Cali Orange Crush: Opening Reception Pictures

 furniture*mixture, pillows*station, fish and flowers*che bella, art*meganchristine, wine*waterfront and porto vista, charity*stay classy and ARTS ..... a wonderful evening of creativity and conversation.  thanks again to everyone who came!

Cali Orange Crush: Opening Reception

Today is the opening of my Cali Orange Crush show!  I've been feverishly working this weekend on last minute items for the reception this evening.  I am really excited for it!  

Monday August 17, is the Cali Orange Crush opening reception at Maida, 1910 State Street (downtown, in Little Italy).  The event will begin at 7pm, and run until 10pm.

In addition to seeing a new series of original photography, there will also be a hosted bar, music and outdoor lounge.  Also, any donations collected at the event will benefit ARTS, a wonderful local nonprofit.

Cali Orange Crush: Flyer

Cali Orange Crush: Ferris

The beginning of the San Diego summer could be marked by the annual opening of the Del Mar fair. This particular picture has special meaning to me, as it was my first ever ferris wheel ride.  High in the sky, I sat with two of my girlfriends and watched the sunset over Del Mar Beach.  It was a happy memory!

Cali Orange Crush: Che Bella

I was thrilled when Carla Bassi told me that Che Bella would create a floral arrangement for the reception table at my Cali Orange Crush opening. Using fresh-cut unusual flowers their creations are balanced and beautiful. Their open air store is full of sweet aromas and with poetry lining the space, romance exudes from all corners.

From my July 2008 Design Guide:
Che Bella: The inside-outside floral boutique opened in 2002 in a Fir Street cottage-shop, supplying the area with a selection of unique flowers. Entering the market-like setting through a delicate iron gate, Che Bella creates beautiful custom floral arrangements, which are complimented by elegant vases, including Christian Tortu glass and Bauer and Heath Ceramics. Owners, Carla and Jim Bassi, recently merged their two stores, Che Bella and Che Bella Nido, which offered the finest in modern, organic home furnishings and accessories. Amongst the funky and lush flowers, the store now includes an assortment of pieces, like Chilewich and Jan Barboglio.

Cali Orange Crush: Station Pillows

I met with Kristi Steffen at Station Boutique today and we picked out the items that we are going to use when we stage the Cali Orange Crush opening.  

I am like a kid in a candy store inside Station.  Kristi has great taste, so her selection is always full of a wide variety of great finds.  In addition to some small accessories, we focused on what pillows we could add to the furniture I am using from Mixture.  We chose three pillows by Lauren Saunders.  Lauren's designs combine textured yarn with fine colored threads to create subtle shifts in color.  I first saw pillows from her Design Series at the Garner's San Diego condo, and immediately loved them!  The other two pillows are Jonathan Adler, both which are from his bargello waves collection.  These bold statement pillows definitely add pop to a couch!  

Cali Orange Crush: Torrey Pines at Sunset

Last night after I let my girlfriend borrow my clubs for a weekend getaway in Lake Tahoe this weekend, I recalled this photo. It's from a few year backs on the north course of the Torrey Pines golf course. It was a beautiful evening and so serene on the cliffside. This photo also won 5th place (3rd by employee vote) in the Booz Allen nationwide photo contest!

Cali Orange Crush: Mixture

I met with Merrilee Ekstrom, of Mixture to discuss using some of their modern furniture for the outdoor lounges at the Cali Orange Crush opening reception.  It is always a pleasure working with Mixture, and everyone is so friendly and professional.  I am thrilled that they are willing to support my show!

After walking around their large showroom, full of such amazing modern pieces, we picked out a variety of pieces to use.  Sticking to plastics, which are durable and easily cleaned, we chose orange, gray and clear colors.  Included are stock photos of the designs.  For the chairs: Jasper Morrison Air Chair and Air Arm Chair, Phillip Stark La Marie and Victoria Ghost Chair, and a Ron Arad Voido Rocking Chair.  For tables: Patricia Aurguola clear T-table (and privately owned Jonathan Adler orange side tables).

Now I just have to measure the outdoor space and decide how to set up the two lounge areas.

I wrote about Mixture in the San Diego Design Guide, and definitely recommend any decor guru to stop into this shop.  They have such great taste in modern design, and have expanded their art collection as well.  

Mixture: The large split-level warehouse holds an extensive amount of contemporary and modern home furnishings and accessories, and offers custom furniture and interior design services. The store’s sun soaked and breezy spaces are clad with exclusive products from Cor, Artifort, e15 and Moooi (check out the studly horse lamp!). And don’t overlook the Scavolini kitchens, Kettal outdoor furniture, Grey Designs lamps, and other accent pieces. The exposed concrete walls are adorned with original art from various artists, and periodically Mixture will host exhibitions and other events worth checking out.

Cali Orange Crush: Station Boutique

I am really excited to work with Kristi Steffen, interior designer and owner of Station Boutique (414 W Cedar Street in Little Italy), on staging my art show. We're going to pick out some eye-catching orange accessories, like pillows, vases, etc. to scatter around Maida. Once we make some decisions, I'll post some of our choices!

I originally wrote about Station Boutique in the Design Sponge San Diego Design Guide,

Interior designer, Kristi, opened her clothing and home accessory boutique in 2007 in a beautifully self-designed and decorated space on Cedar Street. The finely detailed tiffany blue walls are lined with contemporary fashions and surround a quaint living space situated underneath a large silver chandelier. Her men and women’s clothing is primarily transported from NYC/East coast, including lines such as Fluxus, Plenty, Tulle and Trina Turk. Intermixed are Voluspa candles, Thomas Paul and Lauren Sanders handmade pillows and a variety of lifestyle books.

