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Writer's pictureAna Galena

Blossoming Borders: A Celebration of Tijuana/San Diego

Updated: Oct 23


The countdown is on, and we are thrilled to share the details of an extraordinary event that has been months in the making: Blossoming Borders - A Floral Celebration of Tijuana/San Diego! This event, scheduled for October 12, 2024, at the Dick Laub NTC Command Center (2640 Historic Decatur RdSan Diego, CA 92106) in Liberty Station, San Diego, is more than just an art exhibition—it's a celebration of the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines life on the Tijuana/San Diego border.




What Is Blossoming Borders All About?

"Blossoming Borders" is a unique, immersive experience that brings together artists from both sides of the border to create original works that reflect the community's perceptions, experiences, and fascination with border life. The idea was born out of a desire to showcase the rich, often overlooked cultural narratives that make our region so special. This event is part of a larger series organized by The ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station in recognition of San Diego-Tijuana being named the World Design Capital® of 2024.

But this isn't just any art exhibition—what makes "Blossoming Borders" truly special is the way our artists are getting their inspiration. We conducted surveys within the community to gather thoughts, feelings, and stories about life at the border. These narratives have become the foundation for the artists' creations, allowing them to bring to life the emotions and experiences of our community through their work.


The Incredible Collaborations

We are incredibly excited about the talented artists who have come together to make this event a reality. On the painting front, we have a stellar lineup: Roxana Díaz, Catherine Carlton, Yahel Yan, Katerina Husar, Liliana Ospina, and Mely Barragan. Each of these artists is bringing their unique perspective and style, resulting in a collection of works that beautifully captures the essence of border life.




Our floral artists are equally impressive, with Melisa Flores from Atados, Gaby Gonzalez from Lolita in Bloom, Auburn from Little House of Flowers Nat and Meg from Native Poppy and independent florist Maribel Herrera all contributing their incredible talent. These florists are taking the community's stories and transforming them into living, breathing art installations that will be the heart of the exhibition.



And let’s not forget the workshops! The Craft Collective San Diego will be hosting interactive sessions where attendees can get hands-on and paint their own flower vase and later add flowers from Ana Galena Floral Studio. These workshops are free and open to everyone, making it a perfect way for families and individuals to engage with the event.



Blossoming Borders is curated and organized by Ana Galena, a dedicated floral designer from Tijuana who has lived on this border all her life. Ana’s deep connection to the community and her passion for both floral art and cultural expression have driven this project from the very beginning. Her vision has brought together a diverse group of artists to create an event that truly reflects the spirit of our region.




What to Expect on the Day of the Event

October 12th is going to be a day full of creativity, community, and connection. From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Dick Laub NTC Command Center in Liberty Station (2640 Historic Decatur Rd,San Diego, CA 92106) will be buzzing with energy as we unveil the incredible works created for "Blossoming Borders."

The event will feature music, refreshments, art workshops, and plenty of opportunities to interact with the art.



Attendees will be able to explore the stunning floral installations, admire the powerful paintings, and participate in the workshops hosted by The Craft Collective. The goal is to create a space where art and community come together, offering a deeper understanding of the unique life that thrives at the border.




While the event is free and open to all, we encourage you to sign up in advance to help us ensure we’re fully prepared to welcome everyone.



The Exhibition Continues

Can’t make it on the 12th? No worries! The exhibition will remain open for one month, allowing plenty of time for you to experience the art in person. Whether you visit on opening day or later in the month, we’re confident you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the creativity and resilience that define our border region.




Join Us!

We’re so excited to share this labor of love with you and can’t wait to see you at Blossoming Borders! This is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of who we are as a community and the stories that connect us all. So mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to be inspired.

For more information, feel free to reach out or visit our event page. See you at the border! 🌸 Our Sponsors Blossoming Borders would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. A heartfelt thank you to Mayesh Wholesale Flowers, Cali Wholesale Flowers, and Ana Galena Floral Studio for their incredible flower donations, which will bring our floral installations to life.


This event is supported by ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station—thank you for believing in my vision for this project—and proudly sponsored by the NTC Foundation. Your support has been instrumental in making this celebration of art and culture a reality.




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