Tag: san diego library

Shakespeare’s First Folio exhibit coming to San Diego!

William Shakespeare

I learned something extraordinary today!

From June 4 to July 7, free to the public, an authentic First Folio of William Shakespeare will be on display at the San Diego Central Library downtown, in their 9th floor art gallery!

Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a very rare First Folio, containing some the most important works of English and World Literature ever penned! The book will be opened at Hamlet’s famous line “To be or not to be” — and unquestionably many eyes will read it! In addition, the exhibition will include other material concerning Shakespeare, his history and his work. There will also be interesting items from the world-famous Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, including Shakespearean props, costumes and photographs of past theatrical productions.

The First Folio is on tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. The special exhibition is in honor of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

But that’s not all! Throughout this spring and summer, over the course of several months, the Old Globe Theatre and the San Diego Public Library will be teaming up with various schools and organizations to bring our city a whole slew of exciting activities celebrating William Shakespeare. There are plays, recitations, lectures, reenactments, games, film screenings, teas and a whole bunch more. Many of the activities will be held at different libraries around the city. It’s all too much to detail here. So check out the official website!

This is going to be great fun!

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Reflection, geometry, complexity. One iconic dome.

Photo of a unique downtown landmark. The shining lattice dome of the San Diego Central Library, as seen from the ninth floor's outside deck.
Photo of a unique downtown landmark. The shining lattice dome of the San Diego Central Library, as seen from the ninth floor’s outside deck.

Many old redundant photos are being purged from my computer this weekend. But I had to definitely share these!

I’ve blogged about San Diego’s relatively new downtown library several times. I’ve posted more than a few pics of its unique lattice dome. You might recall some weirdly halo-like photos I took in the darkness early one night last year.

Well, check these out! The curving lines of steel reflected in the building’s windows look like a lesson in complex geometry. You know, in a strange way the dome reminds me of a graph or diagram demonstrating how time and space can be warped by gravity! Am I crazy? What does it look like to you?

A collection of rare books is housed in a room on the ninth floor of San Diego's public library.
A collection of rare books is housed in a room on the ninth floor of San Diego’s public library.
The visually impressive steel lattice dome tops an airy two-story high library reading room. An architectural marvel.
The visually impressive steel lattice dome tops an airy two-story high library reading room. An architectural marvel.
Reflections in the windows create a fantastic, mysterious image.
Reflections in the windows create a fantastic, mysterious image.
Looking upward at the metal dome and blue sky. Amazing views can be had of downtown from the library's ninth floor.
Looking upward at the metal dome and blue sky. Amazing views can be had of downtown from the library’s ninth floor.
Lots of geometric complexity and dazzling light for my camera's lens.
Lots of geometric complexity and dazzling light for my camera’s lens.
Peering down into the spacious reading room on a bright sunshiny day.
Peering down into the spacious reading room on a bright sunshiny day.
Filtered light and shadows form unusual grid-like patterns inside the reading room. The perfect place to study a math book, maybe.
Filtered light and shadows form unusual grid-like patterns inside the reading room. The perfect place to study a math book, maybe.
A three-dimensional delight. Intersecting lines fascinate the eye.
A three-dimensional delight. Intersecting lines fascinate the eye.
One last cool photo. I feel like I'm floating through some sort of mathematical dreamscape.
One last cool photo. I feel like I’m floating through some sort of mathematical dreamscape.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

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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Local authors honored by San Diego Public Library!

The 50th Annual Local Author Exhibit - Golden Anniversary - runs through February 29 at the downtown San Diego Public Library.
The 50th Annual Local Author Exhibit – Golden Anniversary – runs through February 29 at the downtown San Diego Public Library.

San Diego is the home of many thoughtful, creative residents. Proof of this can be seen at downtown’s San Diego Public Library, where a special exhibit features books by local writers that were published in 2015. It’s an impressive visual tribute to local writing talent. Works of fiction and nonfiction alike are on proud display. Congratulations to all!

Many exceptional books of all types were published in 2015 by local San Diego writers.
Many exceptional books of all types were published in 2015 by local San Diego writers.
One display case contains an old manual typewriter, and lists from past years of published authors in San Diego.
One display case contains an old manual typewriter, and several lists from past years of published authors in San Diego.
The many glass display cases feature books by local authors that came out in 2015. Some of the writers are quite famous!
The many glass display cases feature books by local authors that came out in 2015. Some of the writers are quite famous!
Christmas in San Diego by local legend Bill Swank. Cool San Diego Sights has 5 photos in this awesome book! What an honor!
Christmas in San Diego by local legend Bill Swank. Cool San Diego Sights has 5 photos in this awesome book! What an honor!

