Tag: diversity

Mural of Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park.

Front entrance of Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park.
Front entrance of Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park.

Like the nearby WorldBeat Center, the Centro Cultural de la Raza is housed in a colorful old water tower in Balboa Park. Its huge mural draws the attention of those heading up Park Boulevard, just north of downtown San Diego.

Centro Cultural de la Raza is a cultural center with an emphasis on Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art. It hosts many exhibits and artistic performances throughout the year. Ballet Folklorico dancing is one of the educational classes that are available.

I walked around the building and took a bunch of photos of the huge public mural!

Starting around the old water tower, checking out the artwork.
Starting around the old water tower, checking out the artwork.
Centro Cultural de la Raza seen from Park Boulevard.
Centro Cultural de la Raza seen from Park Boulevard.
Snake-entwined female in front of moon.
Snake-entwined female in front of glowing moon.
Diverse images from Latino culture in the large mural.
Diverse images from Latino culture in the richly detailed mural.
Geronimo crowned by a radiant sun.
A kneeling Geronimo crowned by a radiant sun.
Hispanic music, education and optimism are portrayed.
Hispanic music, education and optimism are portrayed.
Colorful mural contains many animals from the Americas.
Colorful mural contains many animals from the Americas.
A ram and corn are among the many images.
A ram and corn are among the many images.
Circling around toward back of the water tower.
Circling around toward back of the water tower.
Mesoamerican pyramid in a richly painted scene.
Mesoamerican pyramid in a beautifully painted scene.
Stylized face watches from Centro Cultural de la Raza.
Stylized ancient face watches from Centro Cultural de la Raza.
Latino family stands proudly in the San Diego mural.
Latino family stands proudly in the San Diego mural.
Eyes seem to rise out of the ground.
Eyes seem to rise out of the ground.
Nearby utility box made into a work of art.
Nearby utility box made into a work of art.
This crazy face made me laugh.
This crazy face made me laugh.
This appears to be an Aztec warrior.
This appears to be an Aztec warrior.

UPDATE!

When I posted these photos, I really didn’t know much about the mural. After doing some online research, I’ve learned the 240 by 18 feet mural was painted by nine artists, each responsible for a section. The mural painting project was headed by Antonia Perez. The Geronimo artwork was the work of Victor Ochoa, one of the co-founders of El Centro Cultural de la Raza in 1970.

Here are additional photos I took in early 2021, with a better camera under brighter light conditions…

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Sign language Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Bronze hand signs the letter D.
Bronze hand signs the letter D.

Take a walk or ride a bike down the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade in downtown San Diego and you’ll encounter several sculptures inspired by America’s great civil rights leader. Here are a few photos of DREAM – A tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a dramatic work created by Roberto Salas in 2001. Five bronze hands spell out the word DREAM in sign language. This public art can be found very close to The New Children’s Museum.

Along the beautiful promenade, which follows Harbor Drive from near Seaport Village down to the Gaslamp Quarter, many MLK quotes are enshrined in the walkway. The last photo shows one very famous quote, just a few steps from this powerful tribute.

Bronze hand signs the letter R.
Bronze hand signs the letter R.
Bronze hand signs the letter E.
Bronze hand signs the letter E.
Bronze hand signs the letter A.
Bronze hand signs the letter A.
Bronze hand signs the letter M.
Bronze hand signs the letter M.
DREAM - A tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by artist Roberto Salas. A word that reaches deep into our humanity and creativity.
DREAM – A tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by artist Roberto Salas. A word that reaches deep into our humanity and creativity.
People approach DREAM on Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
People approach DREAM on Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.
A very famous and wise quote by Martin Luther King Jr.
A very famous and wise quote by Martin Luther King Jr.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Native American Pow Wow in Balboa Park!

Mothers in native costume in a large round dance.
Mothers in different native costumes perform a large round dance.

Yesterday my wandering feet led me to a Pow Wow in the south end of Balboa Park. What a colorful, amazing event! The Native American Heritage Pow Wow featured a large grassy stage with a variety of costumed dancers. I lingered for a bit and got a few pics.

Making a dash for Mother's Day goodies on grass.
Making a dash for Mother’s Day goodies scattered on the grass.
Adjusting costumes before performing a dance.
Adjusting colorful costumes before performing a dance.
Native American art at Balboa Park pow-wow.
Native American art for sale at the Balboa Park Pow Wow.
Big crowd at American Indian Heritage Pow Wow.
Big crowd checks out Native American food and culture.
Young dancer at San Diego pow-wow.
Young dancer at San Diego Pow Wow.

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Earth Day and EarthFair 2014 in Balboa Park.

Activist at EarthFair fights the Keystone Pipeline.
Activist at EarthFair fights the Keystone Pipeline.

I couldn’t resist heading over to EarthFair today. What’s EarthFair? It’s a gigantic annual event that celebrates Earth Day in Balboa Park!

