Tag: culture

Lots of street art at SILO in Makers Quarter.

SILO in Makers Quarter is a cool venue in East Village.
SILO in Makers Quarter is a cool venue in East Village.

People entering downtown San Diego from Highway 94 might glimpse on their left what appears to be a large dirt lot full of odd items and graffiti. At first glance, I figured it was just a junky, neglected old vacant lot. Upon closer inspection, however, I realized the place was something completely unexpected, and pretty cool!

A large black silo rises near the center of the lot, hence the name of this interesting events venue: SILO in Makers Quarter. Beer festivals, bazaars, film festivals…these and other events are staged here in this neglected portion of East Village. According to the Makers Quarter website: SILO in Makers Quarter will be the launch pad to encourage the early adopters in San Diego to embrace the neighborhood and bring about positive change. SILO in Makers Quarter is being established as a year round event venue to bring collaborative community and creative culture to East Village.

I took these photos through a surrounding fence. Very cool!

A black silo rises behind a smile!
A black silo rises behind a smile!
Painted on a building wall: You are important.
Painted on a building wall: You are important.
Fun events are held in this unusual urban space.
Fun events are held in this unusual urban space.
Large eye peers from behind chain link fence.
Large eye peers from behind chain link fence.
Lots of fantastic street art at SILO in East Village.
Lots of fantastic street art at SILO in East Village.
Another example of colorful street art.
Another example of colorful street art.
Makers Quarter's goal is to attract energy to part of the city.
Makers Quarter’s goal is to attract energy to part of the city.
Bold graphics seen from the nearby sidewalk.
Bold graphics seen from the nearby sidewalk.
Photo taken through fence of twisted sculptures.
Photo taken through fence of twisted sculptures.
Bales of hay, funky images create a party atmosphere.
Bales of hay, funky images create a party atmosphere.
SILO in Makers Quarter on 15th Street in East Village.
SILO in Makers Quarter on 15th Street in East Village.

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MOOPA ArtWall mural in San Diego’s East Village.

Part of Museum of Outdoor Photographic Art's mural on F Street.
Part of Museum of Outdoor Photographic Art’s mural on F Street.

On F Street, one block west of SMARTS farm (see my last blog post), San Diegans can enjoy a huge public mural. Created by the Museum of Outdoor Photographic Art (MOOPA), the photo ArtWall covers the upper portion of the old Jerome’s Warehouse between 14th and 15th Street.

The mural features the work of three photographers. Matt Black’s photos feature a village in the Mixteca, an impoverished area in Mexico. Susan Madden Lankford’s photos show the streets of San Diego and contain many diverse portraits. A simple photo of a cone flower in the center of the mural, linking north and south, is the work of Polly Lankford Smith.

Face peers over treetops from large MOOPA ArtWall.
Face peers over treetops from large MOOPA ArtWall.
Segment of gigantic mural in downtown San Diego.
Segment of gigantic mural in downtown San Diego.
Walking along the rails on wall of abandoned warehouse.
Walking along the rails on the upper wall of an old warehouse.
Photography records face in time in San Diego.
Amazing photography records a face in time.
Another example of art in downtown's East Village.
Another example of art in downtown’s vibrant East Village.
Old Jerome's warehouse on F Street features the huge mural.
Old Jerome’s warehouse on F Street features the huge mural.
Public art includes farm workers on the empty city warehouse.
Public art in San Diego’s East Village  includes farm workers.
Photo of child in a mask is part of MOOPA mural.
Photo of child in a mask is part of MOOPA mural.
Playing a tuba on F Street between 14th and 15th.
Playing a tuba on F Street between 14th and 15th.
Museum of Outdoor Photographic Art's ArtWall is in East Village.
Museum of Outdoor Photographic Art’s ArtWall is a very cool sight.
East side of old Jerome's warehouse across from SMART farms.
East side of old Jerome’s warehouse across from SMART farms.

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Lingering images from an abandoned library.

Figures above entrance of old San Diego Central Library.
Figures associated with books linger in relief above entrance of old San Diego Central Library.  Literature East, by famed local artist Donal Hord, 1953.

San Diego’s old Central Library on E Street was never really much to look at–in my opinion, at least. It was just a small, nondescript, almost colorless building across from the downtown Post Office. When the brand new gleaming Central Library opened in East Village, the doors of the old library were shut forever. But a few notable images–beautiful works of art near the entrance–still remain.

The classic Literature Panels at either side of the library entrance were created in 1953, when the building was new, by important San Diego artist Donal Hord, whose iconic works can be seen throughout the city. These reliefs depict readers and writers of books in human history.

Because of poor health as a child, he spent many hours in the San Diego Public Library and developed a love for reading.

