Tag: la jolla

Salk Institute architect Louis Kahn: an amazing exhibit!

Photo of exterior of The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla. The famous building was designed by renowned modernist architect Louis Kahn.
Photo of exterior of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla. The famous building was designed by renowned modernist architect Louis Kahn.

One of the world’s most famous works of modern architecture is located in San Diego.  I’m referring to the Salk Institute building in La Jolla. Its designer was Louis Kahn, considered to have been one of the most important, innovative architects of the 20th century.

An exhibition now running at the San Diego Museum of Art takes a thorough look at the remarkable life, work and genius of Louis Kahn.

Last weekend I was given a personal tour of the amazing exhibit and found myself completely blown away by its scope. The photos, films, sketches, notes and architectural models, including a life-size portion of an extraordinary house–even works of art produced by Louis Kahn himself– were too much for my mind to absorb in one visit.

Kahn was undoubtedly a genius. His unique modern structures seem like ancient timeless monuments, made beautifully functional. They are simultaneously complex and simple. They are geometric, symmetric, modular, clean. They seem solid but light-filled. They contain unusual surprises of line, curve and angle. They are iconic.

Louis Kahn had a long, prolific career.  His work can be found throughout the world, and includes the enormous, citadel-like National Assembly Building of Bangladesh. Some of his more famous creations in the United States include the Kimball Art Museum, the Yale University Art Gallery, the library at Philips Exeter Academy, the Norman Fisher House in Philadelphia, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, and, of course, San Diego’s own remarkable Salk Institute.

There is so much to see in this impressive exhibit–there were so many amazing designs produced by Kahn during his productive lifetime–that I can’t begin to cover it all in this blog. So I must direct you to the San Diego Museum of Art’s website. To get a small hint of what you will discover at the museum, you might want to check out the Wikipedia article on Louis Kahn.

This weekend I headed up to La Jolla to see if I could snap some good photos of Louis Kahn’s very famous Salk Institute building. Walking around, I managed to photograph the exterior, but I was unable to access the interior courtyard. So I’ve included one photo from Wikimedia Commons, just to provide a quick idea. Peering through a fence, I did glimpse some scaffolding in the interior area, so I suppose that would have nullified my photographic attempts, anyway.

The Salk Institute building’s walls are made of smooth exposed concrete. While this material might appear stark, the monumental appearance, the intriguing shapes and architectural symmetry are absolutely impressive. There is a mathematical, complex interaction between shadow and light that is difficult to describe–and quite beautiful.

Want to see more of Kahn’s brilliant work? Head over to the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park before this special exhibition closes on January 31, 2017.

Louis Kahn The Power of Architecture is a special exhibit showing at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park through January 31, 2017.
Louis Kahn: The Power of Architecture is a special exhibit showing at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park through January 31, 2017.
Salk Institute in La Jolla from the interior courtyard. (A cropped public domain photo from Wikimedia Commons.)
Salk Institute in La Jolla from the interior courtyard. (A cropped public domain photo from Wikimedia Commons.)
Interior section of the Salk Institute just beyond the main entrance.
Interior section of the Salk Institute just beyond the main entrance.
Kahn's design seems both simple and futuristic. The interior space utilized by medical research scientists is said to be uniquely inspiring and functional.
Kahn’s design seems both simple and futuristic. The interior space utilized by medical research scientists is said to be intellectually inspiring and uniquely functional.
Another photo of the Salk Institute building's fascinating exterior.
Another photo of the Salk Institute building’s fascinating exterior.
A monumental building made of smooth exposed concrete with simple, clean lines, between green grass and blue San Diego sky.
A monumental building made of smooth exposed concrete with simple, clean lines, between green grass and blue San Diego sky.
A small but interesting portion of the Salk Institute building.
A small but interesting portion of the Salk Institute building.
The surface of the Salk Institute building is stark but surprisingly beautiful. Time has made the concrete appear more earthen and natural. Almost like marble.
The surface of the Salk Institute building is stark but surprisingly beautiful. Time has made the concrete appear more earthen and natural. Almost like marble.
Laboratory visible through one window. Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine. Salk Institute today is a world leader in medical research.
Laboratory visible through one window. Jonas Salk invented the polio vaccine. Salk Institute today is a world leader in medical research.
It's a sunny day in La Jolla as someone walks toward a brilliant creation of the human mind--a building designed by famed modernist architect Louis Kahn.
It’s a sunny day in La Jolla as someone walks toward a brilliant creation of the human mind: a building designed by famed modernist architect Louis Kahn.