Put on by San Diego EarthWorks, this year’s EarthFair featured more than 300 exhibitors, promoting pro-environment concepts, policies, programs, business and education. The event is billed as a big tent celebration, and so the multitude of participants often seem an unlikely hodgepodge. From more traditional viewpoints, to those that are truly radical, all sorts of ideas and visions are expressed. It’s a colorful, thought-provoking and entertaining event with endless photographic opportunities!

Here are some pics!

Old objects reused to create art and jewelry.
Old objects reused to create art and jewelry.
Learning to make yarn from plastic bags.
Learning to make yarn from plastic bags.
Crafts at EarthFair include tennis racket mirrors.
Crafts at EarthFair include tennis racket mirrors.
Kids have fun with great big bubbles.
Kids have fun with great big bubbles.
Costumed characters greet a child at EarthFair.
Costumed characters greet a child at EarthFair.
Booth in Balboa Park promotes camping nude.
Booth in Balboa Park promotes camping nude.
Hemp enthusiasts check out wares at EarthFair.
Hemp enthusiasts check out wares at EarthFair.
Meat eaters enjoy barbeque for Earth Day.
Meat eaters enjoy barbeque for Earth Day.
1912 Baker Electric Car fitted with solar panels!
1912 Baker Electric Car fitted with a solar panel!
Kids learn how to set up teepees on a Balboa Park grassy area.
Kids learn how to set up teepees on a Balboa Park grassy area.
Big Mama Earth provides green lessons for kids.
Big Mama Earth provides green lessons for kids.
San Diego Public Library's booth with many interesting books.
San Diego Public Library’s booth with many interesting books.
A lovely blue recycle bin poses for my camera!
A lovely blue recycle bin poses for my camera!
SoCal Parrot lady and a bright green friend.
SoCal Parrot lady and a bright green friend.
Earth Day activists conceal anti-abortion sign with banners.
Earth Day activists conceal anti-abortion sign with banners.
Toyota shows hybrid vehicles in front of Museum of Art.
Toyota shows hybrid vehicles in front of Museum of Art.
Old hiking gear can be fixed up and used again.
Old hiking gear can be fixed up and used again.
Table with information about pest control using copper.
Table with information about pest control using copper.
Two rescued raptors shown to crowd on El Prado.
Two rescued raptors shown to crowd on El Prado.
Huge canvas interprets the reflecting pool with vivid colors.
Huge canvas interprets the reflecting pool with vivid colors.
Mellow steel drum entertainment during EarthFair.
Mellow steel drum entertainment during EarthFair.
Balboa Park's trashcans were blocked with flower pots.
Balboa Park’s trashcans were blocked with flower pots.
Looking west down El Prado at huge Earth Day crowd.
Looking west down El Prado at huge Earth Day crowd.
Advocating for the protection of seals.
Advocating for the protection of seals.
Activists oppose new power plant at Mission Trails Park.
Activists oppose new power plant at Mission Trails Park.
A table demonstrates the benefits of composting.
A table demonstrates the benefits of composting.
Smokey the Bear stands near Surfrider Foundation booth.
Smokey the Bear stands near Surfrider Foundation booth.
Man painted blue advocates for lower carbon emissions.
Man painted blue advocates for lower carbon emissions.
High school student with Save the World Fridays sign.
High school student with Save the World Fridays sign.
Scripps Aquarium brought some big shark jaws.
Scripps Aquarium brought some big shark jaws.
Peace sign and coexist sign in the crowd.
Peace sign and coexist sign in the crowd.
Banner in booth opposes eating animals.
Banner in booth opposes eating animals.
Petitions include dividing California into six states.
Petitions include dividing California into six states.
Secret chemtrail and HAARP programs are opposed.
Secret chemtrail and HAARP programs are opposed.
Free hugs are offered to visitors of Balboa Park's EarthFair!
Free hugs are offered to visitors at Balboa Park’s EarthFair!

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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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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.

Urban Corps mural shows an optimistic future.

South end of long Urban Corps mural on Jefferson Street.
South end of long Urban Corps mural on Jefferson Street.

San Diego’s Urban Corp is a nonprofit dedicated to providing a high school education and green job training to young adults. Whenever I ride the trolley to work, I usually see a number of youth in green uniforms disembarking at the Old Town station. They’re heading off to begin another day developing new skills, while working to improve San Diego’s environment.

A long, colorful mural was recently painted along Jefferson Street, right across from the Urban Corps. You can find this public art near Rosecrans at Interstate 5.

Here are some pics I took as I walked north!

