Close-up photo of one tile panel in a long mural, which is located on a wall near the Cesar Chavez Park playground in Barrio Logan.
Relatively few people know about a fascinating mural in Barrio Logan. Dedicated art and history lovers can find it at the very edge of San Diego’s beautiful bay, between the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and the base of the Coronado Bridge.
The mural is located in Cesar Chavez Park, on a long wall just north of the playground. Created by Dale Marsh/Tile Artisans, it consists of eleven ceramic tile panels depicting half a century of local history–from the 1900s to the 1950s–through the use of vintage photographs. Images fondly remember the day-to-day life many San Diegans in this predominantly Mexican American neighborhood experienced while growing up and working on our busy waterfront.
A brief description of each panel is contained in a nearby plaque also composed of tiles. I’ve transcribed most of the words and have used them in my photo captions.
Looking north past the Cesar Chavez Park playground at an interesting public mural that depicts local history.Descriptions of the eleven panels in the mural, which depicts Logan Heights in its Golden Years, 1900 through 1959.Aztec Brewery Art Ensemble adorned the ceiling and walls of the Rathskeller and Beer Tasting Room of the brewery in the early to mid 1900s on Main Street.Hoop skirts, 1932 Model T car with rumble seat and white 1936 Ford, Metro Theater usherette twins, model parents of the era, neighborhood Rhythm and Blues bands and their followers.Papa Chuey founding proprietor of Chuey’s Restaurant cashed checks and provided credit accounts for fishermen and cannery workers in hard times.Nifty Fifties teen scene in “The Heights” spotlights Physical Education class, jitterbug dancing and positive socialization. Friendship was a true binding factor among teenagers.Tuna boats filled with tired fishermen arrived at the tuna canneries bringing work for hopeful dockworkers and cannery workers. Their arrival meant livelihood for countless families.This 1948 Cannery Workers group photo depicts the numbers and spirit of the work force of the various canneries of San Diego’s Cannery Row.The “Leona C – San Diego” fishing crew portray the faces of the hard working men who in turn provided for numerous jobs for entire communities.Logan Heights landmarks include the street car at 5 cents per ride . . . the beautiful earlier architecture of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Las Palmas nightclub . . .Community social groups fostered a healthy and happy neighborhood where age gaps did not exist. Neighbors watched out for each other and provided a safety net for the youth.Teen social clubs such as Los Gallos, Los Chicanos and the Drifters comprised the Southeast Youth Council, which was sponsored by the Old Neighborhood House.Neighborhood House provided many community programs including Rondalla musical groups for women. Lupita, far right first row, is a legend in Logan Heights.
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Worker at parking garage construction site, which is right next to the Little Italy trolley station.
I was pleasantly surprised this morning to see some new public artwork at one end of the Little Italy trolley station. It’s part of the new parking structure that’s being built right next to the station.
I had to peer over and through a chain link fence, but the super colorful leaf-like art immediately tickled my fancy. Upon closer examination, the multi-colored ovals that form a dazzling mosaic appear to be impressed with different tire tracks. I guess that would be appropriate for a parking garage!
UPDATE!
I’ve noticed that a small plaque installed by the artwork reads:
David Adey
Inspiration/Expiration
2015
Ceramic
This parking garage, when completed, will serve both the nearby County Administration Center and Little Italy.Brilliant layers of new public art in San Diego. Forming a mosaic, these ovals appear to be randomly squished by vehicle tires with different treads.There’s some unusual new artwork at the Little Italy trolley station in downtown San Diego!
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A human connected to technology in this new public art mural. Park it, charge it! The seven-story parking garage is located at 707 Broadway. This photo was taken from 7th Avenue.
During a walk several days ago my eyes lifted with surprise at a very cool new sight. An absolutely gigantic mural has appeared downtown, on the seven-story parking garage located at 707 Broadway!
A quick internet search revealed the identity of the creative person behind this public artwork. Christopher Konecki of Cohort Collective is a self-taught spray paint artist whose work can be seen elsewhere in San Diego, including nearby at SILO in Maker’s Quarter. This particular piece, which was finished a couple weeks ago, is said to be the largest mural in San Diego. The wildly imaginative, cartoon-like design is meant to convey the intersection of evolving communication technology with art and personal human experience.
These photos proceed from the west side of the parking garage, to the north, and finally to the east. You can see just how colorful and amazing this art is!
