East Village is San Diego’s largest and most rapidly developing neighborhood in the city. Just east of the booming Gaslamp Quarter, and teeming with artists and young professionals, there’s a lot of creativity sprouting up and growing out of what used to be the gutters. I also call this area home.
A little background on this special place, via sdeastvillage.com:
"The revitalization of this once blighted warehouse district was fueled primarily by the building of PETCO Park, the San Diego Padres’ new state-of-the-art baseball stadium which opened in April 2004. Today, visitors can enjoy luxury hotels and restaurants, rooftop bars, cafes, boutique shops, galleries, and live music venues scattered throughout the neighborhood. This center of modern urban development is also San Diego's arts district, spotted with artists' homes, studios, galleries and shops."Last Sunday was the first of what will be many block parties bringing together local artists and merchants on E street between 9th and 10th, and we were there for all the fun. This block is home to young, vibrant and colorful start-up businesses like Kleen House Clothing Inc, FeeLit, Pokez, and Roseary Room.
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| That's me on an airbrushed cruizin bike inside Kleen House. |
Above left, the window at FeeLit; at right, Michelle Quino of M. Dot Design Studio.
The party featured live street art by Goon1 and New1, Junkyard Dog on the Decks, fashion and sewing demos by M Dot Designs, interactive installations, low riders, and more. On display were some incredible kinetic sculptures by Bret Barret and paintings by artist Brian Dombrowsky.
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| Artist Goon1 and Michelle |
Kleen House Clothing put the event together with a common goal of “celebrating the emergence and diversity of creativity on our block.” There’s a lot of talent behind the walls of E street and the event was a great opportunity to get everyone out of their studios and meeting their neighbors, fostering great ideas for the future. Google Places was there to help inspire folks to write reviews for these businesses, and I showed off my own creative skills by cutting up some fresh hair designz:
Above left, my styling handiwork, and at right, attendees review their favorite San Diego spots on Google Places.
Here’s what some of the attendees had to say about Kleen House in their Google Places reviews:
Radha: “This place is rad. I don't do street art but I definitely appreciate the scene. This is a funky place to check out. They have apparel along with paint. Haven't really seen another store like it!”
Who: “One of the best graff. stores I’ve been too. Has everything a basic painter needs and more ppl. should know more about this shop. So roll on by whenever you’re down in San Diego!”
And of course, my review:
Pogoda: “Street art is the vehicle of many young entrepreneurs, and I love to see what designs artists are coming up with here. There's some great re-purposed decor and fun styles for a very much urban-artsy feel. Every time I walk in there, someone's getting creative, and I really just enjoy being in that environment.”
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| Artist Tashia Williams |
A big thanks to Todd of Kleen House for having us — we look forward to getting involved in more events like this! San Diego's got such a great arts and culture scene, and we can’t wait to see what these creative young businesses will continue to do.
Be sure to jump on Google Places and show your love for your own local art businesses by leaving a review saying what you like about them. In the coming months, we’ll be giving away all kinds of schwag, gift certificates, and hosting events for the San Diego community to celebrate the businesses here. Follow us on Twitter at @GoogleSanDiego to find out more!
You can view more photos of the [eBlock] Party here:
Posted by Megan Pogoda, San Diego community manager
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