Liberty Station First Fridays | 5 – 7:30 pm

Visit VMOTA during evening hours on Liberty Station’s First Fridays: Next event is Friday, August 7th

Location: VMOTA, 2825 Dewey Road, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92106

Time: 5 – 7:30 pm (In addition to regular hours, we are open 5 – 7:30 pm on the first Friday of each month *unless closed for installation or the annual Veranda Sale.)

Admission is free.

Each month, a different item from our permanent collection will be on display for First Fridays: In August it’s Corona de Plumas (2023) by Deborah Kruger

Surface design and patterning have influenced Deborah Kruger’s work since her textile design training at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She has taught, lectured, and exhibited throughout the US, Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Australia since the 1980s. Kruger’s art practice balances making objects of beauty that convey layered meaning about habitat fragmentation, bird migration, species extinction, and loss of indigenous languages. Her artwork is made with recycled plastic and screenand screen-printed with images of endangered birds and languages.

Corona de Plumas is built in layers and resembles traditional indigenous feathered headdresses worn in ritual ceremonies. Wrapped sticks have appeared in my work for many years and in this piece, they define the center. Long tail feathers cascade down the center of the piece. The feathers are all made from recycled plastic, hand screen printed with images of endangered birds and overprinted with text in endangered languages as well as excerpts of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring which inspired me to become an environmental artist.

We are excited to share VMOTA’s history by highlighting artwork from our permanent collection during our monthly First Fridays events. The importance of permanent art collections in museums lies in their role as a vital resource for understanding history, art, and culture. These collections serve as a reflection of the institution’s values and aspirations, allowing visitors to explore the styles and beliefs of the community. They are used for educational purposes, fostering connections between past and present, and providing insights into the evolution of art and culture over time. Additionally, permanent collections contribute to the museum’s mission by offering a rich array of artworks that tell stories from various cultures and eras, enriching the visitor’s experience and promoting learning and creativity.

Musician Abraham German will perform from 5:30-7:30 on August First Friday…

…and our Education intern, Karla, will lead a fun, sustainable craft

Artist Marita Setas Ferro crochets sculptures using vintage and recycled thread, shaping them to look like coral, sea plants, and other ocean formations. Her work highlights how fragile our natural environment is and shows how art made from sustainable, recycled materials can inspire hope for environmental healing and renewal. This first Friday, create your own colorful marine “Coral Reef” soft sculpture using repurposed yarn balls, threads, and textiles under the guidance of VMOTA’s Education intern, Karla!

Experience the Arts District after hours, wander through our galleries, and interact with textile artists.

During seasonal craft sessions, unleash your inner artist as well!

This opportunity is free and open to the public. Individuals of all levels of experience are invited.

Looking ahead: September First Friday on September 4th

Sound Bath in the gallery with musician Naghmeh Taefi, 5:30 – 7:30 pm