Beautiful works of art on display at the Glass Show and Sale in Spanish Village.
Glass art never ceases to fascinate me.
Pieces of shining glasswork often appear like gems that have been mined from a place deep in the artist’s heart, then melted, shaped and recrystallized, as if upon a fiery potter’s wheel.
This weekend the Glass Show and Sale is being held on the patio of Balboa Park’s Spanish Village. The twice-a-year event is the production of the Art Glass Guild in Studio 25.
I took some photos today and met a few of the gifted artists.
If you love beautiful things and happen to be in San Diego, head over before the weekend ends!
The first five photographs you see here show glasswork created by Patricia G. Yockey, who also happens to be very nice.
I like how colorful and cheerful these pieces are at one artist’s table.This photo and the next show kilnformed art glass produced by Rick Knight Designs. The tray is made of glass strips that are shifted and fused back together.
These magical lampworked beads are by Cornelia Jarst. They can be used for different types of jewelry and accessories.
Glass pumpkins in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving!The artist told me this amazing glass piece took a long, long time to make.
This cool glass robot and the next two photos are small pieces of hand etched “dichroic glasswear” made by ChrisStell CreativeArts.A fun, colorful face.
These clocks–some made with circuit boards from discarded computers–are the fused glass creations of The Glass Giraffe, Carol Korfin, artist.
Many beautiful works of glass art can be seen and purchased this weekend in Balboa Park at the always wonderful Spanish Village!
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The 62nd Annual Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance was held this morning at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The stirring, patriotic event is organized by the San Diego Chapter of Military Order of the World Wars. Its purpose is to honor the flag and support and remember those who have served our country and defended liberty, including those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The parade of color guards this year included about 30 groups, from a variety of local organizations representing ordinary Americans, the military, veterans, law enforcement, JROTC and ROTC, and scouting.
The annual Massing of the Colors has been held at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for 62 years without interruption. During a speech, special recognition was given to the Daughters of the American Revolution, who have faithfully participated in this patriotic celebration every single year.
When I arrived at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, a practice run was just finishing up. After a short wait, the parade of color guards commenced.
I will let my photographs tell the story.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
A couple months ago I blogged about the debut of a fascinating dodecahedron sculpture called Unfolding Humanity. The San Diego Geometry Lab had begun building their project by a parking lot at University of San Diego.
Today I finally saw the interactive metal sculpture completed! It was among the many cool inventions on display at 2018 Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park!
If you want to learn more about Unfolding Humanity–the mathematics behind it, and how it’s symmetry and complexity is similar to the structure of the universe–please check out my earlier blog post here, or visit the artwork’s extremely interesting website here.
I learned from Diane Hoffoss, Associate Professor of Mathematics at USD, that the San Diego Geometry Lab might be building additional similar projects in the future. Probably every other year. Because it’s quite an undertaking!
I also learned that many people enjoyed stepping inside Unfolding Humanity during Burning Man! Someone even performed magic tricks inside it!
This is what I saw at Maker Faire San Diego today…
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
I learned this huge robotic praying mantis that shoots flames from its legs is named Zap!
Another October! Time for another Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park!
Today, after checking out Trolley Dances at Hazard Center, I headed into Balboa Park to simply walk around and absorb the creativity. It’s amazing what human intelligence and imagination can produce! The potential is limitless! Marvelous new inventions keep on coming!
2018 Maker Faire San Diego continues through Sunday. Check it out!
Visitors to Balboa Park look at a map showing the many exhibitors and demonstrations at 2018 Maker Faire San Diego.A big crowd surrounds 30-foot-tall, flame throwing Robot Resurrection during 2018 Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park.These students invented a contraption that can fire multiple Frisbees in rapid succession.Russell the Electric Giraffe is back for another Maker Faire San Diego!Exploring the sensors and capabilities of a cool robotic giraffe!Kids were riding cupcake cars around the Plaza de Balboa during the annual maker event.Other kids have fun controlling robots that move blocks.Karen, of the Southwestern Artists’ Association in Spanish Village, was painting stones out on the patio!Karen’s Rescue Rocks are fun and colorful!Artistic kids were using lapidary equipment inside the San Diego Mineral and Gem Society Museum.This guy on the Spanish Village patio was creating small works of art from onyx.People were testing out virtual reality at the Japanese Friendship Garden during Maker Faire San Diego.Nearby, others were piecing together stuff that was 3D printed.The potted Rootbound Players would play music when their leaves were touched by a finger!People make Kokedama, Japanese traditional moss art! The roots of small plants are bound in living moss!This guy had created some small but very cool working submarines.UCSD students had created an unmanned aerial vehicle for an academic competition.Creative kids were cutting out words and piecing together their stories with Words To Go!This guy was melting glass and forming a beautiful jewelry pendant.Ladies were making crafts inside the House of Sweden at the International Cottages. Perhaps they should have been a part of Maker Faire San Diego!Do You Trust is a sculpture that enfolds visitors and plays an audio recording of poetry concerning trust.This cool minibike is made of odd objects, like a vegetable strainer, radio tuner, cereal bowl and umbrella. It’s called the Time Machine.Alastair, The Great Fairy Tinkerer hangs out in front of the future Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park.A small human meets friendly Know Mann – Giant Robot Puppet!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
An important exhibition of paintings by acclaimed artist Kadir Nelson is now showing at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park.
