From Classic to Contemporary: Exploring Studios & Meeting Artisans at San Diego’s Spanish Village Art Center
Tucked inside beautiful Balboa Park in San Diego, the Spanish Village Art Center is a must-visit destination for travelers who love handcrafted art, unique gifts, and authentic local experiences. Colorful painted tiles lead you through over 40 open-air studios and patio pop ups, where more than 200 San Diego juried artists paint, sculpt, design, and create year-round.
Spanish Village Art Center by Photographer Denise Strahm
I recently spent a day wandering through the Spanish Village Art Center’s studios, admiring the originality and beauty of each work of art, and talking to resident artists and artisans who call the Spanish Village Art Center their creative home in San Diego.
What I discovered exceeded my expectations. Every artistic medium is showcased and celebrated, from painting to photography, blown glass to carved wood, and ceramics to jewelry. Many of the studios are shared spaces, giving visitors a chance to meet multiple artists and see a variety of work in each stop.
Bursting with color, craftsmanship, and imagination, this urban marketplace is a treasure trove for those seeking a special keepsake to take home from San Diego. I had the pleasure of meeting many gifted artists and artisans during my visit. Though I can’t feature them all, the following selection reflects the rich diversity and artistry that make this creative hamlet so inspiring.
Painting: Colorful Canvases and Brilliant Brushes
From watercolor to acrylic and oil, art aficionados are certain to find paintings that speak to their soul. Many of the painters at the Spanish Village Art Center fill their studios with vibrant works inspired by San Diego’s coastline and nature. From abstract images of marine life to serene beach scenes, visitors find paintings that capture the beauty of Southern California and beyond. Other artists use their brushes and palettes to create whimsical, lighthearted visions of life and landscapes. Visitors are sure to find many works that spark their creative joy.
Artists to Watch For
Michelle Gonzalez paints colorful plein air landscapes and still art reflective of Southern California. Her distinct style and use of color reflect her vibrant personality. Michelle also teaches “Paint a Vacation Memory” classes for visitors.
RD Riccoboni is in a class by himself. RD specializes in colorful impressionistic landscapes, portraits, and more. His dynamic art represents the LBGTQ+ communities with heart and pride. Not only is RD an accomplished artist, but an author as well. He illustrates his books, which makes them even more special. Welcome to my art studio - The Galleries of Artist RD Riccoboni
Shilpi Prasad is a self-taught artist who was born and raised in India. Painting since the age of 6, Shilpi loves to share her vision of nature through intricate and detailed line work called Mathila art. The colorful images transport you to another culture and place, filled with wonder and imagination. ART2CRAFT
Padgett Mason loves animals. Cats of all sizes are her favorite subject and her characters are renowned as “Funky Felines”. She also specializes in commissioned pet portraits, both whimsical and realistic. Home | Padgett Mason
Lucy Wang is a master of Chinese painting. Her three dimensional Chinese brush watercolor painting on silk is world renowned, and she has published several books on the subject. She brings light and luster to her portraits of cranes, koi’s, landscapes, and ocean life. Lucy also offers in-person and online classes on Chinese brush and watercolor painting. Home | Lucy Wang Fine Arts
Carol Foster paints vibrant landscapes in oil. From red and orange skies to blue and green seas, her paintings burst with colorful strokes and shimmering light. Instagram
Photography: Capturing Life Through the Lens
At Spanish Village Art Center photographers showcase their unique perspectives on local architecture, the ocean, desert landscapes, and the world beyond. What I found most interesting was how a classic image could be edited and transformed to closely resemble a painted piece of art. The contemporary ingenuity of these talented artists brings a new perspective to traditional photography.
Artists to Watch For
Cyndy Campbell’s original photos are stunning in themselves. Then Cyndy works her magic by editing and enhancing images, colors and textures. The end result looks like a moody painting from a dream. That’s why Cyndy’s mantra is “The Way I See It” and it’s beautiful.
Linda Lepeirs looks at photography through a different lens. She often takes original photos and utilizes digital manipulation to create unique effects. Her instant film manual manipulation results in an impressionistic design of the image.
