Master craftsman works in the Model Shop of the Maritime Museum of San Diego. The magical place is located inside the steam ferry Berkeley.
Who isn’t fascinated by small model ships? Every one is a unique work of art, built with precision down to the finest detail. A realistic historical model ship represents real stories, real lives, real adventures.
Visitors to the Maritime Museum of San Diego are often seen lingering by the Model Shop, gazing through the window as master craftsmen spend countless joyful hours building amazing small ships. It’s a hobby that can trace its origins to ancient times.
I recently learned that several craftsmen use the museum’s Model Shop, including one young man in high school. The tradition of model ship building is being carried into the future by skilled and steady hands.
Ship and yacht model construction and repair. Sign beneath a window where museum visitors can watch craftsmen building small works of maritime art.Many fine tools required in the building of model ships can be seen in the workshop.Of course, there are ships in bottles, too!A finished model of ARMD Virginia Sloop 1768 intricately made to replicate an actual historical vessel.Master craftsman at the Maritime Museum of San Diego is building a small Danish fishing vessel. He works from detailed plans.
I peered into the Model Shop window during a later visit and look what I saw…
Detailed model of Sovereign of the Seas, a 17th century English Navy warship, is under repair at the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
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An amazing Wonder Woman mural is being painted for 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, at (Paradise) Island Avenue and Sixth Avenue
An awesome, multi-paneled outdoor mural depicting Wonder Woman is being painted during 2016 San Diego Comic-Con. Should you head a few blocks north of the convention center and find the intersection of Island and Sixth Avenue, your eyes will be astonished at what they discover!
Three Southern California artists are painting larger-than-life interpretations of Wonder Woman, DC Comic’s legendary super-heroine. The three colorful panels together compose a large bold mural, and Comic-Con fans can line up to have their picture taken with the artwork as a backdrop. The reason? It’s Wonder Woman’s 75th Anniversary!
How cool is this?
A small lot in downtown San Diego, several blocks from the convention center, has been converted into a celebration of DC Comic’s legendary character Wonder Woman and her 75th Anniversary!The left panel, depicting an abstract face of Wonder Woman, was painted by San Diego artist Katherine Brannock.2016 San Diego Comic-Con fans can have their photo taken with this very cool Wonder Woman mural as a backdrop.The center panel honoring Wonder Woman is being painted by another talented San Diego artist, Celeste Byers.And the right panel, the strong face of comic book heroine Wonder Woman, is being painted by Los Angeles artist Christina Angelina.
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I anticipate having a few more Comic-Con adventures! Will you join me?
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These beautiful quilts are on public display at Threads of the Past, in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
I recently visited Threads of the Past, a living history exhibition in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Not only did I see a number of beautiful quilts, but I learned about spinning and weaving. I was even able to watch a skilled artisan work an old-fashioned loom!
Here are some fascinating photos that I took inside Threads of the Past. I know very little about weaving and needlework, so I’m afraid I can’t provide much commentary. I do know that I really enjoyed looking at all the colors and patterns. I also learned a bit about San Diego’s past from the friendly members of Old Town’s Historic Quilt Guild and Fiber Arts Guilds. They’re keeping history alive! With great skill, they have produced beautiful textile artwork that visitors to Old Town can appreciate with their own eyes!
Threads of the Past is located near San Diego’s first courthouse. You can find it among the many other museums and historical attractions in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Should you visit San Diego’s Old Town, look for this sign outside the Threads of the Past living history activity center.Shelves full of colorful fabric woven with geometric patterns.Two quilts on one wall greet visitors as they enter Threads of the Past. On the left is a modern version of the 1850s Juana Machado Quilt.According to family lore, this applique quilt was made by Juana Machado in the 1850s. Juana was born in 1814 to a soldier of the San Diego Presidio and his wife.Threads of the Past contains several small looms and a variety of educational displays.Some colorful fabric circles arranged on a table.As you can see, this Inkle Loom is quite narrow. It’s used to make woven bands for belts and straps.A rather simple wood Colonial Loom on display in Threads of the Past.One display explains shearing sheep for wool, then carding, combing, and spinning wool.Several hand carders. Carding is gently spreading washed and dried wool in preparation for future processing, like spinning.All sorts of very colorful threads!A living demonstration of an old-fashioned hand loom at Threads of the Past, in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
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Display cases in San Diego’s Central Library feature cool comic books and original art with a baseball theme! Perfect for both San Diego’s MLB All-Star Game and Comic-Con!
