Sunday, October 19, 2014

COSTUMES, CANDY AND CONSTANTS

 

 

Saying good-bye to summer, and welcoming the arrival of autumn, always reminds me Halloween will be on our door steps, followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.....tumbling down, one after another, so very quickly.  Where does time go?
 
Some believe every moment of time slips into a forever dimension, replaying itself, ready to greet time travelers as guests......some believe ghosts slip through this fine veil  into our dimension....and just maybe, on Halloween, the veil is thinnest for ghouls, ghosts, spirits, and all things spooky to run amok for a moment.
I wonder:
If it is true, then nothing is ever permanently gone, lost, or finite.
Just in case........
MAKE TIME FOR:
SPANISH VILLAGE'S
ANNUAL DOGGY COSTUME CONTEST! 
IT IS DOGGONE FUN AND FOLLY!
Come on Sunday, October 26, 1:00 pm, here in Spanish Village.
1770 Village Place  - Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101 
Prizes for best dressed, scariest, cutest, silliest, most original and more!   Parking spaces are a premium, so come early!
We are free to the public.
Pet and family friendly.
FOR MY 2-LEGGED LITTLE FOLKS:
Come TRICK OR TREAT at over 35 working artist's studios! (just treats, really)
Enjoy the individually wrapped jellied eyeballs, licorice bats, Dracula taffy, gummy worms, gumballs, lollipops, chocolates and more!
Browse the unique creations crafted by our artists, watch the live demonstrations as art is created, talk to the artists, stroll down the courtyard perusing the art booths, and enjoy the food vendor's goodies, ..... then sit a spell, smile at the costumed dogs and children, and listen to the live music.
I will be the fluffy blonde, wearing a bright pink bow, accompanied by my best friend, Brandon, the white poodle, who will be wearing a bow tie.  We will be wagging our tails, greeting guests and diplomatically sniffing for goodies... (meatballs, bologna, and pizza are appreciated).
I love you all to infinity!
Bella  
Woof-Woof!


Friday, June 13, 2014

CLAY and SPRINGTIME




''Cowardly Dogs Bark Loudest''   ....John Webster

 If this is the case, then Brandon, my poodle  buddy, and I,  are right up there with Spiderman and Superman, because we rarely bark....what's there to bark at, here in beautiful Spanish Village?

We get plenty of belly rubs, tasty food, fresh water, and compliments aplenty. Lately, we've been watching Shirley and Elizabeth scampering between studio and the Potter's Guild...It must be time for the twice yearly Potters' Guild Show in the patio.
 We are looking forward to seeing you at the POTTERS' GUILD SPRING SALE which takes place on JUNE 14th & 15th, SATURDAY and SUNDAY, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Come peruse the assortment of handmade clay items, both utilitarian and decorative.  Enjoy the clay artwork that is fired sagger, raku, salt, and more!  Every item is handmade albeit on a potter's wheel or hand sculpted...all original art.
The whole patio is covered with booths of clay work, manned by the clay artists whose creations are being displayed....they welcome any questions you might have of their work.
Come see the inside of the Potter's Guild in studio #29, listen to the live music and nosh on the goodies provided by the food booths....and remember to toss some tidbits to me and Brandon.  
It's lovely in Spanish Village, free to enter, has 37 working art studios, open to the public on  weekdays from 11-4, and on weekends from 11-5.


We are Dog and Family Friendly.
Matilda, the canyon coyote, Margaret & Franklin, the village rats, Erika, the village cat, all send their greetings to you!
Love is good,
BELLA
Http://SpanishVillageArt.com
 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

TRANSPARENCY and MOTHER'S DAY

Some things are easy to see through, and some things are not....
 
One of my favorite things to see through is the many varieties of glass....some are rather opaque, some with colorful swirls, some crystal clear, but all hard, solid....all one of a kind, some works of art, some utilitarian, and all derived from common sand....provided by Mother Earth.
 
 This Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11,  from 10 AM to 5 PM, THE GLASS GUILD in Spanish Village, is celebrating its twice yearly glass show.

