Fine Art at D23

Disney had it's third annual D23 convention and it was a delight not only to Disney fans but for appreciators of fine art.  There were numerous fine artists featured, displaying their works with a Disney theme.  My favorite had to be the folks at Acme Art. Their tonal quality and color really captured the essence of  Disney characters. Marvel comics made it's debut with a wonderful presentation by the head of Marvel talking about it's history and it's future with Disney.  The one person I really wanted to see, John Lasseter, was impossible to view unless you stood in line for hours. He was speaking on the new Cars land in California Adventures.  The equivalent of  watching Thomas Edison talking about the light bulb. Or Walt Disney himself talking about his upcoming theme park. I was sorry to miss him.
What I thought most interesting was the Disney Corporate display that featured the incredible community work Disney participates in.  There was a opportunity to send letters to servicemen and women. Build a box for the red cross amongst other service projects.
D23 comes around every two years, so make your reservations now for 2013!

Visit Italy in San Diego

Now through September 18, The Timken Museum in San Diego is hosting works by artist George Inness.  a 19th century American artist who fufilled his desire to paint Italy. Mr. Inness is credited as being one of the founders of "tonal" painting. Tonal means on a scale 1-10, White being 1, Dark being 10 painting all shades in between. So essentially it's painting in shades of color.  It's beautiful!! You can see an example of his work here

Waves of History at International Surfing Museum

Want to bask in the after-glow of last weeks US Surfing Championship in Huntington Beach?  Go to the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum off Main Street. It's a must see for anyone interested in surfing or surf culture. I remember as a teenager going to the US Surfing Championship where a couple hundred people sat on the beach listening to a single loud speaker narrating the action. Now with thousands of people attending surfing events, the Surfing Museum captures the sport's essence in simpler times. The museum has several exhibits including early pioneers of surfing featuring the man who started it all, Duke Kohanamoku. "The Duke" captivated fans through his Olympic fame to popularize surfing. Past surfing champions both local and international are predominately featured including the current US Surfing champion.

The museum shows the development of the surfboard, featuring a circa 1919 solid wood board  illustrating surfboard's progression from it's long board beginnings, with limited maneuverability, to it's modern shorter version which allows tricks.
The music section pays homage to music associated with surfing. The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, and of course Dick Dale, showcasing his original guitar.
There is a fun display featuring sand from beaches all over the world inviting visitors to contribute sand collected.
My favorite exhibit is the continuous running of the iconic surf movie Endless Summer.  If aliens came to this planet and wanted to know about it's culture, this movie would be my choice.You cannot watch it and be depressed. Its esoteric premise following surfers while they search for the perfect wave is brilliant in it's simplicity and aesthetics.  You are transported into a serene state of being.  The fact that the original camera used to film that masterpiece sits in the corner is a thrill.
The Surf Museum is located at 441 Olive Avenue in Huntington Beach. Admission is free. Check the website for day and open times. click here for museum information