Tag: north park

Lots of cool, new street art in North Park!

North Park. Love where you live.
North Park. Love where you live.

As I walked randomly around the Festival of Arts in North Park event last weekend, I discovered lots of cool street art that I’d never seen before!

I believe most of this artwork was painted in the last year or so.

Here come some photos. Enjoy!

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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!

Cool murals in front of California Tap Room.

During the Festival of Arts in North Park last weekend, I paused in the small parking lot in front of California Tap Room to admire some very cool murals.

I wasn’t able to get a clear shot of every mural, but I thought you might enjoy seeing what I saw. It appears many of these murals were painted in 2010. Where I noticed the name of an artist, I’ve included it in the photo caption.

Martinez
Martinez
Rosie Scandurra
Rosie Scandurra
Hillary Young
Hillary Young

Craig Hewitt
Craig Hewitt

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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!

Students create art for North Park festival!

Fourth and fifth grade students at Jefferson IB STEAM Magnet School created a bunch of cool art for the SDCCU Festival of Arts in North Park!

I spotted their artwork in the windows of the Target store on University Avenue. The theme is love of music…

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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!

Street art painted live at North Park festival!

Nick McPherson (a.k.a. Nicholas Danger) paints a cool mural on a North Park wall during the 23rd Annual San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts.
Nick McPherson (a.k.a. Nicholas Danger) paints a cool mural on a North Park wall during the 23rd Annual San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts.

Today I headed over to the 23rd Annual San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts in North Park. (Say that ten times fast!) My favorite part of this huge, super popular street festival is its emphasis on local artists and their amazing creativity.

Friendly artists were at work all over the place!

In the Live Art Block, a series of large canvases were being colorfully painted, including the wall of one building!

The Live Art Block at the North Park festival was presented by VISUAL.
The Live Art Block at the North Park festival was presented by VISUAL.
VISUAL helps connect local artists to public art projects. They also feature a gallery in North Park and sell art supplies.
VISUAL helps connect local artists to public art projects. They also feature a gallery in North Park and sell art supplies.
A number of local artists were creating new art to the delight of those walking about the festival.
A number of local artists were creating new art to the delight of those walking about the festival.

At this very popular festival in North Park, people steered their feet past food, vendors, and a happy crowd of art-loving neighbors.
At this very popular festival in North Park, people steer their feet past yummy food, assorted vendors, and a happy crowd of art-loving neighbors.
A live music performance at the San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts.
A live music performance at the San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts.
The Gallery in the Street featured lots of artwork for sale, plus artists working live on amazing pieces.
The Gallery in the Street featured lots of artwork for sale, plus artists working live on amazing pieces.

Creativity thrives in North Park!
Creativity thrives in North Park!

UPDATE!

I took a photo of Nick McPherson’s completed Nomad Donuts mural years later…

IMG_5261z

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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!

Cool sights along Adams Avenue west of 30th.

A very cool mural spray painted on the wall of The Land Barbershop on Adams Avenue.
A very cool mural spray painted on the wall of The Land Barbershop on Adams Avenue.

During a recent walk along a stretch of Adams Avenue, I was excited to discover some very cool sights!

I photographed several great examples of street art, plus a tranquil park with a beautiful bronze sculpture.

My journey started in North Park, near the intersection of Adams Avenue and 30th Street. I proceeded west along Adams Avenue until I reached the Texas Street bridge, then I continued a couple blocks farther into University Heights.

More colorful artwork on the front of The Land Barbershop in North Park.
More colorful artwork on the front of The Land Barbershop in North Park.
A bold, contented face painted by the entrance to Dia Del Cafe.
A bold, contented face painted by the entrance to Dia Del Cafe.
Faded mural depicting two classic cars, next to a repair bay at Advantec Auto Repair.
Faded mural depicting two classic cars, next to a repair bay at Advantec Auto Repair.
It's HYPNOSIS CAKE TIME at Twiggs Bakery and Coffeehouse!
It’s HYPNOSIS CAKE TIME at Twiggs Bakery and Coffeehouse!
Fun art on the exterior of Mona Lizzy's.
Fun art on the exterior of Mona Lizzy’s.
More fun artwork at Mona Lizzy's.
More fun artwork at Mona Lizzy’s.
Meditation is invited on Adams Avenue at the Sri Chinmoy Peace Garden, maintained by the San Diego Sri Chinmoy Centre.
Meditation is invited on Adams Avenue at the Sri Chinmoy Peace Garden, maintained by the San Diego Sri Chinmoy Centre.
Plaque in a small park dedicated to Sri Chinmoy. STUDENT OF PEACE--CHAMPION OF THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF MANKIND
Plaque in a small park dedicated to Sri Chinmoy. STUDENT OF PEACE–CHAMPION OF THE INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF MANKIND
A fine bronze statue of Sri Chinmoy.
A fine bronze statue of Sri Chinmoy.
Sign on Adams Avenue marks the west end of Historic Antique Row.
Sign on Adams Avenue marks the west end of Historic Antique Row.
Looking north down into Mission Valley. Photo taken from the Adams Avenue bridge that spans Texas Street, as I walk west from North Park into University Heights.
Looking north into Mission Valley on a spring day. Photo taken from the Adams Avenue bridge over Texas Street, as I walked west from North Park into University Heights.
Some stylish artwork painted on the wall of Grains vegetarian restaurant.
Some stylish artwork painted on the wall of Grains vegetarian restaurant.