Denise Strahm is an award-winning photographer known for capturing life and romance in her images. Her photographs are reminiscent of impressionist and abstract paintings. Denise’s “Alternate Treeality” series is an amazing view of texture and detail. Denise Strahm – San Diego Fine Art Photographer
Ceramics: Hand-Thrown Pottery, Porcelain, and Sculpted Clay Art
The ceramic studios at the Spanish Village Art Center are full of texture and life. Shelves display hand-thrown mugs, decorative vases, and shining glazed bowls in ocean-inspired hues. Many pieces are made right before your eyes, making this a wonderful stop for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and functional clay art.
Artists to Watch For
Elizabeth Woolrych is a potter and sculptor who uses various techniques including the Japanese firing process Raku, and a primitive firing technique that uses seaweed and plants to influence the final clay color. Elizabeth teaches classes to children and adults. About | ewoolrychpottery
Paula Collins is a magical clay artist and sculptor. She utilizes various techniques and incorporates mixed medias such as wood, wire, and glass to develop her collection of lovable creatures. Her series of colorful hearts offers a whimsical touch to her collection. HOME | Rempalski Ceramics
Matt Rabasco is a talented potter who is always experimenting with new techniques to teach his high school students. These include a rapid fire process where he lays horse hair on top of the piece that burns intricate designs into the clay. (3) Introducing Matt... - Spanish Village Art Center - Balboa Park | Facebook
Doug Snider is an award-winning ceramic artist who is known not only for his contemporary clay creations, but also for his large-scale public art installations. His indoor/outdoor studio at Spanish Village Art Center is inspiring and tranquil, filled with passion and purpose. Shop pottery and sculpture by Doug Snider located in San Diego, CA
Beverly Hartgrave creates stamped clay beads, blocks, and bells that display images, names, and words - such as friends and love. These clay pieces are selected by visitors and assembled into a handcrafted “Spirit Totem” . The owner then places a thought, wish, or prayer
upon the totem. When the totem bell is rung, its vibrations carry that wish into the universe.
Glass Art: Capturing Facets of Light in a Kaleidoscope of Colors
In these Spanish Village Art Center studios, molten color becomes magic. Artists shape blown-glass vessels, sun catchers, table decor, and jewelry that sparkle in the California light. These pieces make perfect gifts for friends and loved ones at home — delicate yet durable, each one infused with the skill and imagination of its creative California maker.
Artists to Watch For
Chris Stell is as colorful as her art. She was the host for my visit and so graciously welcomed me to the Spanish Village Art Center. Chris creates jewelry and decor using colorful dichroic glass that actually changes colors in sunlight. Stunning. Chris Stell Creative Arts
Michael Maddy & Rina Fehrensen are a power duo in creating playful and whimsical glass pieces. Vibrant vases, glasses, and their signature hearts can mix and match to brighten every decor. mad art studios - Home
Suzanne Balestri was an interior designer when she first began her explorations with fused glass. her contemporary designs range from brilliant table top decor to sparkling jewelry. She also teaches classes throughout San Diego. Design Balestri
Jackie Murphy is a fused glass artist who is known for her creative pieces that upcycle used wine bottles. Her colorful wind chimes sing under sunlit breezes, and her colorful trays light up every party.
Amy Somerville delicately etches and sandblasts designs into glass. Her collection includes glassware, jewelry, framed art and dishware, depicting flowers, animals, graphic designs and more. Amy Sommerville - Home
Andy Cohn has been perfecting the art of glassblowing for 30 years. At his studio, visitors can watch in awe as he shapes glowing molten glass into vibrant works of functional and decorative art. Andy also shares his craft through hands-on glassblowing classes. Studio 19 - Home
Wood Art: Crafted from Nature
Woodworkers in the Spanish Village Art Center transform natural materials into pieces that blend art and utility. From hand-carved boxes to sculptural home décor, each piece carries the warmth and beauty of its source. Utilizing a variety of woods, each piece is one of a kind and honed with love. Whether it’s a wooden cutting board, a bowl, or decorative table piece, the detail and grains speak for themselves.