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Fun photos of Sun God bird sculpture at UCSD.

Sun God sculpture, by French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, at University of California San Diego.
Sun God sculpture, by French-born sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle, at University of California San Diego.

I absolutely love this sculpture. It’s called Sun God. This colorful public art was created by renowned French sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle. There are several other sculptures by the artist around San Diego, as you might have seen previously on my blog. Here and here and here.

Yesterday I walked through UCSD’s Muir College to get some photos of the Sun God. And there it stood, perched eternally on its living green arch, reflecting the golden San Diego sunlight amid tall eucalyptus trees. What a sight!

This much-loved landmark at University of California San Diego was created by Niki de Saint Phalle in 1983. She was known for producing large, colorful figures that appear to have emerged from mythology or highly imaginative tales of fantasy. While the Sun God is frequently outfitted by mischievous students with outlandish attire, the fourteen-foot-high bird remains unmoved. It merely gazes across the human landscape from its lofty station in the sky, thinking otherworldly, godly, inscrutable thoughts.

Science is taught in the buildings across the way. I doubt those professors have an adequate explanation for the Sun God. It is a true work of art.

The impressive, brightly colorful Sun God stands with wings spread wide in sun-worshiping San Diego.
The impressive, brightly colorful Sun God stands with wings spread wide in sun-worshiping San Diego.
A path of stones leads through the Sun God's green archway.
A path of stones leads through the Sun God’s green archway.
Plaque reads SUN GOD, Niki de Saint Phalle, 1983. It's on loan from the Stuart Foundation.
Plaque reads SUN GOD, Niki de Saint Phalle, 1983. It’s on loan from the Stuart Foundation.
Sun God faces Muir College classrooms, where science is taught. UCSD is one of the top public universities in the United States.
Sun God faces Muir College classrooms, where science is taught. UCSD is one of the top public universities in the United States.
The Sun God bird sculpture with a shining crown of gold rises powerfully, mysteriously in the blue sky.
The Sun God bird sculpture with a shining crown of gold rises powerfully, mysteriously into the blue sky.

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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 fun photos for you to enjoy!

Street art on Torrey Pines Road near UCSD.

Electrical box on North Torrey Pines Road near the gliderport intersection features colorful fish with huge eyeballs!
Electrical box on North Torrey Pines Road near the Gliderport intersection features colorful fish with huge eyeballs!

I walked around both the University of California San Diego and the Salk Institute in La Jolla this morning. Stay tuned to my blog and you’ll see why. (The next two posts are going to be very cool!)

As I headed up the sidewalk along North Torrey Pines Road back to my car, I spied all sorts of creative street art painted on utility boxes and transformers. In many instances, I believe, the art was produced by students at the university.

I was a student at UCSD’s Muir College decades ago. Wandering around the campus was like a brief voyage back in time. The years have gone by so very quickly…

