A colorful chalk angel almost ready to take flight in Little Italy.
A beautiful face beneath a halo.
A beautiful face beneath a halo.
Flying purple hair, and a glowing face in the sunlight.
Flying purple hair, and a glowing face in the sunlight.
A laughing face slowly takes life. Chalk artists have converged to create beautiful art in Little Italy for Festa!
These eyes have been infused with life. Chalk artists have converged to create beautiful art in Little Italy for 2016 Festa!

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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious?  There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

The most amazing sand sculptures in the world!

The end of San Diego's B Street Pier is lined with amazing sand sculptures created by world masters for the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
The end of San Diego’s B Street Pier is lined with amazing sand sculptures created by world masters for the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.

At this moment, the most amazing sand sculptures in the entire world are on display in San Diego on the B Street Pier. They were created by genuine world sand masters–many have won world championships–for the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge’s World Masters Solo Competition. The artists have come in for this big competition from countries all around the planet!

You doubt these are the most fantastic sand sculptures in the world at this very moment? Take a look at some photos! All of these sculptures will be destroyed right after the special event ends.  The day after Labor Day, these truly amazing works of art become history!

Rockin' Bobbin, by Kirk Rademaker, world sand master from Stinson Beach, California.
Rockin’ Bobbin, by Kirk Rademaker, world sand master from Stinson Beach, California.
The Rockin' Bobbin, which resembles a machine with many parts, is a wonderful example of complex sand art.
The Rockin’ Bobbin, which resembles a machine with many parts, is a wonderful example of complex sand art.
I Want To Fly, by world sand master Katsuhiko Chaen from Japan.
I Want To Fly, by world sand master Katsuhiko Chaen from Japan.
A large winged foot carved of sand appears ready to take flight.
A large winged foot carved of sand appears ready to take flight.
Armadillo Lizard, by world sand master Susanne Ruseler of the Netherlands.
Armadillo Lizard, by world sand master Susanne Ruseler of the Netherlands.
The friendly world-class sand sculptor Susanne Ruseler poses for photos by her fantastic artwork.
The friendly world-class sand sculptor Susanne Ruseler poses for photos by her fantastic artwork.
Alpha Waves, by world sand master Fergus Mulvany of Dublin, Ireland. This sculpture won second place at the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Alpha Waves, by world sand master Fergus Mulvany of Dublin, Ireland. This sculpture won second place at the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Alpha Waves photographed from a different angle. The layered sand art is truly amazing.
Alpha Waves photographed from a different angle. The layered sand art is truly amazing.
And another photo from behind.
And another photo from behind.
Yell, by world sand master Benjamin Probanza of Mexico City.
Yell, by world sand master Benjamin Probanza of Mexico City.
An angry face yells at a graceful woman made of sand.
An angry, melting face yells at a graceful woman made of sand.
Another photo of the astonishing sand sculpture Yell.
Another photo of the astonishing sand sculpture Yell.
My Inner Self Revealed, by world sand master Melineige Beauregard of Montreal, Canada.
My Inner Self Revealed, by world sand master Melineige Beauregard of Montreal, Canada.
Peering through the amazing layered sand sculpture reveals a human form.
Peering through the amazing layered sand sculpture reveals a human form.
The tender, small inner self is revealed.
The tender, small inner self is revealed.
The Man Who Wasn't There, by world sand master Rusty Croft of Carmel, California.
The Man Who Wasn’t There, by world sand master Rusty Croft of Carmel, California.
This abstract work of sand art makes the viewer think about its potential meaning.
This abstract work of sand art makes the viewer think about its potential meaning.
A photo of the rear of this surreal sand sculpture reveals an open door.
A photo of the rear of this surreal sand sculpture reveals an open door.
Yesterday upon the stair I met a man who wasn't there he wasn't there again today Oh how I wish he'd go away...
Yesterday upon the stair I met a man who wasn’t there he wasn’t there again today Oh how I wish he’d go away…
What Is The Real Face, by world sand master Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova of Latvia.
What Is The Real Face, by world sand master Agnese Rudzite-Kirillova of Latvia.
Is this the real face, or a mask worn in public?
Is this the real face, or a mask worn in public?
What is the real face? Where is it?
What is the real face? Where is it?
Nostalgia, by world sand master Ilya Filimontsev of Moscow, Russia. This incredible sculpture won first place at the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!
Nostalgia, by world sand master Ilya Filimontsev of Moscow, Russia. This incredible sculpture won first place at the 2016 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge!
Proof that sand sculptures can sometimes be classified as fine art.
Proof that sand sculptures can sometimes be classified as fine art.
Side view of the stunning, award-winning sand sculpture on San Diego's B Street Pier.
Side view of the stunning, award-winning sand sculpture on San Diego’s B Street Pier.
Surrender To Diversity, by world sand master Michela Ciappini of Italy.
Surrender To Diversity, by world sand master Michela Ciappini of Italy.
An unusual sand sculpture features a rabbit perched upon an upside-down alligator!
An unusual sand sculpture features a rabbit perched upon an upside-down alligator!
Out Of Reach, by world sand master Thomas Koet of Melbourne, Florida.
Out Of Reach, by world sand master Thomas Koet of Melbourne, Florida.
Many hands reach for a very beautiful woman, but she is out of reach.
Many hands reach for a very beautiful woman, but she is out of reach.
The most amazing sand sculptures in the world can be found in sunny San Diego. Until Labor Day weekend ends!
The most amazing sand sculptures in the world can be found in sunny San Diego. That is–until this Labor Day weekend ends!

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