I made a cool discovery! It’s Bill Swank’s new book Christmas in San Diego! I blogged about it a couple months ago!

Through the Dark Door of Time: SAN DIEGO 1867, a novel by Barbara McMikle. Blood of the Band: An Ipai Family Story, by David L. Toler, Jr.
Through the Dark Door of Time: SAN DIEGO 1867, a novel by Barbara McMikle. Blood of the Band: An Ipai Family Story, by David L. Toler, Jr.
Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana. Coastal Zone, poems by Joe Safdie.
Sunshine/Noir II: Writing from San Diego and Tijuana. Coastal Zone, poems by Joe Safdie.
7 Deadly Sins That Poison the Soul and How to Conquer Them! by A.D. Brown. States of Terror. The Advocate's Geocache, by Teresa Burrell.
7 Deadly Sins That Poison the Soul and How to Conquer Them! by A.D. Brown. States of Terror. The Advocate’s Geocache, by Teresa Burrell.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America's Pioneering Woman in Space, by Tam O'Shaughnessy. Troubleshooting Your Mac, by Joe Kissell.
Sally Ride: A Photobiography of America’s Pioneering Woman in Space, by Tam O’Shaughnessy. Troubleshooting Your Mac, by Joe Kissell.
Books by local authors concern every subject imaginable, including art, history, culture and photography.
Books by local authors concern every subject imaginable, including art, history, culture and photography.
Horror, detective fiction, graphic novels, children's book--San Diego authors are prolific creators!
Horror, detective fiction, graphic novels, young adult and children’s books . . . San Diego authors are prolific creators!
Many eBooks were published online by local San Diego writers!
Many eBooks were published online by local San Diego writers!
A number of works by local authors were written in foreign languages.
A number of works by local authors were written in foreign languages.
How to be Happy in an Unhappy World, by Marie Chapian, a New York Times Bestselling Author.
How to be Happy in an Unhappy World, by Marie Chapian, a New York Times Bestselling Author.
Congratulations to all San Diego writers who had books published in 2015!
Congratulations to all San Diego writers who had books published in 2015!

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Art exhibit: water, drought, and San Diego’s rainmaker.

The 9th floor gallery at San Diego's Central Library features an art exhibit called RAINMAKER. The theme is water, drought and climate change.
The 9th floor gallery at San Diego’s Central Library features an art exhibit called RAINMAKER. The theme is water, drought and climate change.

RAINMAKER is a fascinating, thought-provoking art exhibition at downtown San Diego’s Central Library. Because it will be coming to a close this weekend, I recently headed to the library’s 9th floor gallery to check it out.

Charles Hatfield was hired by the city of San Diego a hundred years ago to produce much-needed precipitation in order to fill Lake Morena. He might or might not have created the torrential rains and catastrophic flooding that followed his efforts at “moisture acceleration”. Was Hatfield an actual scientist or a charlatan? The question remains open.

This art exhibition focuses on the importance of water in our arid region, and how people affect and are influenced by the environment. Twelve local artists have contributed pieces which touch upon this theme. RAINMAKER is especially relevant today, considering San Diego’s current long drought, and the threat of coming winter storms caused by a strong El Niño that has developed in the Pacific Ocean.