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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a phone or small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Photos of North Park’s Day of the Dead festival!

The 2nd Annual Day of the Dead North Park Festival had a couple blocks of Ray Street overflowing with color and life!
The 2nd Annual Day of the Dead North Park Festival had a couple blocks of Ray Street overflowing with color and life!

Today I checked out the Day of the Dead festival in North Park!

The annual festival, which is only in its second year, was held on two blocks of Ray Street just south of University Avenue. I couldn’t believe the size of the crowd enjoying this relatively modest event celebrating Día de los Muertos!

All of the cherished Day of the Dead traditions could be found, including a large, beautiful altar and lots of face painting, and, of course, some elegantly dressed Catrinas strolling about. There was also abundant Mexican music, themed artwork and yummy food!

This is definitely a festival that should grow in popularity!

Many costumes celebrating Día de los Muertos (and also Halloween) could be seen about the fun North Park festival.
Many costumes celebrating Día de los Muertos (and also Halloween) could be seen about the fun North Park festival.
Boy poses for photo as a Day of the Dead skeleton with top hat.
Boy poses for photo as a Day of the Dead skeleton with top hat.
A traditional Día de los Muertos altar remembers loved ones who've passed from this life.
A traditional Día de los Muertos altar remembers loved ones who’ve passed from this life.
Kids and adults could color a calavera, or decorative skull.
Kids and adults could color a calavera, or decorative skull.
Lots of Day of the Dead themed merchandise could be found at various vendor booths about the festival.
Lots of Day of the Dead merchandise could be found at various vendor tables about the festival.
Some Día de los Muertos items for sale included Catrina dolls, orange marigolds and colorful calaveras.
Some Día de los Muertos items for sale included Catrina dolls, orange marigolds and colorful calaveras.
Many faces at the festival had been painted to resemble sugar skulls.
Many faces at the festival had been painted to resemble sugar skulls.
All sorts of characters from the popular culture have been transformed into Day of the Dead refrigerator magnets.
Characters from the popular culture have been transformed into these Day of the Dead refrigerator magnets!
I see a shirt with a Mexican lucha libre wrestling mask. Seems appropriate in this photo!
I see a hanging shirt printed with the image of a Mexican lucha libre mask. Seems appropriate in this photo!
Another small altar (or ofrenda) included photos of deceased loved ones, papel picado, and pan de muerto.
Another small altar (or ofrenda) includes photos of deceased loved ones, papel picado, and pan de muerto.
Mariachis performed joyful music for the crowd at one end of the city block.
Mariachis performed joyful music for the crowd at one end of the city block.
Día de los Muertos is celebrated in North Park. It's a new local tradition that promises to grow ever more popular!
Día de los Muertos is celebrated in North Park. It’s a new local tradition that promises to grow even more popular!

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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!

Fresh street art along 30th Street in North Park.

Some panels on a mural on Gunn Street west of 30th Street have been repainted. The two shown are by Jorge Gutierrez and Maxx Moses.
Some panels on a mural on Gunn Street west of 30th Street have been repainted. The two shown are by Jorge Gutierrez and Maxx Moses.

North Park is brimming with street art. During a walk yesterday down 30th Street, from University Avenue to Upas Street, I encountered fresh artwork that I haven’t blogged in the past. You can see some of those old photos here and here and here.

As I proceeded down the sidewalk I noticed that a number of electrical boxes and walls have been repainted in the past couple years.

Enjoy these new photos. North Park is alive with creativity!

