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| Media Coverage and Awards |
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IB Art Guild Spearheads Beautification
Program
by Nina McDonald |
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2003 Ocean Beach Street Fair Channel 9 Interview
Coming Soon |
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2004 Bonita Dinosaur Restoration Project Channel
10 Interview
Coming Soon |
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2003 Southwest College Interview
Coming Soon |
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Taste of I.B.
I.B Art Guild Donate Hand Painted Post Cards
13 Oct 2005
Taste Of IB” Smacks Of A Delicious Good Time
by Nina McDonald
Members of the I.B. Art Guild donated hand-painted postcards for Taste of I.B. last Sunday in front of Mickie’s
Bar and Grill. From left, Kaz Maslanka, Rubia Ronquillo, Esmerelda Robles, Kelly Tracy, Patty Stutzka and Pamela
Stutzka. Photo by Nina McDonald
A large number of locals and tourists sauntered up and down Seacoast Drive and experienced what is virtually Imperial
Beach's hometown open house on sunday Oct. 9. Stopping by restaurants, gift shops and other businesses, visitors
were treated to a variety of “freebies.”
Benefiting the I.B. Chamber of Commerce, tickets to the event sold for $15. Chamber President, Pat Hutchins estimated
over 220 tickets had been sold by 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.
“The turnout has been great. We've actually sold more tickets today here at Pier Plaza than in advance sales. The
giveaways are more substantial this year. There are a lot of goodies,” Hutchins said. The chamber provided guests
with large brown shopping bags in which to carry their treats and a detailed map to locate the 33 businesses that
participated in the event.
First stop on many people's lists was California Doughboy next to the pier. Owner Tino Maggiore dished out generous
helpings of pasta with his own special ragú sauce. “By 3 p.m. I think I served over 100 people. They hit
me like a swarm of bees,” said Maggiore.
Lisa Tomeoni, administrative assistant for the chamber said, “I think this is one of the best things that has come
along. It gets people to talk to the merchants. It's good for everyone.”
Merchant samples weren't only of the edible kind. Fedor's Gift Shop distributed stained glass garden ornaments
and scented candles, the IB Art Guild donated over 130 hand-painted/water colored postcards by local artists and
Bibbley's Shell Shop provided tiny shell wind chimes and small preserved puffer fish. “The weather today really
helped [for people to come out.] Last year it was pretty cloudy. I think [this event] is great; it lets people
see what's in the stores and I can show them what I will have in the next few months,” said Mike Bibbey.
Bibbey recently returned from a trip to Hong Kong and viewed the event as a chance to help promote some special
heavy puka shell necklaces that he will stock in two months. “See this sample? Feel how heavy it is. They are selling
these for around $25 in Pacific Beach. I will be offering them for half that price. Taste of IB gives me a chance
to show people what I carry.”
Local Kathy Williams said, “We enjoy it every year, but this year really seemed much more organized. It gives great
exposure to the shops.”
Sharon and All Harruff of Oceanside, co-owners of an IB property, spend one week a month visiting Imperial Beach.
They also expressed their support. Harruff said, “It's great! It's like you're on this big scavenger hunt and you
get all these goodies. It's a lot of fun.”
Hutchins exhorted anyone who was interested in participating in next year's event to sign up early. “We generally
hold this the first weekend in October. We had a jazz band that wanted to play out on the Plaza, and we would have
loved to have them, but they contacted us way to late to get the permits that we needed. It's never too early to
sign up for next year. Now is the time,” he said.
For more information contact the Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce at 424-3151. |
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The Imperial Beach Art Guild held its first exhibition of the year, I.B. Art Jam, Sunday March 5th.
The eclectic, multi-disciplinary indoor/outdoor celebration filled a 3 room gallery spilling out on to the front
porch and aound the side of the building with live music, dancing, interactive art-making and a live belly casting
demonstration by Kelly Tracy.
By popular demand, I.B. Art Jam - Part II will materialize again this Saturday and Sunday, March 11- 12 from noon
to 5 p.m.Thanks to THE BRIDGE for their continued support and use of their space. For information, contact Kelly
Tracy at (619) 423-7829 |
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I.B. Art Jam
Where else can you experience spectacular art, live music and dancing, watch local artists create masterpieces,
and even join in the art-making process for free…the I.B. Art Jam! The Imperial Beach Art Guild is proud to present
its first group showing at their new exhibition space. There will be an eclectic array of media including paintings,
sculpture, photography, aerosol art, and word art, to name a few. You will have the opportunity to view and purchase
the art, as well as, talk directly to the artists. Additionally, you are invited to join the artists in creating
your own artwork on the spot at our indoor/ outdoor Art Jam venue. You can even ask the artists for tips or critiques.
Bring your own art supplies so you can participate. (The I.B. Art Guild welcomes your dotations of art supplies,
easels and or funds)
Our featured musical performers, Moments of Clarity, describe themselves as transcendant…organic jambient electronica.”