Charles Hatfield, self-proclaimed rainmaker, was hired by the city of San Diego in 1915 to fill Lake Morena Reservoir during a severe drought. Record rain and floods ensued. Was this a coincidence?
Charles Hatfield, self-proclaimed rainmaker, was hired by the city of San Diego in 1915 to fill Lake Morena reservoir during a severe drought. Record rain and floods ensued. Was this a coincidence?
Photo at RAINMAKER exhibition shows catastrophic San Diego flooding caused by 30 inches of rain in 1915.
Photo at RAINMAKER exhibition shows catastrophic San Diego flooding caused by over 30 inches of rain in 1915.
Adam Belt, Willow Wash, 2015. Paint, graphite and reflective powder on canvas. Where is the boundary between science and magic.
Adam Belt, Willow Wash, 2015. Paint, graphite and reflective powder on canvas. Where is the boundary between science and magic?
Roman de Salvo, Joinery Blossom, 2013. Chinese elm, glue. Metaphor of Earth's ecosystem, with networks of family, community, interdependence.
Roman de Salvo, Joinery Blossom, 2013. Chinese elm, glue. Metaphor of Earth’s ecosystem, with networks of family, community, interdependence.
Eva Struble, Navy Yard, 2011. Oil and acrylic on canvas. This piece emerged from a trek through Brooklyn's Navy Yard. A vision of decay that is also expansive, waiting.
Eva Struble, Navy Yard, 2011. Oil and acrylic on canvas. This piece emerged from a trek through Brooklyn’s Navy Yard. A vision of decay that is also expansive, waiting.
Margaret Noble, I Have Arrived, 2015. Mixed media installation with 3 pedestals, 3 plant boxes, 3 sprinklers, and 3 handheld audio players. Lawns have been a symbol of status in society.
Margaret Noble, I Have Arrived, 2015. Mixed media installation with 3 pedestals, 3 plant boxes, 3 sprinklers, and 3 handheld audio players. Lawns have been a symbol of status in society.
Tools of the Rainmaker. The scales, measuring scoops and barometer in this case were donated to the San Diego Library in 1972 by Paul A. Hatfield, brother of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield.
Tools of the Rainmaker. The scales, measuring scoops and barometer in this case were donated to the San Diego Library in 1972 by Paul A. Hatfield, brother of rainmaker Charles M. Hatfield.
Jim Wilsterman, Rain Event #10, 2011. Earth, fiber, raindrops. Somewhere between photograph, sculpture and painting, this art has recorded rainfall using clay and mud.
Jim Wilsterman, Rain Event #10, 2011. Earth, fiber, raindrops. Somewhere between photograph, sculpture and painting, this art has recorded rainfall using clay and mud.
Sheldon Wood, Drought Dreams, 2014. Watercolor on paper. With the lyrical movement of rain on a hot surface, references to petroglyphs and lost sinkholes, and an atmospheric perspective...
Sheldon Wood, Drought Dreams, 2014. Watercolor on paper. With the lyrical movement of rain on a hot surface, references to petroglyphs and lost sinkholes, and an atmospheric perspective…
Lisa Hutton, Supercell with Chickens, 2013. Graphite on paper. Environmental artwork depicts storm clouds.
Lisa Hutton, Supercell with Chickens, 2013. Graphite on paper. Environmental artwork depicts storm clouds.
Lisa Hutton, A Flood and a Fire, 2013. Graphite on paper. The catastrophic effects of environmental disasters.
Lisa Hutton, A Flood and a Fire, 2013. Graphite on paper. The catastrophic effects of environmental disasters.
Four pigment ink photographs of desert environment by Michael Feld record beauty and natural history.
Four pigment ink photographs of desert environment by Michael Feld record beauty and natural history.
Dominic Paul Miller, rain gatherer, 2008. Ink on mylar. Part of a larger body of work concerning uranium mining and the Navajo Nation, who have scant access to running water.
Dominic Paul Miller, rain gatherer, 2008. Ink on mylar. Part of a larger body of work concerning uranium mining and the Navajo Nation, who have scant access to running water.
Gabriel Kalmuss-Katz, Dear Hatfield, 2015. Speculative writing. Reflects modern anxiety associated with urbanization.
Gabriel Kalmuss-Katz, Dear Hatfield, 2015. Speculative writing. Reflects modern anxiety associated with urbanization.
RAINMAKER, a fascinating art exhibition at San Diego's Central Library, continues through November 29.
RAINMAKER, a fascinating art exhibition at San Diego’s Central Library, continues through November 29.

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Paths of light: night photos under the library dome.

View of the lit dome of San Diego's downtown library, seen from the 9th floor at night.
View of the lit dome of San Diego’s downtown library, seen from the 9th floor at night.

Yesterday evening after work I walked a bit in the darkness. The air was cool, downtown was quieting. I was drawn to the San Diego Central Library, and of course I had to ascend to the 9th floor. Few others were about. I lingered high above the city, outside under the lattice steel dome. I watched small trolleys slip past below. A thousand distant lights stretched toward the South Bay. The world seemed remote. Paths of gentle light were traced above, around and below. I seemed to float in a swirled galaxy; but I saw no stars.

