Another Banner Year for Encinitas

It’s that time of year when, for a couple of visually vibrant months, Coast Highway 101 becomes a unique kind of art gallery. This year’s Arts Alive Banner Project kicks off this weekend, and soon 97 original works of art will be hanging from light poles on the historic highway, stretching from La Costa Avenue in Leucadia to Restaurant Row in Cardiff.

That we get to enjoy the banners while on our morning jogs or running errands is thanks to the hard work of the 101 Artists’ Colony. And it is work—in addition to many of the artists who create banners for the program, some of the artists also install them on the light poles in what is a true hands-on effort. What started in 2000 with just 40 banners in downtown Encinitas has now spread across the city, and has spawned similar programs in cities across the country.

Spearheading the effort is artist and longtime local arts VIP Danny Salzhandler, who was helping former Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association president Peder Norby with the program in the beginning. While Salzhandler is quick to credit his crew of volunteer helpers and dismisses his own organizational skills (“Just take a look at my sock drawer,” he says with a laugh), he was named the local Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Citizen of the Year in part for his work with Arts Alive.

“The artists truly love the project,” he says. “A lot of artists give their money [from auction proceeds] to different nonprofits. Artists do it because it’s a real passion. We have amateurs and professionals, and there are some pieces that could go into museums.”

Artists usually paint in acrylics for the project, although this year there will be one photograph on a banner. There are no limits on subject matter, as long as it’s appropriate for the streets of Encinitas. “Occasionally, we’ve had to add a starfish on a mermaid to cover something up,” Salzhandler says.

And like an art gallery, all the work is on sale, via an auction process that culminates in June after the banners come down (see “Do Your Bidding”). Locals can get the first look at the new banners at this Saturday’s kickoff party. Salzhandler says it’s one of the best free arts events in the city—and since the artists are all asked to bring a bottle of wine for refreshments, it ensures a good time even if you don’t place a bid.

Do Your Bidding

The Arts Alive banner unveiling takes place from noon to 5 p.m. March 12 at the former Cabo Grill at 1950 N. Coast Highway 101. Bids can be made in a silent auction at the unveiling or by calling DEMA (760-943-1950) while the banners are on view around town. Those silent bids will be the jumping-off point for opening bids at the live auction 2 p.m. June 5 outside Seaside Market, located at 2087 San Elijo Ave. in Cardiff. The minimum bid is $150 and the proceeds are split between the artist and the supporting organizations (101 Artists’ Colony, Cardiff 101, Leucadia 101). For more information, visit 101artistscolony.com.

In the Kitchen

Award-winning cooking instructor and author Tina Wasserman will share Jewish cooking recipes and other tips on April 29 at Temple Solel in Cardiff. The evening will include Shabbat dinner prepared with recipes from Wasserman’s book, “Entrée to Judaism,” followed by a tasting of Israeli wines along with appetizers. Music, games and child care are also included. Temple Solel is located at 3575 Manchester Ave. in Cardiff. For more information, call 760-436-0654 or visit templesolel.net.