Booths spread throughout our courtyard, will display and sell glassware of all kinds, from utilitarian, to works of art, to colorful jewelry.....and more....all hand made.
Come talk to the glass artists, watch glass demonstrations, listen to live music, and enjoy all that the Glass Guild Show and the artists of Spanish Village have to show you.
 
 
Still haven't chosen anything for Mother on Mother's Day???!!##???
Then come find something unique for Mom at the Glass Show.....or better yet, invite her to come, spend time with her kids, enjoying the art, for show and sale, at the Glass Guild Show and Spanish Village.
 
 
As usual, we are FREE TO THE PUBLIC and FAMILY AND PET friendly.
 
Brandon, my poodle buddy, and I, will be looking forward to seeing you!
....maybe bring some milkbones for us.
 
 
Until this Saturday and Sunday,
 
Much Love,
 
Bella
 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

''SPRING IS HERE!''

The village Jacaranda trees are covered with lavender blossoms, Judy's flowers are blooming up and down the patio....it is a time for new life and new beginnings.

 
ANOTHER KIND OF NEW BEGINNING....


 
Photo is Copyright Protected
 
Come check out our NEW MEMBER SHOW!
Gallery 21, in Spanish Village, is hosting the New Member Show from April 30th to May 12, 11 AM to 4 PM daily.
Enjoy the visual creations by newly juried members of Spanish Village, who are emerging or seasoned artists, proud to share their creations, expressed in many different mediums.
A RECEPTION on Saturday, May 3rd, from 4 PM to 7 PM, Gallery 21, in Spanish Village, welcomes everyone to see the art, meet the artists, munch on the goodies, listen to the live music, and seep in the good vibes.
 Photo is Copyright Protected
 

  Photo is Copyright Protected
 
 
 
As usual, Spanish Village and this reception  is FREE to the public.
We are family and pet friendly.



 
 Photo is Copyright Protected

THE EASTER EGG HUNT.....was a success.  (Aagghhh!  I feel like burping up eggs!).  Brandon, my poodle buddy, and I, spoke to Erika, the rag doll cat, about eating Margaret's baby rats.  Erika has conceded not to eat them anymore, only because we said Matilda, the canyon coyote, wanted to masticate on a plump, juicy, cat!  Hopefully, there will come a time when everyone knows it is not nice to kill and eat eachother.
 
 
In the meantime,  my two-legged friends, as H.G.Wells wrote: ''If the world does not please you, you can change it''. 
 
As for me, art, life, and change are synonymous.  
 
Everyone! Come to the New Membership Show!
 
Until later, my loves!

Bella
WOOF!  WOOF!

Monday, April 14, 2014

SPRING is HERE!

 
 
 
''Here comes Peter Cottontail,
 hopping down the bunny trail, hippity hop,
 Easter is on its way!''
 
Sunday, April 20th, 11 AM to 3 PM, every half hour, The Good Eggs of Spanish Village will be hiding 100's of colorful, prepackaged candy filled, plastic Easter eggs!
 
Bring your children to Spanish Village to hunt Easter eggs, and introduce them to art!
 
Check out Spring and Summer Children's
Art Classes!  
 
 
 
Stroll though our vintage art village, enjoy the 37 welcoming, working, art studios, listen to live music, and, as always, we are free to the Public, family and dog friendly.
 
AND!........
 
Remember to come and celebrate EARTH DAY, April 27th, at Spanish Village and throughout Balboa Park. 
 
We are proud to say this is one of the largest ecological fairs in the nation.
Enjoy, and get informed on energy conservation, alternative energy, recycling, ecology, animal rights groups, vendor booths and more!
 
My two-legged friends, remember.....
EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON MOTHER EARTH.
WE NEED TO RESPECT AND CARE FOR HER.
 
.....As for the latest in my life.
My buddy Brandon, the white poodle, and I, have been clandestinely counting the baby rats carried off by Erika, the rag cat.  (Boy, she's getting fat).
We suspect Margaret is too preoccupied with her brood to miss 3 or 8 baby rats, and Franklin (the arachnophobic father rat) is no where to be seen.
Hopefully, Matilda, the canyon coyote, hasn't made a meal out of him.
 