Elegant art depicts history, music, culture and learning.
Timeless art by an internationally renowned San Diego sculptor depicts books and their association with history, music and culture.  Literature West, by Donal Hord, 1953.

Clock shows midnight on closed San Diego library.

Clock shows midnight on east side of closed San Diego library.

The lamp of learning still burns on the little-used sidewalk.
A lamp still burns on the vacant library’s front sidewalk.
The empty sidewalk contains images tread by many feet.
The empty sidewalk contains images once tread by many feet.
Graphic on sidewalk in front of old library tells of dreams, boldness and genius.
Graphic on sidewalk in front of old library tells of dreams, boldness and genius.
Books still line the parking lot behind vacant library.
Books still line the parking lot behind vacant library.
Little remains to be seen at the old Central Library.
Little else remains to be seen at the old Central Library.

Big indoor mural at San Diego Museum of Art.

In Search of Earthly Delights mural at San Diego Museum of Art.
In Search of Earthly Delights mural at San Diego Museum of Art.

If you’re walking around Balboa Park and feeling adventurous, you can sneak into a portion of the San Diego Museum of Art and enjoy a stunning indoor mural. Just enter the unlocked door near the Sculpture Garden’s outdoor cafe! Like the sculpture garden, this area of the museum is free to the public!

The 70 foot mural is named En Busca de las Delicias de la Tierra/In Search of Earthly Delights. Created by Writerz Blok, an innovative graffiti mural organization, it was painted by young artists Sake, Daze, Izze and Krown. Pieces from the museum’s collection of Mexican modern art were used for reference and inspiration.

San Diego Museum of Art visitor walks past large indoor mural.
San Diego Museum of Art visitor walks past large indoor mural.
San Diego organization Writerz Blok helped to create this mural.
San Diego organization Writerz Blok helped to create this amazing mural.

Whirl of green life before St. Paddy’s parade!

St. Patrick's Day Parade participants with signs.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade participants with signs.

San Diego’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held this morning. It ran along Fifth and Sixth Avenue, on Bankers Hill just west of Balboa Park.

I captured a whole bunch of fun pics just prior to the parade’s start. There’s no shortage of the color green! All sorts of people and pets were gathering and preparing and positioning themselves for the exciting event!

People head up Sixth Avenue to watch the big annual parade.
People head up Sixth Avenue to watch the big annual parade.
Bagpipers in kilts assemble for the parade near Balboa Park.
Bagpipers in kilts assemble for the parade near Balboa Park.
A colorful calliope stands by near start of parade route.
A colorful calliope stands by near start of parade route.
Mounted participants in San Diego's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Mounted participants in San Diego’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Marines stand at the ready for the big event.
Cal Fire stands at the ready for the big event.
Girls anticipate marching on a sunny Saturday morning.
Girls anticipate marching on a sunny Saturday morning.
Junior Achievement kids hold THANK YOU spelled out for a photo.
Junior Achievement kids hold THANK YOU spelled out for a photo.
Hanging some Irish green tinsel.
Hanging some Irish green tinsel.
Last minute preparations on a School of Irish Dance float.
Last minute preparations on a School of Irish Dance float.
Another Smiling Irishman.
Another Smiling Irishman.
Gentlemen in capes and plumed hats hold flags.
Gentlemen in capes and plumed hats hold flags.
A band was playing on a float even before the parade started.
A band was playing on a float even before the parade started.
Kermit the Frog is proud to be green!
Kermit the Frog is proud to be green!
Big American Flag is ready on Sixth Avenue.
Big American Flag is ready on Sixth Avenue.
Another half hour until things really get rolling.
Another half hour until things really get rolling.
Clown's tie indicates Irish For a Day.
Clown’s tie indicates Irish For a Day.
Green-antlered hood ornament.
Green-antlered hood ornament.
Even dogs are wearing the green.
Even dogs are wearing the green.
San Diego Elks Lodge No. 168 and lots of shamrocks.
San Diego Elks Lodge No. 168 and lots of shamrocks.
A funny little wooden vehicle in line to start the parade.
A funny little wooden vehicle in line to start the parade.
Lincoln High School band members in green.
Lincoln High School band members in green.
St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Diego is a wonderful tradition.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Diego is a wonderful tradition.

Balboa Park’s vibrant WorldBeat Cultural Center.

Ancient Egypt inspires much of the vibrant mural.
Ancient Egypt and its symbols inspire much of the vibrant mural.

Folks heading up Park Boulevard beside Balboa Park often turn their heads as they pass the amazing, enormous mural painted on the side of the WorldBeat Cultural Center.

The WorldBeat Cultural Center, based in a former water tower, is a multi-cultural arts organization that promotes and preserves the African and indigenous cultures of the world through music, art, dance, education and technology. The center is also used as a venue for concerts and other special events.

