Delve into the heart of the San Diego art scene with our conversation with Sonia Sparks of Sparks Gallery.

Sonia Sparks is the owner and chief curator of the successful Sparks Gallery in San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. Celebrating 11 years in business, Sonia shares the secrets to her gallery's longevity, her client-focused approach to curation, and her perspective on the vital role galleries still play for artists today. 

Learn about her unique business model, her deep connection with her clients, and her passionate belief in the essential partnership between artists and galleries.

Discover the unique history of her stunning space, her innovative "artist activation" events, and a hint at her exciting new program designed to further support the local art community. A must-listen for artists, collectors, and anyone passionate about the San Diego art scene!







Links 

Sparks Gallery Website: https://sparksgallery.com/

Sparks Gallery Instagram: sparksgallery [https://www.instagram.com/sparksgallery/?g=5]

Sparks Gallery Shop: shop [https://sparksgallery.com/shop]

Art Collector Quiz:  quiz [https://sparksgallery.com/quiz]

Contact Sonia: artist-opportunities [https://mailchi.mp/sparksgallery/artist-opportunities]







Want a video experience? Check out our YouTube channel! We're now uploading video episodes! 



This episode:⁠https://youtu.be/jO7LKgtH81w [https://youtu.be/o4eaPh42b9c]

General channel: ⁠http://www.youtube.com/@intheartscene [http://www.youtube.com/@intheartscene]





Get involved with the Art World



San Diego Art Events: https://sandiegoartdirectory.com [https://sandiegoartdirectory.com/]

Hire and artist or advertise your work: https://sandiegoartistnetwork.com [https://sandiegoartistnetwork.com/]

S11 E6 - Sonya Sparks: Do Galleries Still Matter? Gallery Owner’s Advice for Artists.

Tokeli Baker is a multidimensional artist who works across various creative fields, including painting, music composition, theatre, and writing. She has a background in musical theatre and dramatic literature, having studied at UC San Diego and Tufts University. Her artistic journey took a profound turn after experiencing a paranormal psi phenomenon following a traumatic accident, which led her to explore themes of consciousness and meditation in her work.

She is also involved in the Escondido Art Association, serving as Co-President, and has exhibited her work in various venues, including the Poway Center for the Arts. One of her notable pieces, the "Intelligence" mural, is part of a series called "The Orbs," which visually represents meditative states beyond space-time.

If you're interested in learning more about her work, you can visit her official website down below.

Tokeli’s Website:

https://www.tokeli.com/

Escondido Art Association Website

https://www.escondidoartassociation.com/



Want a video experience? Check out our YouTube channel! We're now uploading video episodes!
This episode:
https://youtu.be/o4eaPh42b9c

General channel:
http://www.youtube.com/@intheartscene

S11 E5 - Tokeli Baker: Journey After Skeptic Death, Escondido Art Association.

Marti Gobel is a nationally recognized actor, director and teaching artist. Upon graduating from UW-Whitewater in 2008 with a degree in Performance Theatre and Philosophy (with an emphasis in Religious Studies), Ms. Gobel began a rich career in both theatre and television and film. Her need to add to the tapestry of the mid-west professional theatre scene led to the founding of the now defunct UPROOTED theatre. As Producing Artistic Director (from 2009-2015)  worked tirelessly to diversify the arts through her efforts. Ms. Gobel is a current member of both Actors Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.

Selected Stage Credits include: Milwaukee Shakespeare (Henry IV, part 2), Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (Well, Around The World In 80 Days, Broken and Entered, Fires In the Mirror) Renaissance Theaterworks’ (NEAT: Milwaukee, Sheboygan and South Africa, The Persians, Crumbs From the Table of Joy, The Violet Hour, Still, Sex With Strangers, The Roommate, Witch and a reading of Tanya Saracho’s El Nogular and Gwendolyn Rice’s The Griots), First Stage Children's Theatre (The Neverendingstory and readings of Jackie and Me, The Promised Land), The Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Clybourne Park, A Christmas Carol:2012-2014, Yankee Tavern, Trouble In Mind), Forward Theater (In The Next Room, Mr. Burns, Skeleton Crew, Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles) and UPROOTED theatre (Beauty’s Daughter: Milwaukee, Chicago and Memphis, A Streetcar Named Desire, Yellowman, Crumbs From the Table of Joy, *Pink Champagne, Jack and Jill, Hoo Doo Love, Oleanna, I Have Before Me A Remarkable Document Given To Me By A Young Lady From Rwanda, The Philadelphia Story, *Man From Madisonville, The Sunset Limited, Suddenly Last Summer), Next Act Theatre (Perfect Mendacity, No Child, Twilight: Los Angles, The Taming, The Christians), and Theatre Lila (No Child). Marti plays an ongoing role as the Civil Rights suffragist, Ida B. Wells for the Kenosha Civil War Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and is often featured in local and regional commercials and voice-overs. She appeared in the short film, Spare Change, as well as the web-series Gettin’ Grown; both directed by the award-winning film director Aaron Greer and Faith Flix’s Come Follow Me, Mary, Mother of Jesus and the feature film Game Day produced by Chicago Studio City. National television credits include NBC’s Chicago PD in addition to several regional commercials.