Well my lovelies, see you at the Easter Egg Hunt, and on Earth Day!
 
Love,
Bella, woof! woof!

Monday, February 24, 2014

39th Annual Small Image Show

WHEW!
Saying good-bye to the holiday season goes with a sincere so-long!
 
And now, the village is welcoming our juried 39th Annual Small Image Show, where art of all kinds is created within a 10''x10'' or smaller art images....incredible!
 

 
 
 
39th SMALL IMAGE SHOW
SPANISH VILLAGE ART CENTER
GALLERY 21
RUNS FROM: January 31 to March 2
Art for viewing and some for sale
NO ADMISSION
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
OPEN DAILY 11am to 4pm!
   

 
 
Reception: Saturday, February 1, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Come meet the artists, see award's presentation, savor the finger foods, and enjoy the live music!
 
As for the 4-legged villagers, Franklin, the arachnophobic rat, has taken up house with Margaret, who is busily building a nest for their anticipated family.
Erika, the rag doll cat, is becoming quite adept at catching baby mice and roaches...and is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Margaret's babies, bones and all...
Priscilla, the tiger gray, is getting old...I think, sometimes, too tired to catch her dinner.....Brandon, my poodle buddy or I make it a point to keep an eye on her, and drop off a rodent or two for her meals......luckily, since the weather has been warm, we don't have to find dry shelter for her.
All of the villagers look out for each other, one way or another.
 
Remember Everyone!  Visit the Small Image Show in Gallery 21, come for the reception, and then meander through the working art studios, watch art demonstrations, enjoy live music, and drink in the quaint ambience.
 
 
 
We are pet and family friendly....and always, free to the public.
 
See you there, my loves!
 
Bella the blogging Beauty..

Friday, November 29, 2013

HAVE A DOG-GONE MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 
Christmas isn't a season.  It's a feeling..........Edna Ferber
 
And I'm feeling the spirit as I watch the villagers scuttling around, moving and decorating throughout the village.  Twinkling lights, wrapped packages, colorful Christmas balls, rag tied Christmas trees, wreaths, and so much more unique decorating in front of the studios.....really, it's enough to wear a dog out just lying here watching them.
 
Balboa Park's Annual December Nights is scheduled for December 6th and 7th, from 5 PM to 11 PM.....the museums will be free to enter, carolers, food booths, Santas, and much entertainment will be throughout the Park.
 
Parking is at a premium.  Valet service is available.  Shuttle service is available.
Dress warmly....
This is a family event....but if your dog is handsome, bring him along too....as I get older, just looking at handsome dogs is enough for me...perks the old fur up.
 
I will be eagerly awaiting your company in Spanish Village Art Center.  We will be festooned with colorful Christmas decoration, twinkling lights, the aroma of hot apple cider and freshly made popcorn, arts & crafts booths throughout the patio, live entertainment, food booths, a jolly  Santa booth for kids with an agenda, and lots of happy village artists looking forward to sharing the ambience and spirit of the season with you.
 
Franklin, the arachnophobic rat is eagarly anticipating the free yummies dropped on the floor, while Erika the rag cat is anticipating what Franklin would taste like....can't we just all get along???  Brandon my poodle buddy and I will be randomly greeting everyone, and humbly accepting handouts to munch.....although, belly rubs, head pats, and compliments are always appreciated.  I will be wearing a bright, fluffly, red bow on my collar, and Brandon will be wearing a large, green, bow tie on his collar.
 
There's a saying ' He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree'....Roy L. Smith........however, Franklin, Erika, Brandon, me and the other 4-legged members of the village look forward to all the goodies left on the grounds....waiting for us to store it away.....that, I guess, are our gifts from the Christmas season.
 
Well, come and celebrate with us!
Remember to keep the Spirit of Christmas all year round....and remind my brothers and sisters not to pee on the tree.
 
I love you all!
Bella

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

CLAY and PEOPLE

 
Hello Everyone!