Across from the North Campus of UCSD, this octopus carrying a book and donning a graduation cap is riding a surfboard!
Across from the North Campus of UCSD, this octopus carrying a book and donning a graduation cap is also riding a surfboard!
Another nearby box features street art in the form of a breaking ocean wave. Excellent surfing can be found nearby at Black's Beach.
Another nearby box features street art in the form of a breaking ocean wave. Excellent surfing can be found nearby at Black’s Beach.
Another side of the big utility box has yellow fish forming a triangle as they swim above seaweed.
Another side of the big utility box has yellow fish forming a triangle as they swim above seaweed.
And lastly we see a purplish seal on a surfboard!
And lastly we see a purple seal on a surfboard!
Another corner of the same intersection has a utility box with four cool images. This side shows a golfer taking a swing at the nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course.
Another corner of the same intersection has a utility box with four cool images. This side shows a golfer taking a swing at the nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course.
On this side we see the interior of a biotechnology lab. Of course, Salk Institute is about a 30 second walk from here!
On this side we see the interior of a biotechnology lab. Of course, the internationally famous Salk Institute building is about a 30 second walk from here!  You can just glimpse a part of the parking lot in this photo.  Stay tuned to this blog for more!
Also nearby is the Torrey Pines Gliderport. This fun street art depicts a couple of paragliders soaring above the Pacific Ocean!
Also nearby is the Torrey Pines Gliderport. This fun street art depicts a couple of paragliders soaring above the Pacific Ocean!  The Gliderport is one of my favorite places.
The fourth side of the box shows the natural beauty along the coast of La Jolla. Pine trees rise atop eroded sandstone cliffs.
The fourth side of the box shows the natural beauty along the coast of La Jolla. Pine trees rise atop eroded sandstone cliffs.
Now for some more street art along North Torrey Pines Road. I took this photo while walking along the sidewalk.
Now for some more street art along North Torrey Pines Road. I took this photo while walking along the sidewalk.
This urban art seems to depict a city inside the form of a tree.
This urban art looks to me like a city inside the outline of a Christmas tree.
More great street art on a utility box.
More great urban street art on a utility box.
Wisdom written for all to see. Make time to make art and make love.
Wisdom written for all to see. Make time to make art and make love.
On the next side of this box we see a hand with brush, making beautiful art.
On the next side of this box we see a hand with brush, making beautiful art.
A transformer box with fish and whales swimming among trees and flowers!
A transformer box with fish and whales swimming among trees and flowers!
Human creativity expressed in public with paint.
Human creativity expressed in public with paint.
A bucket for cigarette butts next to the sidewalk. Fish! Don't Smoke! Now that was an unexpected discovery!
A bucket for cigarette butts next to the sidewalk. Fish! Don’t Smoke! Now that was an unexpected discovery!
One side of a box near an entrance to UCSD. Hands of La Jolla by Rebecca Asch. It's holding food.
One side of a box near an entrance to UCSD. Hands of La Jolla by Rebecca Asch. It’s holding food.
Another hand. A broken pencil and perhaps caffeine for those late nights of studying.
Another hand. A broken pencil and perhaps caffeine for those late nights of studying.
A guy in scuba gear seems to love a mermaid. The spray painted words Silence is Violence might have been applied later, or perhaps not.
An underwater guy in scuba gear and a pink mermaid seem to be in love. The spray painted words Silence is Violence probably was applied later, or perhaps not.
Colorful blossoms on branches.
Colorful blooms on branches. I think those might be Japanese cherry blossoms on the right.
There are many crows (and seagulls) that flock in this coastal area near UCSD. They perch on lampposts all over the place. Crows are taking flight right here, as well.
There are many crows (and seagulls) that flock in this coastal cliff area near UCSD. They perch on lampposts all over the place. Crows are taking flight right here, as well!
More cool street art. Two crows fly across the angled sides of a utility box on North Torrey Pines Road.
More cool street art. Two crows fly across the angled sides of a utility box on North Torrey Pines Road.

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Sculpture of girl remembers Ellen Browning Scripps.

Bronze sculpture of young girl dipping finger into shallow basin of water. The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial is located at the La Jolla Recreation Center.
Bronze sculpture of young girl dipping finger into shallow basin of water. The Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial is located at the La Jolla Recreation Center.

During my recent walk around La Jolla, I paused for a bit to admire a beautiful bronze sculpture at the La Jolla Recreation Center. The life-size likeness of a girl dipping a finger into a basin of water is officially called the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial. Created by artist Mary Buckman and dedicated in 1997, the gentle artwork remembers a very important figure in San Diego history: Ellen Browning Scripps.

If you live in San Diego, you surely recognize the name Ellen Browning Scripps. She and her brother created a vast business empire as newspaper publishers. During her life she gave most of her wealth away to good causes. She spent much of her life in La Jolla. Indeed, she lived right across Prospect Street from the present-day sculpture; her old residence is now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla.

