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<\/a>By contrast, the traditional joyous,\u00a0musical and entertaining December Nights have brought a close to a relatively quiet Balboa Park Centennial celebration.<\/p>\n
The holiday spirit brought out over 300,000 visitors.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think over the year, the Centennial has been a quiet success,\u201d said Carol Chang, president of the Balboa Park Conservancy. \u201cWe know expectations were for it to be a spectacular event that would attract worldwide attention. The dollars were not there to do what was intended.<\/p>\n
\u201cStill, it was a wonderful time for our citizens to really enjoy the park.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unsaid was the city\u2019s\u00a0$3 million investment in Balboa Park Centennial Inc. to generate a World\u2019s Fair-style spectacle. However, after several months the company failed to obtain sponsorships and disbanded, using up two thirds of the bankroll.<\/p>\n
Chang remarked that the Conservancy was created to take the park into the next century and make it a \u201cfabulous destination.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt needs more embellishment or enhancement, if you will, to make it shine as the jewel it is,\u201d she said. \u201cWe need to look carefully at our water supply. That is major for a park of its nature. But in a drought, it becomes very tricky.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said it is important to spend more time with those\u00a0buildings not managed by cultural institutions like the Balboa Park Club and the Botanical Building. This includes design contracts and fundraising.<\/p>\n
\u201cBring it back to being historically correct,\u201d she stressed. \u201cWe will work with the Committee\u00a0of 100, Friends of Balboa Park, and the Park and Recreation Department to share their views,\u201d Chang said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Committee is working on a cultural landscape plan while members of the Friends sit in with our projects committee,\u201d she said. \u201cThey\u2019re in the mix to make sure we don\u2019t do anything crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Next up is a year-long Centennial at the San Diego Zoo and Chang\u00a0said the Conservancy would like to be a part of that.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a friendship pathway connecting the park and zoo\u201d she reminded.\u00a0\u201cAfter all, they\u2019re part of the park, too.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe zoo has announced special displays in its Centennial Plaza with two new film experiences and a new show at the Wegeforth Bowl.<\/p>\n
On May 14, they\u2019re taking the celebration to Balboa Park for a spectacular centennial event\u00a0that everyone, they say,\u00a0can roar about.\u00a0It\u2019s time to party.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere in the Park<\/strong> \u2026 there will be a Holiday Market at Museo Internacional Mingei<\/strong>, Dec. 10, 5 \u2013 8 p.m …. Ales & Rails and Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Museo del Ferrocarril a Escala<\/strong>, Dec. 11, 7 \u2013 9 p.m….The Art of Music: Art After Hours at the Museum of Art, Dec. 11, 5 \u2013 8 p.m….Yo\u2019 Mama\u2019s Got Drama at the Balboa Park Club & Ballroom<\/strong> on Dec. 11, 7 p.m.\u2026\u201cThe Polar Express\u201d at\u00a0the Model Railroad Museum, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. \u2013 3 p.m. \u2026 after the new year, the 41st annual Small Image Show\u00a0at Spanish Village Art Center\u2019s Gallery 21<\/strong> is open to all San Diego artists and runs from Jan. 25 to Feb. 28. The purpose is to provide a unique challenge for the artist by utilizing a small image concept in the widest range of visual expression. Artwork must measure no more than 10 inches in any direction, including frame, base and display.<\/p>\n