Their music pushes the boundaries creating soundscapes that transport one through maya…the unknown…the void. Conceived
in the wilds of northern Idaho, Moments of Clarity has excelled in the study of musical and spiritual pursuits
under such masters as Ali Akbar Khan and Mamady Keita. This transformational music is a blend of Hindustani, African,
Jazz, World, Electronic, and Funk. Moments of Clarity will be in San Diego this week as they are cutting their
fourth CD here before they begin touring. Instrumentation includes Bass, Picolo Bass, Sitar, Djembe, Didgeridoo,
Ocean Drum, and various percussion instruments. The players are Darin Schaffer, Tom Taylor, and Imperial Beach’s
own David Grey Hawk. At a recent Moments of Clarity show an audience member commented: “you just gotta hear ‘em…it’s
too hard to describe…the guy can make his bass sound like…whales in the ocean!”
This is fun for the whole family…all ages are encouraged to put on your smocks and / or dancing shoes for this
multi-sensory celebration. Show your pride for your local artists and Imperial Beach by dropping by. This visual
and performing arts extravaganza will unfold this Sunday, March 5, from noon till 6:00 p.m. 150 Palm Avenue Imperial
Beach CA 91932. This event is brought to you by the Imperial Beach Art Guild and with the continued support of
THE BRIDGE Indian Training Trust Fund Foundation.
For more information contact Kelly Tracy at 423-7829
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2nd Annual Wine Tasting and Art Auction
22 Oct 2004
Chamber Wine Tasting & Art Auction Draws Crowd
by Nina McDonald
Dempsey Holder Center turned into an art gallery Thursday, Oct. 16 during the second annual IB Wine Tasting and
Art Festival. Photo by Nina McDonald
Excellent food and wine, eccentric personalities and unique art.
Looking like a Soho art gallery, The Dempsey Holder Center under the I.B. Lifeguard Tower was the scene for I.B.'s
second annual Wine Tasting and Art Action Oct. 16. More than 100 people strolled through the second floor area
between 6 and 9 pm, sampling Italian wines, snacking on Tino Maggiore's (California Doughboy) gourmet Italian food,
and entering bids on their favorite pieces for the silent auctions. Individual tickets went for $40, and included
wine and food, with couples' tickets going for $75.
"Make sure people know that if they missed this, they missed the event in I.B.," said organizer Bill
Medlock. "This is definitely the place to be tonight."
Medlock said he and his wife used to attend similar events with the Lions Club in Sacramento. "We felt this
would be a good event for I.B. as well. It's a good group fundraiser. People enjoy a little bit of culture, some
great food and wine and can go home with something of value."
"It's definitely the new I.B.," said I.B. local Michael White as he and his wife Lillian chatted with
surf-scene artist Pete Tillack.
Artwork was on display in every available area. Balconies and stairwells were decorated with life-size bodycasts
and other sculptures. Local artists and Imperial Beach Art Guild member Chuck Giles and current I.B. Art Guild
President Kelly Tracy spent time going to local art fairs and exhibits, screening potential participants and selecting
the artists who exhibited.
Tracy, a local metal artist by way of Teledyne Ryan Aeronautical, has found a specialty niche in doing "life-masks"
or body casts. Tracy's one-of a-kind casts allow the patron to be a "part of immortalized art." Tracy
uses an algae-based dental gel to capture his subjects and then makes the final cast in aircraft grade plaster
backed by hemp or burlap sacks. The piece is then finished with up to 20 layers of metallic acrylic paint to produce
a luminous, bronze-like patina.
Tracy described the proces as, "Being actually quite pleasant. My subjects feel like they are getting a wonderful
skin treatment. Life masks used to be quite uncomfortable to make, and people would usually lose quite a bit of
hair in the process. But this stuff goes on cool and stays cool," he said.
A wide range of styles, abilities and mediums were represented.
Alongside budding teenage talent, seasoned professionals showed their expertise in digital photography, fiberglass,
surfboard art, bronze, traditional oils, charcoal, and acrylics. Even everyday objects such as nuts, bolts, screws
and scissors were represented in some sculptures.
Husband and wife team Eider and Janet De Mello specialize in "found art," taking everyday objects and
transforming them into unique sculptural forms. "Ever since I was a kid, I would put stuff together. My dad
would leave things lying around that were broken and I would assemble them to make toys," he said.
"You know the evil kid in 'Toy Story' that put together his toys in strange ways? I guess I was kind of like
that, except not mean."De Mello's contribution featured two in-wall ironing boards that were almost unrecognizable
under layers of multi-colored paint and small sketches. A nearly 6-foot-tall sculpture, "Talk to Me,"
inspired by a ventriloquist's head, was composed of several small boxes and appliquéd pieces.
Janet De Mello specializes in found object masks, whimsical creations made out of nuts bolts, scissors, and mouse
traps. "Just about anything I can find at a salvage yard or garage sale," she explained.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by internationally known San Diego Blues Guitarist Steve White. He added
just the right amount of "funk" and atmosphere to the event with acoustic picking interspersed with harmonica
riffs and his growl-y vocals.