Mural depicts youth bettering San Diego's environment.
Mural depicts youth bettering San Diego’s environment.
Urban Corps provides valuable employment training.
Urban Corps provides valuable employment training.
Eliminating graffiti is one important activity.
Eliminating graffiti is one important activity.
Youth have a second chance to earn a high school diploma.
Youth have a second chance to earn a high school diploma.
Urban Corps mural shows conservation efforts.
Urban Corps mural shows conservation efforts.
Education is the key to moving forward to success.
Education is the key to moving forward to success.
Young people have an opportunity to earn a paycheck.
Young people have an opportunity to earn a paycheck.
Segment of Urban Corps mural near Rosecrans and Jefferson.
Segment of Urban Corps mural near Rosecrans and Jefferson.
Optimism and opportunity on a long, colorful mural.
Optimism and opportunity on a long, colorful 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!

Murals from San Diego’s famous Chicano Park.

Barrio yes, junkyards no.
Barrio yes, junkyards no.

Here’s one last group of cool pics from Chicano Park. These photographs begin near the center of the park, then we move west under the Coronado Bay Bridge.

The junkyards referred to in the above photo used to be numerous in this area.

Mural makes political statement about immigration.
Mural makes political statement about immigration.
Zapata quote in a high nook.
Zapata quote in a high nook.
Chicano Park mural shows immigrants working in fields.
Chicano Park mural shows immigrants working in fields.
Elaborate Aztec figure painted on concrete pillar.
Elaborate Aztec figure painted on concrete pillar.
Various colorful images on a wall in Barrio Logan.
Various colorful images on a wall in Barrio Logan.
Broom leans up against mural of students in school.
Broom leans up against mural of students in school.
Virgin Mary and shrine at foot of Chicano Park mural.
Virgin Mary and shrine at foot of Chicano Park mural.
Murals under lanes leading to Coronado Bay Bridge.
Murals under lanes leading to Coronado Bay Bridge.
Central dance pavilion in Chicano Park.
Central dance pavilion in Chicano Park.
Ceiling of dance pavilion shows natives from Tenochtitlán.
Ceiling of dance pavilion shows natives from Tenochtitlán.
Female figure on beautiful ceiling of dance pavilion.
Female figure on beautiful ceiling of dance pavilion.
A series of murals on pillars supporting traffic lanes.
A series of murals on pillars supporting traffic lanes.
Bronze statue of the Mexican revolutionary soldier Emilio Zapata.
Bronze statue of the Mexican revolutionary soldier Emilio Zapata.
Poem in Chicano Park voices Mexican American pride.
Spanish poem in Chicano Park about dancing and life.
A variety of creative and amusing images.
A variety of creative and amusing images.
Aztec warrior and shield stand guard in San Diego.
Aztec warrior and shield stand guard in San Diego.
People walking through Chicano Park.
People walking through Chicano Park.
All The Way To The Bay refers to 1980 Chicano Park campaign.
All The Way To The Bay refers to 1980 Chicano Park campaign.
Diverse people on a very detailed mural.
Diverse people on a very detailed mural.
Faces tell many stories in Chicano Park.
Faces tell many stories in Chicano Park.
Cool green masked figure.
Cool green masked figure.
Brilliantly painted park structure near playground.
Brilliantly painted park structure near playground.
Wide view under Coronado Bay Bridge reveals murals and sculptures.
Wide view under Coronado Bay Bridge reveals murals and sculptures.
Environmental message on Barrio Logan mural.
Environmental message on Barrio Logan mural.
Mural protests toxic waste from nearby NASSCO shipyard.
Mural protests toxic waste from nearby shipyards.
Historical figures come alive in Chicano Park.
Historical figures come alive in Chicano Park.
Artwork provides a strong warning.
Artwork provides a strong warning.
Dynamic shapes, figures and bright colors.
Dynamic shapes, figures and bright colors.
Bold face shows strength.
Bold face shows strength.
Second beautiful female face.
Second beautiful female face.
Third female face is an excellent piece of art.
Third female face is an excellent piece of art.
Fourth female face on Chicano Park pillar.
Fourth female face on Chicano Park pillar.
More amazing artwork in the famous San Diego park.
More amazing artwork in the famous San Diego park.
Aztec warriors come alive in Chicano Park.
Aztec warriors come alive in Chicano Park.
Abstract plant-like painting appears symbolic.
Abstract plant-like painting appears symbolic.
Mattress of homeless person leans up against painted utility box.
Mattress of homeless person leans up against painted utility box.
More colorful artwork.
More colorful artwork.
I Bend Like Desert Flowers Do.
I Bend Like Desert Flowers Do.
Please do not throw litter in the fountain.
Please do not throw litter in the fountain.
Fantastic metal sculpture in tiled fountain.
Fantastic metal sculpture in tiled fountain.
Kid plays among pillars under Coronado Bay Bridge.
Kid plays behind neglected art under Coronado Bay Bridge.
Painted bases of pillars supporting the bridge.
Painted bases of pillars supporting the bridge.
Two vibrant abstract faces.
Two vibrant abstract faces.
Many who are homeless camp out in Chicano Park.
Many who are homeless camp out in Chicano Park.
A world of murals can be found in Chicano Park.
A world of murals can be found in Chicano Park.

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