• Science and art show – bridging two creative universes,SDNEWS staff

    Science and art show – bridging two creative universes

    Explore the fascinating intersection of science and art at the upcoming Art Show and Reception “Science and Art: Bridging Two Creative Universes” hosted by Beata Science Art and the UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences. This unique exhibition brings together the works of talented researchers and artists who have been inspired by the wonders of science. This interactive gathering also explores how art can communicate complex scientific concepts, foster innovative collaborations, and advance scientific discovery.The event features a diverse range of art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, fashion, and interactive media that showcase the powerful connection between science and art, emphasizing how artistic practices are transforming scientific research, communication, and visualization through creativity and cutting-edge technologies.The Art Show and Reception takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at UCSD Park & Market (1100 Market St.). The event is free and open to the public, with complimentary food and drinks. This event was made possible through support from the UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences, BPS Bioscience, Ibidi, New England Biolabs, Nikon Instruments, Cytoskeleton Inc., ZEISS, and the National Marrow Donor Program.Beata Science Art is a science outreach brand sharing the beauty of biology through art, fashion, and interactive media. Inspired by a passion for making science accessible in creative ways, Dr. Beata Mierzwa, a molecular biologist and science artist, collaborates with Matthew Cooney, MSc, a conservationist and science communicator. Beata Science Art’s illustrations portray scientific concepts in intuitive ways, while their science fashion celebrates the beauty of the molecular world. For more information, visit www.beatascienceart.com or follow @beatascienceart on social media. 

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  • Gk Fashion House in La Jolla unveils ‘Red Chiffon’ collection,Diana Cavagnaro

    Gk Fashion House in La Jolla unveils ‘Red Chiffon’ collection

    Gk Fashion House has unveiled its new 2025 collection called “Red Chiffon.” This luxury womenswear boutique, located on Prospect Street, has been a staple in La Jolla since 2020. The new collection features a range of pieces, from chic Italian leather trench coats and cozy sweaters to luxurious silk blouses, pants, and tops. Every piece in this collection is designed to make a bold statement.Giti Kooshkani, the fashion designer behind these elegant creations shared that the inspiration for “Red Chiffon” stems from classic love stories and old Hollywood glamour. The transparency of chiffon adds a romantic and ethereal touch to the designs, which are crafted with natural fabrics sourced from around the globe. Each piece showcases impeccable craftsmanship with attention to detail. For those seeking something truly special, the boutique specializes in custom-made, one-of-a-kind designs. Whether it’s for a gala, wedding, or unforgettable event, GK Fashion House will create a piece that’s exclusively yours.Kooshkani has extensively studied the impact of “fast fashion” through her travels around the world, observing various manufacturing methods. She believes this industry has contributed significantly to environmental problems and advocates for smaller wardrobes with a high-quality clothing approach that helps reduce landfill waste.This December, Kooshkani invites residents to visit the La Jolla boutique to experience the “Red Chiffon” collection firsthand. Shop during the month to enjoy special deals and complimentary gifts with some purchases. She shares that this is her way of saying thank you for choosing GK Fashion House as part of their style journey. If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe, step into the world of timeless fashion with GK Fashion House located at 1274 Prospect St.UPCOMING EVENTSSaturday, Dec. 14 – Kenneth Barlis Fashion Show (Made in the Philippines) from 3-8 p.m. at the Port Pavilion. Formal attire only. https://bit.ly/4h9XN0P.Saturday, Dec. 14 – The 16 Annual Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party starts at the corner of 5th Street and L Street. Dress yourself and your dog in holiday costumes. Awards will be given. For tickets, visit https://form.jotform.com/241545303140140.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our Hat Designer, Teacher, and Podcaster at dianacavagnaro.com.