Last Saturday I walked around the structure and took some pics of the huge, colorful mural. It completely spans the outside wall of the cylindrical building.

Front entrance of the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park.
Front entrance of the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is based in an old water tower.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is based in an old water tower.
A variety of bold faces gaze in every direction from the mural.
A variety of bold faces gaze in every direction from the mural.
Fantastic images catch the eye of people passing on Park Boulevard.
Fantastic images catch the eye of people passing on Park Boulevard.
The north side of the WorldBeat Cultural Center.
Egyptian figures painted on the north side of the WorldBeat Cultural Center.
The back door looks like a magical entrance to another realm.
The back door looks like a magical entrance to another realm.
Exotic falcon with spread wings.
Exotic falcon with spread wings.
Diverse cultures from around the world are celebrated.
Diverse cultures from around the world are celebrated.
Image in mural similar to Tutankhamun's mummy mask.
Image in mural similar to the Mask of Tutankhamun.

UPDATE!

After posting these photographs, I did some research and learned a little more about this amazing mural that celebrates Egyptian, African, and Indigenous cultures.

Nearly all of the artwork was created by Mike Watson, otherwise known as AIR MIKE. He was the original artist at World Beat’s first location on Hancock Street, before moving to the repurposed water tower in Balboa Park under the leadership of Makeda Cheatom.

I also learned the King Tut artwork was contributed by muralist Mario Torero and a group of students.

Here are more pics I took with a different, better camera in early 2021…

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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!

More photos of murals around Chicano Park.

Ser humano, to be human.
Ser humano, to be human.

Here are even more pics from Barrio Logan!  These photos were taken on the north side of Chicano Park, from the basketball court to Cesar Chavez Boulevard, including a stretch under the I-5 overpass.

As I mentioned before, some of these images might be considered controversial.  To see previous photos, click the Chicano Park tag at the bottom of this post and scroll down.  I have one more batch of photos coming up.  Please feel free to share anything on this blog!

Raza mural decries Operation Gatekeeper.
Raza mural decries Operation Gatekeeper.
Cesar Chavez Blvd mural under busy freeway.
Cesar Chavez Blvd mural under busy freeway.
Arriba Mexico on I-5 underpass mural.
Arriba Mexico on I-5 underpass mural.
Painted family greets traffic in Barrio Logan.
A painted Cesar Chavez and two youth greet traffic in Barrio Logan.
Aztlan mural on Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
Aztlan mural on Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
Pedestrians near Chicano Park walk past public art.
Pedestrians near Chicano Park walk past public art.
Mural at edge of Chicano Park opposes retrofitting.
Mural at edge of Chicano Park opposes retrofitting.
Painted images on Interstate 5 north of Chicano Park.
Painted images on Interstate 5 north of Chicano Park.
Utility box painted with El Corazon.
Utility box painted with El Corazon, the heart.
Mural supports Race, opposes the Border Patrol.
Mural supports Race, opposes the Border Patrol.
Elaborate mural on handball court in Chicano Park.
Elaborate mural containing ancient symbolism on a handball court in Chicano Park.
Painted jaguar crouches near basketball court.
Painted jaguar crouches near basketball court.
A very detailed mural in Chicano Park.
A very detailed and colorful mural in Chicano Park.
Aztec mural painted near chain link fence.
Aztec mural painted near chain link fence.
Utility box with colorful figures.
Utility box with colorful figures, including a mariachi.
Classic cars depicted on a concrete pillar.
Classic cars depicted on a concrete pillar.
San Diego Lowrider Council mural in Chicano Park.
San Diego Lowrider Council mural in Chicano Park.

Colorful scenes from San Diego’s MLK parade.

Here come some San Diego firefighters.
Here come some San Diego firefighters.

This afternoon I enjoyed watching a good portion of San Diego’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.  Every January, MLK’s dream of racial equality is celebrated downtown in one of the largest parades of its kind in the United States.  The parade route runs down Harbor Drive on San Diego’s waterfront.

I got a whole lot of photos.  Please feel free to share and enjoy them!

