Every time I walk into the charming Spanish Village Art Center, I can expect to see something inspirational, something exquisite and always something to buy from the artisans. The whimsically painted place is an early 20th-century depiction of an old village in Spain.
For more than 60 years, San Diego artists have continued to preserve and enhance this historical landmark. Over 200 local artisans now share their talent and skills in the space, and of course, their love of the arts from painting, sculpting, jewelry design, photography and fiber art, just to name a few.
To visit the village, walk past the Photographic Arts Building on Village Place. When you see the colorful tiles, you’ll know you’re in the right place. The quaint buildings and vibrant courtyards feature colorful concrete tiles, flowers, and unique entryways.
On weekends, you can watch artists at work in their studios and the pretty courtyard with gazebos and jacaranda trees. Be sure to stop in at the sculpture studio spaces whose back alleys present an entire cast of fun and exotic creatures.
Perhaps you’ll see a painting of someone famous staring up at you as you walk by. Lush and brilliant flowering plants include lip-stick red bougainvillea and hibiscus blooming with yellow or pretty-in-pink flowers.
Not long ago, I discovered behind a couple of the art studios an unusual space for the resident squirrels. The artist had designed a play-station for a squirrel to get to his prize of peanuts. The squirrel would run down from the tall trees along the roof of the studios, scurry down the ladders, and snap up a peanut on the ground. Then he’d climb up to sit in a little chair made just for him while he feasted on his prize.
On my most recent exploration of Spanish Village, I had another squirrel-human encounter. While admiring and photographing a lovely old Fiddle-Leaf Fig tree on the trail behind the artisan shops and courtyard, I heard laughing. Turned out that a lady was chatting happily and talking to a baby Fox Squirrel sitting at her feet. The squirrel had his front paws on her white sneakers with silver stars; apparently, he thought the shoes grand art.
Spanish Village often features sales and shows of the varied artworks. The weekend of Oct. 12-14 will be the perfect time to get an up-close look at the wares and wonders of the Art Glass Guild. Glass artists will enchant visitors of all ages with their captivating displays shining in the windows.
Before exploring more of the village, stop to get a delicious coffee drink and a small bite at Daniel’s coffee stand at the back end of the village. You’ll notice a small fountain. The San Diego Mineral and Gem Societies’ Museum building is directly across from the fountain.
This historic landmark was built in 1935 for the second California Pacific International Exposition. Admission to the Museum is free. As soon as you enter, a kind of hush settles around you. Rows of glass cases hold treasures and trinkets in all things gemology. Often in the back corner, there is a lapidary machine where members of the Gem Society polish rocks to make cabochons for jewelry. If you want to learn how to do this, the Gem Society offers a plethora of workshops.
Another place to stop is the Photographic Arts Building which you’ll pass by as you walk back toward the parking lot on Village Place. Darkroomers and Photo Arts of the Southern California Association Camera Clubs regularly meet in the small building framed by arbors and hedges.
The monthly Tuesday Morning Workshops of Photo Arts is a group of people interested in developing new friendships as well as their photographic skills. All who have an interest in developing skills in photography, even beginners in the craft, are welcome to join.
At the end of your day, you’ll understand why Spanish Village is a place to explore again and again. Remember to make a date for the Art Glass Guild show and sale, Oct. 12 to 14.