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  • Murals of La Jolla program keeps growing with Athenaeum Arts & Music Library,Dave Schwab

    Murals of La Jolla program keeps growing with Athenaeum Arts & Music Library

    Founded by the La Jolla Community Foundation in 2010 and now a project of the Athenaeum Arts & Music Library, the Murals of La Jolla program has grown to include 49 separate pieces of art with No. 50 on the way.Fifteen years ago when Murals of La Jolla began its collaborations with art professionals, private donors, and property owners, the public art program began to introduce new views and enter into a lively visual conversation. Throughout the village, formerly blank exterior walls were transformed into outdoor sites for temporary exhibitions accessible at all hours.Isaac Julien’s mural, ECLIPSE (PLAYTIME), at 7569 Girard Ave., is a still from his 2013 film ‘Playtime’ in which he explores and critiques how the flow of financial capital controls the contemporary art world.The mural project was created to enhance the civic character of the community by commissioning public art projects on private property throughout La Jolla. An eight-member Murals of La Jolla Art Advisory Committee composed of the heads of the major visual arts organizations is in charge of judging and selecting mural applicants. The committee commissions artists to propose the intervention of an image on specific walls on privately owned buildings. Each work has been on view for at least two years and is generously funded by private donations.Lynda Forsha, executive director of La Jolla Murals, talked about the program’s evolution.“Since we formed a committee and did the first project, once it had legs, the program took off and ever since has grown and changed,” she said adding the program is now a nonprofit by the Athenaeum.Forsha noted murals have a relatively short shelf life of two to four years, with “some shorter, some longer, The next one is No. 50. Every project is privately funded on private property. That’s what distinguishes this from other public art projects.”Over the past 15 years, there have been 16 dedicated mural sites around town. Forsha noted one site “has had five different murals. In the past two years, we’ve had three new sites, and we’ve lost some sites. It’s ever-changing.”“The walls would otherwise be blank,” concluded Forsha putting public art into proper perspective. “La Jolla is used to having all this different art now. Not having it would make La Jolla a bit barren.”Mural themes are left up to the individuals who apply for the program. “We work as a committee to create outdoor exhibits of the arts,” said Forsha, a committee member herself noting applicants are assessed on the individual merit of their proposals. “We pick what we think would be the best choice for a particular site at a particular moment in time,” she confided. “It’s a thorough curating by a group of very seasoned art experts.”Forsha pointed out that “three of the sites are painted murals,” while adding, “All of the rest are printed using a very special framing system.” She added, “Many of the artists are not interested in painting murals, but are more interested in creating an image. They’re a distinguished group of preeminent artists who are willing to make a new artwork for La Jolla.”Forsha said muralists enjoy artistic license “to do whatever they want. We (the mural committee) hope they’ll make something connected to our community, that site, or this place in the world. But we don’t give them anything they’re going to be required to make.”Roy McMakin’s Favorite Color, at 7596 Eads Ave., is enchanting, visually playful, and came to fruition through the artist’s collaborative concept.MURAL OF LA JOLLA BOOK“Murals of La Jolla” is a hardbound, 176-page book documenting the first 10 years (2010–2019) and the first 30 murals of the project. The book includes two essays – “La Jolla Views,” by Susan Morgan, and “Reframing a Community: Murals of La Jolla,” by G. James Daichendt; artist biographies; and a map with mural locations. For more information about the book, visit ljathenaeum.org/murals-book. The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, located at 1008 Wall St., is one of only 17 nonprofit membership libraries in the United States. This rare cultural institution offers a depth and accessibility of resources and programs found nowhere else in the region, including one of the most significant collections of artists’ books in Southern California. The Athenaeum also presents a year-round schedule of art exhibitions, concerts (classical, jazz, acoustic, and new music), lectures, studio art classes through its School of the Arts, tours, and special events. For more information visit,  ljathenaeum.org and muralsoflajolla.com.Murals of La Jolla Committee – Members include Patsy Marino, committee chair, community leader, and art collector; Jessica Berlanga-Taylor, director, Stuart Collection at the University of California, San Diego; Matt Browar, art collector, and CEO of Browar Development Corp.; Lynda Forsha, executive director, Murals of La Jolla, and principal of Art Advisory Services; Victoria Fu, associate professor, visual arts, University of San Diego; Kathryn Kanjo, David C. Copley director and CEO, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego; Lauren Lockhart, executive director, La Jolla Historical Society, and Christie Mitchell, executive director, Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. 

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