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Famed Artists Aaron Chang and Wade Koniakowsky Launch Ocean Art Gallery

Award-winning photographer, Aaron Chang has partnered with distinguished artist, Wade Koniakowsky to launch Ocean Art Gallery. The new gallery is located in the heart of the Cedros Design District at 415 S. Cedros Avenue.

Featured throughout the Gallery are Wade’s selected oil paintings and Aaron’s exotic images collected from a lifetime of traveling. A legendary name in the action sports industry, Aaron has been featured on Fuel TV, PBS and is currently the subject of a documentary on surf photographers. His work has graced the covers of over 100 magazines and has been featured in the prestigious coffee table book series, A Day in the Life. Though best known for his ocean-inspired photography, Aaron’s powerful images also capture the world of fashion, sports, travel and music. This adventurous spirit has taken the commercial photographer to over 40 countries and has garnered such high profile clients as Apple, Mercedes-Benz, Levi’s, Macy’s, Nike, Yamaha, Billabong, and ESPN.

Wade Koniakowsky, one of the nation’s leading ocean-inspired artists, began painting at the age of six and started surfing before he was 12. By blending these two passions, he has gained worldwide recognition for his oil paintings of tropical interpretations. Wade’s work is currently displayed internationally as well as in 17 galleries extending from the East Coast to Hawaii. Many of his signature paintings can be seen in movies, television shows and at such international surf competitions as the Roxy Jam and Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Wade’s designs currently adorn the custom surfboards that decorate Billabong stores nationwide.

At their July Grand Opening, both artists were on hand to discuss their vision for the Gallery, which they have branded as “the ultimate visual expression of everything you love about the ocean.” They anticipate hosting workshops to inspire young artists and partnering with non-profits that focus on the areas of Ocean Environmentalism, Humanitarian and Education.

The Ocean Art Gallery is now open to the public Monday through Thursday 10am – 6pm, Friday and Saturday 10am – 8pm, and Sunday 12pm – 5pm. For info call (858) 922-7070.

Paintings by Pamela Penner

Visit www.pennerart.com. Pamela Penner is an Encinitas artist. "Water's Edge" is an oil painting 36"x48".

O - Oceanside Museum of Art Exhibits

Defying Expectations: Contemporary Native American Art Exhibit

Now – December 12

Breaking stereotypes of Native American Art Defying Expectations: Contemporary Native American Art from the San Diego Region examines the work of four contemporary Native American artists. Featured artists include James Luna, Gerald Clarke, Catherine Nelson-Rodriguez, and Raymond Lafferty. Works within the exhibit respond to issues of Native American identity and authenticity, but also to problems affecting the entire region, such as the housing crisis and water shortages.

Defying Expectations is curated by Leah Cluff, a doctoral candidate at the University of California San Diego, in the Visual Arts department. Meet Cluff during a Walk and Talk through the gallery on Saturday, October 2 at 2:00 p.m. She will discuss issues of Native American identity and authenticity and the challenges of curating a Native American exhibition. The talk is complimentary with museum admission and free for OMA members.

Painting World War II: The California Style Watercolor Artists

Now – October 3

Painting World War II is an historic first examination of paintings by California Style watercolor artists on the subject of WWII. Over 60 paintings depicting scenes of California mobilizing for the war as well as images of the war overseas will be on view. Featured artists include Arthur Beaumont, Rex Brandt, Hardie Gramatky, Dong Kingman, Barse Miller, Phil Paradise, Charles Payzant, Ed Reep, Millard Sheets, and Milford Zornes.

Forged in the Great Depression, California Style watercolors form an important West Coast chapter of American Scene and American Regionalist art. As a group these artists examine a broad survey of everyday life in California and create memorable artistic accounts of the unfolding local history of California from 1930 through the 1970’s.  Each painting in the exhibition tells an intimate and dramatic story offering viewers an opportunity to experience WWII from the artist’s perspective. Featured in the exhibition is a watercolor by Ed Reep, combat artist, painted on site in the battlefields of Anzio as the war raged around him. Paintings by war correspondent artists such as Millard Sheets, Barse Miller and Milford Zornes who traveled with soldiers overseas to record their deployment in China, India and New Guinea capture the reality of war. Standish Backus takes us along with the 4th Division of the Marines as they make the first wave assault on Japan from the sea. 

