Tag: artists

Amazing art in San Diego: Classic paintings of ships!

Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894. This very special exhibit can be seen at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894. This very special exhibit can be seen at the Maritime Museum of San Diego!

Do you love breathtaking works of fine art? Are you fascinated by 19th century history? Do you like to feast your eyes on beautiful tall ships, sailing yachts and ocean scenery? There’s a special exhibit in San Diego that you positively must see!

I was surprised to discover that the Maritime Museum of San Diego, located downtown on the Embarcadero, is featuring a fantastic exhibit of marine art masterpieces by the famous painter James Edward Buttersworth. Buttersworth is considered to be one of the most important painters of the nineteenth century. His portraits of tall ships, racing yachts, steamships and other vessels from that era are beautiful works of genius, resplendent with light, energy and grace. About 600 of his classic paintings exist today, and the Maritime Museum has 24 amazing examples on display!

The exhibition is titled “Illuminating the Sea: The Marine Paintings of James E. Buttersworth, 1817-1894.”  The collected paintings, on loan from Mystic Seaport until May 31, 2016, are so dynamic, detailed and glowing with beauty, they’ll make a permanent impression in your mind. His images of sky and sea are realistic and alive. Colors are rich and subtle; stormy waters seem to spray off a painted canvas; white sails shine. Several paintings depict yachts racing together, engaged in historic competitions that include the America’s Cup, an event that became important in San Diego’s more recent past.

Another interesting aspect of the exhibition is the inclusion of a modern Buttersworth forgery by Ken Perenyi. Visitors to the museum can become a detective, and do their best to uncover the cleverly made fake!

Go enjoy this exhibit of rare, fantastic paintings, then prepare to spend a good hour or two exploring the many historic ships owned by the Maritime Museum of San Diego. You’ll find yourself within a magical world. A world that gently floats upon shining water, alive with history, adventure, beauty and wonder!

Among the classic maritime paintings of world-famous artist James E. Butterworth is a forgery. Visitors to the museum are challenged to spot it!
Among the classic maritime paintings of world-famous artist James E. Butterworth is a forgery. Visitors to the museum are challenged to spot it!
Truly stunning works of art on display inside the steam ferryboat USS Berkeley, hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Truly stunning works of art on display inside the steam ferryboat Berkeley, hub of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Illuminating the Sea, James E. Butterworth, oil on canvas. Magic, schooner of New York Yacht Club, winner of the America's Cup in 1870. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
Illuminating the Sea, James E. Butterworth, oil on canvas. Magic, schooner of New York Yacht Club, winner of the America’s Cup in 1870. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons.
In addition to this world-class art, the Maritime Museum of San Diego contains a vast collection of nautical objects. It is a must-see destination for those interested in our city's rich history.
In addition to this world-class art, the Maritime Museum of San Diego contains a vast collection of nautical objects. It is a must-see destination for those interested in our city’s rich history.

Here are a couple bonus photographs!  I took them this morning during a short walk before heading to work!

Museum volunteers gather around a ship's yard, which would soon be lifted by crane onto the nearly-completed Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
Museum volunteers gather around a ship’s yard.  It would soon be lifted by crane onto the nearly-completed Spanish galleon replica San Salvador.
Tall ships San Salvador and Californian docked behind the USS Berkeley. Just a few of the fascinating ships you can visit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Tall ships San Salvador and Californian docked behind the Berkeley. Just a few of the fascinating ships you can visit at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

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Photos of sculpture: Experiments in distance, angle.

Altered photograph of a Henry Moore sculpture, located in San Diego Museum of Art’s popular sculpture garden.
Altered photograph of a Henry Moore sculpture, located in San Diego Museum of Art’s popular sculpture garden.

Oh, no! Here come some “artsy” photos!

Today I walked through Balboa Park’s beautiful May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden. The grassy space, which is free to the public, contains several pieces of artwork belonging to the San Diego Museum of Art’s collection.

The garden’s most recognized sculpture is probably Reclining Figure: Arch Leg, which was created in 1969 by renowned British Modernist artist Henry Moore.

As I walked around the curvaceous sculpture, it occurred to me that different interesting photos could be taken depending on the angle and perceived distance. So I engaged in a bit of experimentation!

(Fear not! I didn’t touch the sculpture or step on the flowers! But I did lean over like crazy–and minutely cropped some images– to get the “close-up” images.)