All profits went to benefit the IB Chamber of Commerce. |
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I.B. Art Guild Spearheads Beautification Program
30 Dec 2004
I.B. Art Guild Spearheads Beautification Program
by Nina McDonald
Imperial Beach Art Guild President Kelly Tracy stands next to a freshly painted utility box on the corner of Seacoast
Drive and Imperial Beach Blvd.
If Kelly Tracy has his way, you'll soon be able to view an art show just by driving through Imperial Beach.
Ten students from teacher Lucy Nash's Mar Vista High art class, along with members of the I.B. Art Guild, will
be covering utility boxes with student-designed and executed paintings. A brilliant orange sun and a hammerhead
shark are already under production on two of the boxes on Seacoast Drive. "I used to over look these ugly
green boxes, but once the idea started to take hold of me, I notice them all over town." Tracy grins. "They
really could be made to look a lot better."
Tracy, the current Imperial Beach Art Guild president, is working in collaboration with the I.B. Chamber of Commerce,
Imperial Beach Business Improvement District, Mar Vista High school, SDG&E and SBC, to improve the appearance
of utility boxes on Seacoast Drive, Palm Avenue 13th Street & I.B. Blvd.
But, as with most civic projects, bureaucracy has slowed things down a bit, and completion of the project is currently
on hold until a city council vote gives the go-ahead to continue. Tracy says, "There are so many reasons to
do this. It's a constructive, collaborative effort and it brings the community together. It adds art to the community.
As kids grow up they will be able to see their imprint all around them. And there's also the opportunity for these
kids to get exposure for their talent, which will lead to paid work. Some of the kids are already getting job offers
from painting these boxes. A member of the community came down to watch the students paint and he ended up hiring
some of the students to paint his bus, which is a converted motor home. "I am willing to do what ever it takes
to see this project accomplished".
Tracy brings a passion for art, expertise in aircraft engineering, metal fabrication, Marine coatings and a love
for his new hometown to his position as I.B. Art Guild president. "I came to I.B. about a year and a half
ago. Like a lot of people [in San Diego], when I started looking for a place to buy, I didn't really consider I.B.
as an option: at first. But then my Realtor found a great place that really met my needs, and I saw that I.B. was
changing in so many positive ways. The combination of new and existing members of the community are really contributing
to help move I.B. in a forward direction," he said.
Plunging into the local I.B. art scene, Tracy quickly became involved with the Art Guild and the BID. Through ongoing
conversations, he discovered that Deb Janney, BID Chairman, already had a plan in place to paint the utility boxes,
but that it hadn't really gotten off the ground. Janney had considered working with Mar Vista High school art students.
BID member Jerry Bice of Bonded Painting Service, had secured permission from SDG&E and SBC. With Tracy's encouragement
and Art Guild Vice President's help, the first painting session was organized for Monday, Dec. 20.
At 9 am, artists and organizers gathered along various locations on Seacoast Drive and under careful directions
by Kelly Tracy, began painting. The 43-year-old artist explains that prep work on the boxes proceeded with the
utmost care."Surface preparation is the key to any proper coating or painting application and I made sure
the kids taped over all the identifying information on the boxes before we started", [so it would look clean
and professional]
Tracy is a third-generation aerospace mold maker/fabricator. He is certified in flame sprayed protective coatings/metal
build-up, powder coating, welding, production painting and corrosion control. He was also the safety officer for
Teledyne-Ryan Aeronautical.
But in spite of assurances that all official hurdles were cleared, around 2 pm, Assistant City Manager Tom Ritter
arrived on the scene and asked the painting crews to stop work. Tracy says, "I went down to city hall to speak
with Tom Ritter and it seems that even though there has been talk about this project for a while, there never
was an official city council vote to approve it. Tom was very sympathetic to what we were doing and supportive
of the idea, but said we had to wait until a vote and council approval at the first council meeting in January
to continue with the project."
Later that same Monday night, Tracy received a call from Ritter saying that a provisional go-ahead had been given
to complete the boxes that had already been started, but that further boxes would still have to wait. Tracy informed
the volunteers to be ready to resume painting the next day. On Tuesday, while students held brushes dripping with
paint, word came that SDG&E was asking the crews to stop until they could inspect the boxes and make sure they
were being done according to SDG&E's requirements. "They were concerned that the weather proofing seals
were being painted over. But we can't even get to those, as they are under the locked doors. I think they also
might be concerned that we were painting over the numbered ID tags on the boxes, even though it's obvious that
we have taken great care not to," says Tracy.
Re-scheduling the painting has been postponed due to weather concerns, but Tracy remains optimistic that theproject
will eventually get done and that it will be a nice addition to the public art in our community. "There are
additional benefits to this Box painting program such as reducing graffiti." "According to some officials
in Ocean Beach, North Park & Chula Vista, graffiti on the boxes are minimal, apparently most taggers are showing
some respect to the artists by not tagging them" adds Tracy.
For more information on this project and the I.B. Art Guild contact Kelly Tracy (619) 423-7829.
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