LOCALS ONLY: Micaiah Hardison

The seventh annual showcases the community’s funky, artistic vibe in all its glory, with a sprawling collection of artists, galleries, and musicians taking up residence along Coast Highway 101. Among the artists displaying their work is Micaiah Hardison. The 32-year-old grew up in Leucadia and has been in business here since he was 16. His oil-on-linen works draw upon a subject beloved to Encinitans—the sea and the coastline. He talks about his community in our Locals Only questionnaire.

YEARS PARTICIPATING IN THE ART WALK: This is my fourth consecutive year.

FAVORITE PART OF THE ART WALK: It is nice seeing a lot of friends I have grown up with and surf with. There are a lot of interesting people drawn to the event so it is great meeting these local art lovers and placing works in their homes.

LOCAL SITE FOR ARTISTIC INSPIRATION: I either surf or watch the surf. The sea not only inspires me artistically but it cleanses and energizes my entire being. When I come away from the sea I feel inspired to live life to the fullest and I feel focused on the present, which is critical for me to create good art.

FAVORITE MEAL AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT: I have always been a big fan of Le Papagayo and our family always leaves there feeling good. I usually get the California Benedict and I help finish my kids’ “sweet beak” breakfasts. I’m also looking forward to Calypso opening back up.

FAVORITE ENCINITAS ACTIVITY: Pannikin coffee/surf check combo.

FAVORITE GALLERY/ART VENUE IN TOWN: There is great work being produced by students and teachers at the ateliers in Encinitas. Watts Atelier and Studio 2nd Street are two that I have studied at, and I would recommend that all artists continue to refine their skills in an environment like that.

LAST PURCHASE MADE IN ENCINITAS: Art supplies at Rhino Art.

FAVORITE “SECRET SPOT” IN TOWN: My local surf spot, which is the subject of many of my paintings. 

HIS IDEAL ENCINITAS DAY: Early morning surf, Pannikin coffee, walking a trail with the wife and kids, happy hour at Le Papagayo, and a late night in the studio with good music and a glass of wine. Barefoot and salty all day!

ONE THING HE WOULD CHANGE ABOUT THE TOWN: I would love to see more empty lots with avocado trees and gardens.

FAVORITE CIVIC ORGANIZATION: Patrons of Encinitas Parks (PEP), which is working to find creative ways to raise additional revenue for the city of Encinitas to complete construction of a new park in Cardiff.  It will have a skate park, dog park, aquatic center, ball fields, walking paths and more.

LAST LOCAL SCENE PAINTED OR SKETCHED: I’m sketching compositions for a new mural to replace the one at D Street on the 7-11, which I painted more than 10 years ago.

LeucadiART Walk takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 28 along the west side of Coast Highway 101. A shuttle bus stop is near the Coaster Station and City Hall parking lots at Vulcan and D Street. 760-436-2320, leucadia101.com.

Surf Museum Goes Local

A local institution gets its due from the California Surf Museum in Oceanside when it presents “Hansen Surfboards—A 50-Year Retrospective” starting Sept. 18. The exhibit charts the life of founder Don Hansen and the role of his Encinitas surf shop in the sport. The museum is at 312 Pier Way and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (until 8 p.m. Thursdays). Admission is $1 to $3; free admission on Tuesdays and for children younger than 12. 760-721-6876, surfmuseum.org.

Everybody’s Going Surfing

The eco-friendly Cardiff Surf Classic and Rerip Green Fest takes place Sept. 17-18 at Seaside Beach. Presented by Cardiff 101 Main Street and Rerip.org, the event includes a surf contest as well as environmentally friendly businesses and nonprofit groups, a kids’ zone, organic food, live music and other performances—all designed to promote sustainability in the community. Cardiffsurfclassic.com.