Sunday, November 22, 2015

Affordable Art at SD Art Institute Balboa Park

By Patricia Frischer

Value Scale: Affordable Art Fair

Nov 21 to Dec 6
San Diego Art Institute
1439 El Prado, SD 92101
More info: Celia Gold 619-236-0011 


I think it is quite fantastic that you can go to an exhibition and buy works of quality from $15 to $500 in a lovely gallery space right in the middle of Balboa Park.  The works might not all  be your own taste, but they were all challenging and  wonderful to view.  

This show replaces the C Note exhibition (works priced at $100, $200 and $300) that was often extremely varied in quality and very wide in style. Although those shows seemed like they had something for everyone, I often found nothing that excited or stimulated me.

Value Scale is the start of a new tradition at SDAI which I encourage.  I wish there had been more information about the artists showing available.  A younger audience needs education if they are to become  buyers of work who can actually build the knowledge and confidence to become a new generation of collectors.  SDAI will invent its own way forward as the director Ginger Porcella finds ways to connect to the community. Docent tours seem a bit old fashion for this re-born space, but connecting one person at a time is essential. 

This is just a sampling of work...check out the show for yourself and make room for some new art or give the gift that shows you have really thought about the recipient.

Reg Oberg shows a pizza palette with a mosaic of the pyramids

John Staub
Peter Geise - I defy you not to find one you like!

Ricardo Sanders


Ricardo Sander - wall of plenty

Hung Viet Nguyen

Michelle Mateo

Edwin Nutting - my husband's favorite

Kenny King

Kenny King

Andrew Alcasid

Andrew Alcasid - no, the image is not crooked, each work is on a random piece of cut wood.

Jose Hugo Sanchez

Jose Huge Sanchez side view so you can see some of the depth of these extraordinary works.


All New Yorkers in Exile, please note San Diego Art Institute (1439 El Prado, SD 92101) is celebrating your immigration status with a party on Tues. Dec 15 from 7 to 1- pm. This one-night event will feature a "New York-style" party, complete with a hot dog eating contest, performing rats, and DJs (Permanence). The event will be hosted by local drag artist and personality Noah Michaels (Siren), and includes live music by Octa#grape. Enter the raffle on-site to win a free 3-night stay in NYC. Attire: Black (or fuhgeddaboudit) $25.00 online or $30.00 at the door. More info: Marina Grize 619-236-0011


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