ENCINITAS — The old Cabo Grill was once again transformed into an art gallery with 101 original banners lining the walls and railings during the 12th annual Arts Alive banner unveiling ceremony March 12.
Artists joined friends, family and art enthusiasts for the ceremony. The first glimpse at the banners that will hang on lampposts throughout the city was inspiring to many. Local artist Bre Custodio was excited to pull the butcher paper covering her banner titled “Evening Session with a Local.” The work depicts a Swami on a surfboard surrounded by lotus flowers. “I got the inspiration during a sunset surf session at Swami’s when I saw a double rainbow overhead,” she said.
Conceived in 2000, the banner program has been adapted in various cities across the country. “It’s a way to get a large part of the community involved in public art,” Sarah Jones said, as she scanned the various banners. “I look forward to seeing the representations of local scenes and so many other things on the (Highway) 101 when they put the banners up.”
The 101 Artists’ Colony, in conjunction with the Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association, Cardiff 101 MainStreet and Leucadia 101 MainStreet Association, are program sponsors of the banner program. Proceeds from the sale of banners will be split 50-50 between the artists and either the 101 Artists’ Colony, Cardiff 101 MainStreet, or Leucadia 101 MainStreet Association.
Silent bidding was already in full swing as people picked out favorites early in the day. “There are so many good ones this year,” Percy Lacuat remarked. “I’m not sure which one I want to buy yet.” The banners will come down at the end of May and each of the original works of art will be auctioned off to the general public on June 5 at the Cardiff Town Center Courtyard, San Elijo Road at Birmingham Drive.
Bids will be accepted through the DEMA office until the live auction. For more information, call (760) 943-1950 or visit Arts AliveEncinitas.com.
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