Artists to Watch For
James Robert Goforth uses a lathe to create decorative wood art. He combines this work with veneer art to form geometric designs within layers of wood that glow and change as the patterns are viewed at different angles. About | Jrgwoodturning
Ed Zbik specializes in segmented woodturning, which is the creation of complex shapes and patterns using multiple woods within the turned vessel. His hollow-form bowls and vases with very narrow necks show off the beautiful wood grains. Ed Zbik – Art In Wood
Tom Edwards enjoys making hollow vessels and off-center designs for his platters, trays, bowls, and utensils. His finishes make the wood glisten. Tom Edwards – Art In Wood
Jon Evans is a master of many mediums. His striking wood decor and furniture is hand made on site in his studio and workshop. Jon also creates blown glass, digital kaleidoscopes and multi-media sculptures.
Tracey Wilson creates ocean resin art for a variety of functional wood forms including cutting boards, coasters, platters, and more. Tracey Wilson – Art In Wood
Bob Schmeiser especially enjoys working with avocado wood. He is an accomplished wood artist who creates unique and colorful wood pieces ranging from jewelry boxes to resin bowls and platters. Bob Schmeiser – Dana Point Fine Arts Association
Jewelry and Apparel: Wearable Works of Art
The jewelry artists at Spanish Village Art Center turn metal, glass, and gemstones into stunning, wearable art. You’ll find everything from delicate silver necklaces to beaded bracelets and bold statement rings — all handmade by San Diego artisans. Each piece tells its own story and connects you directly to the creativity of the artist.
Artists to Watch For
Maureen King handmakes jewelry from silver, copper and brass metals. She uses only a variety of low-tech tools, including pliers and hammers. All pieces are Maureen’s original designs, and some incorporate gemstones for a colorful touch. Jewelry by Mo
Judy Tweed’s jewelry designs are inspired by nature and feature intricate details that highlight each stone’s facet and color, perfect for every wardrobe. In addition, visitors can work with Judy to create an heirloom piece that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Antonia Niknejad handcrafts colorful hand-tooled and painted leather jewelry and accessories. Her designs are classic, yet contemporary, to complement a variety of wardrobes and lifestyles. Instagram
Ana Garcia is an award-winning artist specializing in fiber, beaded, and metal art. Her bracelets shimmer with the light, changing colors and moods as they move on the arm. Home | anagarciabeads
Judy Stinton hand paints beautiful silk apparel and weaves textured handmade jewelry. For visitors who love wearable art, this is a must-add to every wardrobe. Welcome to JudyStinton.com!
Mixed Mediums & Unique Designs
Many of the artisans at Spanish Village Art Center create art from unique materials. They transport everyday items into beautiful works of creativity and imagination for a collectible piece that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Artists to Watch For
Natasha Monaghan Papousek celebrates nature by layering colorful painted pieces of paper to create stunning artwork that mirrors mosaics and multi-dimensional paintings. Natasha Monahan Papousek
Frank Casciani creates breathtaking art from eggs. Yes. Eggs ranging in size from hummingbirds to ostriches. His kaleidoscopes are amazing. They look beautiful on a table, then burst with sparkling colors through the lens. Designs In Shell
Vicky DeLong creates sculptures utilizing fabrics and things she finds on her walks such as leaves, sticks, feathers, seeds, etc. The fabrics are hand-sewn into shapes and forms using a filling to give them an interesting dimension. Vicky's Art
Karen Jones loves to sew. She takes beautiful images and transforms them into breathtaking quilts, cards, and wall art.
Rosario Wilke specializes in 3 dimensional decorated shells, gourds, and metal. She skillfully sculpts her medium, then applies vibrant paint colors with metallic touches. Rosario also teaches classes on gourd art.
Visiting the Spanish Village Art Center
Visiting the Spanish Village Art Center is about experiencing the heart of San Diego’s artistic community. Meeting the artists, seeing their studios, and discovering pieces made by hand turns every purchase into a memory. The artists and artisans are welcoming, encourage questions, and happy to have you watch them at work.
For travelers searching for authentic local art during their visit to San Diego, there’s no better place to explore, connect, and shop, than the Spanish Village Art Center in the heart of beautiful Balboa Park.
Next, join me as I set sail for a month of cruise life exploring sun-drenched ports along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea before heading to the dramatic, windswept shores of the North Sea and its enchanting Scandinavian countries.
Till then, keep cruisin’ through life, discovering your own special Things!
CHEERS!
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