Crowd gathers for annual San Diego MLK parade.
Crowd gathers for annual San Diego MLK parade.
MLK Parade kicks off with many local politicians.
MLK Parade kicks off with many local politicians.
A cool police car fitted with hydraulics.
A cool police car fitted with hydraulics.
A vintage fire truck rolls down Harbor Drive.
A vintage fire truck rolls down Harbor Drive.
This cute little dog is a member of law enforcement.
This cute little dog is a member of law enforcement.
Watching the parade from the announcer platform.
Watching the parade from the announcer platform.
Goodies are handed out by an MLK Parade participant.
Goodies are handed out by an MLK Parade participant.
Candidate for San Diego Mayor, David Alvarez.
Candidate for San Diego Mayor, David Alvarez.
A huge Homeland Security armored vehicle.
A huge Homeland Security armored vehicle.
Border Patrol agents on all-terrain vehicles.
Border Patrol agents on all-terrain vehicles.
Coast Guard patrol boat towed along parade route.
Coast Guard patrol boat towed along parade route.
Patriotic colors precede bagpipes.
Patriotic colors precede bagpipes.
Attending to sound board beside the announcers.
Attending to sound board beside the announcers.
People watch parade from hotel balconies across the street.
People watch parade from hotel balconies across the street.
Here comes the Gadsden Elementary School marching band.
Here comes the Gadsden Elementary School marching band.
Tuba players march in the San Diego MLK parade.
Tuba players march in the San Diego MLK parade.
Gecko celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. birthday.
Gecko celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. birthday.
Crowd enthused by a great parade performance.
Crowd enthused by a great parade performance.
A dance routine on Harbor Drive.
A dance routine on Harbor Drive.
Kids perform a fun routine for MLK Parade onlookers.
Kids perform a fun routine for MLK Parade onlookers.
Looking very elegant.
Looking very elegant.
The UCSD band passes by.
The UCSD band passes by.
Young kids have difficulty with SDSU letters.
Young kids have difficulty with SDSU letters.
SDSU Aztec Warrior at MLK Parade in San Diego.
SDSU Aztec Warrior at MLK Parade in San Diego.
Veterans for Peace parade a drone.
Veterans for Peace parade a drone.
Members of a lodge parade on by to loud cheers.
Members of a lodge parade on by to loud cheers.
Marchers honor the Martin Luther King Jr. dream.
Marchers honor the Martin Luther King Jr. dream.
Colorful dancers from the House of Panama.
Colorful dancers from the House of Panama.
Drummers perform with pride on parade route.
Drummers perform with pride on parade route.
Poster on side of truck shows historic MLK speech.
Poster on side of truck shows historic MLK speech.
Some guys having fun in yellow mini cars.
Some guys having fun in yellow mini cars.
Inflatable float from USS Midway Museum.
Inflatable float from USS Midway Museum.
Children determined to achieve great things.
Children determined to achieve great things.
Another fun performance by kids for the parade announcers.
Another fun performance by kids for the parade announcers.
Banner holders stand up for human dignity.
Banner holders stand up for human dignity.
Music and youthful energy on parade.
Music and youthful energy on parade.
Folks in back of a truck celebrate MLK and his dream.
Folks in back of a truck celebrate MLK and his dream.
King and Queen of San Diego MLK Parade.
King and Queen of San Diego MLK Parade.
A beautiful parade queen waves to the large crowd.
A beautiful parade queen waves to the large crowd.
Pooches with American flag bandanas.
Pooches with American flag bandanas.
Mr. Black San Diego greets the crowd.
Mr. Black San Diego greets the crowd.
Inspirational messages head down the Embarcadero.
Inspirational messages head down the Embarcadero.
Students from City College are agents of change.
Students from City College are agents of change.
A smiling beauty perched high atop a parade float.
A smiling beauty perched high atop a parade float.
MLK impersonator relives speech at Lincoln Memorial.
MLK impersonator recreates famous speech at Lincoln Memorial.

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Why I loved Jerry Coleman.

Jerry Coleman in Padres broadcast booth.
Jerry Coleman in Padres broadcast booth from http://www.newstimes.com.

I loved the cheerful voice of Jerry Coleman.  The good humor, dignity and optimism it conveyed during Padres broadcasts were an important part of my life.  I listened to that voice for over thirty years.

Jerry Coleman was a remarkable man.  He was both a genuine war hero and genuine baseball superstar.  There was nothing phony or inflated about his life achievements.  And he remained humble.  He didn’t have a trace of conceit.  He simply loved life, his family and country.

In a world where many self-centered people are hungry for fame, and make fools of themselves to achieve it, I think it was the humility of this truly legendary man that made him so loved by ordinary San Diegans.  That and his simple good humor.

I never met him.  But losing Jerry Coleman feels like losing a friend.

Long mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.

01 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
01 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.

We’re back in Barrio Logan’s famous Chicano Park with more pics!

The mural featured here is a very long one.  It’s painted behind the park’s fenced basketball court, on a low wall that borders Interstate 5.  Like the other public murals in Chicano Park, it’s a colorful hodgepodge of figures and symbols that seem to share one general theme: Mexican American pride and empowerment.

The photos move along the mural from right to left.

02 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
02 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
03 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
03 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
04 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
04 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
05 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
05 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
06 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
06 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
07 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
07 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
08 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
08 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
09 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
09 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
10 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
10 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
11 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
11 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
12 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
12 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
13 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
13 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
14 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
14 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
15 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
15 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
16 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.
16 Mural behind Chicano Park basketball court.