Artisans’ Corner contains ornate glass creations, regional paintings, and handmade kaleidoscopes
SAN DIEGO, CA; January 3, 2008 – Located in Plaza del Pasado inside Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, San Diego Art Glass features local glass art made by hand using the ancient glass bead method. Although the proprietors lost their art studio, glass pieces, and home in the Rice Fire in Fallbrook, Kerry Christenson and Leonardo Huete spent November blowing and creating as many new glass pieces as possible and opened their studio at the unique Artisans’ Corner on December 11 where they join other local artists R.D. ‘Randy’ Riccoboni of Beacon Artworks and Frank Casciani of Designs in Shell.
“Our inventory was destroyed by the fires right before we opened, but we were committed to opening our studio before Christmas and did not want to miss our chance at a location in Plaza del Pasado,” said Christenson. “The historic ambience is a perfect complement to the spirit of our creations.”
San Diego Art Glass will have as its neighbor the only kaleidoscope store in Southern California, Designs in Shell, which showcases the creations of local artist Frank Casciani and 30 other internationally known kaleidoscope artisans. All items are uniquely handmade comprising metals, glass and eggshells. The kaleidoscopes are traditional devices that remain a popular diversion today.
Also located in Artisans’ Corner, Beacon Artworks Gallery contains miniature impressionist and realism style paintings byCalifornia artist R.D. “Randy” Riccoboni. Riccoboni’s handmade paintings on canvas and paper capture well-known California landscapes such as Old Town, public events, and street scenes. To discover more about the artist and his accomplishments, visit www.beacon-artworks.com.
Along with its educational program and activity center, Artisans’ Corner was recently formed at Plaza del Pasado. It showcases the work of local artisans and provides a place for hands-on demonstrations to inspire both visitors and residents to learn more about the region’s roots in the 19th century. Storytelling and other entertainment such as Ballet Folkloric dancers, Mariachi serenades, and Tequila Tasting events are also offered in the four-square-acre plaza.