ENCINITAS — The 18th annual LeucadiART Walk transformed North Coast Highway 101 into an open-air gallery Sunday, drawing residents and visitors alike to celebrate local art and the funky Leucadian community.
Hosted by the Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association, the event featured over 100 artists, live music and interactive exhibits, making it North County’s largest juried art show.
One of the event’s highlights was an interactive exhibit by featured artist Mikey Kettinger, who introduced “The Flowers Project.” The exhibit encouraged attendees to engage in random acts of kindness, inspired by Kettinger’s late aunt, who had requested acts of kindness instead of flowers for her funeral.
“I thought that was really beautiful, and I’ve thought about that a million times since then,” Kettinger said. “That’s been something that’s inspired me to do my own social engagement art projects.”
Kettinger, a local artist and educator, teaches at MiraCosta College, Pacific View Art Center in Encinitas and Studio ACE in Oceanside. His style blends pop art, surrealism, and impressionism, and he expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to be a featured artist at the event.
“It’s a really giant honor to me to be the feature artist for this,” he said. “I take that very seriously.”
Also featured at the LeucadiART Walk was Matt Hayden, a surfboard artist whose project, “Surf X Art,” merges traditional surfboard craftsmanship with diverse artistic styles.
Hayden collaborates with artists to create custom surfboards that serve as both functional items and art pieces. His project, which started about a year ago, has gained attention for its unique approach to surf culture and art.
“Surf X Art is about making beautiful surfboards that end up connecting with the people that get them, whether it’s for their home, office or even a hotel,” Hayden said. “It’s fun, it’s a conversation piece, and it kind of gets you stoked for your next surf session.”
Hayden, who has partnered with artists like the famous mural painter Wyland as well as Lost Surfboards creator Drew Brophy, said the LeucadiART Walk offered valuable feedback and interest, particularly for custom-designed boards.
“I think there’s a lot of people that want customs,” Hayden noted. “Somebody, I just met them, lives right above Grandview, and wants a shot of Grandview on the board. I’ve met people that own race cars, and they want to put their race car on it.”
Attendees enjoyed exploring various Artist Plazas, a Children’s Artwalk, and a Beverage Garden featuring local brews and craft cocktails. Free trolley service along the 101 allowed easy access throughout the day, enhancing the experience for families and art enthusiasts.
The Leucadia 101 Mainstreet Association, which organized the event, continues to focus on preserving and revitalizing the North Coast Highway 101 corridor. Sunday’s walk was a testament to the thriving local arts scene and the community’s dedication to supporting it.
Organizers were not available for comment at the time of reporting.