Henry Moore's 1969 bronze sculpture Reclining Figure: Arch Leg, on the grass in the San Diego Museum of Art's May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
Henry Moore’s 1969 bronze sculpture Reclining Figure: Arch Leg, on the grass in the San Diego Museum of Art’s May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden.
Sunlit bronze sculpture photographed from a different angle. I adjusted contrast, brightness and sharpness, and cropped according to my eye.
Sunlit bronze sculpture photographed from a different angle. I adjusted contrast, brightness and sharpness, and cropped according to my eye.
Same sculpture, different frame, different paths of reflected light. The physical object is itself unchanged, but has become something new in the mind of the viewer.
Same sculpture, different frame, different paths of reflected light. The physical object is itself unchanged, but has become something new in the mind of the viewer.
The Modernist sculpture’s fluid curves and organic quality is suggestive of human form.
The Modernist sculpture’s fluid curves and organic quality is suggestive of human form.
Raw nature interacts with human art. A camera focuses on nearby details the casual eye might miss.
Raw nature interacts with human art. A camera focuses on nearby details the casual eye might miss.
The form of an abstract sculpture becomes more mysterious when the defining outer edges are eliminated with photo editing.
The form of an abstract sculpture becomes more mysterious when the defining outer edges are eliminated with photo editing.
A warmly glowing bronze surface, and a pair of eyes.
A warmly glowing bronze surface, and a pair of eyes.
The sculpture's red-tinged bronze skin reflects Southern California sunlight.
The sculpture’s red-tinged bronze skin reflects Southern California sunlight.
A closer view reveals craters and furrows. Small glimpses of beauty within a larger whole.
A closer view reveals craters and furrows. Small glimpses of beauty within a larger whole.
A strangely perfect, silvery surface.
A strangely perfect, silvery surface.
Looking up into the light. Both self-contained art and the outer world are composed of the same elements, and can evoke identical wonder.
Looking up into the light. Both self-contained art and the outer world are composed of the same elements, and can evoke identical wonder.

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A beautiful hour at the San Diego Symphony!

This friendly music instructor would teach lots of kids how to play the piano at Hands On Community Day at the San Diego Symphony!
This friendly music instructor would teach lots of kids how to play the piano at Hands On Community Day at the San Diego Symphony!

Today I enjoyed a beautiful hour at the San Diego Symphony. I arrived at noon to listen to a free public concert, which was just the first part of the five hour Hands On Community Day event. Later on, after I left for my walk, there were additional performances, and kids were taught how to play the piano by world-class musicians!

The San Diego Symphony is celebrating the piano during an ongoing Upright and Grand festival, which continues through February 8. If you haven’t been to a concert at Copley Symphony Hall, I assure you it’s a magical, wonderful experience!

Please enjoy a few photos and read the captions for explanations…

The San Diego Symphony's Upright and Grand festival is a month-long event that celebrates the piano.
The San Diego Symphony’s Upright and Grand festival is a month-long event that celebrates the piano.
Fantastic mural in lobby of Symphony Towers depicts an orchestra, including a pianist.
Fantastic mural in lobby of Symphony Towers depicts an orchestra, including a pianist.
Some bicyclists stopped by to play the public upright piano in the lobby of Symphony Towers near the box office.
Some bicyclists stopped by to play the public upright piano in the lobby of Symphony Towers near the box office.
A vintage photo in the lobby shows the Fox Theatre, built in 1929, now Copley Symphony Hall. A modern skyscraper called Symphony Towers was built over and around the old theatre in 1989.
A vintage photo in the lobby shows the Fox Theatre, built in 1929, now Copley Symphony Hall. A modern skyscraper called Symphony Towers was built over and around the old theatre in 1989.
Inside the elegant, historic Copley Symphony Hall. I arrived early to the Hands On Community Day, so there are few people in this photo.
Inside the elegant, historic Copley Symphony Hall. I arrived early to the Hands On Community Day, so there are few people in this photo.
One table had samples of a piano key's inner workings. Later on I saw lots of families and kids examining these with interest.
One table had samples of a piano key’s inner workings. Later on I saw lots of families and kids examining these with interest.
A representative for the San Diego International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs had a table outside the concert hall.
A representative for the San Diego International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs had a table outside the concert hall.
Six grand pianos were set up on the stage. I enjoyed the first hour of the event, which featured The Carnival of the Animals by composer Camille Saint-Saens, with poems by Ogen Nash.
Six grand pianos were set up on the stage. I enjoyed the first hour of the event, which featured The Carnival of the Animals by composer Camille Saint-Saens, with poems by Ogden Nash.
Looking up inside the concert hall. A friendly usher told me there's a winding staircase in the huge chandelier! Girls used to toss rose petals onto the audience, once upon a time long ago.
Looking up inside the concert hall. A friendly usher told me there’s a winding staircase in the huge chandelier! Girls used to toss rose petals onto the audience, once upon a time long ago.
People are arriving for the big San Diego Symphony free event, part of their Upright and Grand festival!
People are arriving for the big San Diego Symphony free event, part of their Upright and Grand festival!
After the first hour's concert is over, the audience applauds narrator Dave Scott and amazing pianists Jessie Chang and Bryan Verhoye!
After the first hour’s concert is over, the audience applauds narrator Dave Scott and amazing pianists Jessie Chang and Bryan Verhoye!