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game and San Diego Comic-Con are taking place at nearly the same time! They are separated by only one week. So a very cool exhibit related to both events has been created in the downtown San Diego library. You can find this exhibit on the first floor, just beyond the lobby.
Lots of baseball-related comic books and original comic artwork is on display, taken from the vast baseball collection of Andy Strasberg, who once was Vice President of Marketing for the San Diego Padres.
It was hard to take photos without reflections on the glass display cases. Seeing these comics in person is so, so much better!
This comic book art will remain on public display through San Diego Comic-Con and long after–until August 26. Since the Central Library is just a couple blocks from the San Diego Convention Center, and across the street from Petco Park, where other fun activities are planned–why not head over to check it out!
Comics Team Up With Baseball. Selections from the collection of Andy Strasberg. On view through August 26.Pages from It Really Happened, 1946.The Amazing Willie Mays, 1954. Famous Funnies Publications.Babe Ruth As I Knew Him, 1948. Dell Publishing.Original artwork for the satirical Motley’s Crew comic strip.The Legend of the Blue Knight, 1997. Jackie Robinson’s 50th Anniversary commemorative comic book.Gil Thorp, 1963. Dell Publishing.A funny Beetle Bailey comic strip, titled Star of The Team.Yogi Berra Baseball Hero, 1951. Fawcett Publications.Richie Rich, Casper and Wendy–National League, 1976. Harvey Publications.Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact, 1964. George A. Pflaum.Vintage comic book explains how pitchers apply spin to a baseball, making a ball move differently as it approaches the batter.How the Automatic Umpire Works. Unknown date and publisher.Baseball Facts and Fun Book, 1956. Post Sugar Crisp.Original comic artwork for Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica. Batter On, 1974.A real classic. Tip Top Comics, 1955. United Features.Walt Disney’s Donald Duck, 1978. The baseball flew down his sleeve!One of several Looney Tunes Merrie Melodies baseball comic books on display. Bugs Bunny is about to pitch a tomato to his arch-nemesis Elmer Fudd!Comic book cover features Bugs Bunny angrily calling a baseball umpire out!Even when at bat, Bugs Bunny likes to chomp on his carrot. What’s up, doc?Bugs Bunny’s ears nimbly catch a pitched ball! Elmer Fudd is not amused.
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People walk through the breezeway between MCASD and the Santa Fe Depot. Three large portraits address the theme of political and domestic violence.
Unusual, thought-provoking works of art are currently on public display in the outdoor breezeway between the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and the Santa Fe Depot. I happened to see them the other day while walking through downtown to catch the trolley.
Close family members who have survived domestic and political violence appear in three large photographic portraits. The photos have been boldly augmented with paint to highlight human resilience and courage. According to a nearby description, these works are part of the FOCUS Binational Exhibition and were created by MCASD’s Teen Advisory Group. The artwork reflects an exploration of strategies for coping with violence and trauma.
This thought-provoking work of art suggests an older gentleman has a complex, deeply personal story to be told.A proud portrait augmented with laurels suggests one woman’s story ends in triumph.An arresting work of art glimpsed in downtown San Diego near the Santa Fe Depot. A strong woman rises from the turbulent ocean. Part of MCASD’s FOCUS Binational Exhibition.
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Gifted artist with a great laugh creates a beautiful dragonfly using ink. Demonstrations were part of this weekend’s free art show inside the Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.
I was wandering all over Balboa Park today when I saw a sign on El Prado. A free art show was being held inside the Casa del Prado!
