Oceanside: Art, Market, Sunset & More

After camping for the night at Steve's Mom's, we have relocated to Oceanside and will call this beach town our home for the next two nights. We have a lovely campsite right in front of our friend, Brady's home.

Our first stop was at Oceanside Museum of Art West at the Seabird Resort. We love this intimate art space and try to see each exhibition that is showcased there.

The newest is Common Not-So-Common Objects, "pop art that transcends borders, celebrating the shared experiences and diverse perspectives that define the Southern California region. Los Angeles to Tijuana represents a corridor of creativity, where cultures converge, collide, and collaborate. Within this eclectic landscape, everyday objects serve as touchstones of identity, reflecting the rich tapestry of experiences that define the region. From the iconic imagery of Hollywood to the colorful piñatas found in marketplaces of Tijuana, these objects embody the spirit of innovation and resilience that characterizes Southern California's diverse communities."

Steve enjoyed these custom-fabricated fire extinguishers, welded and painted with great attention to detail. According to the artist, Zachary Dobbins, "The extinguisher offers not only the safety of its firefighting abilities but also the sensual fluctuating warmth of the human body." Art does make one ponder.

There was something nostalgic about this Speed Racer plate, displayed in a series of many intriguing ceramics. Interestingly, there was no information as to who the artist was so I did some research. Its craftsman is Ron Carlson, a local boy who received both his Bachelor’s of Art and Masters of Art from San Diego State University in 1972 and 1974. After completing his education, Carlson assisted in the development of the UCSD Crafts Center, where he became the director and held the position for 38 years. From 1977 to 2011 Carlson worked to build the most comprehensive crafts program on the West coast. How very cool is that!

Dave Lefner creates wonderful art with a retro feel. His process is called reduction linocuts. Wow.

Duke Windsor was another unidentified artist. His impressionist still life series, Material Things was pretty fun to ogle.

I have mentioned Cheryl Tall in previous blogs because of my admiration for her ceramic works.

This work is as if Taylor Chapin was in my pantry. I love these large pieces. How fun would they be in a kitchen?

After enjoying art of the Seabird, Steve wanted to enjoy art of the beer. We found ourselves on the rooftop of a new place in town, Finney's Crafthouse. We made it there with only 20 minutes left of Happy Hour, hence the two beverages for Steve.

Sitting there made us feel like we were on a cruise ship. We'll be returning!

We even ran into a very devoted Padres Fan! Hysterical.

If we're in Oceanside on a Thursday night, we try to peruse the MainStreet Oceanside’s Sunset Market. Featuring up to 200 merchants and spanning four city blocks, this happening is San Diego County's top weekly food and music street fair.

Every Thursday from 5-9 PM, thousands of residents, and visitors alike, gather here to enjoy hot food from around the world, gourmet goodies and desserts, eclectic shopping and live entertainment.

A highlight of camping at the beach the sunsets it gifts us.

Oceanside's pier is one of the most picturesque... especially when viewed from underneath.

Oceanside has had six piers since its incorporation in 1888, with most being destroyed by storms. This sixth pier has been delighting beachgoers since 1987. It is a place we are often drawn to.