Sunday, April 6, 2025
10 am to 5 pm
Explore the captivating works of local artists on a free, self-guided tour of the quaint Talmadge neighborhood in Central San Diego. A group of talented artists are opening their home-based studios to the public in this one-day event.
A guide map and a list of participating artists can be found below.
Map to the Studios
(click on map for Google Map link)
- Michelle Halprin, Missy Galang – Glass Art & Paintings
4769 49th St. - Liz Kennedy, David Reichel, Harn Cordua – Paintings & Graphic Arts
4820 Lorraine Dr. - Sandra Hohn, Leslie McAllister, Rebecca Bennett – Ceramics & Paintings
4766 Lorraine Dr. - Norm Lurie – Ceramics
4763 Lorraine Dr. - Teresa Vallejos, Thia Nevius, Samuel Perry – Paintings
4749 Lorraine Dr. - Merle Lambeth, Kathy Battisti, Pierre Bounaud – Ceramics & Jewelry
4634 Estrella Ave.
Participating Artists
KATHY BATTISTI is a dedicated silversmith and the creative force behind SDSoulStones, a jewelry line that beautifully marries the artistry of semi-precious gemstones with their healing properties. Largely self-taught, Kathy has refined her skills through both personal exploration and sessions with experienced silversmiths, enabling her to craft pieces that resonate on both an aesthetic and spiritual level. Each creation in the SDSoulStones collection reflects Kathy’s deep connection to the natural energies of the stones, making her jewelry not only visually striking but also a tool for personal well-being. Discover the transformative power of SD Soul Stones at the upcoming art fair.
Instagram: @SDSoulStones
REBECCA BENNETT. My retirement plan to give back to the world is to paint oil pictures of people’s pets and donate the money to the “Frosted Faces Foundation”. It is a charity for supporting old dogs. The upside for me is that I get to paint (which I love), not have more paintings on my crowded walls, make people happy, and support dogs (and some old cats). I have been painting in oils for about 10 years now and my best work is my dog and cat portraits.
PIERRE BOUNAUD is a ceramic artist whose work is a testament to the transformative power of art and science. Born in the picturesque Provence region of France, Pierre’s academic pursuit in chemistry was overtaken by his passion for ceramics. He approaches his creations with the precision of a scientist and the soul of an artist, drawing inspiration from the subtle elements that compose our world.
His ceramic creations are primarily shaped from porcelain clay, utilizing a mix of wheel-throwing and hand-building methods. The pieces undergo several firings in a ceramic kiln to attain the intended surface design. Pierre’s extensive experience fuels his passion for experimentation, steering him towards the discovery of novel glazes and ceramic techniques that elevate his artistic expression.
Pierre’s unique artwork has been featured in galleries throughout the United States.
For socials:
https://www.pierrebounaud.com
Instagram: @pierrebounaudceramics
Facebook: Pierre Bounaud Ceramics
MISSY GALANG, originally from Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines, has had a lifelong passion for painting. Though her heart was always in art, she initially chose a career in marketing, believing in the “starving artist” stereotype. In 2014, she moved to the United States to pursue an MBA, further advancing her marketing career. However, after hitting a glass ceiling and experiencing burnout, Missy decided to reignite her artistic passion.
Fully committing to her art, Missy has since created a body of work that has been acquired by private collectors in both Asia and the US. Today, she dedicates herself to storytelling through her paintings, using her brush to craft vibrant, original narratives.
“My work is my attempt to capture my popcorn thoughts. You know, those fleeting bursts of ideas that pop in and out of our minds like kernels in a hot pan. It’s like my brain is in a constant daydream, with unruly ideas wrestling for attention, pushing me to capture them on canvas.”
Instagram: @messygalang
MICHELLE HALPRIN started painting in the early 1990’s, primarily in the Impressionist style – landscapes and still life works, especially drawn to the beach and nature. She loves the bright colors and complex textures. She also loves to create and use patterns for the geometrical and nature glassware she enjoys doing. Her painting background distinguishes her works from others with vivid colors that are reminiscent of nature and the ocean. She has learned many techniques, including crackle, pot melt, and murini. She has created many wall hangings for her home, frit stretches that sit in stands, and now also does garden art, some of which you will see at this year’s Talmadge Artist Tour.
SANDRA HOHN. After a few years of taking classes at the local community college and then learning from the wonderful teachers at Clay Associates, I’ve branched out on my own to create a body of work exploring the beauty and diversity of animals both in clay and illustration. I never tire of finding different expressions for their various shapes and textures while trying to preserve each animal’s unique character and personality. Each piece I create is a small acknowledgement of the amazement I feel for these creatures. I hope it shows in each piece I make.
Instagram: @shohngram
LIZ KENNEDY. “Painting seems like some kind of peculiar miracle that I need to have again and again.” Philip Guston, Canadian-American painter, 1913-1980.
I paint to understand myself and because my hands want to work.The shapes and feelings of people, their bodies, their faces always draw me in, as well as the natural world. My work is unique because of the way I absorb the world – I respect what I take in and seek to honor what I take in with bravery and attention.