What I discovered was pretty cool. Lots of really fine art, created by members of the Art Club of San Diego. Every year they have an exhibit in Balboa Park, and I was told taking photos was just fine. So here the photos are–and I hope many people enjoy them! Please note the name of the artist if you happen to be taken by a particular piece.
The Art Club of San Diego showcased the work of their artists in Balboa Park. Types of art included Sumi-e (Japanese ink wash painting), Ceramic and unusual, highly creative Art Forms.Many great pieces were out on view for anyone to enjoy. I was told taking photographs was fine. So here are some cool works of art! I’ve done my best to note the artists.I love this bear and the wild hills beyond! Artist Keiko Kitano.Some unusual but beautiful sculptures were part of this unique, once-a-year show.Beautiful artwork, everywhere I turned!I love this traditional bamboo. The artist is Joe Cross.Another fine work of art using ink and brush. Artist Louise Rendich.A colorful bird! Uh, oh. I didn’t get the artist. Sorry!I wasn’t the only one who was really enjoying these. You might want to watch for notices of the show next year.Mother monkey and offspring in a tender embrace. Fantastic. The artist is Kayo Beach.This one really caught my attention! The artist is Kayo Beach.One table had superb ceramic works arrayed upon it, all produced by Kazu Takahashi.According to a nearby sign, this Nihonga Japanese Style painting uses gansai Japanese colors on gold screen or dosa treated rice paper, or on silk.More beauty found in amazing Balboa Park. The Art Club of San Diego has some fine artists! Here we see the work of Kazue Knowlton.
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Costumes used in the production of Shakespearean plays are displayed at the First Folio exhibit in the San Diego Central Library art gallery. To the right is a costume worn by Othello.
Here are some truly amazing costumes! They’re on display in the ninth floor art gallery at San Diego’s downtown Central Library. But not for much longer! The blockbuster First Folio exhibition, of which they are part, comes to a conclusion on July 7.
This blog post focuses on the world famous Old Globe Theatre’s contribution to this museum quality exhibit. The Old Globe has been a beloved destination in San Diego’s Balboa Park for just over 80 years, and has become one of the leading regional Shakespeare theatres in the United States.
Should you enjoy a visit to the gallery, after looking in person at these Shakespearean costumes, stage props, programs, scripts, artwork, historical photos and other fascinating material, go take a close look at one of 233 First Folios that are known to exist in the world! It’s one of the most important literary works (some would argue THE most important literary achievement) ever produced, containing 36 of Shakespeare’s immortal plays. You might not ever get this chance again!
You can see photos of the actual First Folio and much more from the rest of the exhibit here.
Visitor to First Folio special exhibit examines photos from the history of the Old Globe, one of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the United States. The cloak is from a production of Henry IV, Part 1.The Old Globe has grown to become the sixth largest regional theatre in the United States. It opened in Balboa Park in 1935 during the California Pacific International Exposition. (Click image to enlarge.)Craig Noel, Founding Director, helped the Old Globe grow from a small community organization into one of America’s great regional theatres.Props used in Old Globe production of Richard III include a simple crown, scepter and wooden throne.Newspaper articles recall how the Old Globe Theatre burned down in 1978 due to arson, then was rebuilt. Pages from a script of Hamlet were recovered from the fire.Bust of William Shakespeare. This Carrier-Belleuse sculpture was rescued from the Old Globe Theatre in 1978 as it was burning. It became a symbol of the Old Globe’s survival.One display case at the First Folio exhibit contains assorted Old Globe programs and publications from 1935 to today.Costume designed by Robert Morgan for character Moth, a Faerie, in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.Headpiece and photos from Old Globe production of The Winter’s Tale.Costume for Hermione, Queen of Sicilia, in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.Fun costume designed by Lewis Brown for court jester Touchstone, in Shakespeare’s As You Like It.Artwork depicts Touchstone, court jester in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. (To me he appears both ridiculous . . . and unsettling.)Costume designed by David Israel Reynoso for Viola, in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.One display case contains an assortment of cool props from past Old Globe productions.Yorick’s skull, with pages from a Hamlet script and photo of Lucas Hall in the title role.Costume from 2007 Old Globe production of Hamlet worn by the title character.Costumes for Claudius and Gertrude, used in Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy Hamlet.