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Amazing public art is a hidden San Diego gem.

Sculpture of woman fish processor holding a large tuna. This area south of downtown was once the home of many San Diego canneries.
Sculpture of woman fish processor holding a large tuna. This area south of downtown was once the home of many San Diego canneries.

A month or two ago, during a leisurely walk from downtown to the pier at Cesar Chavez Park, I was thrilled to discover some truly amazing public artwork!

The Cannery Workers Tribute at Parque del Sol is tucked away in a place where very few people go. You’ll find it just a bit north of the Coronado Bay Bridge (which you can see in some of my photographs), near the entrance to Cesar Chavez Park.

The large gleaming sculpture honors thousands of hard-working people who were employed by San Diego’s tuna canneries decades ago. I’ve blogged about our city’s once-thriving tuna industry on several occasions. Not only was San Diego home to the world’s largest tuna fishing fleet during much of the 20th century, but numerous canneries dotted our bayside. In the 1950s, the tuna industry provided more than 17,000 local workers with a living. Many of the jobs involved cleaning and packing fish that would be shipped around the world.

According to the Port of San Diego website, this public artwork is situated in a spot where workers at a nearby cannery would take their break. “During the 1970s, former cannery maintenance worker Roberto Carrero and co-workers dug a hole and planted a small tree. This, now large, coral tree was incorporated into the artwork.”

Four bronze plaques mounted on bits of old machinery recall the history of this area and the once-thriving tuna industry. Click the plaque photos to read them.

The Cannery Workers Tribute sculpture was created in 2009 by Valerie Salatino and Nancy Moran, with assistance from Sheila Moran. It is indeed a very cool sight!

Coral tree planted by a cannery maintenance person decades ago is a feature of the Cannery Workers Tribute at Parque del Sol.
Coral tree planted by a cannery maintenance man decades ago is an important feature of the Cannery Workers Tribute at Parque del Sol.
A high arch of gleaming fish seems to rise above the nearby Coronado Bay Bridge. This public art is located in Barrio Logan, near the entrance to Cesar Chavez Park.
A high arch of gleaming fish seems to rise above the nearby Coronado Bay Bridge. This public art is located in Barrio Logan, near the entrance to Cesar Chavez Park.
Few people pass this way. This public art is definitely a hidden San Diego gem.
Few people pass this way. This public art is definitely a hidden San Diego gem.
A large catch of ocean tuna seems to burst from a basket!
A large catch of ocean tuna seems to burst from a basket!
The advent of the cannery industry in the early 1900s. For most of the 20th century, San Diego was the tuna fishing capital of the world.
The advent of the cannery industry in the early 1900s. For most of the 20th century, San Diego was the tuna fishing capital of the world.
The people included Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Portuguese fishermen, and many cannery workers. Fishing boats have no schedule. When the cannery bell rang, it was time to go to work.
The people included Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Portuguese fishermen, and many cannery workers. Fishing boats have no schedule. When the cannery bell rang, it was time to go to work.
The process was smelly and messy! For tuna to go into a sandwich or salad bowl, it often traveled up to 7000 miles!
The process was smelly and messy! For tuna to go into a sandwich or salad bowl, it often traveled up to 7000 miles!
The end of the San Diego tuna fishing era came in the 1980s, due to foreign competition, high expenses and other factors.
The end of the San Diego tuna fishing era came in the 1980s, due to foreign competition, high expenses and other factors.
Another photograph that you might enjoy.
Another photograph that you might enjoy.
An arch of abundant fish above tuna cannery workers. Public artwork that honors an important chapter in San Diego's history.
An arch of abundant fish above tuna cannery workers. Public artwork that honors an important chapter in San Diego’s history.

UPDATE!

I took additional photos on a later walk past the park…

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Pianos placed around San Diego for public to play!

Gentleman who saw this fun piano in the middle of Horton Plaza sat down and started playing. The San Diego Symphony is spreading music around the city!
Gentleman who saw this fun piano in the middle of Horton Plaza sat down and started playing. The San Diego Symphony is spreading music around the city!

Ten pianos have been placed around San Diego for the public to play! Any ordinary person passing by can just sit down and perform music to their heart’s content!