Inside a glowing steel lattice. The new library's dome in the past couple years has become a distinctive feature of San Diego's skyline.
Inside a glowing steel lattice. The new library’s dome in the past couple years has become a distinctive feature of San Diego’s skyline.
Gazing through the unique dome toward the 12th and Imperial Transit Center's clock tower.
Gazing through the unique dome toward the 12th and Imperial Transit Center’s clock tower.
Nine stories below, a trolley heads north into the heart of East Village.
Nine stories below, a trolley heads north into the heart of East Village.
Looking down into the large reading room of the San Diego Central Library after dark. Under the dome, people were quietly studying, or just gazing out into the nighttime.
Looking down into the large reading room of the San Diego Central Library after dark. Under the dome, people were quietly studying, or just gazing out into the nighttime.
Meshed paths of light seem to radiate like a halo from the top of San Diego's amazing downtown library.
Meshed paths of light seem to radiate like a halo from the top of San Diego’s amazing downtown library.

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Letters home from troops: love, loss, reflection.

War Comes Home: The Legacy. A collection of letters written by veterans and their families.
War Comes Home: The Legacy. A collection of letters written by veterans and their families.

A poignant exhibit is now on public display at San Diego’s downtown Central Library. It’s titled War Comes Home: The Legacy. Through a number of emotionally charged letters to and from troops abroad, one can begin to feel how war changes lives. Included is personal correspondence, including email, from almost every major conflict in United States history. This exhibition is put on in partnership with Cal Humanities, and its stated purpose is to promote greater understanding of our veterans and explore the impact of war on communities.

The exhibit can be found on the first floor of the library and will run through August 16.

I'm coming home! I'm looking forward to seeing you again...but I'm in no hurry to see the expressions on your faces when you see me. You might even ask me for proof that I'm your son.
I’m coming home! I’m looking forward to seeing you again…but I’m in no hurry to see the expressions on your faces when you see me. You might even ask me for proof that I’m your son.
U.S. wars are mostly fought abroad, allowing many Americans distance from the personal implications. The war experience, however, remains with veterans for the rest of their lives.
U.S. wars are mostly fought abroad, allowing many Americans distance from the personal implications. The war experience, however, remains with veterans for the rest of their lives.
Now that it is all over, what is there to look back upon? The fifteen months in France have been like a book with strange chapters...
Now that it is all over, what is there to look back upon? The fifteen months in France have been like a book with strange chapters…
Although most people think that they are War Conscious, are they really? So far removed from the battle fronts, can they be?
Although most people think that they are War Conscious, are they really? So far removed from the battle fronts, can they be?
Those of us coming back from Iraq or Afghanistan are not looking for sympathy. We might be reluctant at first to talk about what we've been through, good or bad...
Those of us coming back from Iraq or Afghanistan are not looking for sympathy. We might be reluctant at first to talk about what we’ve been through, good or bad…
You cannot imagine, I believe, what thoughts came over me as I thought of all those who stood there on that day--and what it was all for, and what would come of it...
You cannot imagine, I believe, what thoughts came over me as I thought of all those who stood there on that day–and what it was all for, and what would come of it…
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I never know that love could hurt so much.
Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you. I never know that love could hurt so much.
Enduring Loss: The Costs of War.
Enduring Loss: The Costs of War.
The things that I am going to say in this letter are about twenty years and a whole lifetime late, but maybe that won't matter once they've been said.
The things that I am going to say in this letter are about twenty years and a whole lifetime late, but maybe that won’t matter once they’ve been said.
Coming home to normal life from a war zone can be a jarring experience for many troops.
Coming home to “normal” life from a war zone can be a jarring experience for many troops.
Ultimately, your loved one should start to feel normal after about five to six months--just in time to be deployed again.
Ultimately, your loved one should start to feel “normal” after about five to six months–just in time to be deployed again.
Let me be the first to tell you that we have a rough road ahead of us, kiddo. The life of a soldier isn't an easy one.
Let me be the first to tell you that we have a rough road ahead of us, kiddo. The life of a soldier isn’t an easy one.
My son: you are missed in our home. There is a silence and a sadness because of your absence.
My son: you are missed in our home. There is a silence and a sadness because of your absence.
Hearing grown men speak with wavering voices, some shedding tears, was more than I could bear.
Hearing grown men speak with wavering voices, some shedding tears, was more than I could bear.
You ask if the boys have changed much. Some, having had experience enough for a lifetime, are older...and yet, they have a greater zest for life...
You ask if the boys have changed much. Some, having had experience enough for a lifetime, are older…and yet, they have a greater zest for life…
Sketch of servicemember in military hospital with amputated leg, reading or writing a letter.
Sketch of servicemember in military hospital with amputated leg, reading or writing a letter.

