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Art in the Medians Featuring Artist Eddie Edwards

In 1993, the Southeastern Economic Development Corporation spent $400,000 for a “Streetscape Art Project” designed to revitalize the avenue’s median strip from 62nd to 69th Streets. The strip was repaved with pink concrete and landscaped with 35 trees and more than 1000 gaily colored plants. Local artist Eddie Edwards created 24 panels featuring scenes from Encanto’s history and contemporary life, which were displayed on art-deco-inspired light posts. A street fair was thrown on August 21,1993, to commemorate the completion of the work, which attracted thousands. It has become an annual event. (Source: San Diego Reader 12/1998).

Today the artwork has been restored by the SD Commission for Arts & Culture. 

About Mr. Edwards:
Mr. Eddie L. Edwards (March 3, 1944-February 17, 2007) was born in Pineville, Louisiana. He moved to southern California in 1950 where he expanded his business as professional artist. In 1969 he opened a Black cultural center and art gallery on Imperial Avenue. Mr. Edwards work can be seen in several places in southern California including in a mural at First A.M.E., the oldest African American congregation in Los Angeles. 

In 1989 the San Diego Unified School District hired Eddie Edwards to create a mural at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School (formally Stockton Elementary). He painted a two-story-high mural that he said he hoped would help show children that they can turn their own dreams into reality. King’s face is the focal point of the mural, below him, are children of different races play with building blocks with the word’s friendship, love, peace, and we shall overcome inscribed on them. 

New District Banners

The San Diego Black Arts + Culture District (district) has an inaugural Banner program introducing the district which is located between 61st-69th streets along Imperial Avenue. In addition to the district logo, we have identified individuals from various genres to provide inspiring quotes.

Those featured include sculptor Manuelita Brown, renowned bassist Nathan East, executive director of the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art Gaidi Finnie, internationally known visual artist Jonathan Green, San Diego City Council President pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe, and Co-Founder of National Black Music Month Dyana Williams.

If you have ideas for future banners and artists please leave your recommendations on the Contact Page.