With a new art gallery opening and a resort just a week old, Oceanside was a must for our Friday Date Night.
The Seabird is described as, "The Grand beachside resort, reimagined A contemporary twist on the classic seaside resort experience. Beautiful ocean estate architecture. Grand pool deck. Fine dining. Luxury spa. Bespoke service. All set directly on the beach - so close you can see the surfers paddling out in the morning and hear the crash of the waves as you sip cocktails with the setting sun."With yellow as its accent color, I knew this place was for me!As a part of the state-designed Oceanside Arts District, the hotel displays a extensive and amazing permanent art collection throughout, along with temporary exhibitions, all of which are curated by the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), featuring works by Southern Californian artists (the ceramic piece behind the front desk is by Courtney Mattison).
Two fun and very different works (Tot above and Bullish below) were created by Richard Becker, renowned for his emotionally realistic portraits, powerful monumental works and his sometimes offbeat, but always uplifting, imaginative sculptures and paintings.As we explored the property, the attention to detail was evident everywhere!This unique, white ceramic butterfly shaped piece was created by Jeff Irwin.What I thoroughly delighted in was the vintage Oceanside photographs proudly displayed amongst the other works of art. So awesome!This amazing image was a photograph by Grace Weston, intriguingly adorning the walls of the elevators. Wow!We were advised to peruse the spa's art collection, too. "Welcome to Sunny’s Spa and Beauty Lounge joyful, easy, completely indulgent spa experience where you can get everything from a quick blow out to a deeply restorative treatment."How fun to hang out in the spa's lobby and talk art with museum staff and hotel employees.This was of cyanotypes (many small squares) is from the talented Annalise Neil.A quick detour into the Wood Library provided more art awe. This special space was named for former Mayor Jim Wood, who on opening day was commended for his help in making the development possible. The vibrant color was added by artist Michael James Armstrong.The Morality Plays: Asteroidum, a miniature by Roland Reiss demands a return study. What a fun piece.Our favorite spot to hang was at The Shelter Club.With color-themed intimate spaces, whose walls are adorned with framed vintage swimsuits, what's not to love?"After a dip in the pool, you’ll enjoy refreshing drinks and flavorful snacks at this poolside cabana catering exclusively to hotel guests." Turns out, we were not really suppose to be there but how could we miss this view while we dined?
Besides the delicious nachos, we were transported to the deck of a cruise ship... it was truly magical.And how amazing is Michelle Montjoy's hall of wonder. Her material source makes me think she and I would get along well.This creative artist searched Oceanside's thrift stores for t-shirts.Yes, the rope is truly "the fabric of Oceanside". Isn't that so dang cool?Now, the reason we were there... "Join us during First Friday Art Walk for the opening of OMA West at The Seabird. The inaugural exhibition at our new annex gallery located inside The Seabird Resort highlights works from the permanent collection of Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) that celebrate the natural and built environments found in the open air along the Pacific coast. Exploring the trajectory of Southern California painting from the plein air tradition to contemporary pop-surreal." Below are just a few of my favorites...Jeanne Dunn: Tangled Trees Series: Discretion
Vereara Maeva-Taripo: Cook Island Quilt Turquoise and White with Girl
Raúl Guerrero's, Car Crash at der Wienerschnitzel made us laugh because that hot dog stand lost the der in 1977 (though Steve and I still call it that).
Ernest Silva: Rowers, Lighthouse, Deer
William Glen Crooks: Pacific Crossing
We have ogled Jen Trute's Sunbathe Barbie at Bombay Beach previously at the Cannon Art Gallery. Today, we looked a little deeper.If you look closely, it is a pretty powerful commentary about our imperiled earth."...painter Jen Trute depicts a clash of consumer culture and environmental decay. The blond-tressed doll, wearing a lime bikini, reclines in a plastic beach chair and matching end table, oblivious to the pollution around her." Hmmm.I liked Ruth Jameson's Blue Cottage Number 22 due to its depiction of Robert's Cottages and for its unique style. "Informed by a photograph, this original digital painting employs symbols that reference ocean life. With a nod to surrealist artists, such as Salvador Dali, Jameson creates a dreamlike narrative."
Honestly, everything about The Seabird is dreamlike. We will be back often.Oh, and they have pretty darn cute postcards, too.
"The Seabird Resort will continue Oceanside’s emergence as an authentic destination along San Diego’s beautiful north shore.”
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2 comments:
I love the diversity of the art!
Hello. My friend recently came upon your blog. I am the artist that made the piece titled Chorus in front of the ballroom at the Seabird Resort. I am sorry you could not find more information about the fantastic artists in the collection at the hotels. I am happy to give you their names so you can credit them in your post.
Warmly, Michelle Montjoy
michellemontjoy01@gmail.com
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