Art Around Adams in Normal Heights & Kensington, San Diego

Art Around Adams Historical Perspective

Art Around Adams began with Normal Heights’ artists and business owners getting together at a local coffee house to create an event that would focus on the exhibition of local art in business storefronts. They discovered that there were a number of art studios (comprised of very talented and internationally known artists), a framing shop, coffee houses, antique stores, and gift shops within walking distance. With the realization that all of these venues had excellent potential for displaying art, Art Around Adams was born.

On April 3, 2004, with a limited budget of donations from businesses and artists, the first of what would be three events in 2004 was launched! Using the donations received, Art Around Adams provided color posters, flyers, a San Diego Reader advertisement, and an event map. The first event was a big success, with audience estimates numbering over 300. Businesses were instantly tied to a flourishing, citywide artistic and cultural event, simply by their willingness to support and house the work of one or more artists. The second event on July 17, 2004, saw increased numbers of businesses and artists, event traffic doubled, additional marketing was put in place, and Normal Heights Cultural Council members volunteered as “Arty Guides,” providing maps and answering questions. In the third with greater involvement of the NHCC, an event a trolley was added to provide free transportation along the Avenue. This helped the audience to see more venues as Art Around Adams expanded into Kensington with the addition of seven new businesses. We increased advertising again and added site-specific installations and performance artists to the ticket. Overall audience participation for the third event increased to approximately 1,000 viewers.

In 2005 Art Around Adams coordinated with the openings of two well established art organizations: Clay Associates and Art of Framing. Along with their existing outreach and additional funds for advertising from various businesses along Adams Avenue the events drew a significantly larger amount of viewers and sales to artists and businesses. A number of new businesses also participated with outstanding results in attendance, exposure and sales.

“This event has helped my exposure and recognition as an artist tremendously. It draws a serious and discerning crowd of viewers who truly appreciate fine and experimental art.” - Jeff Steorts, sculptor

“The quality of visual and performance art at Art Around Adams is quite refreshing. It is exciting to discover new invigorating art and culture in the neighborhoods of San Diego.” - Charlie Ruble, computer engineer

Art Around Adams grew in 2006 with the addition of three new galleries and a second performance stage in Kensington. The most significant step forward was the inclusion of Sushi Performance and Visual Arts who are a national force for progressive art and performance.

At the end of 2007 we had our first fundraiser, "An Abnormal Art Affair," which was quite successful in raising money for the upcoming event on June 7th. This gives us a solid and exciting start to creating a bigger event for this year.

Current Event Status:

Art Around Adams will be Saturday, June 7th. Please get in contact if you would like to help with a fun, local, cultural and dynamic event! We have a great troupe of art enthusiasts who enjoy promoting the arts in Normal Heights and Kensington.

For more information contact: Art Around Adams Committee.

		Art Around Adams Historical Perspective Art Around Adams began with Normal Heights’ artists and business owners getting together at a local coffee house to create an event that would focus on the exhibition of local art in business storefronts. They discovered that there were a number of art studios (comprised of very talented and internationally known artists), a framing shop, coffee houses, antique stores, and gift shops within walking distance. With the realization that all of these venues had excellent potential for displaying art, Art Around Adams was born. On April 3, 2004, with a limited budget of donations from businesses and artists, the first of what would be three events in 2004 was launched! Using the donations received, Art Around Adams provided color posters, flyers, a San Diego Reader advertisement, and an event map. The first event was a big success, with audience estimates numbering over 300. Businesses were instantly tied to a flourishing, citywide artistic and cultural event, simply by their willingness to support and house the work of one or more artists. The second event on July 17, 2004, saw increased numbers of businesses and artists, event traffic doubled, additional marketing was put in place, and Normal Heights Cultural Council members volunteered as “Arty Guides,” providing maps and answering questions. In the third with greater involvement of the NHCC, an event a trolley was added to provide free transportation along the Avenue. This helped the audience to see more venues as Art Around Adams expanded into Kensington with the addition of seven new businesses. We increased advertising again and added site-specific installations and performance artists to the ticket. Overall audience participation for the third event increased to approximately 1,000 viewers. In 2005 Art Around Adams coordinated with the openings of two well established art organizations: Clay Associates and Art of Framing. Along with their existing outreach and additional funds for advertising from various businesses along Adams Avenue the events drew a significantly larger amount of viewers and sales to artists and businesses. A number of new businesses also participated with outstanding results in attendance, exposure and sales. “This event has helped my exposure and recognition as an artist tremendously. It draws a serious and discerning crowd of viewers who truly appreciate fine and experimental art.” - Jeff Steorts, sculptor “The quality of visual and performance art at Art Around Adams is quite refreshing. It is exciting to discover new invigorating art and culture in the neighborhoods of San Diego.” - Charlie Ruble, computer engineer Art Around Adams grew in 2006 with the addition of three new galleries and a second performance stage in Kensington. The most significant step forward was the inclusion of Sushi Performance and Visual Arts who are a national force for progressive art and performance. At the end of 2007 we had our first fundraiser, "An Abnormal Art Affair," which was quite successful in raising money for the upcoming event on June 7th. This gives us a solid and exciting start to creating a bigger event for this year. Current Event Status: Art Around Adams will be Saturday, June 7th. Please get in contact if you would like to help with a fun, local, cultural and dynamic event! We have a great troupe of art enthusiasts who enjoy promoting the arts in Normal Heights and Kensington. For more information contact: Art Around Adams Committee.

		Home \| Galleries, Venues & Artists \| Map \| Performances \| Get Involved \| Online Donations \| Partners \| History of Art Around Adams All images and text © Art Around Adams 2008. Site design by Papaha, Sansara Design, & Fossil Media. Art Around Adams is organized by the Normal Heights Cultural Council and is hosted online by Adams Avenue Design.