ENCINITAS-In an effort to bring art to the people rather than people to the art, the 101 Artists’ Colony in cooperation with the Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association is once again presenting the Arts Alive Banners. This year 101 original works of art will be displayed on light poles along Hwy. 101 from Leucadia to restaurant row in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
The banners were unveiled Feb. 20 at the former Cabo Grill restaurant with great anticipation and fanfare. As the public waited to catch a glimpse of the original pieces of art hidden behind brown butcher paper, artists mingled with family and friends. “I can’t wait to see them all,” said Cheryl Schneider who drove from Escondido. “I absolutely love the fact that the community is so supportive of the arts.”
DEMA Executive Director Dody Tucker said she was excited about this year’s selection of art. “They are an incredible bunch of banners,” she said. “We love to support the arts in downtown. You can drive or walk down the street and see the art.”
This year marks a milestone in the project’s 11-year history. “Every year it just gets better and better, said Danny Salzhandler, the project’s “instigator.”
In fact, the banners are one of the elements often cited by residents and visitors alike that make Encinitas a unique community. “These works of art give a sense of who we are as a community,” according to Sarah Pitcher, a Leucadia resident. “Some are whimsical, some are poignant, but they are all exceptional art that is now public.”
Each of the 101 banners is for sale. Those in attendance got an early start at bidding on the banners. Silent bidding started at $150 and a live auction concludes the program in late May. Half of the proceeds go to the artist while the remainder is divided between the 101 Artists’ Colony, Cardiff 101 MainStreet and the Leucadia 101 Main Street Association.
Several artists pledged their half of the proceeds towards relief for Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. John Moseley’s banner, “Looking to the Future” depicts a young Haitian girl in a barren landscape. While Lesa Nield’s “Fiction Fish” and Salzhandler’s “Mirth in the Balance” don’t have a Haitian theme, both artists are also donating their portion of the proceeds to a non-profit organization working in Haiti.
Several artists captured the natural beauty of the area. First-time Arts Alive banner participant, graphic artist Bobbi Duley’s “Good Morning, Glory!” is a close-up of the prevalent purple flowers that open up with the sunrise. “I paint a lot of flowers and I love the way the color pops out on the canvass,” she said. Ron Lemen, who runs Studio 2nd Street with his wife, Vanessa, painted the waterfall at San Diego Botanic Gardens. A veteran banner participant, Lemen said the image represents his “favorite secret spot to go to in North County.”
Other artists took the opportunity to showcase some of the city’s local gems. Tucker’s “Retro Audrey” depicts a woman with 1950’s appeal standing in front of the downtown store Flashbacks. Lou’s Records, Cardiff Reef, Self-Realization Fellowship, Moonlight Beach and Swami’s were also popular subjects on several banners.
DEMA Board of Directors President, Dave Agyagos drove along Highway 101 after the banners were hung to get a better view. “I love how the banners look on the lightposts,” he said with enthusiasm. “They are just amazing.”
“All of this great art just really shows you what a unique town this is and what a special place it is,” Deputy Mayor Maggie Houlihan said as she put in a few bids. “I can’t get carried away,” she laughed.
To see Auction Guide with all the banners click here