My art has been accepted in juried exhibits at Covet Gallery, Oceanside, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, the City of Encinitas, CA; Slip Gallery, Seattle; Northwinds Gallery, Port Townsend; North Seattle College’s art gallery; Columbia City Gallery, Seattle; Gallery 110, Seattle; and Collective Visions Gallery in Bremerton, WA. I’ve been a part of two group shows (one of which I organized and helped hang) with the Miller School of Art (Seattle) and one solo show at Dubsea Arts, White Center, WA and another solo exhibit in Encinitas, CA.
MERLE LAMBETH. Merle R. Lambeth designs and creates distinctive pottery from her home studio in San Diego, CA. Using stoneware clay, she uses a mix of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques, crafting each piece by altering, texturing, stamping, cutting, and folding the clay into innovative and one-of-a-kind forms.
Known for her exceptional attention to detail and texture, Merle continually refines her craft by layering textures and patterns with each piece reflecting her unique slab-folding technique. She has a commitment to the craftsmanship of her work and her pottery stands as a testament to the beauty of handmade functional art.
For Social Media
www.madebymerle.com
@clayfolder
NORMAN LURIE is a retired physicist who specialized in electro-optical sensors for space. He has had a lifelong interest in art and
squeezed in as many art courses as possible during his undergraduate
years at the University of Michigan. His early art focused on drawing
and painting, but in 1976 he took up ceramics. He honed his ceramic
skills at San Diego City College for the next 7 years, focusing primarily
on functional stoneware. In 1983, he “retired” from pottery due to
demands of work and family, always knowing he would resume one
day when time permitted. That happened in 2010. Then after moving
to Talmadge in 2023, he had a pottery studio built in his backyard.
Now he makes even more functional stoneware, challenging himself to
explore new designs and glazes.
Instagram: @normzpots
LESLIE McALLISTER. I’m a newbie to the pottery world. After being introduced to the medium by my amazing friend and mentor Sandra Hohn, I’ve quickly discovered the joy of taking a boring slab of clay and transforming it into something that will hopefully make people say “awwwww!” when they see it. I’ve always been drawn to animals and animal art, so it’s no surprise to me that the bulk of my work tends to be small animal sculptures and sgraffito animal etchings. I’m in constant learning-mode when it comes to pottery, and I look forward to continuing to grow in this art form, as well as in my confidence of my abilities.
THIA NEVIUS. Thia Nevius grew up in Studio City, California. She received a BA from California State University, San Jose and an MFA from Colorado State University. She then went on to paint sets for the Santa Fe Opera and teach studio art at Santa Fe Community College, New Mexico. Since moving to San Diego, she has taught art for many years including at The Bishop’s School in La Jolla, UCSD Extension, The Art Department, ARTS-A Reason to Survive and the Athenaeum. Thia has traveled extensively in Asia, Europe and South America. Her work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions where she has won Awards of Excellence and Best of Show. Among the publications that have featured her work include Art and the Creative Process, UCSD press, and Davis Publications, books for art education in The Davis Visuals, volume on Light, Worcester, Massachusetts. She is an active member of the San Diego art community, and her work can be seen on her website.
Instagram: @thianevius
SAMUEL PERRY. As a lifelong artist, Samuel Perry is always looking for the next opportunity to translate his everyday experiences into artistic expressions. Since 2014, he has joined the San Diego art community and is gaining increasing acclaim.
His approach and output are constantly evolving as he hones his personal style. However, currently focusing on abstract, he works hard to ensure he does not repeat himself. No matter what, Samuel approaches each work with complete enthusiasm and total dedication.
His passion for connecting personal history and significance through visual artwork drives his love to create and share on canvas. Samuel’s work has been included in juried exhibitions in San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles county, and is included in personal collections around the nation.
Samuel lives and is based in Southern California – living with his partner Rob, and two dogs: Morris and Bleu.
Instagram: @samuelperryart
DAVID REICHEL. Dave Reichel, 91, was born and raised in Western New York. He is a retired Architect who designed custom homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. He and his wife, Hisae, moved to the Napa area in 2001, where he participated in a Life Drawing class, re-igniting his interest in drawing and painting. He and Hisae moved to a retirement community in Lemon Grove to be near their two adult children who live in Talmadge. Dave bought a cargo van and created a mobile studio, where he enjoys painting in the quiet and light of the morning. Since creating this ideal creative space, Dave has painted over 65 acrylic and oil canvases, many of which have been displayed at the community’s dining room. Among his many subjects, he enjoys painting geometric patterns, scenery, rusty trucks, and flowers.
TERESA VALLEJOS is a San Diego native who has always had a passion for the arts. Becoming the sole provider for her daughter at a young age, she couldn’t immediately follow her dreams. She pursued success in business and today she is the Director of Strategy & eCommerce for a major U.S. corporation. Through the chaos of single working motherhood in her twenties and early thirties, she always found ways to create – designing handbags and jewelry, taking on interior design projects, and drawing and painting every chance she had.
Today, blending her love for painting and design, mixed media and abstract art has become her passion. As an emerging artist, she is consistently garnering commission projects for business and home spaces and has recently been invited into local and international galleries and to participate in a group showing at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art.
Instagram: @teresa.vallejos.art