San Diego—The Fleet Science Center and 52 Weeks of Science Barrio Logan are excited to reveal the art pieces created for the Discover Science Here Artist Project on Thursday, June 7. The celebration will be hosted at Bread & Salt from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include a brief history of 52 Weeks of Science in Barrio Logan and a look at the future of the popular science learning program.    The Discover Science Here Artist Project arose out of the natural connection between the art and science that exists in Barrio Logan and Logan Heights. The Fleet Science Center partnered with local artists who produced art pieces that showcase the science taking place in six organizations in the neighborhood. The participating artists are: Enrique Lugo, Dia E. Basset, Mónica Díaz, Aled Anaya and Jaime Valle. Their artworks highlight the science in the Logan Heights Library, MishMash, Por Vida, ¡Salud!, Ryan Bros. Coffee and Border X Brewing. Through this project, 52 Weeks of Science hopes to inspire residents of Barrio Logan and Logan Heights and create conversations about the science that happens every day in and by the community.   The June 7 event will also celebrate the neighborhood reaching the goal of leading 52 Weeks of Science from within Barrio Logan. The Discover Science Here Artist Project is a signature piece of this transition.   "We're very excited about what we have accomplished and what lies ahead for 52 Weeks of Science in Barrio Logan," said Daniel Aguirre, program manager of 52 Weeks of Science. "The Barrio Logan and Logan Heights community has been so supportive of the program. It's a wonderful expression of how important it is for communities to have STEM learning opportunities all year long."   "52 Weeks of Science is really about community," said Dr. Steve Snyder, President and CEO of the Fleet Science Center. "Our Logan Heights and Barrio Logan partners have been so successful at raising awareness of STEM education. By working together, we can leverage the innovative programs that are already happening in the neighborhood and create rich environments for science enjoyment, teaching and learning for all residents."   52 Weeks of Science is a collaborative program, organized by the Fleet Science Center, that connects the community with local scientists and organizations that have an interest in giving back through STEM education. The partner scientists and organizations offer free science events hosted by community organizations, schools and parks.   52 Weeks of Science Barrio Logan is built on a foundation of meaningful community engagement, a critical component to ensure that each event is developed and executed with the residents of Barrio Logan and Logan Heights in mind. The program strives to present content that is relevant to the community's cultural roots, while remaining responsive to the needs and interests of its residents.   For more information about 52 Weeks of Science in Barrio Logan and Logan Heights, go to: www.fleetscience.org/52-weeks-science/barrio-logan-en   To attend the Discover Science Here Artist Project event, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/discover-science-here-reveal-party-tickets-46195703593   # # #
  Media Interviews   To schedule an interview regarding the Discover Science Here Artist Project with the artists, a representative from the businesses or a representative from the Fleet Science Center, please contact Fleet Science Center Communications Manager Karla Nafarrate at (619) 685-5743 or knafarrate@rhfleet.org.

About Por Vida:

Por Vida in Barrio Logan has easily become one of San Diego's best hidden gems. Nestled between some of the tastiest taco shops in a neighborhood with incredible Mexican culture, they definitely set themselves apart from the typical coffee shop aesthetic in the best way possible. Showcasing a large colorful mural along with local artists' work, it's the best of both worlds.   Artist for Por Vida: Enrique Lugo, also known as Chikle, was born and raised in San Diego by brave and beautiful Mexican immigrants. Lugo is a husband, father, friend, artist, educator, entrepreneur, community activist and lifelong learner, among many other things. His father, a self-taught artist, was the artist who first inspired him. Thanks to the example set forth by his older sister, Lugo earned a degree in Graphic Communication from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master's of Education in Educational Leadership through the High Tech High Graduate School of Education.   Lugo has been active as an artist since 2004 and has had the opportunity to show his work in galleries throughout the US in California, New Mexico and Texas, and internationally in Italy and Mexico. After almost 10 years of working in the printing industry, Lugo found his calling in 2012 and transitioned to a career in education. Today you can find him sharing his passion for art with the youth of High Tech High in Chula Vista. As a teacher, Lugo has worked on projects with his students ranging from small paintings and drawings to functional art, from cardboard identity masks to projects as big as community murals.   About Ryan Bros: Founded in 1994 by Brothers Harry, Carmine and Tom, Ryan Bros. Coffee started out as a coffee cart in La Jolla and Old Town. The first roaster the family ever roasted coffee on was located in Downtown San Diego in a 110 sq. ft. room in Old Colombian Square. It was in this small room, with a 6 lb. roaster, that the Ryan Bros. set up the foundation for years to come. Roasting late into the night to open the coffee cart at 5 a.m., the family learned the art of fine products and friendly service. In 2003 Ryan Bros. moved into their current headquarters located at 1894 Main Street, Barrio Logan. Recognized now as a pioneer for redevelopment in the neighborhood, both the City and the Port Authority have awarded the family with a dedicated "Coffee Day to Ryan Bros." every November 8th. Additionally, this historical location has become the pride of the neighborhood and a landmark for its innovation in the coffee industry.   Artist for Ryan Bros: Dia E. Bassett is a visual and performing artist engaged in the experimental and complex relationships found in seemingly mundane materials. She works to transform many materials recognizable within the everyday domestic sphere: linens, thread and worn clothing, among others. Bassett currently teaches with CoTA (Collaboration of Teachers and Artists) and has previously taught at City Tree Christian School and the San Diego Art Institute.   Formerly a Gallery Educator at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Bassett has curated more than 10 art exhibitions since 2014 at institutions such as A Ship in the Woods, Planet Rooth and Gallery D. Bassett is a recipient of a Green Public Art Grant and the Isabel Craft Scholarship. She is in the process of earning a Museum Studies Certificate from Mesa College since earning her MFA in Sculpture from SDSU in 2011.   