Art Through the Glass is a new project in Chula Vista that will enhance the Broadway corridor — and it’s more than just a beautification effort.
It is a celebration of local talent and part of our community’s commitment to supporting and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the art world. By providing high-traffic storefronts as platforms for artistic expression, one goal is to break barriers and showcase the creativity in our community.
Transforming vacant or underutilized storefronts into art displays creates visually engaging spaces that deter vandalism and substance misuse, promote community pride and involvement, and enhance the overall sense of safety and well-being in our neighborhoods.
This project is an example of how art can be leveraged to achieve a safer, more welcoming environment for all.
“We plan to expand the Art Through the Glass project to the Broadway Avenue corridor by utilizing the vacant retail and office spaces,” artist Julio Martha said.
The first display will be at the Chula Vista Center shopping mall with an opening reception Sep. 14 that will introduce the community to the art installations, featuring music, artist talks, and displays of student art. It’s an opportunity to meet the artists and hear the stories behind their creations.
A fall mixer Oct. 24 will bring together community members, local business owners, and art enthusiasts for an evening of networking, set against the backdrop of the art displays. A closing ceremony Dec. 7 will mark the end of the Art Through the Glass installations, celebrating the project and the artists’ contributions.
“Art Through the Glass is a public exhibition that transforms empty storefronts at the Chula Vista Center into vibrant galleries,” Martha said. “This initiative breathes new life into the mall by reimagining vacant spaces as dynamic art installations.”
Martha is the chair of the Envision Broadway Beautification Subcommittee and key contributor to the project. “Visitors are invited to stroll through and experience a diverse array of artistic visions and narratives,” he said.
Art Through the Glass is a celebration of community resilience, creativity, and the power of collective action. Art has the power to inspire positive social change. By providing local artists with a platform to share their perspectives, Martha said he hopes to encourage dialogue, empathy, and understanding among our diverse community members.
Showcasing artwork in high-traffic storefronts not only supports local artists but also creates more foot traffic in the area, presenting an opportunity for the community to engage with art that inspires and uplifts.
“This initiative will not only illuminate the area at night and contribute to beautification efforts at a low cost, but it will also attract people to Broadway to appreciate art created by local artists,” Martha said.
“It will provide schools with the opportunity to organize field trips to learn about the exhibited art and offer a pleasant walk down the avenue for all community members. Our objective is to revitalize these spaces and infuse art into the communities.”
Sarah Boyer is the South Bay program manager for the Institute for Public Strategies, which works alongside communities to build power, challenge systems of inequity, protect health and improve quality of life.
