The first annual Encinitas Foodie Fest is coming to Pacific Station on June 23. As part of this exciting new event, producer Jolee Pink has assembled a roster of local artists and designers to create original artworks for the Art to Table fundraiser benefiting the Coastal Community Foundation’s Healthy Day Fund.
Fourteen unique pieces of functional art containing assorted succulent plants reveal the artistic styles of the artists who have designed them. Jolee Pink explained, “What makes this project so engaging is the array of materials used in the creative process combined with the individual style each artist literally brings to the table.”
As part of the Foodie Fest, the centerpieces are on display in several local restaurants, where the public is invited to bid on their favorites. The silent auction will culminate in the Pacific Station courtyard during the event June 23.
On display at Fish 101, one can find designer Marcus Paypay’s “Succulent Vessel,” in which the artist incorporates carbon fiber strands and warm walnut trim, resulting in a form that seems both light and substantial.
Sculptor and painter Cheryl Tall, whose beautifully textured footed ceramic planter titled “Senchel Vessel” for which she found inspiration while studying in Japan, can be seen at Robbie’s in Leucadia.
Boldness of clean lines and raw finishes characteristic of Shaun Michael’s superb metal work are revealed in his piece titled “Boomerang,” displayed at Union Kitchen & Tap.
Danny Salzhandler, who fabricates sustainable eco-systems for life within art, has created a brass and bronze planter reminiscent of his award winning biosculptures. His centerpiece can be seen at Café Ipe in Leucadia.
Falling Waters brings the perspective of landscape design to the centerpiece on display at Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiano.
A composition combining driftwood, beach rocks and layered pebbles created by Marialuisa Kaprielian of Succulently Urban can be seen at St. Germain’s Bistro & Café, while ceramic centerpieces created by multitalented event organizer Pink are on view at both Hapifish and Solace & Moonlight Lounge in Encinitas.
Tara Nel of Lemongrass Spa has designed two assemblages of succulents and gemstones of life-enhancing properties such as amethyst, amazonite, and carnelian, which are displayed at Carruth Cellars and Masuo’s in Solana Beach.
Additional pieces created by Maria de Castro displayed at Viggiluci’s Ristorante in La Jolla, and Ariane Falkner of Form & Function at Temecula Olive Oil Company in Solana Beach are also included in the auction.
Laird Plumleigh, whose legendary architectural ceramics, pottery and tile are recognizable throughout San Diego and beyond, has created a centerpiece finished with glazes particular to his classic style, which will be unveiled at the event.
The public is invited to join in raising funds for the Healthy Day Fund by bidding on original works of art contributed by generous local artists for this event. The fund provides schools with programs that help students make informed, healthy lifestyle choices.
The complete roster of participating artists and restaurants can be seen at encinitasfoodie.com/encinitas-foodie-art.html.
Kay Colvin is an art consultant and director of the L Street Fine Art Gallery in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. She specializes in promoting emerging and mid-career artists and bringing enrichment programs to elementary schools through The Kid’s College. Contact her at [email protected].