But in the recent months, Kristi has turned the focus of her boutique towards home decor. She now carries a selection of furniture, original art work, rugs, Britt Neubaucher orbs, etc. Every time I go back in, her collection is growing- and she has great taste!

Cali Orange Crush: Donations to A.R.T.S.

At the 17 August opening of Cali Orange Crush all donations collected will go to support A Reason To Survice (ARTS)

ARTS, founded in 2001 by Matt D'Arrigo, is a local San Diego non-profit that is dedicated to healing, inspiring and empowering children facing life challenges by providing innovative arts-based programs, education and opportunities.

I began volunteering at ARTS in 2008. My first assignment was at a domestic abuse shelter, and I can confidently vouch that the programs and people have been paramount in helping children. It's a great organization!

Cali Orange Crush: Jar

framed side by side, the angles form mirror images of jarred produce

Cali Orange Crush: Call Me

oh, the days of rotary phones. wonder how many juicy conversations this phone got to hear?

Cali Orange Crush: Press Release

CALI ORANGE CRUSH
Art Show Scheduled To Open 17 August 2009 at Maida

A new series of photography from local San Diego artist and designer, Megan Lyders, will be on show downtown at Maida (1910 State Street) in Little Italy from 17 August - 31 October 2009. A reception open to the public is scheduled for 17 August, which will include a hosted bar, DJ, and outdoor lounge, courtesy of local sponsors. In addition, all donations raised during the event will go towards A Reason To Survive (A.R.T.S.), a San Diego non-profit which empowers children facing life challenges by providing innovative arts-based programs and education.

Cali Orange Crush comprises a series of photography which thread the common hue, orange, throughout various compositions. Orange is a color that radiates warmth and energy, while symbolizing balance and playfulness. It encapsulates the spirit of Southern California. Ms. Lyders’ attention to detail is evident through the images captured from unique vantage points. What small details may frequently be overlooked by many, Ms .Lyders finds and exposes their beauty.

Ms. Lyders received a formal education in Art History and Architecture at the University of Virginia. As a practicing artist, she continues to produce both photography and abstract oil paintings out of her Encinitas, CA home. In 2008, Ms. Lyders established megan.christine (http://web.mac.com/mlyders) which offers interior design and consultation services and serves as a platform to show and sell her work. She maintains a design blog, http://meganchristineonline.blogspot.com and has contributed to the well respected home décor site, www.designspongeonline.com, writing a San Diego design guide.

Cali Orange Crush: Funnel

Spotted at Founding Farmers in Washington DC, this funneled view of the jarred vegetables caught my attention right before my departure. The metal objects (with no evident functionality)reminded me of the sculptures of the great artist, Richard Serra, with whom was also the subject of my senior thesis at UVA.

Cali Orange Crush: webpage

I updated my webpage with information on my Cali Orange Crush show, coming this August @ Maida in downtown San Diego. The page is currently just an initial placeholder, and definitely will be refined when I return to Cali and reunite with my Mac! I intend to include local sponsors, images, and more details in the coming weeks.

I have so much to do for the show. It's insane just how much planning, coordination and preparation goes into these events. I really want it to be a hit :)

Cali Orange Crush: Untitled

Spotted tucked within a foliage covered driveway in Cardiff, this small boat was flipped upside down alongside a burnt orange fence.  I appreciate how the composition is divided by fields of colors, and the objects themselves become secondary.  Now, I just need to think of a title...... 

Cali Orange Crush: Reflection

The bright orange exterior stood out from the other businesses on this busy street.  But what grabbed my attention was the reflection of the city in the large glass windows, where fast paced pedestrians are imposed over relaxing customers.  Oh, and the iced coffee was delightful too!

Cali Orange Crush: Jerky

A hot summer day calls for a chilled frothy brew, oh, and some tasty beef jerky- ha!  This sign caught my eye right when we arrived at Toby's, and Lauren surprised us all later when a tiny bag of homemade jerky emerged from her purse- a delicious treat!  

Cali Orange Crush: Subtext

I have my first commissioned piece that will be shown in the Cali Orange Crush show.  It's an enlarged print on canvas of Subtext.  The dimensions are still in the works, but I am very excited to have this opportunity.  Many thanks to K. Flanagan! Subtext was photographed in 2006, and I received great feedback when I showed it at the Art Walk in Little Italy.  The distressed, neutral background is balanced against the stark orange.  This piece will fit perfectly in Ms. Flanagan's downtown living room, providing a subtle brightness to the slate textiles and light wood.

Cali Orange Crush: it's official

Earlier this month I met with Farah about my summer art show.  Cali Orange Crush is officially set to open August 17 (monday) at Maida, downtown San Diego in Little Italy!  While this is extremely exciting, I am realizing just how much I have to get done in two short months.  I have quite the vision for the opening, and have started my quest for local sponsorship.  And, I have definitely given myself the challenge to focus on the color Orange.  Aiming to produce at least 20 quality photographs -- my eyes are peeled to locate the orange details of my surroundings.  Take this afternoon, as I walked the pup through Cedros Design District in Solana Beach.  Quite a perfect hue for a sunny afternoon :)