Carlsbad has once again shown its artistic spirit in the form of phantom (temporary) galleries, window murals, and other artsy happenings in the Carlsbad downtown area.
The town's commercial/retail vacancy rate has hovered around 5% fairly consistently, despite the downturn in the economy. But vacant stores and shop windows are still a sad reminder of an economy that is not exactly booming. Carlsbad shop owners have expressed their own feelings about the impression this creates, resulting in a creative art program coordinated by the Carlsbad Village Improvement Partnership to counteract any perceptions of a failing commercial area which, as the vacancy rate suggest, is not the case.
Art Surf was born!!
Phantom (temporary) galleries are being created in empty stores and artists have volunteered to paint murals on storefronts of participating retailers and eateries (artists were recruited using a blog by Brian Snyder, artist and gallery owner [Snyder Art], called Carlsbad Crawl). Along with at least 7 permanent galleries, including Ivanffy-Uhler Gallery on Grand and Snyder Art, restaurant owners and retailers are focusing on increasing the foot traffic in the downtown area through a 2-month art walk in Carlsbad Village, the start of which coincided with the Carlsbad Village Faire on May 3 and which ends on June 30.
It is also a way of getting more art in front of residents, visitors and potential buyers through window murals that have already been created, and art displays in the windows of a number of shops and restaurants including Le Passage French Bistro, Fairen Del, Linda's Gifts, Witch Creek Winery, and many more. There is even a brochure available in each of the participating shops, galleries and restaurants with a map and list of all the exhibits and artists.
So take a self-guided walk through our lovely downtown, between Carlsbad Boulevard and Jefferson (to the east), and Carlsbad village Drive and the Buena Vista Lagoon to the north, enjoy the art, and check out some of the great salons, galleries, stores and eateries in the area.
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This is so cool. What a great idea! I would love to take a leisurely walk and look at art on windows. And it makes sense that people who do this will probably eat or buy other items along the way.
Jeff,
This is such a good idea! I'm so glad that the retail owners have gotten so creative in their marketing!
And the Artist themselves have done a fabulous job!
That sure does look like something interesting to walk by on a lazy day!
Its a great thing to see local art on the rise. Carlsbad is full of closet artists and these types of projects entice them to show their work. Artists gain confidence all while promoting our Carlsbad village.
Thanks for your coverage,
Bryan Snyder
www.snyderartdesign.com
Bryan - it was my pleasure. You play such an important role in the Carlsbad arts, and I look forward to continued growth in the arts in Carlsbad.
Jeff