Arts Alive event in Solana Beach to feature artwork, music, performers and more

Artwork will once again line the Coastal Rail Trail, and musicians, dancers and theatre performers will transform Coast Highway 101 into a stage during Arts Alive Sept. 28 in Solana Beach.

Among participating artists are father-daughter duo Edward Edington and Michelle Moraga. Their three-in-one ceramic piece, “Dream Path in Color,” is one of 13 pieces that will be featured on the 5-foot-high fence, which stretches along the 1.5-mile Coastal Rail Trail.

“Inspired by dreams, we wanted something bright,” said Moraga about the already-installed project. “I hope people enjoy it.”

A Del Mar resident, Moraga grew up in Solana Beach, where she lived about 35 years until a year ago.

A former stay-at-home-mother of two, she and her father opened Ceramic Design in 2009. They decided to launch their own business after completing a yearlong backyard ceramic mosaic project.

Now based out of her Del Mar home, the business specializes in handmade ceramic pieces and custom mosaic designs.

“I’ve done ceramics all my life and so has my dad,” Moraga explained. “I enjoy the creativity of it.”

Moraga has participated in Arts Alive every year. She noted the community event is a perfect opportunity to promote her work and enjoy local art. In fact, an estimated more than 400 people attended the event last year, when the city also celebrated the grand reopening of Coast Highway 101.

With “Dream Along the Trail” as this year’s theme, the fifth annual event promises to be even better, said Anita Edman, the city’s community services coordinator.

In addition to the featured artwork, the free art and cultural event will showcase live musicians, dancers and theatre performers — including acrobats, a barbershop quartet and stilt walkers.

“There’s a lot of fun an interesting things to see — and even participate in,” said Edman.

Arts Alive attendees will be also be asked to add to a community art project. The project encourages participants to share their dreams and wishes using dry erase markers on whiteboards attached to the fence.

“Art is something different for everyone,” Edman said. “It’s so individual, yet so broad. Arts Alive will have something for everyone.”

Arts Alive on the Coastal Rail Trail takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28 along Coast Highway.

For more information about the event, visit www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us.