This box showing the four cardinal directions has been repainted by Jonny Alexander.
This box showing the four cardinal directions has been repainted by Jonny Alexander.
East.
East.
South.
South.
West.
West.
A purple claw has emerged from this electrical box!
A scary purple claw has emerged from this crate-like electrical box!
The yellow eyes of a mysterious monster peer out!
The yellow eyes of a mysterious monster peer out!
Let's be friends. That love potion appears intoxicating . . . and possibly toxic!
Let’s be friends. That love potion appears intoxicating . . . and possibly toxic!
A skull in a bottle. Sink or swim.
A skull in a bottle. Sink or swim.
More fun street art on the same utility box on 30th Street in North Park.
More fun street art on the same utility box on 30th Street in North Park.
Stenciled on a wall. For my hustlers, here's some motivation. He who has begun is half done.
Stenciled on a wall. For my hustlers, here’s some motivation. He who has begun is half done.
A cute little critter that seems to be inside a living heart.
A cute little critter that seems to be inside a living heart.
Exotic street art on an electrical box.
Exotic street art on an electrical box.
Strength through Peace.
Strength through Peace.
Three sitting female figures contain spiritual symbolism.
Three sitting female figures contain spiritual symbolism.
A wild splash of color.
A wild splash of color.
Mural on side of 30th Street Laundry. A Beautiful Morning by Sentrock.
Mural on side of 30th Street Laundry. A Beautiful Morning by Sentrock.
An ankh symbolizing life in the hand of a lady with colorful abstract hair.
An ankh symbolizing life in the hand of a lady with colorful abstract hair.
Fun robot graphic on the front wall of Soi 30th, a North Park Thai Eatery.
Fun robot graphic on the front wall of Soi 30th, a North Park Thai Eatery.
A cool Pangea Seed Foundation Sea Wall created in North Park by Lauren YS. A beautiful underwater mermaid is contrasted with a skeleton.
A cool Pangea Seed Foundation Sea Wall created in North Park by Lauren YS. A beautiful underwater mermaid is contrasted with a skeleton.
The mural concerns ocean acidification and the resulting death of kelp and sea life.
The mural concerns ocean acidification and the resulting death of kelp and sea life.
San Diego Padres baseball player under painted fireworks.
San Diego Padres baseball player under painted fireworks.
This final North Park electrical box was painted last month. You can find it on Upas Street east of 30th Street, in front of The Taco Stand.
This final North Park electrical box was painted last month. You can find it on Upas Street east of 30th Street, in front of The Taco Stand.
An old salt by the ocean and a sailing ship.
An old salt by the ocean and a sailing ship.
A friar by the old mission.
A friar by the old mission.
Hecho a Mano. Made by hand.
Hecho a Mano. Made by hand.

…

This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a phone or small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Fun art on the sidewalk for a rainy day.

A dapper gentleman with an elegant automobile looks at a lady with a bottle.
A dapper gentleman with an elegant automobile looks at a lady with a bottle.

According to this morning’s weather report, it’s supposed to rain in San Diego for most of the day. We can always use more water in dry Southern California. But rain, and a bit of a sore throat, means I probably won’t go out walking today.

Meanwhile, here’s some fun artwork that I discovered yesterday while walking through North Park. Both works of art were on the sidewalk in the vicinity of El Cajon Boulevard and 30th Street.

Enjoy!

I'm sorry love, the only rubbish I have time for is in this bin.
I’m sorry love, the only rubbish I have time for is in this bin.
Tile mosaic of a motorcycle and rider. A very cool sight in the sidewalk in front of Belching Beaver Brewery in North Park.
Tile mosaic of a motorcycle and rider. A very cool sight in the sidewalk in front of Belching Beaver Brewery in North Park.

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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!

Sexy space warriors and aliens in North Park!

A cool mural on the Supercuts building in North Park depicts sexy lady space warriors and wacky, evil aliens!
A cool mural on the Supercuts building in North Park depicts sexy lady space warriors and wacky, menacing aliens!

There’s a relatively new mural in North Park that replaces a cosmic mural that I blogged about here. This cool spray paint street art features two sexy space warriors and several wacky aliens! You can find it near the corner of El Cajon Boulevard and 30th Street.

It appears to me that certain elements of the old mural have been preserved. Have you “eyed” it?

I recently learned that a special utility box painting event will be taking place in North Park all along University Avenue and 30th Street tomorrow, and I hope to be there for the creativity, live music and fun! But right now I seem to be coming down with a cold, plus rain is predicted–so we’ll see. If I go I’ll take photos!