This very cool and unique “event” is being put on by the San Diego Symphony. Their PLAY ME: Pianos In Public Spaces installation is part of this month’s Upright and Grand Piano Festival, and will continue through February 8.

Feeling inspired? Feeling musical? Feeling like a maestro? Would you like to play some wonderful piano selections for your admiring fans? Then head on over to one of the ten public locations! They are: the Symphony Towers lobby, the Quartyard, the downtown Central Library, Horton Plaza, The Headquarters, the Coronado Ferry Landing, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (downtown location), Liberty Station, Balboa Park (by the Old Globe Theatre) and the California Center for the Arts Escondido!

The San Diego Symphony's PLAY ME: Pianos In Public Spaces program has placed ten pianos around the city for ordinary people to enjoy!
The San Diego Symphony’s PLAY ME: Pianos In Public Spaces program has placed ten pianos around the city for ordinary people to enjoy!
A colorfully painted piano in the lobby of Symphony Towers in downtown San Diego. I swung by here in the very early morning and few people were around.
A colorfully painted piano in the lobby of Symphony Towers in downtown San Diego. I swung by here in the very early morning when few people were around.
A cool guy plays this public piano at the Central Public Library in downtown San Diego. He heard about this very unique event and came on down to tickle the ivories.
A cool guy plays this public piano at the Central Public Library in downtown San Diego. He heard about this very unique event and came on down to tickle the ivories.
One of ten pianos placed around San Diego for the public to enjoy. Many library patrons coming through the front door were treated to unexpected music!
One of ten pianos placed around San Diego for the public to enjoy. Many library patrons coming through the front door were treated to unexpected music!
This piano has a big cyclops eye. It sits outside in the Quartyard in San Diego's East Village.
This piano has a big cyclops eye. It sits outside in the Quartyard in San Diego’s East Village.
Few people were about the Quartyard this morning. It's a cool eating and event venue that's fairly new in this hip neighborhood.
Few people were about the Quartyard on Saturday morning. It’s a cool eating and event venue that’s fairly new in this hip neighborhood.
Amazing talent takes a seat in Horton Plaza. This gentleman was walking through the shopping mall and saw the piano. He sounded like a professional musician!
Amazing talent takes a seat in Horton Plaza. This gentleman was walking through the shopping mall and saw the piano. He sounded like a professional musician!
This fellow enjoyed playing this public piano which has been placed at The Headquarters, near Seaport Village.
This fellow enjoyed playing another public piano, which has been placed at The Headquarters, near Seaport Village.
All ten piano have unique artwork, painted by various local organizations. The instruments were tuned by experts at the San Diego Symphony--and they sound amazing!
All ten pianos have unique artwork, painted by various local organizations. The instruments were tuned by experts at the San Diego Symphony–and they sound amazing!
Kids twirl to piano music in the wide courtyard of The Headquarters, which is located in San Diego's old police headquarters.
Kids twirl to piano music in the wide courtyard of The Headquarters, which is located in San Diego’s old police headquarters.
Finally, I saw this piano in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's downtown location, next to the Santa Fe Depot.
Finally, I saw this piano in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s downtown location, which is next to the Santa Fe Depot.
Signs says that we are proud to present this piano painted by Combat Arts as part of the San Diego Symphony's Upright and Grand Piano Festival's city-wide installation. We invite you to play!
Sign says that we are proud to present this piano painted by Combat Arts as part of the San Diego Symphony’s Upright and Grand Piano Festival’s city-wide installation. We invite you to play!
Piano in public for any random passerby to play. Veterans who painted this instrument are part of an art-based museum program to help combat troops recover from PTSD.
Piano in public for any random passerby to enjoy. Veterans who painted this instrument are part of an art-based museum program to help combat troops recover from PTSD.

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Photos of a walk through Hillcrest’s Egyptian Quarter.

Architectural details on several of the Egyptian Quarter's buildings include pharaohs, scarabs and other surprising designs.
Architectural details on several of the Egyptian Quarter’s buildings include pharaohs, scarabs and other exotic designs. This photo was taken at the Pharaoh’s Court Apartments.

Last weekend I took a long looping walk through North Park. Many cool images are coming soon!

To reach North Park from downtown, I walked through a corner of Hillcrest called the Egyptian Quarter. When you take a look at the following photos, you’ll understand the origin of the unusual name.

These several blocks in San Diego were heavily influenced by the Egyptian Revival and Art Nouveau styles, which where very popular back in the 1920s. In recent years, businesses in the area have banded together to re-emphasize this neighborhood’s exotic identity. Walk anywhere near the corner of Park Boulevard and University Avenue, and you’re bound to think you’ve traveled back in time to ancient Egypt!