On display is the original artwork used to illustrate the picture book Blue Sky, White Stars, this year’s KPBS One Book, One San Diego for Kids Selection. Young students across our city will be reading the picture book this year, sharing their experience together. The author is Sarvinder Naberhaus.
The book’s original paintings by Kadir Nelson contain iconic American imagery, and often include the patriotic red, white and blue of the American flag. Ideals such as Liberty, Justice and Equality proudly live in the faces of his subjects. His powerful, humane artwork has been compared to that of Norman Rockwell.
Kadir Nelson spent his formative years in San Diego, attending Crawford High School. The exhibition at the San Diego History Center includes a few examples of his early drawings.
As an artist of international stature, Kadir Nelson has produced art for many award-winning books, The New Yorker magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Coca-Cola Company, and Major League Baseball. His work appears on United States Postal Service commemorative stamps and on Michael Jackson’s posthumously released album. His paintings can be found in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, The National Baseball Hall of Fame, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Visit this exhibition at the San Diego History Center and you’ll quickly see that Kadir Nelson is a truly extraordinary American artist, whose striking images linger in your mind. You’ll also perceive the optimism and heart that gives amazing life to his work.
The Spectacle, 2016, gracing the front cover of Blue Sky, White Stars, was painted by Kadir Nelson.In a short video at the San Diego History Center, Kadir Nelson talks about his work and inspiration.Displayed in the exhibition are seven books featuring the bold, powerfully moving artwork of Kadir Nelson.Eight extraordinary The New Yorker covers with artwork by Kadir Nelson.A drawing by Kadir Nelson from his teen years. Crawford Horse Sitting on Mascots, 1991, pen and ink on paper.Pioneers (White Rows), 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.Sew Together (Betsy Ross), 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.Well Worn: Abe Lincoln, 2016, Kadir Nelson.We Shall Overcome, 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.Stand Proud (Civil War Soldiers), 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.Cracker Jacks, 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.The Patriot, 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Visitors to the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park prepare to enjoy a short virtual reality tour around San Diego.
During my random walk through Balboa Park today, I stumbled upon something that is unique and really fun! I wandered into the San Diego History Center and was immediately drawn to a sign at the entrance to one gallery that read: Experience San Diego, The Virtual Reality Adventure.
I wasn’t looking to blog anything after my walk today, but this short VR tour around San Diego is so cool, I definitely want to share it!
After having my VR headset strapped on, I suddenly found myself transported to a wide variety of places and events around San Diego. I was standing atop the California Tower in Balboa Park, turning my head to gaze in every direction . . .
Then suddenly I was floating over Oceanside in a hot air balloon . . . standing among hockey players during a San Diego Gulls game . . . riding a helicopter along our beautiful coast . . . right up close among the dolphins at SeaWorld . . . riding the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster at Belmont Park in Mission Beach . . . flying above the desert in Anza Borrego State Park . . . floating on a boat among sea lions on San Diego Bay . . . and much more–all in virtual reality!
The whole experience is made possible by 4DSCI. A ticket costs just five dollars and the virtual reality tour lasts for perhaps ten minutes. If you want to experience San Diego in a whole new way, head down to the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park and check it out!
Experience San Diego, The Virtual Reality Adventure. You will see many cool sights as if you were there in person!Around the corner is the VR Theater…The fun, kid-friendly room where the experience is enjoyed. Chairs swivel so visitors can easily turn and experience the virtual reality in every direction.Cabrillo National Monument is one of the beautiful places that will surround you–as if you are there!
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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!
Legions of creepy clowns, ghosts, demons and undead are slowly gathering in a popular city park. I photographed them lurking among shadowy trees and spooky buildings, waiting to terrify nice, innocent, completely unsuspecting people who happened to be walking down the park trail!
As you might have guessed, this morning I took a stroll around the perimeter of The Haunted Trail, which is being built once again in the southwest corner of Balboa Park for Halloween!
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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!
Old Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument.