This sculpture by Mary Buckman is dedicated to the memory of Ellen Browning Scripps. June 28, 1997. A beloved sculpture by James Tank Porter occupied this site from 1926 until its disappearance in 1996.
This sculpture by Mary Buckman is dedicated to the memory of Ellen Browning Scripps. June 28, 1997. A beloved sculpture by James Tank Porter occupied this site from 1926 until its disappearance in 1996.
People enjoy a nearby bench at the La Jolla Recreation Center on a sunny December day.
People enjoy a nearby bench at the La Jolla Recreation Center on a sunny December day.
Inscription on the bench is from Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings.
Inscription on the bench is from Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses. I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.
A beautiful work of art remembers San Diego journalist and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps.
A beautiful work of art remembers San Diego journalist and philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps.

Here are several photos I took at a later time…

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I wrote a short story about a girl gazing into a fountain. Would you like to read it? To feel a mixture of joy and sadness, click here.

Pelicans and gulls near La Jolla Cove.

Brown pelicans come in for a landing on a cliffside near La Jolla Cove.
Brown pelicans come in for a landing on a cliff near La Jolla Cove.

Yesterday I spent some time at one of the most beautiful places in San Diego. I walked along the cliffs near La Jolla Cove, just taking in the fresh ocean breeze, sunshine and scenery.

I managed to get several fun photographs of pelicans and gulls flying above the water and perched on the rocks.

Sea birds fly along the water's edge as the surf breaks. The cliffs of Torrey Pines stretch in the distance.
Sea birds fly along the water’s edge as the surf breaks. The cliffs of Torrey Pines stretch in the distance.
A pelican and gull share a cliff above the turbulent, foaming Pacific Ocean.
A pelican and gull share a cliff above the turbulent, foaming Pacific Ocean.
A seagull descends gracefully with outstretched wings.
A seagull descends gracefully with outstretched wings.
Photo of pelican standing on a dark rock provides interesting contrast.
Photo of pelican standing on a dark rock provides interesting contrast.

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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 special holiday food drive in La Jolla!

Many people in San Diego County, unfortunately, are hungry. Food collected during this holiday food drive will be distributed to soup kitchens, pantries, shelters and schools.
Many people in San Diego County, unfortunately, are hungry. Food collected during this special holiday food drive will be distributed to soup kitchens, pantries, shelters and schools.

If you’re in or around La Jolla, today I learned about a holiday food drive with nearby drop-off locations. The Heart to Hands Food Drive San Diego is run by Candi DeMoura, who has raised 2776 pounds of food in the past 3 years. Wow!

Please visit her San Diego Food Drive website. It lists the types of food that are accepted. There are several places to drop off food, including the La Jolla Farmers Market and Coldwell Banker on Prospect Street.

Together we can work to beat hunger in San Diego!

Heart to Hands Food Drive San Diego supports people in need. You can help! Visit the website to learn how! (Click this image to read the flyer.)
Heart to Hands Food Drive San Diego supports people in need. You can help! Visit the website to learn how! (Click this image to enlarge the flyer so that you can read it.)

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Merry sights at the La Jolla Christmas Parade!

A merry sight along the La Jolla Christmas Parade route!
A merry sight along the La Jolla Christmas Parade route!

Today I enjoyed watching the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade! After walking a bit around La Jolla, I settled onto the curb and watched Christmas-themed floats, vintage cars and marching bands celebrate the merry season.

It’s a wonderful parade that I hadn’t seen before. Very glad I did this year!

Here are my best photos. Read the captions to follow along.