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To read a few philosophical short stories that might make you wipe a tear, visit Short Stories by Richard.
Beautiful ceramic mosaic artwork at Fletcher Cove Park in Solana Beach. The orange Garibaldi. By artist Betsy Schulz.
During my walk last weekend I headed from the Solana Beach Coaster station west a couple of blocks to Fletcher Cove Park. It was my intention to walk north along the ocean, then back east to Pacific Coast Highway. What I discovered as I neared the beach was incredibly cool.
The ceramic sea-themed mosaics you see in my photos were created by artist Betsy Schulz. I’ve documented another installation of her public art near the Santa Fe Depot. To see that, click here.
From the bluff at Overlook Park there’s a good view of Fletcher Cove and the blue Pacific Ocean. There are also four tables with more cool tile artwork by Betsy Schulz. The beautiful mosaics below in Fletcher Cove Park are found along the walkway that leads down to the beach.
Picnic tables along a path leading up through Overlook Park in Solana Beach feature more beautiful, sea-themed tile mosaics.A spiny lobster embedded in a picnic table at Overlook Park.Two beautiful fish are part of some sea-themed art in Solana Beach, created by artist Betsy Schulz.A crab is featured in this colorful mosaic of small ceramic tiles.Sculpture of a seagull near entrance to Fletcher Cove Park. According to one article I read, the sculpture was created in the 1940s, and the artist doesn’t seem to be known.Fletcher Cove Park, dedicated this day, June 16, 2007.An octopus on a low wall embraces citizens and businesses in Solana Beach who are part of this coastal community.Wonderful tile artwork includes shells, stones and a school of small silvery fish.Barred Surfperch.More ceramic fish along the public walkway that heads down through Fletcher Cove Park to the small beach.Red Octopus.A work of art depicting a few of nature’s wonders and human creativity.This oval seat is right next to the beach. We know a mermaid who lives here in the sea…And here is the mermaid. The stunning mosaic artwork has been worn by sand, wind and time.In a tide pool one might discover a Brittle Star.Upon the rocky ocean bottom, one might find Green Abalone.Brown Tube Snail and California Spiny Lobster.Shore birds one might see nearby include the Whimbrel and Marbled Godwit.Thousands of shells, waves rush to our shore, Search high and low tides, you’re bound to find more.White Amiantis.Many small sea creatures appear in amazing tile artwork in Solana Beach’s Fletcher Cove Park.This lifelike Cabezon seems to be looking directly at you!
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Amazing wood art. A hooded figure takes a break at an inn. Just Off The Road, Basswood, Randy Stoner.
Today I moseyed around Del Mar and Solana Beach. My walk included a couple of stimulating hours at the San Diego County Fair. I just wandered about, soaking it all in, and found my feet heading toward my favorite part of the fair, the Design in Wood Exhibition.
Some of the best wood artists in Southern California–the world, for that matter–submitted their incredible pieces this year to be judged. The exhibition, a collaboration with the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association, is celebrating its 35th year.
Here is some of the wildly creative woodwork that really caught my eye. You’ll notice many pieces have an Alice in Wonderland theme. That’s because this year’s San Diego County Fair is all about that timeless children’s book penned by Lewis Carroll. White Rabbits, March Hares and Mad Hatters abound! Everywhere you turn there’s a tea party or a grinning Cheshire Cat!
The Alice in Wonderland theme intersects with Steampunk, of course, so many fantastic contraptions and quirky bits of wood art are included in the exhibition. Take a look!