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Biggest baseball library west of Cooperstown in San Diego!

Visitor to eighth floor of San Diego's downtown public library checks out photographs in the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center.
Visitor to eighth floor of San Diego’s downtown public library checks out photographs in the Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center.

Many San Diegans don’t realize that our city–our amazing new Central Library, to be exact–contains a unique and important repository of American history. The Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center, located on the eighth floor of the downtown library, is home to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) Collection. It constitutes the largest baseball library west of Cooperstown! Shelves of books, magazines, journals, scrapbooks and other historical documents, and many photographs, have recorded in detail the fascinating history of American baseball. And it’s all open to the public!

The research center is directly adjacent to the spacious, high-domed reading room. In the center of the collection is a shiny sculpture of a player swinging a bat, titled Male baseball #1, created in 2009 by artist Yoram Wolberger. On one wall among many old photos, a video screen shows scenes from baseball history. This is one super cool section of the library!

According to the website of the Society for American Baseball Research: “The Baseball Research Center opened in 2001, with an initial collection of books and microfilm donated by SABR’s Ted Williams Chapter. In the years since, it has grown to more than 3,000 publications, books, and journals, and 300 microfilm reels.”

Today, the collection is housed in museum-like grandeur, and to peruse the many photographs and titles is like taking a wonderful, nostalgic journey back through time. Anyone who is a fan of baseball in San Diego needs to check it out!

Bronze and chrome Yoram Wolberger statue of a baseball player swinging a bat.
Bronze and chrome Yoram Wolberger statue of a baseball player swinging a bat.
Many historical photographs can be enjoyed on one wall of the baseball research center.
Many historical photographs can be enjoyed on one wall of the baseball research center.
Anyone who is interested in sports, and America's Pastime in particular, should visit the SABR Collection in San Diego.
Anyone who is interested in sports, and America’s Pastime in particular, should visit the SABR Collection in San Diego.
The collection includes many books, periodicals and artifacts concerning the great sport of baseball.
The collection includes many books, periodicals and artifacts concerning the great sport of baseball.
Photo of one display case, which contains a copy of Baseball Magazine, plus various programs and record books.
Photo of one display case, which contains a copy of Baseball Magazine, plus various programs and record books.
Another exhibit, with an old newspaper, World Series Records, Sporting News publication, team photograph.
Another display case, with an old newspaper, World Series Records, Sporting News publication, team photograph.
Shelves in the library contain hundreds of baseball reference books and registers.
Shelves in the library contain hundreds of baseball reference books and registers.
One small exhibit focuses on fan photography, called Fantography.
One small exhibit focuses on fan photography, called Fantography.
Cool photo of the KGB Chicken between two Padrettes. Ted Giannoulas later became known as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Cool photo of the KGB Chicken between two Padrettes. Ted Giannoulas later became known as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Image of San Diego past superstar Dave Winfield in stadium greeting fans.
Image of San Diego past superstar Dave Winfield in stadium greeting fans.
Wonderful photo of San Diego Padres legendary Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn with his family out on the playing field.
Wonderful photo of San Diego Padres legendary Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn with his family out on the playing field.

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Ocean Beach Public Library needs activism and help!

The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!
The Ocean Beach Public Library needs your activism and help!

I wasn’t expecting to write this blog. But I have to.

During this morning’s Ocean Beach Street Fair, I took a few photos of a smiling lady in a Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat hat. My senses were so dazzled by all the cool sights and activity round about me that I didn’t really notice the important purpose of her booth.

As I left the festival, I popped into the local library to use the restroom. And there, standing behind the front counter, was the Cat in the Hat hat lady!  She greeted me–she was a librarian! She had noticed me taking photos.

They’re for a blog, I said. Help us raise a million dollars, she said. I laughed, promised I’d try!

It wasn’t until this afternoon, as I looked closely at my photographs, that I realized she wasn’t kidding! The Ocean Beach branch of the San Diego Public Library really does need to raise money! Check out the poster which I enlarged!

So now I have to keep a promise.

Please help the Ocean Beach public library raise funds for much needed improvements!

Here is their Facebook page. It contains contact info.

Is this a cause you’d like to support? You might like to help them out! The OB Library is overdue for expansion. Spread the word! Let’s get it done!