I had some more fun altering photographs to make them appear like oil paintings. I selected a number of images from my computer and applied GIMP’s Oilify filter to convert them into splendid works of art!
I also used GIMP’s Cubism filter once. With a couple easy clicks of the mouse, I created some cool impressionistic “paintings” of streets and buildings in downtown San Diego!
Here are my latest productions. Enjoy!
Fishing from the pier at Embarcadero Marina Park South.Sunset over Point Loma across San Diego Bay.View of the Hyatt Regency Marina near the Mission Bay Sportscenter.People wait to cross Mission Boulevard in Mission Beach.The Geisel Library Building at University of California San Diego.Fresh fish for sale at Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.Seagulls fly above San Diego Bay.Walking across the Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge toward Petco Park and the downtown Central Library.The beautiful Casa del Prado in Balboa Park.Lawn bowling in Balboa Park.A flower and window at the International Cottages in Balboa Park.St. Mary’s Chapel and Tower at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla.Junipero Serra Museum on Presidio Hill.Ballet folklórico dancer at Fiesta de Reyes in Old Town San Diego.The historic former Hotel Del Coronado Boathouse.
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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 San Diego School of Ballet performs during Arte, Color y Fiesta, a special event in Balboa Park celebrating Mexican Independence Day.
This evening I enjoyed a special event at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The House of Mexico presented Arte, Color y Fiesta, a cultural program rich with dance, music and patriotism celebrating Mexican Independence Day.
I successfully photographed the first few groups that provided entertainment before daylight waned. Many smiles shined into the evening.
To learn more about the House of Mexico, and perhaps become a member, or provide a donation as they prepare to build their new cottage among the existing House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, visit their website here!
The colorful program at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion was presented by the House of Mexico, member of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park.A poster on display during the event showed construction plans for the House of Mexico’s new cottage in Balboa Park.Los Chinelos Unidos por Siempre de San Diego dance in Balboa Park. The traditional dance of the State of Morelos, Mexico includes fantastic Carnival-like costumes and masks.During the program, a color guard advanced the Mexican flag to the stage, and the traditional Grito Mexicano was shouted. Viva México!Mariachi Juvenil de San Diego, a musical group composed of local high school students, perform during an event that celebrates Mexico’s independence from Spain.Meanwhile, in the nearby Plaza de Panama, the Flavor Company dance group had people dancing the Conga for Balboa Park’s Food Truck Friday.Life, color and joy thrive in San Diego’s amazing Balboa Park.
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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!
A street musician smiles on a beautiful Labor Day in Balboa Park.
Labor Day in Balboa Park is no different than any other day. Most museums and attractions are open, and everyone is smiling.
I wanted to take it easy–just enjoy the day–so I headed into the park for an aimless, leisurely stroll…
San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez rehearses Stairway to Heaven with a rock band for tonight’s final International Summer Organ Festival concert.People enjoy the beauty near the Japanese Friendship Garden’s Koi Pond.Progress is being made on the Japanese Friendship Garden’s new river, where a Great Buddha statue will soon be unveiled.
You can see additional photos of the Japanese Friendship Garden’s new stream under construction by clicking here.
Labor Day was quiet at the International Cottages, which were all closed for the Monday holiday.As I walked behind the Balboa Park Club building, I gazed northwest toward the Cabrillo Bridge and took this photo.On Labor Day, like most days, the 1935 (Old) Cactus Garden in Balboa Park is a quiet place for solitude.Families enjoy Labor Day in front of the San Diego Air and Space Museum.People relax on a bench by the old Mack Water Truck just outside the entrance of the San Diego Automotive Museum.Walking through Pan American Plaza between the San Diego Automotive Museum and nearby Recital Hall.Balboa Park was the ideal place for a picnic this Labor Day.Young and old enjoy the famous beauty of Balboa Park’s lily pond.All sorts of people were out on the grass enjoying the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden at the San Diego Museum of Art.Visitors were touring the iconic California Tower and gazing across Balboa Park, one of the most wonderful places in the world.This group wanted to see fine art so they headed into the San Diego Museum of Art.Some smiling street musicians were setting up on El Prado to entertain passersby.The silly Lärabar Street Team danced for my blog, then I got some yummy samples to eat!Mentalist, hypnotist and super nice guy Ralph Hamrick greets me with his usual smile! I still haven’t recovered from that weird mental trick he performed on me.Street magician Kenny Shelton delights some young people with one of his amazing tricks.Lots of people were enjoying hula hoops on the grass!The San Diego Blood Bank was saving lives in front of the Museum of Man.A quiet moment on Balboa Park’s broad, green West Mesa.This squirrel didn’t know today was a holiday. It was just another day in the park.Even street performers have to eat lunch!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Cool San Diego Sights! 