The huge cool mural wraps around the parking garage. I see a hot air balloon, phonograph, radio tower, satellite and various buildings, all interconnected like a circuit.The artwork engages the eyes and mind with its detailed composition. Two clusters in the image are connected by the Coronado Bay Bridge.Moving around toward the brightly sunlit east side and 8th Avenue. The high mural is viewed beyond some trees.The parking garage adds its color to the adjacent building’s futuristic graphic, at 707 Broadway in downtown San Diego.And finally we are on the east side of the parking garage. Very cool!
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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.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.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.Another similar face, composed of different hues.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!Unusual human sculpture sits near the sidewalk outside La Jolla’s Madison Gallery.Another strange figure squats nearby.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.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.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.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. It’s titled “at Sea” and was created in 2012 by Ann Hamilton.A cool fish dangles in front of the Herringbone Restaurant.Large, unusual metal sculptures in front of the Tasende Gallery in La Jolla.Hummingbird artwork on a bench near a sidewalk, and a rose.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… 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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The Loading Dock is a large public mural painted by Linda Churchill of Muralizing. It’s located on the west side of the Ace Hardware building in Hillcrest.
Check out this public art! You can find it a few steps south of University Avenue on 10th Avenue, in Hillcrest. The large mural enlivens the Ace Hardware store building and is a cool sight for those passing by. It was painted by local artist Linda Churchill, whose work can be seen around San Diego. According to one article I found on the internet, “The Loading Dock” received an Orchid Award from the San Diego Architectural Foundation.
The Loading Dock, dedicated 1998 to the Community of Hillcrest by Joe Jeter, Bruce Reeves, Hillcrest Ace Hardware. Building our community one home at a time. Linda Churchill, muralist.The cool, nostalgic trompe l’oeil painting depicts an old-fashioned hardware store loading dock, complete with realistic Ace Stores delivery truck.This image of yesteryear appears to include some modern hardware store products, including shiny new garbage cans and a nice big barbecue grill.Two helpful Ace Hardware employees seem to have emerged from the past to welcome neighbors and shoppers who walk down the sidewalk in art-filled Hillcrest.
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Mermaids are an element in street art painted on outside wall of The Merrow.
Check out these photos of two building walls in Hillcrest. Both border a short driveway and tiny parking lot on University Avenue, next to The Merrow, a bar that features great live music, and Tabletop Commons, a cool eatery where diners can also play a huge assortment of games.
After looking at the names on one mural, and doing some searching on the internet, I believe these were spray painted–at least in part–by the prolific street artist Fizix. If someone knows more, leave a comment!
Ship hull threatened by mines and a monstrous underwater plant with huge teeth!Graffiti lady dances on wall bordering tiny parking lot, across from Tabletop Commons in Hillcrest.Piano, face and mad swirls of color. Super cool street art in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood.Another delicious bite of a visual feast. Lots of urban art can be found in this uptown community.Fantastic faces on wall next to The Merrow and Tabletop Commons.Spray paint mural contains Egyptian symbols and motifs. A dazzling display of human creativity.Pink abstract cat awaits at edge of Hillcrest alley.
Fintan Magee, famous Australian street artist, painted the “Hunger” mural in San Diego’s East Village.
Some cool, thought-provoking street art was painted on the west wall of the old Jerome’s warehouse about half a year ago. It’s part of the Sea Walls Project, a collaboration with PangeaSeed to provide a view of the tuna industry (which used to be very important in San Diego decades ago). Titled “Hunger”, the huge street mural is by world-famous street artist Fintan Magee, who is often described as Australia’s Banksy!
As you might recall, the south side of this old East Village building contains the MOOPA ArtWall.
A tuna fisherman’s hand and his bound, bloody catch emerge from a pile of fish.An uprooted tree is weirdly suspended behind a real tree growing from a San Diego sidewalk.Fisherman in yellow slicker seems to release a seagull from a tangle of fishing line.
Local artists put the finishing touches on the 20 foot long 1915 Centennial Mural in Balboa Park.
My Sunday walk around Balboa Park took me through the Spanish Village Art Center. Not only were local artists painting live Flamenco dancers, but they were completing a fantastic 20 foot mural celebrating Balboa Park’s centennial. (Today I was also introduced by a couple of super friendly people, including a resident artist, to the history of Spanish Village. I will blog about that shortly, after a little additional research…and when I have the time!)
