Remembering Fouad Tawfilis 

LIFE IN THE ALLEY

One year ago I was still operating the Phantom Gallery on Coast Hwy. It had been a splendid summer with success in the sales of many art works, and the public finding a gallery in Downtown Oceanside on PCH. The Art Building which is home to many great eating venues, is also on the Alley side filled with Artists , Musicians and a place we proudly know as the Muruamid Mural Museum and Art Center.

With the creation of this art filled place of world wide murals, we have the privilege of seeing first hand murals painted from artists Internationally as well as Regional San Diego creators...

The First ever Mural Museum in the World, has given new energetic vibes to Artists Alley that now has become the Center of the Action on First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Oceanside.

The space of the Phantom was leased, so I'm no longer there, but still bring my heart to this pathway to the Arts which has given so much to the Downtown. There is a much more important and worthy absence to be mentioned. The Presence of the co-founder of the Muramid, Fouad Tawfilis.

Fouad Tawilif Ph.D was the Co-Founder of  the Muramid. He gave to our Arts Community as the first President of the Oceanside Friends of the Arts a grounding in patience and love, acumen for the galleries, and most of all the integrity of purpose of which he never wavered. He guided the rhythm of the Alley like a Father to us all and gave us love and understanding when we needed most. We miss Him and know that on this anniversary of his passing, he will be in spirit dancing with us on this First Friday of September 2017.                    

Aki Drumming on this Special Night

SATURDAY NIGHT OMA OPENED THE PORTAL

TO THE MAGIC KINGDOM OF ROLLY CRUMP

“OPENING THE PORTAL OF IMAGINATION”

As I walked up to the entrance of the Oceanside Museum of Art, I met a young family with two dancing children. We stopped a moment and I asked, Did they enjoy the exhibition? Oh Yes the mother exclaimed, we are going to have something to eat, and we will be back. The Kids loved it !!!

This was going to be a wondrous night of Disney brought to Oceanside. Most folks think of Disneyland as being a kids thing, but seeing the work of Rolly Crump in this comprehensive exhibition shows just how much it belongs to all of us when we become Kids ourselves for a night. There was in a small room off to the side, with an adult offering of exotic images which are rendered in magnificently splendid hues and incredible detail.

The three dimensional imaginings of Rolly's are delightful and seductive. The work draws you into the creative mind of a man who never stops “seeing” magical possibilities.

What is Imagination? I believe it is the answers of a curious mind when it asks the question of “what if”?. The “what ifs” and the answers are realized in the product or art form the artist or scientist create.

The imagination of the artist is what drives a powerful force to “do” something when an idea starts become the question..and the mind unleashes images of wonderment. The doing of something is nonnegotiable, it is a compelling force not to be denied. In Rolly's case, this creative force brought us; The Enchanted Tike Room, the Haunted Mansion and It's a Small World and the many art works never before seen by the public at large. Here in Oceanside, many of the Children never get to see Disneyland. I hope that we can spread the word on our social media platforms to come to OMA and enjoy this magical kingdom of Rolly's at OMA. Kids are Free and it will be memory to be treasured forever.

Walk through this Portal of Imagination at OMA August 26 – February 18, 2018

Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 11:00am–5:00pm
Thursday, Friday 11:00am–8:00pm
Sunday 12:00–5:00pm
Closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas DayThe first Saturday of each month is free admission.

Artists Alley Drummers

A PERFECT SUMMER NIGHT

AUGUST 4, 2017

First Friday Art Walk

Oceanside CA

On this night in a place called Oceanside CA, I stroll down the street to take in the First Friday Art Walk making it's presence known with music, visual art, and the large crowds of folks taking in the “scene”. I started at the Oceanside Museum of Art around 5:50, but the program was just getting underway, so I decided to come back later for my meeting the friends I knew would be there later.

Making my way to the Oceanside Art Gallery was  walkomg the top loop of the circle of the art walk map. Joseph was there to show off his new works which were so different from his previous works, kinda like a surreal take on Dali about glasses. Brilliant Blues jumped out at me, blue is my addiction in the color world. Blake Kern was there with new works which beguile me every time. This time a small free standing very small object with a face to fall in love with. 

Continuing down Mission Ave, I came across a new and charming place,“Panels” a comic book coffee bar. Upscale and perfect in it's cozy feel of a room you remember from childhood. A central table with chairs inviting you to sit and read a favorite comic book with a cup of coffee. They do have “Wonder Woman” comics, so I will definitely be back when I can spend time...It brought back memories of when I would sneak into the Drug Store and read comics until the clerk would kick me out but now, I can read until ….

Making my way down Mission Ave music was on every corner, folks just sitting on the new benches listening and keeping time on this lovely August night.

A set up in the Alley 

“The Alley” was the theme I heard over and over again from folks walking about. Artists Alley is always my place to enjoy, I see the Ruth of 25 years ago dreaming about this kind of place where art abounds, and people with children watch, dance, and enjoy the art works in the galleries and set ups on the sides of the “Alley”.

Inside the Muramid Mural Museum the 

exhibition of “Bad as” men continues. As always the music is inviting especially to the young folks.

I met a charming man who does dog paintings. I photographed his works, unfortunately he does not have a web site. I will try to find out his contact info.

The Drummers were there, enchanting and seductive sounds go into the mind melding the beat, winding it's way into the back of the skull, and coming out with the feet moving with every vibration of the night. Love them all, they make “the Alley” come alive. 

Tolling back up the hill, and for me, it is a hard walk, I go back to OMA. 
The program” is in full swing and the crowds are amazing. I see and visit with old friends and new. Sitting on the small wall in front of the Museum, I realize that here is the Oceanside that I saw so many years ago, one that shines with promise with future of the new , one that is outreaching to old and new members of all communities, and One that most of all is filled with Art ! 

ARTISTS ALLEY CREATING ART WAVES 25 YEARS