Why expand the library? The children's area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
Why expand the library? The children’s area is crowded and too small! No space for teen and adult activities. The computer area is crowded, unpleasant and outdated!
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach.
The library is the creative heart of Ocean Beach!

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Photos of San Diego library’s Art of Comic-Con exhibit!

People enter the Art of Comic-Con exhibit, opening today at the downtown San Diego Public Library.
People enter the Art of Comic-Con exhibit, opening today at the downtown San Diego Public Library.

Today a very special exhibition opened at the downtown library’s 9th floor gallery. The Art of Comic-Con, developed by Comic-Con International and the San Diego Public Library, contains a huge collection of original artwork used throughout the 45 year history of San Diego Comic-Con.

The exhibition runs through August 30 and should draw a crowd during Comic-Con week. During today’s two hour opening reception, super popular cartoonist Sergio Aragones was on hand to talk with fans and sign copies of his 40th anniversary Comic-Con cover. He was very friendly and spoke with everyone in line for a minute or two, always smiling and laughing and posing for the camera. He’s into his fourth decade of writing and drawing the adventures of the hilarious and very successful Groo the Wanderer!

Here are a bunch of photos! My small camera did its best in the dim light of the gallery…

Someone heading in to check out the gallery is wearing a 1997 Comic-Con International shirt.
Someone heading in to check out the gallery is wearing a 1997 Comic-Con International shirt.
The Art of Comic-Con is a first ever museum exhibition consisting of original artwork used for past conventions.
The Art of Comic-Con is a first ever museum exhibition consisting of original artwork used for past comic conventions.
A cool mural composed of covers from past San Diego Comic-Con programs, plus other affiliated conventions.
A cool mural composed of covers from past San Diego Comic-Con programs, plus other affiliated conventions.
Past souvenir program covers feature many different superheroes and pop culture characters.
Past souvenir program covers feature many different superheroes and pop culture characters.
A riot of fun images dazzled many visitors to the opening of this special exhibit.
A riot of fun images dazzled many visitors to the opening of this special exhibit.
Close photo of part of the Comic-Con program book mural.
Close photo of part of the Comic-Con program book mural.
I see Bart Simpson, a bunch of Marvel heroes, Star Wars characters, Balboa Park and much more.
I see Bart Simpson, a bunch of Marvel heroes, Star Wars characters, Balboa Park and much more.
This part of the exhibit traces the history of the Comic-Con International logo and the development of the popular toucan mascot.
This part of the exhibit traces the history of the Comic-Con International logo and the development of the popular toucan mascot.
Fun artwork that was used during the 40th anniversary of San Diego Comic-Con.
Fun artwork that was used during the 40th anniversary of San Diego Comic-Con.
The toucan is flapping around anticipating another Comic-Con!
The toucan is flapping around anticipating another Comic-Con!
Someone checks out a display case containing an example of an Inkpot Award. These are presented to outstanding authors, artists and other creative luminaries every year during Comic-Con.
Someone checks out a display case containing an example of an Inkpot Award. These are presented to outstanding authors, artists and other creative luminaries every year during Comic-Con.
I spotted Krypto the Superdog taking a nap among more enthusiastic human Comic-Con fans.
I spotted Krypto the Superdog taking a nap among more enthusiastic human Comic-Con fans.
Visitors check out original comic book art created for Comic-Con souvenir program books over the past 45 years.
Visitors check out original comic book art created for Comic-Con souvenir program books over the past 45 years.
The Art of Comic-Con special exhibit contains original work from more than 60 notable cartoon and comic book artists
The Art of Comic-Con special exhibit contains original work from more than 60 notable cartoon and comic book artists
All kinds of animals hang out in San Diego!
All kinds of animals hang out in San Diego!
Space alien asks Marmaduke for directions to Comics Con. It will be mere blocks from the Central Library! In a few weeks, I expect to see a few aliens walking around San Diego, too!
Space alien asks Marmaduke for directions to Comics Con. It will be mere blocks from the Central Library! In a few weeks, I expect to see a few aliens walking around San Diego, too!
I guess Jimmy Carter was having troubles during a past Comic-Con.
I guess Jimmy Carter was having troubles during a past Comic-Con.
Cartoonists of every stripe have contributed greetings for the Comic-Con souvenir book over the years.
Cartoonists of every stripe have contributed greetings for the Comic-Con souvenir book over the years.
