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Writer's pictureAna Galena

Blossoming Borders: A Beautiful Celebration of Art, Culture, and Community.

If you missed Blossoming Borders in person, don’t worry—we’re here to take you through the magical day and the inspiring art that made it all so special. On October 12, 2024, the Dick Laub NTC Command Center at Liberty Station was transformed into a vibrant, immersive celebration of the Tijuana/San Diego border, where art and flowers came together to tell the stories of our unique region.



The day began with the unveiling of stunning paintings and floral art—each piece inspired by the diverse experiences and emotions of life at the border. Our talented painters, including Roxana Díaz, Catherine Carlton, Yahel Yan, Katerina Husar, Liliana Ospina, and Mely Barragan, captured the essence of border life through vivid colors, abstract interpretations, and detailed realism. Each painting told a story of connection, migration, and the blending of two cultures, allowing visitors to reflect on the experiences shared between Tijuana and San Diego. (Scroll through the slideshow to experience the art)



Accompanying these paintings were breathtaking floral installations created by Melisa Flores from Atados, Auburn Lynn from Little House of Flowers, Maribel Herrera, independent florist, and the Team from Native Poppy. Their work transformed flowers into living stories, with each arrangement reflecting the beauty, complexity, and resilience of border life. The mix of vibrant colors, textures, and unique designs made the floral art as powerful as the paintings they complemented. (Scroll through the slideshow to experience the floral installations)



A special thank you to our amazing floral sponsors, Mayesh Wholesale Flowers, Cali Wholesale Flowers, and Ana Galena Floral Studio. Your generous contributions made the breathtaking floral art at Blossoming Borders possible. We are so grateful for your support in helping bring this celebration of creativity and community to life!


The energy of the event was enhanced by live music, curated by the talented David Frias, which set the perfect mood, blending harmoniously with the art and floral displays. Visitors were able to enjoy delicious local flavors, including esquites and tostilocos, served by our amazing caterers, who brought the taste of Tijuana and San Diego to life.



One of the highlights of the day was the interactive workshops hosted by The Craft Collective and Ana Galena Floral Studio. These free, hands-on workshops gave visitors of all ages the chance to paint their own glass bottles and fill them with beautiful flowers, creating their own personal artwork to take home. Families, friends, and individuals got creative, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere that filled the space.




For me, one of the most emotional moments was seeing everyone come together—from the artists who poured their heart into their creations, to the community members who experienced it all with such enthusiasm.



A special thank you goes to Carmen, who supported me every step of the way, and to my family, whose love and encouragement made this project possible.



Although the floral installations were removed on October 15, we made sure their beauty lived on through photographs captured by our professional photographer. These images are now displayed alongside the paintings in the gallery, allowing visitors to experience the floral art even after the flowers have been taken down.




The exhibition will remain open until November 11, 2024, so if you haven’t had the chance to visit yet, there’s still time to experience the powerful and moving stories that define our border region.




Blossoming Borders was more than just an art exhibition—it was a heartfelt tribute to the life and culture of the Tijuana/San Diego border. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this event such a success, and we hope that through these words and photos, you can experience a bit of the magic that filled the space that day.



Our incredible artists drew inspiration directly from the voices of our community. Through a series of surveys, we gathered thoughts and reflections on life at the Tijuana/San Diego border, and these insights became the foundation for the beautiful artwork you see. 🌟 Scroll through the slideshow to read some of the inspiring answers we received and see how they’ve been transformed into art! 🎨



A heartfelt thank you to the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station and the NTC Foundation for believing in my vision and making Blossoming Borders a reality. Your support made this incredible event possible! This exhibition is part of the larger celebration of San Diego-Tijuana as the World Design Capital 2024, highlighting the creative and cultural connections between our two cities. 🌟








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