In honor of the 1 year anniversary of the opening of Stefanie Bales Fine Art Gallery, I teamed up with my good friend, brand photographer, and creative collaborator Angela Garzon to create a one-of-a-kind, temporary art installation in the space.
We were inspired to transform the gallery into an art installation that aimed to make visitors feel as if they were walking into one of my paintings. We selected fabric in colors and textures reminiscent of the light and skies in my paintings and draped the materials amidst the previously constructed handmade clouds in an attempt to create a beautiful, whimsical, and immersive experience. We named it “Sogni Di Nuvole” which is Italian for “cloud dreams” , as we wanted to pay homage to the gallery’s neighborhood of Little Italy, San Diego. We are so happy with how it turned out and would love to hear your thoughts on it too!
Amongst the hanging clouds and draped fabric, we interspersed 3 starlights with twinkling blue led bulbs as well as strips of iridescent sequined fabric, meant to mimick rain, in the most beautiful of ways. The back wall of the gallery completes the installation, giving ground to the sky. The sequined mermaid fabric is intended to read as light reflecting on the sea, and the round iridescent mirror can act as either a sun, or a moon.
View the slider images below for a closer look at all of the details that make up the full art installation!
Thinking of commissioning a mural or custom art in San Diego? This guide walks you through the process, from finding the right artist to understanding costs and contracts.
A blank wall is a missed opportunity. Whether it’s the expansive side of a corporate building, a feature wall in a boutique hotel, or the dining room of your home, a blank wall is a canvas waiting to tell a story. Commissioning a custom mural or a piece of art is the most powerful way to transform a space, infusing it with personality, energy, and a unique narrative that no mass-produced print ever could.
With fourteen original Stefanie Bales Fine Art paintings thoughtfully placed throughout her San Diego home, Melissa has created more than a collection—she's built a visual narrative of her family's journey, a celebration of everyday beauty, and a legacy of creativity that she's now passing down to her son. Her approach to collecting is as thoughtful as her personal style: chic, elevated, and deeply meaningful.
