Liberty Station is known for its focus on the arts. This season, 13 holiday-themed installations created by local artists have popped up — all along one path — that you can enjoy on a free, self-guided walking tour. Here’s what you need to know about the festive pieces (and where to find them.)
📍 Where is the art?
The new “Salute the Season” installations are located along Historic Decatur Road, between Barracks 19 + Liberty Public Market. The display is open to the public through Fri., Jan. 7.
🖌️ Who made these?
The seasonal works were created by ARTS District resident artists. They were installed in partnership with the NTC Foundation, the organization that spearheaded the renovation of 26 historic buildings at the former Naval Training Center, turning the landmark into a hub for dining, shopping, galleries, and makers.
🎨 The art:
- “The Shards Within Us: Cracked But Not Broken” | Artist: Leah Schaperow, Milk Oolong Pottery | Medium: ceramic, acrylic paint, spray paint | The vases represent people on their journey through life.
- “Winged Heart” | Artist: Anne Gaffey, Anne Gaffey Art at Barracks 19 | Medium: mixed media, acrylic paint, paper, feathers, paint markers, holiday greenery on wood| Pro tip: the contrast on this piece makes it a great backdrop for a selfie.
- “Santa Gnomes” | Artist: Karen Jones, Karen Jones Fine Art at Barracks 19 | Medium: acrylic paint on plywood, with glass + gemstones | Pro tip: share photos of these little guys on social media with the hashtag #kjonesartsd.
- “The Magic of Water” | Artist: Brittany Keller, FORTUNE at Barracks 16 | Medium: wood, acrylic paint, resin, crystals | This piece highlights how water transforms into snowflakes. We have a feeling Elsa would approve.
- “Whoville at Liberty Station” | Artist: Catherine Carlton, Carlton Arts at Barracks 14 | Medium: acrylic paint | There are familiar faces in this mural: the beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
- “Reconnaissante” | Artist: Leslie Pierce, Something Different Studio Gallery at Barracks 19 | Medium: acrylic mixed media | These vignettes show artists painting, elves + surfing Christmas trees.
- “Feliz Navidad” | Artist: Rosa Huerta, Mi Gallery Tu Gallery at Barracks 19 | Medium: acrylic + oil paint | A depiction of a little girl, with vibrant red, blue + yellow hues around her.
- “Reindeer at Large” | Artist: Lauren LeVieux, Lauren LeVieux Artist Studio at Barracks 16 | Medium: acrylic on wood | Inspired by a painting created 17,000 years ago in the Cave of Lascaux.
“It Takes a Village” | Artist: Steffi Dotson, San Diego Craft Collective at the Dorothea Laub Music + Arts Center | Medium: plywood, glass, varnish | This piece represents the importance of being part of a community.
- “Christmas Sleigh Ride” | Artist: Leon Okun, Okun Studio at Barracks 19 | Medium: acrylic on wood | This piece focuses on snow, bells, a sleigh + the spirit of the season.
- “Ornamental” | Artist: Amber Schnitzius, Rekindle Pottery at Barracks 14 | Medium: stoneware clay + glaze | This piece is made of ornaments, each stamped with holiday designs and positive messages.
- “Happy Holidays From Liberty Station” | Artist: Nina Montejano, Nina Montejano Artist Studio at Barracks 14 | Medium: plywood, acrylic, metal, varnish spray | A tree, decorated with ornaments inspired by the history of NTC + Liberty Station.
“The Wishing Box” | Artist: Steffi Dotson, San Diego Craft Collective | Medium: plywood + glass | This piece represents the light that comes from the darkest of seasons.
📍Where else can I see work from these artists?
As the art tour path ends, you’ll be standing at the entrance to Barracks 19, where many of these “Salute the Season” artists have their studios. Pro tip: go upstairs to the second floor because so much art — and sometimes even the artists themselves — awaits.
You can stroll down the hallway, see which studios are open, and pop in to ask questions about the works. In some cases, you can even buy art pieces directly from the artists.
It’s a window into the world of working San Diego artists who — with each brush stroke, ceramic, or mosaic — color our city with creativity.