Oceanside Museum of Art is located at 704 Pier View Way in downtown Oceanside, California within walking distance from the Oceanside Transit Center with Amtrak, Sprinter and NCTD Coaster stops. For information about current exhibitions or other museum programs call 760-435-3720 or visit www.oma-online.org.

San Diego Contemporary Art Fair

September 2-5, Tuesday through Sunday

The San Diego Contemporary Art Fair (formerly Beyond the Border International Contemporary Art Fair) was inaugurated in 2009. The fair will be held September 2-5, at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. It features prominent galleries representing contemporary artwork by established and emerging artists from around the world. It is an especially rich venue for surveying the dynamic work of Latin American artists.

More than 50 galleries will showcase paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, videos, and cutting-edge multimedia artworks. The Fair includes a VIP Opening Night, distinguished guest speakers, luxury brand displays, citywide cultural programs, and exclusive wine and food events.

The public is invited to attend the event, which marks the first time these national and international galleries with investment-grade art will be presented in San Diego. General admission is $15 and students can get tickets for $10. Go to the website to purchase tickets at www.artsandiego-fair.com or by emailing: info@artsandiego-fair.com.

Old Town San Diego Art Festival

Oct. 9-10, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm

Enjoy museum quality art and sculpture as you stroll through Old Town with all of its history and charm. Discover lively masterpieces and intriguing works of art along the historic streets of Old Town at this year’s Old Town San Diego Art Festival. On October 9-10 from 10am to 6pm the Old Town Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience a world full of colorful art, live music, international food and exotic wines. Take your friends on a stroll down San Diego Avenue as we fill the streets with over 150 contemporary artists from around the world.

Become inspired as you encounter a showcase of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, chalk art, fashions, furniture and jewelry. While in town you can also expose your palates to an array of incredible flavors from over a dozen local restaurants; or taste a delicious sampling of the finest wines. Whether you are admiring the history and culture of this neighborhood or purchasing a piece of artwork to enjoy for years to come, this exquisite art show has something for everyone!

This event brings together the essence of Southern California; beautiful San Diego weather, the Flavors of Old Town international foods, a wine tasting pavilion and continuous live entertainment. The festival runs along San Diego Avenue from Conde Street into the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. For more information, call (619) 233-5008 or visit www.oldtownartfestival.com.

The San Diego Museum of Art Exhibits

Paintings of the Modern Mexican Master, Raúl Anguiano

August 13, Friday – Feb. 6, Sunday

Over the course of seven decades, Raúl Anguiano was a prolific artist who created a diverse body of work in Mexico that portrayed both ancient and modern Mexico and many eras in between. The exhibition will include twelve paintings by Anguiano, with one work coming from the Museum’s permanent collection and eleven loans from collections in Southern California, Tijuana, and Mexico City. The paintings in the exhibition represent the entire span of his career and attest to Anguiano’s profound legacy.

Summer Salon Series

Now- September 2

The San Diego Museum of Art will transform into a salon Thursday evenings to highlight different contemporary performance artists both inside and outside the Museum. From spoken word and noise machines to a live performance with vibrating milk and a mobile concert bus, guests will see unique and bizarre performances when these local artists perform, present, and demonstrate their work alongside the Museum’s permanent collection.

The Museum has partnered with Agitprop - a local, alternative art space - to promote emerging artists in San Diego. Agitprop owner David White will be on hand to act as a referee June 17 for Tap-Out, a live art critique turned battle royale.

Heroes: Mortals and Myths in Ancient Greece

Now – September 5

Heroes: Mortals and Myths in Ancient Greece will explore the inherent human need for heroes through the art of one of the oldest and most influential cultures in history. The Heroes exhibition is divided into three sections. Heroes in Myth, Heroes in Cult and Hero as Role Model.

Heroes, a traveling exhibition organized by The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, in cooperation with the Frist Center for Visual Arts, Nashville; The San Diego Museum of Art; and the Onassis Foundation (USA), New York, features nearly 100 works of art from European and North American museums. Statues, reliefs, painted vases, coins, and carved gemstones are combined with literary quotations to illustrate the lives of heroes and heroines.

For more information visit www.TheSanDiegoMuseumofArt.org or call (619) 232-7931

The San Diego Museum of Art is located at 1450 El Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego.

LIST OF MUSEUMS