PEARL OF THE PACIFIC - San Diego's Pacific Rim Park

Did you know, the Pearl of the Pacific was created in 1998 as a symbol of friendship and unity between the United States, Mexico, China and Russia?

- HELEN SERRAS-HERMAN

The four are Pacific Rim countries, and the Pearl of the Pacific is one of six parks created by the Pacific Rim Park Project, a non-profit association created to strengthen the cultural unity between these countries’ peoples. The parks, created over the past 20 years, are designed and built by architecture students under the supervision of leading artists and urban planners. Each park includes a pearl element in its design, as the creators envisioned the Pacific draped in a “string of pearls” in contrast to a “ring of fire.”

When my husband, Andrew and I visited San Diego in November 2019, I had planned to meet with my fellow gem artist Nancy Arthur-McGehee and visit her studio (Turn to page 26 to enjoy the feature article about this visit). After connecting with Nancy and before heading to her studio, she drove us to several places in the city, beaches and neighborhoods, a visual feast of San Diego.

Our first stop was at one of her favorite locations, the Pacific Rim Park Pearl of the Pacific. It is a rather small park, on the waterfront, at the tip of Shelter Island, one of my favorite places to stay and visit. Shelter Island is on the Point Loma peninsula. The architectural sculptures for the Pearl of the Pacific park are created by artist James T. Hubbell, who was the artistic director, and Kyle Bergman, the construction coordinator.

I always love to be surprised about where to find inspiration and stimulation. Artwork created by other artists is always a good source, especially art I would not envision doing myself, but admire for its innovation, thematic approach, and materials.