The Community Christmas Tree is hung with lights and ornaments at the La Jolla Recreation Center park.
The Community Christmas Tree is hung with lights and ornaments at the La Jolla Recreation Center park. A festival would be held here at the Christmas Parade’s conclusion.
This Community Christmas Tree is dedicated to the people of La Jolla this day, October 27, 1984, by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club.
This Community Christmas Tree is dedicated to the people of La Jolla this day, October 27, 1984, by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club.
As I walked down Girard Avenue, I spied some colorful Christmas cookies in a shop window!
As I walked before the parade down Girard Avenue, I spied some colorful Christmas cookies in a shop window!
In the parade staging area, various floats and groups were assembling before the scheduled early afternoon start.
In the parade staging area, various floats and groups were assembling before the scheduled early afternoon start.
A kid checks out the bright red OMBAC Fire Department engine, which is seen in many San Diego area parades.
A kid checks out the bright red OMBAC Fire Department engine, which is seen in many San Diego area parades.
Everyone is getting into position for the big Christmas parade in La Jolla!
The participants are getting ready for the big Christmas parade in La Jolla!
I saw these folks driving a vintage car to the staging area while I walked back to the parade viewing area.
I saw these folks driving a vintage car to the staging area while I walked back to the parade viewing area.
In 2016, the theme of the La Jolla Christmas Parade was Christmas in the Future. A special newspaper was printed up for the event by the La Jolla Village News.
In 2016, the theme of the La Jolla Christmas Parade is Christmas in the Future. A special newspaper was printed up for the event by the La Jolla Village News.
While people gathered along the parade route, these four guys in Santa hats came strolling along. They were singers!
While people gathered along the parade route, these four guys in Santa hats came strolling along. They were singers!
A musical quartet belonging to the Pacific Coast Harmony of La Jolla serenades people along the parade route! Great voices!
A musical quartet belonging to the Pacific Coast Harmony of La Jolla serenades people along the parade route! Great voices!
Pre-parade entertainment included some lion dancers coming down Prospect Street.
Pre-parade entertainment included some lion dancers coming down Prospect Street.
Residents revel in a time-honored tradition. 2016 is the 59th year of the La Jolla Annual Christmas Parade!
Residents revel in a time-honored tradition. 2016 is the 59th year of the La Jolla Annual Christmas Parade!
Just before the parade started, several vintage airplanes flew overhead. They were billed as the Antique Aircraft Flyover.
Just before the parade started, restored old biplanes flew overhead. They were billed as the Antique Aircraft Flyover.
The La Jolla Christmas Parade gets started! It is sponsored by The Dr. Seuss Foundation. The popular children's author lived in La Jolla.
The La Jolla Christmas Parade gets started! It is sponsored by The Dr. Seuss Foundation. The popular children’s author lived in La Jolla.
Biplanes continue to pass overhead as enthusiastic parade groups march and dance on by.
Cool aircraft continue to pass overhead as enthusiastic parade groups march and dance on by.
Here come the costumed Sons of the American Revolution parading down Prospect Street!
Here come the costumed Sons of the American Revolution parading down Prospect Street!
The Stella Maris Academy won Best Overall award. Their float featured an astronaut, a Christmas nativity scene and music lyrics. We believe the children are our future...
The Stella Maris Academy won Best Overall award. Their float featured an astronaut, a Christmas nativity scene and music lyrics. We believe the children are our future…
The La Jolla Presbyterian Church had Joseph, Mary, shepherds, an angel, and two live camels!
The La Jolla Presbyterian Church had Joseph, Mary, shepherds, an angel, and two live camels!
A young elf hands out Christmas candies to people watching La Jolla's joyful holiday parade.
A young elf hands out Christmas candies to people watching La Jolla’s joyful holiday parade.
A horse and carriage and folks dressed in Victorian garb for Christmas.
A horse and carriage and folks dressed in Victorian garb for Christmas.
Every parade must have marching bands!
Every parade must have marching bands!
Here comes a Girl Scout Troop and a friendly dog.
Here comes a Girl Scout Troop and a friendly dog.
I guess robots will celebrate Christmas in the future!
I guess metallic robots will celebrate Christmas in the future! Or wait. It just occurred to me those might be gift-wrapped boxes.
Here come the Sweetwater High School Red Devils!
Here come the Sweetwater High School Red Devils!
The Red Devils band marches by playing Christmas tunes!
The Red Devils band marches by playing Christmas tunes!
Just a fun float featuring a surfboard and Dr. Seuss characters. Like many, it was created by a local business. I've photographed the guy in the crazy Darth Vader outfit at other cool San Diego events!
Just a fun float featuring a surfboard and Dr. Seuss characters. Like many, it was created by a local business. I’ve photographed the guy in the crazy Darth Vader outfit at other cool San Diego events!
The La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club was spraying Christmas snow onto the onlookers with their stocking covered fire truck!
The La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club was spraying snow onto the onlookers with their Christmas stocking-covered fire truck!
There goes The San Diego Golden Retriever Meetup Group with lots of canine pals!
There goes The San Diego Golden Retriever Meetup Group with lots of canine pals!
Another cool sight at the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade.
Another cool sight at the annual La Jolla Christmas Parade.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

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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!

Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday with fun photos!

Kids love the Dr. Seuss displays all around the Old Globe plaza area.
Kids love the Dr. Seuss displays all around the Old Globe plaza area during December Nights in Balboa Park.

I’m not in the least embarrassed to say I love reading Dr. Seuss. Even as an adult, he remains one of my favorite authors. He created pure joy.

Today is Dr. Seuss’ birthday. He was born March 2, 1904. His actual name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, and he lived in beautiful La Jolla, just a short distance up the coast from where I now sit in downtown San Diego.

I’ve included some Dr. Seuss related photos on my blog over the years, so to remember the immortal children’s book author, I’ll share them once again!

Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department!
Dr. Seuss seems to be a favorite author of the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department, marching in the Garden Party of the Century event in Balboa Park!
Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat walks along a north window.
Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat walks along a north window of the San Diego Central Library in East Village.
the cat in the hat on san diego central library wall
The Cat in the Hat on the San Diego Central Library children’s room wall.
Front of the Old Globe Theatre features a banner of the Dr. Seuss Grinch.
Front of the Old Globe Theatre features a banner of the Dr. Seuss Grinch during December Nights.
It's Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, where popular children's book author Theodor Geisel lived.
It’s Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art was photographed outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, hometown of popular children’s book author Theodor Geisel.

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You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click on a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to enjoy!

Photos of cool urban art in the Village of La Jolla.

Photographer and model next to One Pointed Attention, 2014, by artist Kelsey Brookes, in La Jolla.
Photographer and model next to One Pointed Attention, 2014, by artist Kelsey Brookes, on a wall in La Jolla.

Here are some photos of cool art seen while walking about the streets of La Jolla. More specifically, the Village of La Jolla–the central business and cultural district which is the heart of this wonderful community.

La Jolla is an affluent part of San Diego, so there seem to be art galleries wherever one roams. But there are also many eye-catching street murals and works of urban art.

This collection of photos is far from comprehensive. These are just photos taken during several semi-random walks around The Village (including today). That’s the way this blog usually operates!

