Carlsbad Art and Culture

The block of Armada Drive above the Carlsbad Flower Fields and overlooking the Pacific Ocean was swept and prepped. The long asphalt awaited color chalk, music, food stands and hundreds of spectators as the 2 day Carlsbad Art Splash kicked off and ran through Sept. 24-25.

Morning drizzle dampened the Saturday morning air as early chalk artists, equipped with specialty shading tools, professional chalks and unique rolling chairs, found their designated sections.

As the day grew, artists raced the clock and endured the creeping pain of hours on the ground forcing chalk within the textured cracks and holes of the street. Spectators walked along the edges of each growing masterpiece stopping at their favorites to praise and encourage.

Art was not only found on the street. A long row of temporary tented galleries ran along Armada inviting guests to browse, purchase are discuss future commissions including local stand out Lynn Forbes who worked on a live head bust. Other stand outs included Greg Visintainer, creator of the highly detailed visual pen and ink illustrations of Viz Art and San Diego gallery Alexandar Salazar Fine Art.

Near the entrance and towards the silent auction of hand painted records transformed into clocks where funds raised helped finance the event as well as to help fund art and music in North County schools, was the highly talented team of Ron Juncal and Phyllis Swanson of Studio 2. Ron and Phyllis shock guests each year with their amazing projects and creativity. This year they created a giant 3D chalk mural accompanied by an elevated platform designed to give spectators the optimum 3D viewing experience. The entire creation of the piece was documented through photos and will be presented through a time lapse video.

Kids of all ages were introduced to the creative process through out the entire event. Whether they were creating small chalk street murals of their own, crafting at the numerous craft stations or dancing and singing to live music, they were constantly inspired, which also gave parents time to enjoy the numerous food vendors.

Visitors spent the entire 2 days walking up and down Armada, partaking in craft booths, art demonstrations and live music. Families spent the day together laughing and creating and children smiled wide with crafts in hand and painted faces.

The Carlsbad Art Splash is an integral part of the local community and showcases the ability to connect people and build culture through the arts.