Ten street artists have their names on one side of this fantastic, complex spray paint art in North Park.
Ten street artists have their names on one side of this fantastic, complex spray paint art in North Park.
Looks to me like a sexy lady Boba Fett and Marvel's lethal super villain MODOK in his hover chair.
Looks to me like a sexy lady Boba Fett and Marvel’s lethal super villain MODOK in his hover chair.
Two weird space aliens and a sexy warrior with a couple of classic ray guns.
Two weird, wacky space aliens and a sexy female warrior holding two ray guns.
Looks to me like a cross between an evil green Jar Jar Binks and a toothy Alien or Venom.
Looks to me like a cross between an evil green Jar Jar Binks and a toothy Alien or Venom.
Two elements of a fun spray paint mural near the corner of El Cajon Boulevard and 30th Street in North Park.
Two elements of the fun spray paint mural located near the corner of El Cajon Boulevard and 30th Street in North Park!

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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!

A small taste of San Diego–for your eyes!

Gazing down at San Diego Bay from Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma.
Gazing down at San Diego Bay from Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma.

Here is a modest gift for my readers, and for the city I love.

This small taste of San Diego has been assembled from a variety of photos. A few are recent; others are from the past couple years.

Walk around San Diego and you will never go hungry. Every day presents a new feast for the eyes!

A couple rides bicycles along the Mission Beach boardwalk on a perfect day.
A couple rides bicycles along the Mission Beach boardwalk on a perfect day.
Someone reads daily information posted on Mission Beach's lifeguard station.
Someone reads daily information posted on Mission Beach’s lifeguard station.
A big peace sign atop the roof of USA Hostels Ocean Beach.
A big peace sign atop the roof of USA Hostels Ocean Beach.
Walking slowly near the surf along Torrey Pines State Beach.
Walking slowly near the surf along Torrey Pines State Beach.
A bicycle, a fine way to travel through a sunny city.
A bicycle, a fine way to travel through a sunny city.
Diners sit outside the West Coast Tavern in North Park. The building is a former movie theater.
Diners sit outside the West Coast Tavern in North Park. The building is a former movie theater.
Fun street art in North Park, one of many cool neighborhoods in San Diego.
Fun street art in North Park, one of many cool neighborhoods in San Diego.
Visitors on a tour in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park learn about our city's origin and early years.
Visitors on a tour in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park learn about our city’s unique origin and early years.
Colorful, festive Mexican-themed artwork adorns a shop in Old Town.
Colorful, festive Mexican-themed artwork adorns a gift shop in Old Town.
A small memorial among fallen blooms on Presidio Hill above Old Town.
A small memorial among fallen blooms on Presidio Hill above Old Town.
Guns once used to train Navy sailors. Relics from history at Liberty Station, site of the former Naval Training Center San Diego.
Guns once used to train Navy sailors. Relics from military history at Liberty Station, site of the former Naval Training Center San Diego.
Visitors to Balboa Park enjoy a walk along El Prado, near the Casa de Balboa and House of Hospitality.
Visitors to Balboa Park enjoy a walk along El Prado, near the Casa de Balboa and House of Hospitality.
People play Jenga on the grass near Sefton Plaza in Balboa Park.
People play Jenga on the grass near Sefton Plaza in Balboa Park.
The iconic El Cortez rises in the blue San Diego sky. I feel very fortunate to live in this corner of downtown.
The iconic El Cortez rises in the blue San Diego sky. I feel very fortunate to live on Cortez Hill, a beautiful corner of downtown.
A small produce business in East Village.
A small produce business in East Village.
The historic Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Little Italy.
The historic Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Little Italy.
A fountain on the east side of the County Administration Building.
A fountain on the east side of the County Administration Building.
Volunteers work on the Star of India, world-famous tall ship of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Volunteers work on the Star of India, world-famous tall ship of the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
A busker and bicycle near the USS Midway Museum and Greatest Generation Walk.
A busker and bicycle near the USS Midway Museum and Greatest Generation Walk.
Sunset and sailboats on San Diego Bay.
Sunset and sailboats on San Diego Bay.
People have fun boating out on the water.
People have fun boating out on the water.
Feet dangle over the water at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Feet dangle over the water at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
The classic Broadway Fountain and nearby downtown buildings. Photo taken one morning in Horton Plaza Park.
The classic Broadway Fountain and nearby downtown buildings. Photo taken one morning in Horton Plaza Park.
The moon in the sky above a historic building in the Gaslamp Quarter.
The moon in the sky above a historic building in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Life and color at Lane Field Park on the Embarcadero.
Life and color at Lane Field Park on San Diego’s Embarcadero.
Riding recreational watercraft past the beautiful downtown San Diego skyline.
Riding recreational watercraft past the beautiful downtown San Diego skyline.

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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!