Article written by: Brittany James
When you think of San Diego, California, what comes to mind? Palm trees, the beach, Mexican food…maybe the movie Anchorman – “you stay classy San Diego” 😉 These are all things that I associated San Diego with until I had the pleasure of taking a tour with San Diego Urban Adventures for a Travel Massive event. The tour focused on the Arts District at Liberty Station and it really opened my eyes to the art scene in San Diego.
Liberty Station is a former Naval Training Center that has been converted into an area filled with art galleries, boutique shops, family-friendly entertainment like movie nights and a holiday ice rink, great restaurants, and acres of public parks and gardens including a golf course! The Arts District has almost 120 galleries for your enjoyment! If you are like me and enjoy watching people dance, because instead of having the ability to dance, you were “gifted” with Elaine from Seinfeld’s dancing ability lol, performance art is another art form you can enjoy during your visit!
Here are my 5StarTips🌟 for visiting Liberty Station Arts District:
🌟 Keep An Eye Out For Art Installations
It was fun to walk around the Arts District and feel like I was on a scavenger hunt looking for the different installations. Some of the pieces you should be the on the look out for (these are not the only art installations):
Rest Easy – located between Barracks 16/17. Artist Lissa Corona created this light installation as a representation of the US Navy and its’s camaraderie, protection, love, and support.
Sky Mosaic – located on the arcade rooftop walkway, Barracks 14/15. Artist David Krimmel used 1,200 colored transparent tiles that flutter in the wind! He was inspired by the original tiles used in the Liberty Public Market.
Rolling It Forward – located on the roof of Building 202. Artist Jeremy Nuttall used community painted skateboards to create a structure which represents a boat and waves. He was inspired by the “Pay It Forward” movement.
Column A And Column B: A Continual Mural Narrative Performance – Location Barracks 14 Arcade. Artist Hugo Crosthwaite improvised this mural for 16 days while the public came to watch him work and ask him questions about his creative process.
🌟 Meet Some of the Artists
What I love about the Arts Districts is everyone’s desire and passion to spread the love and appreciation of art! While the artists are in their studios, usually from the hours of 9am-5pm, you have the chance to meet them and see them in their workspace! It’s fascinating talking with them and seeing how they each work so differently. On our tour, we explored Barrack 19. Several of the artists who have studios in this building were kind enough to stay after hours for us. Here is a little info about some of the Barrack 19 superstars:
Susan Salazar and Lisa Bryson: Susan and Lisa are a mother-daughter duo who share their workspace! Susan specializes in mixed media art and colored pencil while her daughter loves oil painting! I found their workspace to be very bright and inspiring! Susan was a joy to visit with! Lisa was teaching a class when I stopped by!
Click on the link for info about them:
Peggy: I am bummed I didn’t have a lot of time to talk with Peggy or get more information about her. She had such a warm presence and told us about how she tried watercolor but it always ended up looking like mud…I can relate! She now does oil painting because she finds it more forgiving! I need to return and learn more from her!
June Rubin: I LOVED June. She had so much energy and her personality was so colorful!! She described her work as whimsical and I completely agree!! Each month she has a theme to her work -September’s was “Butterfly Dreams.” June was even kind enough to give me one of her greeting cards!
Click on the link for info about June: June Rubin Artist
Leslie Pierce: I love the unique painting style Leslie uses! It’s captivating! The way she uses lines to fill in an object is such a unique style, one I hadn’t seen before! I am rather new to the art scene, so maybe this is a common style, either way, I loved it!. She too was so sweet and welcoming!
Click on the link for info about Leslie: Leslie Pierce Artist
🌟 Friday Night Liberty
The first Friday of the month is Friday Night Liberty. From 5pm-9pm join in on San Diego’s biggest art walk! Walk around the art district and meet the local artists, enjoy dance, music and theater performances plus visit the galleries and museums!
For more information click the link: Friday Night Liberty
Oh, did I mention it’s free!! 😉
🌟 Get Creative!
Now that you have explored the Arts District of Liberty Station and are feeling inspired, why not try it out yourself! Many of the artists who have studios in the Arts District offer classes of their own. Whether you’re into digital art, pottery, candle making, painting – there are plenty of options for you! Talk to the different artists to see if they offer classes or visit Liberty Station Art Directory to see different options!
##🌟Soda & Swine
All that walking around and getting inspired can get tiring so make sure to take advantage of the great restaurant options at Liberty Station. We went to Soda & Swine and it was beautiful! We went at night and I loved the atmosphere! I loved the hanging plants, fireplace inside and fire tables outside and they have the largest foosball table I have ever seen! You can build-your-own meatball sandwiches and plates. They have a variety of craft sodas, local draft beers, and signature cocktails. Perfect for families, large groups, and couples enjoying a night on the town.
Check out their menu! Soda & Swine Menu
🌟Final Thoughts
When traveling, leave room in your itinerary to discover parts of the destination that may not be the touristy spots or on your radar. Liberty Station and the Arts District is one of these places in San Diego. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about some of the talented local artists who are kind enough to let us into their creative place and it is a way to be educated on San Diego’s rich military history!
For more information click: San Diego Urban Adventures They will make sure you have the Best. Day. Ever!
Check out her other 5Startips🌟:
🌟 Always5Star Guide To Finding Fall At Oak Glen, California For A Family Day
🌟 Points + Cash Savings For A Parent’s Weekend Get-Away – Always5Star Jr.
🌟 Always5Star Jr. Takes The Windy City Of Chicago!
🌟 Peltzer Family Cellar in Temecula, California – Creating An Always5Star Jr. Family Afternoon
Please note: This was a sponsored opportunity for Brittany for this post to enjoy Liberty Station. The opinions are her own as well as the pictures. She was not paid for this post or to endorse Liberty Station.
A bit about the author: Brittany James
Brittany James is married and has two beautiful children. She is also the Social Media Manager for Always5Star. Her passion for travel came from her mother, Always5Star (at least that is what I am going to take credit for 😉). She is beginning her journey to Always5Star travel and enjoys sharing her family, friends and couples travel tips as a mother of small children. She has more dimes than dollars, but enjoys researching ways to enjoy Always5Star travel on a budget.
About Pamela Rossi
I am passionate about travel and taking each moment and making it a five star experience. My goal is to create those experiences for YOU!
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