Classic religious imagery floats above entrance to Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla.
Classic religious imagery floats above entrance to Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla.
A funny walrus and frightened fish along the roof of a shop on Pearl Street.
A funny walrus and frightened fish along the roof of a shop on Pearl Street.
Trashcan street art depicts Native American, whose headdress contains feathers spelling place names.
Trashcan street art depicts Native American, whose headdress contains feathers spelling place names.
Urban art on a La Jolla trashcan shows a boldly colorful Southwestern scene, with mountains and cacti.
Urban art on a La Jolla trashcan shows a boldly colorful Southwestern scene, with mountains and cacti.
A female face painted on a La Jolla garbage container.
A female face painted on a La Jolla garbage container.
Another similar face, composed of different hues.
Another similar face, composed of different hues.
This eye-boggling street mural on Fay Avenue is Sexy Cash, 2015, by Mark Bradford.
This eye-boggling street mural on Fay Avenue is Sexy Cash, 2015, by Mark Bradford.
Most street numbers on city buildings are plain and boring. Not 910 Prospect Street!
Most street numbers on city buildings are plain and boring. Not 910 Prospect Street!
Unusual human sculpture sits near the sidewalk outside La Jolla's Madison Gallery.
Unusual human sculpture sits near the sidewalk outside La Jolla’s Madison Gallery.
Another strange figure squats nearby.
Another strange figure squats nearby.
This cool horse outside a Madison Gallery window was created with large pieces of junk and old machine parts.
This cool horse outside a Madison Gallery window was created with large pieces of junk and old machine parts.
A close-up photo of the imaginative horse sculpture.
A close-up photo of the imaginative horse sculpture.
On Prospect Street, a long narrow mysterious mural and a single underwater eye. Whale, 2014, Nina Katchadourian.
On Prospect Street, a long narrow mysterious mural and a single underwater eye. Whale, 2014, Nina Katchadourian.
Some interesting metal artwork above a store entrance depicts a sailboat and palm trees.
Some interesting metal artwork above a store entrance depicts a sailboat and palm trees.
It's Dr. Seuss' Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, where popular children's book author Theodor Geisel lived.
It’s Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham! This fun art is outside the Legends Gallery in La Jolla, the town where popular children’s book author Theodor Geisel lived.
A canvas out on public display in front of the Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in the central business area sometimes called Village of La Jolla.
A canvas out on public display in front of the Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in the central business area sometimes called Village of La Jolla.
Someone walking down Herschel Avenue said she hated this giant mural! It's Blah, Blah, Blah, 2015, by Mel Bochner. Perhaps it gave her the blahs.
Someone walking down Herschel Avenue said she hated this giant mural! It’s Blah, Blah, Blah, 2015, by Mel Bochner. Perhaps it gave her the blahs.
I personally like this mural of a darkly glowing tall ship. at Sea, 2012, Ann Hamilton.
I personally like this mural of a darkly glowing tall ship. It’s titled “at Sea” and was created in 2012 by Ann Hamilton.
A cool fish dangles in front of the Herringbone Restaurant.
A cool fish dangles in front of the Herringbone Restaurant.
Large, unusual metal sculptures in front of the Tasende Gallery in La Jolla.
Large, unusual metal sculptures in front of the Tasende Gallery in La Jolla.
Hummingbird artwork on a bench near a sidewalk, and a rose.
Hummingbird artwork on a bench near a sidewalk, and a rose.
Hammering Man by Jonathan Borofsky at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego...in La Jolla. I believe years ago this motorized sculpture stood near America Plaza downtown.
Hammering Man by Jonathan Borofsky at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s location in La Jolla. I believe years ago this motorized sculpture stood near America Plaza downtown.
I don't know what this egg-like object is. If you do, please leave a comment!
I don’t know what this egg-like object is. If you do, please leave a comment… UPDATE! According to local author Corey Lynn Fayman, the artist is Andy Goldsworthy. I’ve learned this piece is titled West Coast Cairn. Goldsworthy has two other stone eggs in the United States, in Des Moines, Iowa, and Purchase, New York.

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Kayakers vanish in mysterious La Jolla sea cave.

It's a beautiful day by the ocean in La Jolla. Some kayakers have noticed the entrance to a sea cave in the sandstone. Curious eyes spot them from above and watch the unfolding drama.
It’s a beautiful day by the ocean in La Jolla. Some kayakers have noticed the entrance to a sea cave in the sandstone. Curious eyes spot them from above and watch the unfolding drama.

Please forgive me for this imaginative little story. It’s hot today and perhaps my brain overheated.

The summer heat is why I went down to La Jolla this morning.  By the water it was thankfully a few degrees cooler. While I walked along the Pacific Ocean near La Jolla Cove, I watched some kayaks enter the nearby sea cave.

Upon studying my photographs, this short story emerged. For the exciting conclusion, please read the captions, beginning with the above first photo…

The kayakers can't resist a strong impulse to enter the cave. They turn carefully to peer into the darkness deep within the earth. There seems to be a strange blue light shimmering inside.
The kayakers can’t resist a strong impulse to enter the cave. They turn carefully to peer into the darkness deep within the earth. There seems to be a strange blue light shimmering inside.
The mysterious glow lures them into blackness and possible danger. As their kayaks seem to diminish, the weird light begins to intensify.
The mysterious glow lures them into vast blackness and possible danger. As their kayaks start to fade, the weird light intensifies…
Drawn forward into the unknown, the courageous kayakers paddle forward along the dancing sliver of light. They are explorers. Life is a great adventure.
Drawn forward into the unknown, the courageous kayakers paddle along the dancing beam of light. They are explorers. Life is a great adventure.
Beyond darkness lies the magical source of shining blue. They soon vanish–passing from one amazing world into another.
Beyond darkness lies the magical source of shining blue. They soon vanish–passing from one amazing world into another.

…

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