www.SDNEWS.com Volume 15, Number 41
THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2010
San Diego Community Newspaper Group
Athenaeum celebrates 20 years of the Main Gallery BY JENNA FRAZIER | VILLAGE NEWS Born in Bremen, Germany, a city in the northwestern part of the country that was founded circa 900 A.D., La Jolla Athenaeum director Erika Torri knows a thing or two about appreciating history. The nonprofit membership library that houses books, art, music and related items — the youngest of only 16 such establishments remaining nationwide — has been around since 1899. On June 25 it will launch its first-ever Secret Sale event and a special commemorative display to celebrate
20 years filled with 234 exhibitions. “The Athenaeum is the oldest cultural institution in town,” Torri said. “All of us are working to keep this history alive.” Torri has served as the Athenaeum’s director since 1989 and has overseen special exhibitions since she helped expand the building in July of 1990 to create the Main Gallery — which she considers one of her greatest accomplishments. “The expansions have been very rewarding,” Torri said, adding that another was completed in 2007. “Also, we’ve become a sort of cultural hub and I am very proud of
the atmosphere we have here.” The Athenaeum, whose name is derived from the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, offers a host of events and activities, from exhibitions and receptions to concerts, lectures, discussions and art classes. Torri attends nearly every event to personally greet artists and guests. “We have something going on almost every night,” Torri said. “There are different audiences for each event, so there is something for everyone.” SEE ATHENAEUM, Page 5
La Jolla Athenaeum director Erika Torri has helped the music and arts library expand PAUL HANSEN | Village News during the past 20 years, boasting more than 200 exhibitions.
Vibrant arts festival returns this weekend BY JENNA FRAZIER | VILLAGE NEWS A diverse array of nearly 190 local and international artists will convene for the 24th annual La Jolla Festival of the Arts on June 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of California, San Diego East Campus located at Genesee Avenue and Regents Road. The Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation produces the event each year to raise funds for San Diegans with disabilities and injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. To date, more than $1.7 million has been raised to benefit more than 35,000 adults and children through various programs. This year, street artist Melanie Stimmell Van Latum will transform asphalt into vibrant, intricate artistry using chalk as her medium, along with several contributing artists in a recurring exhibition known as “Calle Color.” This year’s theme is “Illusionary Art” and is expected to inspire anamorphic and 3-D images. Van Latum is the sole female winner of the title of “Maestra Madonnara,” or master street painter, and has contributed to chalk art festivals since 1998, attracting clients from around the world. Trace Palmer will display hand-blown glass jewelry and scenic painter David Skinner will return after two “best in show” awards at previous La Jolla Festival of the Arts. Rocket engineer Bret Webster will share his unique vantage through photography, and Margaret Willmoth Jensen will exhibit her one-of-a-kind contemporary glass wall art. Other artists will show their talents through woodworking, sculpture, painting, drawing and mixed-media creations. Entertainment will include live performances by Rockola, the Mar Dels and other local bands, plus special performances by United States Navy Southwest Brass Band and the United States Navy Destroyers. Warwick’s has corralled several authors and celebrity chefs to host book signings and demonstrations — including the Marine SEE ARTS, Page 5
Artist James Beard designed bicycle racks in the shape of COURTESY PHOTO ocean waves.
Artist encourages more cycling with bike racks BY JENNA FRAZIER | VILLAGE NEWS
Nearly 190 artists will showcase their works as the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Foundation presents the 24th annual La Jolla Festival of the Arts on June 26 and 27 at the University of California, San Diego DON BALCH | Village News East Campus located at Genesee Avenue and Regents Road.
If James Beard has his way, local residents will soon utilize transportation more on two wheels rather than four. Beard is an artist and instructor at La Jolla Yoga Center. After hearing requests for bicycle racks at the yoga center, Beard, who also has experience in construction and electrical contracting, was inspired to create metal racks shaped and painted like ocean waves that he hopes will highlight local culture and encourage a more bikefriendly La Jolla. Each three-foot-wide, 14-inch-tall rack can hold three bicycles and would cost from $300 to $500 or perhaps more depending on the type of metal and finishing methods employed, Beard said. Stainless or galvanized steel, plus a powder-coated finish, would incur additional costs. To create each rack, Beard shapes cold metal using a template he fashioned into a series of bends and curves. “There is some uniformity, but I’m an artist, not a mass manufacturer,” Beard said. “No two racks will be exactly alike. Each one will be unique, just like a real wave.” A frequent swimmer and body surfer at Boomer Beach and Windansea, as well as a La Jolla Elementary School alumnus, Beard said he wants to be part of the La Jolla’s “green revolution.” “This project will encourage people to ride their bikes, it will alleviate traffic and parking, it’s better for the environment, and it will help people get more exercise,” Beard said. “I don’t see how it could go wrong.” Specific locations where Beard would like to see his SEE RACK, Page 5