I spotted Conan the Librarian in downtown San Diego's incredible new library!
I spotted Conan the Librarian in downtown San Diego’s incredible new library!
Commander Spock of Vulcan visited Earth back in 1974. Comic-Con then was held in the El Cortez Hotel, a couple blocks from where I'm preparing this blog!
Commander Spock of Vulcan visited Earth back in 1974. Comic-Con then was held in the El Cortez Hotel, a couple blocks from where I’m preparing this blog!
Mickey Mouse headed down to San Diego one year. I'm willing to bet he'll be here again this year!
Mickey Mouse headed down to San Diego one year. I’m willing to bet he’ll be here again this year!
In 1981, Peter Parker lost a game of strip poker with Mary Jane Watson!
In 1981, Peter Parker lost a game of strip poker with Mary Jane Watson!
This guy is probably still looking for the San Diago Convention Center.
This guy is probably still looking for the San Diago Convention Center.
Kid checks out a hands on exhibit showing how comic books are produced and printed.
Kid checks out a hands on exhibit showing how comic books are produced and printed.
A penciled panel featuring Batgirl in action. Part of a cool display which demonstrates the processes involved in creating a comic book.
A penciled panel featuring Batgirl in action. Part of a cool display which demonstrates the processes involved in creating a comic book.
Inked and finished cover of the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con souvenir book. The art celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Will Eisner's The Spirit, by artist Michael Cho.
Inked and finished cover of the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con souvenir book. The art celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Will Eisner’s The Spirit, by artist Michael Cho.
Visitors to the San Diego's Art of Comic-Con museum exhibit enjoy a huge mural from a 2008 book cover created by legendary cartoonist Sergio Aragones.
Visitors to the San Diego’s Art of Comic-Con museum exhibit enjoy a huge mural from a 2008 book cover created by legendary cartoonist Sergio Aragones.
Check this out! The mural by Sergio Aragones, of Groo the Wanderer fame, contains hundreds of characters romping about San Diego during Comic-Con!
Check this out! The mural by Sergio Aragones, of Groo the Wanderer fame, contains hundreds of characters romping about San Diego during Comic-Con!
Everyone is heading toward San Diego! I bet they'll crowd into the Gaslamp for an enormous cosplay and pop culture party!
Everyone is heading toward San Diego! I bet they’ll crowd into the Gaslamp for an enormous cosplay and pop culture party!
Gazillions of fans and cosplayers are assembled in front of the San Diego Convention Center!
Gazillions of fans and cosplayers are assembled in front of the San Diego Convention Center!
Superheroes are swinging and flying all over the place!
Superheroes are swinging and flying all over the place!
The silly Sergio Aragones characters have materialized in San Diego from a fertile imagination.
The silly Sergio Aragones characters have materialized in San Diego from a fertile imagination.
One wall in the Central Library museum contained original art used to created past Comic-Con souvenir book covers.
One wall in the Central Library museum contained original art used to create past Comic-Con souvenir book covers.
Artwork used in the 1989 program book cover.
Artwork used for the 1989 program book cover.
1993 cover artwork from the legendary comic book and graphic novel artist Frank Miller.
1993 cover artwork from the legendary comic book and graphic novel artist Frank Miller.
The Justice League flies into action in this original 2011 cover art from fan favorite Jim Lee.
The Justice League flies into action in this original 2011 cover art from fan favorite Jim Lee.
John Romita, Jr. drew Marvel Avengers for the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con souvenir book.
John Romita, Jr. drew some of Marvel’s Avengers for the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con souvenir book.
Dave McKean cover artwork for 2013 Comic-Con.
Dave McKean cover artwork for 2013 Comic-Con.
Jim Lee drew Superman for this WonderCon program book cover in 2013.
Jim Lee drew Superman for this WonderCon program book cover in 2013.
Cliff Chiang's Wonder Woman graced the cover of WonderCon's program book in 2014.
Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman graced the cover of WonderCon’s program book in 2014.
Sergio Aragones signed his covers from the 2008 book Comic-Con 40 Years of Artists, Writers, Fans and Friends. He's a super friendly guy!
Sergio Aragones signed his covers from the 2008 book “Comic-Con 40 Years of Artists, Writers, Fans and Friends”. He’s a super friendly guy!
If you're going to 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, head to the 9th floor of the downtown library. The gallery is up there, along with some great views of the city!
If you’re going to 2015 San Diego Comic-Con, head to the 9th floor of the downtown library. The gallery is up there, along with some great views of the city!

Comic-Con is coming! I’ll be taking lots of pics!

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