Alexander Salazar is a man with a vision and the passion and energy to make it happen. Salazar, who owns Alexander Salazar Fine Art, wants to transform the teeming street life along the north side of Broadway from 7th to 10th streets into an arts district. Despite the odds, he may succeed with the city’s support. Salazar has received four letters from Mayor Jerry Sanders encouraging his activities, a city grant to improve his gallery space on the corner of 7th Street and Broadway, and the help of a city program called “Clean & Safe,” which patrols downtown. Salazar was also the subject of a recent NBC television show that profiled his vision. “I love working with San Diego artists,” Salazar said. “They are accessible and highly talented.” Come April 2, Salazar will have been in business downtown for one year. In a very fast -aced growth spurt, Salazar has spun out three gallery spaces and displayed the work of numerous artists. His flagship gallery is at 640 Broadway, but he also owns a small space just next door for a visiting artist to paint in public view, and a large art auction house around the corner on 7th street. Unlike many gallery owners, Salazar said he welcomes competition. “I welcome the existence of my competition. You really need teamwork to make the art community survive,” he said. “It saddens me whenever I see a gallery close. My goal is collaboration. I want to help artists and other gallery owners survive. We all have to stick together to make this happen.” Born in Houston, Texas, Salazar earned a bachelor’s from Colorado College, a master’s from Boston College and another master’s in art history and theory from Harvard. His specialty was the representation of the Virgin Mary in Russian iconic art. He originally came to San Diego to work in an art gallery in La Jolla, but soon decided he wanted to open his own space. He decided on downtown, where he lived, because he loved the fast pace of street life, the rents were low and there was much potential for growth and development. He said he wanted to invest in his own neighborhood. Greg Regan was Salazar’s February artist-in-residence. Every day from about 2 to 7 p.m., he publicly painted abstract representations of women in the small gallery space next door. Regan, who went to San Dieguito High School and is largely self-taught, said, “I am very happy to be a part of the Alexander’s mission to transform this area. I like the people I have met here and all the activity going has been very stimulating. People should come down here and see what is happening and get involved.” In March, Salazar will feature two artists. From March 1 through March 14, with a reception on March 5, Alison Rash will be showing her artwork, which is based on the geometric shape of the diamond. The second half of March will feature the work of Jorge Albertella, who is co-sponsored by the Argentinean consulate. There will be a reception for him on March 25 and 26. For more information visit www.alexandersalazarfineart.com, call (619) 531-8996, or e-mail [email protected].