Glass table supported by fantastic underwater character carved from wood. Califa’s Realm, Avocado, Lorenzo Foncerrada.A steampunk writer might enjoy creating new worlds while sitting here! Time Machine Desk, Recycled Pine and Plywood, Jeffrey Comulada.Yikes! Get out of the way! This eye-catching contraption is just too cool. Scorpion Wheelchair, Pine, Roger Aceve.A truly amazing fantasy woodcarving. Julia the Dragon Killer, Bass, Antonio Barrios.Ancient warrior and an incredibly elaborate helmet made of wood. Dracon Soldier, Bass, Antonio Barrios.More outstanding artistry. Heron in a scene from a San Diego lagoon. Spirit of San Elijo, Torrey Pine, Lorenzo Foncerrada.Wood grains flow in this crazy organic bench. Ongoing Conversation, Baltic Birch, Alan Johnson.A very cool tangle-tentacled wooden octopus. Denizen of the Deep, Maple, Tom Edwards.Perhaps this is a wood version of Strider from Lord of the Rings. Ranger, Basswood, Randy Stoner.A mountain lion carved from wood keeps guard among other spectacular works of art. Kitty Kitty, Mahogany, Bill Churchill.This skeleton pirate with a brass steampunk telescope is beyond awesome. Mutiny, Bloodwood Fir, Mike Anderson.Two very cool handmade guitars with an Alice in Wonderland theme. I see clocks, the White Rabbit, a mad tea party, even a mustache!I love this example of imaginative wood design. Jack Rabbit, Alder, Ray Camien.Members of the San Diego Scrollsaw Clubs demonstrate their craft to people visiting the Design in Wood Exhibition at the San Diego County Fair.A wonderfully inventive piece of furniture. Birdcage Chair, White Oak, Patrick Atangan.Looks like an animal skull in the desert Southwest. Early, Early American Chair, Poplar, Del Cover.This might be the most intricate model tall ship I ever saw. Sovereign of the Seas, Boxwood, Mahogany, Ebony, Sycamore, William Norris.When a person becomes old, there’s no need to become dull. Two Canes, Various, Tracy Talbott.A fun chest of drawers perfect for a kid’s room. Buddy Bear, Walnut, Ralph Crowther.I wonder if Lewis Carroll imagined there would be steampunk powerboats one day. Looking For Alice, Various, Michael Rumsey.I love the cosmic layered wood sky with Saturn behind buildings. Night Surfing, Hardwood Plywood, Robert Stafford.Gears aplenty. Steampunk Cat, Various, Stephen Knight.Now this work of wood art totally blew my mind. Absolutely beautiful. Stormy, Various, Chuck Collins.Yeah, some days this pensive chimp could easily outwit me. Thinking, Various, Daryoush Ababaf.
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Mural titled I Pescatori by artist Renee Garcia, 2003. Depicts tuna fishermen who lived in Little Italy (many were Italian immigrants) fishing off the coast of San Diego.
Camera in hand, I captured even more examples of fantastic, colorful artwork. Most of these pics were taken on India Street north of Ivy Street.
This painting of two dancers was in the front patio of a shop or cafe or restaurant of some kind–I forget what, exactly. I had to snap a quick pic.Ben-Hur Coffee. A cool old advertisement on the side of an old brick building in San Diego’s hip Little Italy neighborhood.Just a fun artistic tile on a building wall that I noted as I walked up India Street this morning.Several murals that together are titled Eredita Italiana. By Yakov Kandinov, 2004. According to a nearby plaque, this is a Precious Cheese Art Mural Project.A portrait of a proud Italian family that might have lived in this neighborhood.One of the grouped murals depicts the historic Our Lady of the Rosary church in Little Italy.Looks like someone else was walking up the sidewalk on India Street–and they had wet shoes!Just a fun sign on a Little Italy antique shop’s door. The Bungalow Store.A radiant Madonna above the front door of El Camino, a crazy, kitschy Mexican eatery and bar in San Diego’s Little Italy.Many faces of beauty on an exterior wall of El Camino.Old, faded graphic on wood wall shows a troupe of Mexican mariachis.Colorful application of kitsch on the outside of El Camino.A large smiling senorita mural looks right at you.Caballero muy guapo in Little Italy!
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