University Productions include: Airness (Hendrix College), Wine In the Wilderness, Crumbs From the Table of Joy, The Light (Marquette University), Trojan Women (UW-Milwaukee).

Marti has served as a lead teacher at First Stage Theatre Academy in Milwaukee as well as a lead teacher and program designer for UPROOTED theatre’s education department. Past adjunct professor assignments at Marquette University, UW-Milwaukee and Carthage College. She is a JF Kennedy Center trained Teaching Artist who worked closely with Master Educator, Randy Barron for 6 months developing her residency which is now offered through The Young Auditorium and The Overture Center. She currently serves as Artistc Consultant for Black Arts MKE. Ms. Gobel will serve for a third term as a KCACTF adjudicator for Region III.

Ms. Gobel is a Jeff Nominated Director for her work on Is God Is with A Red Orchid Theatre and the recipient of 2024 Black Excellence Award for Outstanding Director.

She currently serves as Producing Artistic Director and Education Coordinator for OnWord Theatre in San Diego, CA. *Indicates World Premiere’s

Website: OnWord Theatre [https://onwordtheatre.com/]

Instagram: Instagram (@OnWordTheatre) [https://www.instagram.com/OnWordTheatre]

Facebook: OnWord Theatre | San Diego CA [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564057611583&sk=about]

Box Office Email: info@OnWordTheatre.com



Want a video experience? Check out our YouT

S11 E4 - Marti Gobel on immersive theater, learning through our bodies, and the bottom line of global religions 

Dilia, your Van Gogh-to gal for art collecting questions. Delia LaJeunesse is an art consultant from Denver, Colorado, specializes in guiding emerging art collectors. She emphasizes the importance of personal connection and impact in art collections, rather than just financial investment. Delia works with both interior designers and individual clients, focusing on educational aspects over brokerage. She sources artists globally and values detailed portfolios and pricing information. Delia's approach includes helping clients develop discernment and appreciate art deeply. She also advocates for the value of prints and encourages artists to provide narratives about their work. Delia's practice aims to make art collecting accessible and meaningful for a broader audience.



Delia's Website: https://www.sbvrt.org

Delia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sb.vrt/

Delia's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sb.vrt.





Want a video experience? Check out our YouTube channel! We're now uploading video episodes!

This episode:

https://youtu.be/mthwnOjomCc

General channel:

http://www.youtube.com/@intheartscene





S11 E3 - Delia LaJeunesse On Working With Emerging Art Collectors

I was introduced to Ksenia Luki by a mutual artist friend when I was looking for a Russian-speaking musician and singer to collaborate on a song adaptation for the October Project who you might remember from previous episodes. Not only did I enjoy collaborating with Ksenia, but I also discovered an absolutely unique approach to exploring, creating, and performing music. We talk about the challenges of being a bilingual artist, creating most work not in your native language. We also talk about the healing power of music and Ksenia’s sound healing practice.

Ksenia Luki | Medicine Music [https://www.ksenialuki.com/]

Ksenia Luki [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6aigL9TLQ5hWWcunLughu9]

Ksenia Luki [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ8XUvNhh15b4DgXC_mg3WA]

Ksenia Luki on Apple Music [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ksenia-luki/1459765769]

Instagram (@ksenia_luki) [https://www.instagram.com/ksenia_luki/]

Healing Practice: Reiki Training & Certification | Moon Yogi Holistic Healing, Los Angeles [https://www.moonyogi.com/]

Ksenia Luki Music [https://www.facebook.com/ksenialukimusic]

S11 E2 - Ksenia Luki, a Fusion Folk Musician, Singer, and Song Writer on the Challenges Of Creating In a Second Language and Traditions of Healing Singing

San Diego’s arts community is coming together to support their Los Angeles counterparts who tragically lost their studios, homes, and livelihoods in the recent Pacific Palisades and Altadena wildfires. This spring, Union Hall Gallery [https://unionhallgallery.org/] will host a two-weekend Fine Art and Craft Sale from April 4-6 and April 11-13, showcasing over 250 donated works of art—ranging from paintings and sculpture to ceramics, textiles, and more—all aimed at raising funds for the LA art community.

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly to the Grief and Hope: LA Art World Fire Relief Fund [https://www.griefandhopela.com/]. Featured in the sale are renowned artists like Italo Scanga, Paula Wittner, James Hubbell, Larry Groff, Margaret Larlham, Jane Culp, and Joe Garcia, alongside emerging voices, university students, tattoo artists, and fiber artists. With prices ranging from $10 to $5,000, the sale is designed to make art accessible for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone simply looking to support a worthy cause. Come explore a diverse range of artwork and help support those in need.

Would you be interested in highlighting this major fine art and craft sale benefiting LA artists impacted by wildfires? I’d be more than happy to set up an interview with Heidi, owner of Union Hall Gallery and Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, or any of the artists donating their work. Please find hi-res images here [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/pwsgr2m320cc9t582ho5z/AIe_b-Pj0pAO1kZcgZfS5us?rlkey=fzgr61fx5yyr2shgggi8o9ffl&st=mo0lgrlm&dl=0].





