Art Alley welcomes visitors back as businesses reopen

The Art Alley on Cedros, a free outdoor art museum in Solana Beach, is welcoming visitors back as the state gradually lifts public health restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“It actually never closed because it’s outdoors,” said Daniel Powell, the museum’s founder. “It’s 10,000 square feet so it’s really easy to socially distance and there are a lot of people looking for something to do.”

Powell said he started the museum for visitors who might not be free during the day, when traditional museums are open, and for those who might not be able to afford the price of entry at other venues.

Located at 320 Cedros Ave., blocks from the ocean, the Art Alley celebrated its grand opening last fall. It currently has a surf-themed exhibit featuring 12 surfboards designed by international artists.

Powell said the Art Alley has been “well received” by the community so far.

The outdoor museum also includes works from Alex Poli, a street and graffiti artist; Douglas Cross, whose Ocean Arrowhead series was created from retired surfboards; Wade Koniakowsky, a local artist whose work reflects San Diego’s surf culture; and Don Myers, an Oceanside-based stained glass artist.

One of the challenges for the museum, Powell added, is protecting the artwork from constant exposure to the ocean air and sunlight. But the collection continues to expand, and adding more sculpture will be a point of emphasis.

“Every six months or so I’ll be adding new artists and new pieces,” Powell said.

One potential new feature could be an installation on the pavement that encourages social distancing.

“Maybe I’ll do an art piece on the pavement that shows where six feet apart is in every direction,” he said.

For more information about businesses and activities along Cedros Avenue, including the latest COVID-19 updates, visit cedrosavenue.com.