Tag: murals

Horse racing mural at Del Mar Fairgrounds.

In my previous blog post, I shared photos of a colorful fair mural at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It decorates one side of the long tunnel under the horse racing track. The tunnel connects the Grandstand with the infield.

Now I’ll share photographs of the mural that decorates the tunnel’s opposite side. Also painted by artist Tom Fagan, it depicts the history of horse racing at the racetrack!

The Del Mar Racetrack was added to the fairgrounds in 1936 by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Founding member Bing Crosby led the effort. You know, he who famously sings “Where the turf meets the surf down at old Del Mar. Take a plane, take a train, take a car. There is a smile on every face and a winner in each race…”

Back in the day, Hollywood movie stars and celebrities would flock to the races, including frequent visitor and avid horseplayer Jimmy Durante. The mural shows some of that.

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Colorful fair mural at Del Mar Fairgrounds!

A long tunnel at the Del Mar Fairgrounds allows visitors to walk under the race track, from the Grandstand to the infield. Those attending the San Diego County Fair often use it to walk from the Fun Zone to Family Funville.

Two very different murals cover the tunnel walls, one on either side. The first depicts fair activity through the years. The second, which I’ll cover in my next blog post, depicts horse racing at the fairground. According to various signatures, both long murals were painted by artist Tom Fagan over the course of several years.

The painted side you’ll see in this blog post show activities at the fair during its rich history. There are carnival rides, farm animals, garden shows, entertainment, food and fun!

After beginning in 1880, the fair moved to the Del Mar Fairgrounds in 1936 where it has been known at various times as the San Diego County Fair, the Southern California Exposition, and the Del Mar Fair.

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A new City Workshops mural in City Heights!

I discovered this cool mural during my most recent walk in City Heights. I took photographs and wondered about it.

A little research shows the mural was painted several months ago at City Workshops, a shared woodshop at 3615 University Avenue.

According to their Instagram page, City Workshops offers dedicated individual bench areas and shared big machines like wood saws, routers, sanders, planers and laser cutters. They are now accepting long-term tenants.

Notice the many artist signatures in one of my photos.

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Sunshine and flowers in Solana Beach!

Here’s a bit of colorful art you might spy while walking down a sidewalk in Solana Beach. You can find it at 129 North Highway 101.

Solana Beach’s coastal sunshine brightens a landscape filled with many different flowers native to California. Flowers include Sea Dahlia, Leafy Daisy, Morning Glory, Fiesta Flower, Prickly Pear, Padre’s Shooting Star, Fiddleneck, Frankenia, Southern Pink, Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry, Matilija Poppy, California Rose and California Poppy.

The artist signature indicates this beautifully painted scene was created by Bailey Valdivieso.

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Bold, colorful mural at Hustle Tattoo.

Tattoo parlors often attract attention with bold, colorful murals. That’s certainly the case with Hustle Tattoo in City Heights, at 4503 University Avenue.

Skulls, flowers, a butterfly and a parrot have been painted on the exterior of the shop by @hannasmurals.

Remember my recent blog post about a football player scoring at a City Heights bus stop? I found that a few steps away down the sidewalk! A lot of “hustle” on this city block!

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Children together with nature in Golden Hill!

This happy mural was painted in 2017 at the Golden Hill Recreation Center. It depicts children together with nature.

Members of the community and volunteers with I Love a Clean San Diego came together on Coastal Cleanup Day to paint the colorful art. It decorates a retaining wall behind the center near the playground. You can see a photograph of the event and people working on the mural here.

Despite a little vandalism, the mural remains bright and beautiful almost ten years later. Flowers, butterflies, a hummingbird, coyote and rabbit populate a world where children jump and play.

A few photos for you to enjoy…

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Prayer spray painted in Rolando.

Perhaps you’ve glimpsed this mural while driving east down University Avenue through Rolando, a bit east of College Avenue. The street art is spray painted on the side of Island Spice Jamaican Restaurant. During my last walk in the area I checked it out.

The art is by Lao rapper, muralist and tattoo artist One Hunned (@imonehunned). Central to the mural’s message is a prayer. Splashed among the graphics are the words WHEN LIFE SHOWS UP and Family First.

The prayer for happiness, blessings and protection from evil begins: “LET ME BE HUMBLE & GIVE ME STRENGTH TO OVERCOME ANYTHING…”

I’m glad I got a closer look at the beautiful message.

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“love joy peace patience kindness” in North Park!

A mural proclaiming “love joy peace patience kindness” brightens a block in North Park. You can find the painted words on Iowa Street, just north of University Avenue.

The world would be such a better place if we all strived for these positive ideals. A beautiful work of art like this is a perfect reminder.

According to the artist signature I found, the mural was created by @beccakaybeal and Jenna Marie.

Inspiring!

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The old Hard Rock Café mural in the Gaslamp.

Yesterday, when I shared photos of the original stained glass windows of the Gaslamp Quarter’s 1906 Ingle Building, it occurred to me I’ve never photographed the full mural on the south side of the building. I don’t know its exact history, but I do know the fading artwork existed when the Hard Rock Café was located here.

After reading the historical plaque, I believe this mural might retain elements of an original one decorating the outer wall that depicted the camaraderie found in the Golden Lion during the early years of the Gaslamp Quarter. “Rooms each $2.50” and the painted stained glass suggest a time prior to the Hard Rock Café.

If you know more about this mural, such as its history and who painted it, leave a comment!

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Raging bear on a City Heights tire shop!

Driving down University Avenue through City Heights, you might have seen this great mural depicting a raging bear in a snowy forest.

The artwork was painted in 2024 on the side of Nan’s Tires & Wheels at 4884 University Avenue. The artist is @rudyardandreid.

I took a couple of photos as I walked down the sidewalk last week.

Cool!

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