I hope you enjoy my photographs of this awesome mural. Titled “1915 Balboa Park”, it’s an imaginative composite of historical images painted by eleven talented artists. Each image occupies a 2 by 6 foot panel, and depicts locations from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, and people in early 20th century dress.
Spanish Village is home to some of San Diego’s very finest artists. Wherever you turn, you’ll find painters, potters, sculptors, photographers, glassblowers, you name it! It’s fun to just stroll through the colorful courtyard and visit the charming studios. If you want to purchase fine artwork for yourself or as a gift, this is an excellent place to go!
This weekend the public could watch as artists painted a historical mural in Spanish Village.Spanish Village is like San Diego sunlight passed through a prism, with rainbow splashes everywhere.Bios of artists Carol Foster, Joan Boyer, Joan Nies, Laurie Carlock, Don Knapp, Michelle Gonzalez, Sonia Rumzi, Linda Lepeirs, Lucy Wang, Edward Juarez, Dot Renshaw.Ladies in period dresses occupy the left part of the cool mural.Now we’re working our photographic way to the right, along the base of the Cabrillo Bridge. A hundred years ago there was an artificial lake beneath the bridge! (Where Highway 163 is today.)Two different styles (one with bright colors, the other with shades of gray) are fused together to depict the California Building with its iconic bell tower.There were many lush gardens around Balboa Park a hundred years ago, planted specifically for the Panama-California Exposition.An artist studies the right end of the 20 foot long mural. That golden tree looks like it could be transplanted right into Spanish Village!
Padres fans walk down 11th Avenue toward Petco Park on a game day. They pass a mural featuring photos of baseball in San Diego many years ago.
On 11th Avenue, a few blocks north of Petco Park, anyone walking down the sidewalk can pause for a moment to enjoy a cool photo mural. Three large panels feature nostalgic old black-and-white photographs of baseball many years ago in downtown San Diego.
This public art project was created in 2004, with the help of the San Diego Padres, the Centre City Development Corporation and the San Diego Historical Society.
First panel of mural shows baseball teams from San Diego and Coronado in 1874. Ball field is on the block bounded by Sixth, C Street, Seventh and Broadway.Close look at a cool old photograph of baseball players in San Diego nearly 150 years ago.Second panel of photo mural shows kids in the Rose Park Playground at Eleventh and Island in 1915.As they do today, many San Diegans loved the enduring sport of baseball a hundred years ago.Third panel of mural shows a portion of San Diego’s Embarcadero in 1936. Lane Field, at Broadway and Pacific Highway, is under construction.
Lane Field, which was located at the west end of Broadway right next to the bay, was the home of the San Diego Padres from 1936 to 1957. That’s back when the Pads belonged to the Pacific Coast League. A young Ted Williams played there. It’s said the longest home run ever hit in baseball history was at Lane Field. A ball flying out of the park landed in a train’s boxcar near the Santa Fe Depot, and turned up later in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the identity of the player who hit an astonishing 120 mile home run remains unknown!
These photographs in San Diego’s East Village preserve history and reflect memories of a time long ago.
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Awesome street art on a chiropractic office near Cesar Chavez Pkwy in Barrio Logan.
I have some time off from work, so I’m able to do a little more weekday walking than usual. Yesterday I wandered through a gritty but fascinating neighborhood near downtown that’s a bit off the beaten track. A stretch of National Avenue runs through a narrow section of the city between Logan Heights and downtown San Diego, directly east of the rail and trolley yards; I walked from Imperial Avenue to Cesar E. Chavez Parkway, then back.
The area contains many car repair shops, welding shops, warehouses, and other small businesses which occupy modest, often decayed buildings. In a few places, groups of homeless had gathered. Small, neglected shanty-like houses are interspersed with elegant historic old homes and newer apartment buildings. Yet vibrant life was active everywhere. And everyone I met gave me a friendly greeting!
Cool mural on residential building features an eagle, cacti, palm trees.Quaint narrow house on National Avenue near downtown San Diego.Portion of colorful graffiti in a weedy space between buildings.This very cool mural caught my eye as I walked down the street. It’s on Logan Avenue, a couple blocks from National Avenue.Plaque on La Entrada project explains reconstructed Mission Revival facade.The Mission Revival facade on La Entrada apartments is an homage to the region’s history.Local vendor is selling tamales under a canopy by the sidewalk.Mother’s Nutritional Center helps local low-income women with young children.A soccer ball on utility box by a small local market known for their sub sandwiches.One word on this fantastic old wall says it all: Life.
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