 
Did you know THE POTTERY GUILD'S TWICE YEARLY PATIO SALE is happening this weekend, November 9th and 10th, from 10AM to 4 PM!  

 Throughout the village, booths displaying creative, colorful, useful and decorative artworks made of clay.....one of a kind creations, all hand made by our artists.

 So, dear hearts, dip your feet into Christmas shopping, gift buying, enjoying the creative minds of our artists, and meandering through all our 37 working art studios!

 We'll have live music, food booths, and lots of people watching.

 Remember, we are free to the Public, and family and pet friendly!

 .....I was thinking, clay and people are somewhat alike....some you can see right through, and some you cannot.....but, both are fragile.

Had a lovely time at the Doggy Halloween Costume Contest and Parade!

Simon, the blue eyed Siberian Husky just IGNORED ME.
 

 
Am I losing my touch????  Turning gray???  Losing my fur???  Putting on weight???  Too many meatball, pizza and milk bones???

Is there anything redeeming about getting on with age????

 Or, I should remind myself to be grateful for every moment and day.....

 So, my dears, enjoy each moment....make happy.....

 Much Love,
 

 BELLA

Thursday, October 17, 2013

COME JOIN THE FESTIVITIES! Saturday, October 26th

Can you sense he shortening of the days as darkness creeps in earlier each evening?  Soon,we will say good-bye to summer as autumn makes its presence known....tree leaves turning golden brown and falling to the earth, and the recogning of holidays nipping at our heels....before we know it, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's quickly become memories.

Spanish Village is beginning its kick-off with Family Days, Saturday, October 26, 11 AM to 4 PM....

It is the day the Village celebrates Halloween.

Artists set up booths with their artwork for sale, and art demonstrations will be displayed in the courtyard....all 37 working art studios will be open, welcoming your observations of art being created and happy to answer questions about their art.

Visitors, dressed up in Halloween costumes, can come and visit the studios and 'trick or treat'....candy corn, lollipops, sweet tarts, caramel apples, red licorice, gumballs, lemon heads, lots of chocolate (4-leggers cannot eat this, and so much more, waiting for the goblins, witches, vampires, wild and cute animals, ghosts, and other costumed 2 and 4 legged creatures who trick or treat....

HOWEVER, nothing compares to our ANNUAL HALLOWEEN DOGGY COSTUME CONTEST, complete with DOGGY PARADE, and prizes for my 4-legged comarades....no one should be dressed up like beautiful Cinderella, because I will be, looking for my Prince Charming (preferrably with no fleas and all his teeth).  Shhh, I have a soft spot for boxers and Siberian huskies (blue eyes...hubba, hubba).  It all begins at noon in the courtyard.

Coming to Spanish Village, is a chance to see unique, handmade, arts and crafts of all kinds, amongst vintage studios, colorful paved grounds, live music, art demonstrations (even glass blowing), kids and dogs dressed in Halloween costumes, trick or treating, and a fun DOGGY COSTUME CONTEST and PARADE!!!!

COME JOIN THE FESTIVITIES!

We are family and pet friendly.

WE ARE FREE TO VISIT!

So, my 2-legged blogging friends, smile, don't worry twice, and remember, I love you!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

LOVE, KISSES, PIZZA and MILKBONES to all of you,

Bella

Thursday, August 29, 2013

OPEN HOUSE

Everyone!  Free to the Public!

You are invited to: SPANISH VILLAGE ART CENTER'S

                             YEARLY OPEN HOUSE

                             SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 5PM-8PM

Come enjoy visiting 37 individual working art studios, talk to the artists, stroll the village, take in the colorful, vintage ambience of the largest and olderst art colony in San Diego.

Bring the family!

Bring Rover!

Bring a date!

Bring yourself!

Take your time to enjoy the original art, delicious appetizers, bid on the silent auction (artwork donated by our Village artists), sit a spell to listen to the live music and enjoy the festivities.

COME Enjoy an Evening Under the Stars with Spanish Village!

I will be the fluffy, pretty dog with the wagging tail, and smiling face!

Slices of pizza much appreciated.

WOOF WOOF, my Loves,

BELLA