Want a video experience? Check out our YouTube channel! "We're now uploading video episodes!

http://www.youtube.com/@intheartscene

S11 E1 - San Diego Artists Donate Their Work To Support LA Artists Affected By Fires, with Heidi Farkash

Today, two universes collide as our guest is Galina herself!! Well, kinda… Season 10 of *In the Art Scene* is over, and we are posting a bonus episode with our last guest, Jenny Dempsey. This time, Galina is a guest on Jenny’s podcast, *Career Flipper*. Galina talks about her career change from a marketing professional in Russia to a new career in art in sunny San Diego. Check out Jenny’s podcast and social media linked below!



We are currently restructuring both the ITAS podcast and the San Diego Art Directory, and we appreciate your love, support, and interest in what we do. Please stay with us as we work things out and continue to provide valuable information in all things art!



By the way, have any comments, questions, or interview requests? Please leave them in the comments—we appreciate the feedback!





San Diego Furniture Flipper | furniture makeovers | San Diego, CA, USA [https://www.sandiegofurnitureflipper.com/]

sandiegofurnitureflipper on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sandiegofurnitureflipper]

Instagram (@sandiegofurnitureflipper) [https://www.instagram.com/sandiegofurnitureflipper]

San Diego Furniture Flipper | San Diego CA [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557727448697]

 

The Career Flipper Podcast | Career Change Podcast [https://www.thecareerflipper.com/]

Instagram (@thecareerflipperpod) [https://www.instagram.com/thecareerflipperpod]

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14466219/

thecareerflipper on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareerflipper]

The Career Flipper Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@thecareerflipperpodcast]

The Career Flipper Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Y4ic9qMYI25oWwRFeUIeN]

The Career Flipper Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-career-flipper-podcast/id1747794386]

Bonus - Jenny Dempsey and Galina Marcus on Creer Flipper Podcast

This episode is different from my regular conversations on the podcast because my guest, Jenny Dempsey, with all her creativity and talent, is not necessarily a professional artist. Jenny’s journey took her through the ins and outs of corporate work and employment challenges until she created the career of her dreams as a furniture flipper and podcaster. And all of that she’s done with the music in her heart <3

San Diego Furniture Flipper | furniture makeovers | San Diego, CA, USA [https://www.sandiegofurnitureflipper.com/]

sandiegofurnitureflipper on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@sandiegofurnitureflipper]

Instagram (@sandiegofurnitureflipper) [https://www.instagram.com/sandiegofurnitureflipper]

San Diego Furniture Flipper | San Diego CA [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557727448697]

 

The Career Flipper Podcast | Career Change Podcast [https://www.thecareerflipper.com/]

Instagram (@thecareerflipperpod) [https://www.instagram.com/thecareerflipperpod]

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14466219/

thecareerflipper on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@thecareerflipper]

The Career Flipper Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/@thecareerflipperpodcast]

The Career Flipper Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Y4ic9qMYI25oWwRFeUIeN]

The Career Flipper Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-career-flipper-podcast/id1747794386]

S10 E10 - Jenny Dempsey on Flipping Furniture, Podcasting, and Writing Songs

In this episode, I talk to a person of one of coolest professions I’ve ever heard of - a painting conservator Lisa Capano, about her professional journey. How does anyone choose to become an art conservator and what does it take to become one? Lisa is sharing her story and insights into the industry, and the market of being an independent art restorer. How cool is that!

Capano Fine Art Restoration & Conservation specializes in restoring painted surfaces on wood, canvas, walls, gesso, plaster, and other painted objects in the Greater San Diego Metro Area [http://www.capanorestoration.com/]

lisacapano@aol.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-capano-47381911/

Instagram (@capanofineartrestoration) [https://www.instagram.com/capanofineartrestoration/]

S10 E9 - Lisa Capano (The Art Doctor) on Art Restoration and Conservation

In this episode, I talk to two wonderful women artists and dear friends of mine whom you might remember from the previous episodes on the Podcast: Michelle Lubin (aka MD Ferrera) and Galina Semenova. The reason we got together is to talk about the collaborative exhibition we are having in March 2025 to showcase our womanly experiences from three different perspectives. Our mediums and styles are vastly different, but they complement each other on the visceral, emotional level of expressing and processing emotions we are dealing with. The show will run through the month of March in person at the Artist & Craftsman Supply in San Diego, CA, and the virtual reality gallery space. Most work has never been shown before, and we have a couple of interactive surprises for our visitors.

Welcome to my art studio | Galina Marcus Art | San Diego Artist [https://galinamarcus.com/]

Brand Photographer I Personal Photoshoots in San Diego [https://www.galinasemenova.com/]

San Diego Artist | MDFerrera [https://www.mdferrera.com/]

S10 E8 - Stages of Womanhood with Michelle Lubin & Galina Semenova

This show helps artists and creatives discover other artists' stories so they don't feel like they are alone in the art scene. We explore topics like: - personal artist journeys - how to find your artistic voice - how to run your art business - inspirational art stories - NFT - how to become a successful artist And many, many more... Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/in-the-art-scene/support

Galina Marcus

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