San Diego is known more for it’s beaches than its art scene, but one regulary scheduled event in North Park is pushing to put inner city creativity on the map.
North Park hosted Ray at Night Art Walk again on Saturday. Artists, photographers, fashion designers, models, and musicians flocked to event, which takes place the second Saturday of the month and ties the worlds together through gallery showings and musical performances.
“You don’t need an invitation -- you know it’s always happening,” said Jason Gould, whose Chaos in Pieces series of works were on view at the San Diego Art Department.
Gould has been going to Ray at Night for past few years. He said that, over time, the art center tucked inside the heart of North Park has become an art hub for San Diego.
“Although some of the galleries have come and gone, there’s always a prominent focus here on the art,” Gould said.
Ray at Night showcases the work of local, national and international artist of all trades, including fashion designer and photographer Francisco Madaog, whose portfolio of high fashion photography was highlighted on Saturday. There was also a presentation of his fall 2010 couture collection at Cirello Gallery.
During the event, art lovers, locals and tourists mingle with artists like Cirello Gallery owner Matthew Cirello, who showed his jewelry collection of re-purposed metals from around San Diego.
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Music. Community. Culture.
“There’s always something going, and it’s about us showing everybody what we are about one night of out the month” Cirello said.
More than 30 galleries, business and restaurants in and around University Avenue and Ray Street participate in the event, which is currently in it’s ninth season.
“Its’ been a way to get new artists' names out there, and it’s tremendously important to them as artists and the business in North Park”, said Chris Bittner, who works at another of the participating business, OBR Architecture.
Bittner said participating businesses are gearing up for a brand new approach to the event’s look and feel.
"A lot of new business are coming in, and all the spaces are filled now," Bittner said. "We’ve been revamping how we are promoting everything, making it better, and allowing the event to grow and expand.”