An ancient pharaoh seems to look over the Egyptian Quarter. One almost expects to see a pyramid nearby!
An ancient pharaoh seems to look over the Egyptian Quarter. One almost expects to see a pyramid nearby!
One of several trashcans on Park Boulevard and University Avenue painted with colorful Egyptian motifs.
One of several trashcans on Park Boulevard and University Avenue painted with colorful Egyptian motifs.
Cool Egyptian-themed street mural recently painted by local graffiti artist Fizix.
Cool Egyptian-themed street mural recently painted by local graffiti artist Fizix.
A stylish stained glass door in San Diego's unique Egyptian Quarter.
A stylish stained glass door at the Nile Apartments in San Diego’s unique Egyptian Quarter.
Unexpected cool sights abound in the Egyptian Quarter, located in Hillcrest at the geographic edge of North Park.
Unexpected cool sights abound in the Egyptian Quarter, located in Hillcrest at the geographic edge of North Park.

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San Diego artist spray paints cool Star Wars images!

Finn, heroic character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, holds a lightsaber. Cool spray paint art by William J. Dorsett.
Finn, heroic character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, holds a lightsaber. Cool spray paint art by William J. Dorsett.

Check out these super cool Star Wars images! They were created by a talented guy named William J. Dorsett. He’s a great spray paint artist and busker who is frequently seen on San Diego’s Embarcadero, in front of Anthony’s Fish Grotto.

William also happens to be a really nice guy. I’ve seen him working his magic for years during my walks. Not only does he create very unique spray paint artwork, but he also fashions amazing small works of sculpture using corn husks.

And, as you can plainly see, he’s a huge fan of Star Wars!

William loves to demonstrate his unbounded creativity, and did so recently at a local school for excited students. Check out his website to learn more!

William J. Dorsett is a talented busker who often displays his cool artwork on San Diego's Embarcadero. In this photo he's handing a corn husk rose to a passerby!
William J. Dorsett is a talented busker who often displays his cool artwork on San Diego’s Embarcadero. In this photo he’s handing a corn husk rose to a passerby!
Small, colorful spray paint images include a Darth Vader helmet, an Imperial Stormtrooper, R2-D2 and Yoda.
Small, colorful spray paint images include a Darth Vader helmet, an Imperial Stormtrooper, R2-D2 and Yoda.
It's Chewbacca with his Bowcaster blaster under a distant galaxy's stars and a colorful planet.
It’s Chewbacca with his Bowcaster blaster under a distant galaxy’s stars and a colorful planet.
More cosmic, bold spray paint artwork depicts popular Star Wars characters.
More cosmic, bold spray paint artwork depicts popular Star Wars characters.
C-3PO and Han Solo in classic Star Wars poses! Awesome!
C-3PO and Han Solo in classic Star Wars poses! Awesome!

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Super cool mural in North Park at 30th and Gunn!

Super cool mural in North Park at the intersection of 30th Street and Gunn Street.
Super cool mural in North Park at the intersection of 30th Street and Gunn Street.

This morning, before the threatened rain could begin, I took a long walk through San Diego’s very cool North Park neighborhood. I took lots of pics! I’ll be sharing many of them in the days ahead.

I’ve often admired this super colorful mural while driving down 30th Street. As the years have passed, I’ve also noted that the images have changed. After a little searching on Google, I see this mural is part of the “North Park Mural Project” and I identified a few of the artists. Check out the captions!

Right panel of awesome North Park mural contains the word Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.
Right panel of awesome North Park mural contains the word Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.
Another section of the public artwork depicts a large red rose, among buildings and interesting patterns. Created by Kreashun.
Another section of this cool public artwork depicts a large red rose, among buildings and interesting patterns. Created by Kreashun.
Spray paint art by San Diego artist Maxx Moses. A character composed of many diverse elements, beneath the words Place Labels on Us From Childbirth.
Spray paint art by San Diego artist Maxx Moses. A character composed of many diverse elements, beneath the words Place Labels on Us From Childbirth.
A beautiful figure seems to pray in a wreath of roses.
A beautiful figure seems to pray in a wreath of roses.
A childlike blue face and long, colorful wavy hair, created by Gloria “GLOW” Muriel.
A childlike blue face and long, colorful wavy hair, created by Gloria “GLOW” Muriel.
This street art is on the same building. It reads Reality is Wrong. Dreams are for Real. Hooligan Arts.
This street art is on the same building. It reads Reality is Wrong. Dreams Are For Real. Hooligan Arts.
Cool street art at 30th and Gunn, part of the North Park Mural Project.
Cool street art at 30th and Gunn, part of the North Park Mural Project.

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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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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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