About ¡Salud!: ¡SALUD! is a Mexican food eatery that originated in San Diego's Historic Barrio Logan just minutes away from Chicano Park. ¡SALUD! is pure Southern California, from the tattoo-inspired murals to the pinstripe car hoods on the walls. The restaurant's menu pays homage to the street food of Northern Mexico and has traditional roots, but with its own Chicano flare. The tacos of ¡SALUD! have been featured on the Travel Channel and in the Washington Post and The New York Times.   Artist for ¡Salud!: Mónica Díaz is a Mexican-American artist and graphic designer based in South San Diego, California. Díaz began to show interest in art the age of three by creating her own pieces on the walls of her home with crayon and marker. With the support of her parents, she began fine art training at the age of 10 and continued until she turned 13. Díaz revisited painting and drawing throughout high school and majored in fine arts in college, receiving her BA in Visual Arts with an emphasis in Studio Art from the University of California, San Diego in 2012. Díaz continued her practice after college and began working as a freelance artist soon after graduating.   Díaz currently resides in San Diego, CA, and works as a full-time freelance artist and graphic designer. She began making custom T-shirts in 2013, and she is now running a clothing and fine art business under her artist name, MOPOCHA, featuring a collection of clothing designs under the same name.   Díaz has participated in various live art shows in San Diego, including Art in the Park, RAW San Diego and Art on 30th. She has also performed live at Three Punk Ales Brewing in Chula Vista, which included the creation of a custom painting for their "Punk Is Dead" Extra Strong Bitter.   Díaz currently has an artist residency at Second Chance Beer Company in San Diego, California, from April through June 2018, where she is creating custom pieces for each of their beers on tap, including a custom piece for their "Hazed for Daze" Hazy IPA can release in April 2018. She has also created custom beer can artwork for Kaminari Brewing in Tijuana, Mexico. Díaz has taught English abroad, along with hosting a drawing and illustration workshop, in Guanajuato, Mexico. She also has small-scale indoor murals in Tijuana, Mexico.    About Border X Brewing: Border X Brewing infuses the craft beer experience with traditionally Latino flavors and culture. Border X Brewing is breaking down borders and building community with Latino craft beer, delicious food and rich culture. Latinos know what Horchata, Jamaica and Mexican chocolate taste like, and people love their beer because of the strong cultural connection. Their great beer crosses all borders: 25% of Border X Brewing's customers are non-Latino. Border X Brewing also offers Mexican food to complement their beers, hosts local Chicano art and music and has helped revitalize the Barrio Logan neighborhood.   Border X Brewing says: Barrio Logan is one of the most exceptional neighborhoods in the country. Chicano Park is down the street and is filled with historic murals celebrating Chicano history. Barrio Logan residents are proud of their heritage and contributions. Our brewery's environment reflects that: graffiti and fine art stand side by side, and the music goes from Latin Jazz to Rock en Español. Border X Brewing is not only delicious beer, but a celebration of history, culture and community.   About the Logan Heights Library: The new two-story, 25,000-square-foot library is located on the Logan Elementary School site, adjacent to the Memorial Charter Middle School. The new facility replaces the old 3,967-square-foot branch library built in 1927. In December 2002, the City of San Diego was awarded a $5.25 million state grant to complete funding for this $13.7 million project.   The Logan Heights Branch is also home to one of four Preschooler's Door to Learning Centers at San Diego Public Library locations. Centers are designed to promote school readiness from infancy, providing services for self-enrichment and allowing children to discover the pleasures of reading and learning. The centers are a designated portion of a library designed exclusively for children younger than 5 years, their parents and caregivers. This area also includes space and equipment for the Families for Literacy Program.   Artist for Border X Brewing and the Logan Heights Library: Aled Anaya was born in 1991 in Escondido, California. As the son of Mexican immigrants, he was influenced by the bold artwork of the Mexican Muralism movement and contemporary Latin-American street art from an early age. Anaya captures the influence of his culture within his works.   What makes Anaya's artwork so memorable is his ability to put a modern spin on his use of symbols and their detailed line work. Anaya currently creates murals in Southern California and is a high school graphic arts teacher.   About MishMash: MishMash is a New American restaurant with roots in the mobile food scene, opening originally as a pop-up restaurant serving breweries and farmers markets throughout San Diego. In January 2016, MishMash opened its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Barrio Logan, closing after 18 months to move to its current location. MishMash reopend in Barrio Logan on September 2017 to continue flipping delicious burgers and veggie burgers, creating delicious sandwiches and pressing medianoche Cuban sandwiches.   # # #     About 52 Weeks of Science: The Fleet Science Center is passionately focused on facilitating a network of existing scientific organizations in local communities to foster collaborations within neighborhoods. 52 Weeks of Science brings researchers, engineers and scientists to local neighborhoods in order to share the wonders of science with people where they live, work and play. Through this collaboration, we connect with communities in a meaningful way that leaves a lasting impression on the people we serve. Partnering together broadens and expands exciting hands-on science activities and exhibits at schools, libraries, community centers and other gathering places to foster and further connections to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).   52 Weeks of Science is a great platform for local organizations to build relationships and work together to reach common goals. Logan Heights and Barrio Logan partners and Clairemont partners bring educational science opportunities to their neighborhoods every week throughout the year. Join the effort to create STEM-rich environments, support systems and networks for science enjoyment, teaching and learning. For more information, visit 52weeksofscience.org.