Spanish Village Art Center

If you could take just one photo: Spanish Village Art Center

While there are many fine places to watch art being made, none are as fun as San Diego’s own Spanish Village Art Center. Browse through the thirty-seven studios, which feature an eclectic range of art, from artful watercolors, handmade jewelry, crafty pottery, and everything in between. My friend and I spent a morning browsing the shops; the staff were invariably friendly and welcoming. At many studios, we could even watch the art being made. I highly recommend visiting the Spanish Village Art Center if you are in San Diego and find yourself in Balboa Park; it is a rare gem.

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While recreations of the old country often have a kitsch, touristy vibe, a stroll along the colored cobblestones linking the 37 studios of the Spanish Village reveals a real community of artisans at work in a beautiful setting. Built in Balboa Park for a mid-1930s exposition and lovingly maintained by the artists, the Village is all about the workshops and ongoing creative activity, though a display of the collective artistic output is housed at the Village Arts Center for viewing and for purchase. I am attracted to a particular work in progress by painter/illustrator Sarah Stieber. Although intently putting brush to canvas, Sarah hands me her self-illustrated business card, flashes a brilliant smile, and encourages me to come back when the work is completed.

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