A New Creative Class for Encinitas

A cultural revolution is taking shape on the second floor of an industrial building at Second and C streets. In the Beebo Originals studio, Danielle Bibeau has a lofty dream of growing and supporting the community’s creative spirit.

“Encinitas is kind of the perfect place for me,” she says. “There were cheaper places I could have moved to, but the creative environment here is so rich.”

In the back workroom of her studio space, amid cabinets with fabric spilling out of them, Bibeau creates her leather utility belts and trademark faux fur clothing and accessories, including vests and hoodie hats. In the front room, she hosts open studio nights, where people can come and work on projects and feed off the creative vibe. Bibeau plans to host workshops and have other artists come in and teach classes as well.

She’s also creating a showcase for her talented friends and budding young artists. Last December, she and a few others got together and created the Encinitas Holiday Market. Held in the lot by Bibeau’s building, the event featured about 20 vendors and live music. Items on sale included feather earrings, upcycled clothing, handmade hoops, belly dance clothing and props, and, of course, Bibeau’s designs.

“We weren’t trying to make tons of money; it was more of an experiment to help friends who were just starting out,” says Bibeau. It was an experiment that worked so well that Bibeau is planning to hold seasonal events under the Encinitas Market banner; the next one—a Spring Fling—is March 20.

Bibeau is excited to see how her dreams evolve, and how they will be shaped and built upon by others in the community. “I love creating and being creative,” she says. “It’s not just about me selling my art or products; it’s about supporting others. I’d just as soon teach others as sell.”

The Spring Fling takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 20 at Second and C streets. For more information, visit beebooriginals.com. Sign up for the e-mail list and be eligible to win a Beebo Originals hat.

20 Years and Running

Start training now—the 20th annual City of Encinitas 5K/1K Run/Walk takes place May 14 as part of the Encinitas Sports and Fitness Festival. Everyone gets a T-shirt and goody bag; racers 12 and younger get a medal. The course starts at Moonlight Beach and wends through downtown. Right now you can register for $20; it goes up to $25 April 1. For more information, visit encinitasrace.com.

A Banner Year

Get the first look at the new 101 Arts Alive banners that will be hanging along Highway 101 through May. They’ll be unveiled at noon March 12 at Cabo Grill, at North Coast Highway and La Costa Avenue. The banners will be at the restaurant until 4 p.m. before being installed on lampposts around town. For more information, call 760-943-1950 or visit encinitas101.com.