It’s hard to believe that we’re finally here – our new president will be sworn in tomorrow.

As we all know, the creative community had an enormous influence on the election, revealing the conviction of a country full of people seeking change. Tonight is a time to reflect and celebrate all those who have poured their hearts into a collective cause, many of whom are local to San Diego.

Check the excellent photo preview of MANIFEST HOPE: DC from NotCot (tipped off by Holiday Matinee). Half-way down the page you’ll find the work of Rafael Lopez, who with the help of CONSPIRE and REINVENT artist Josh Higgins, released the Nuestra Voz (our voice) print.

Rafael’s poster was quickly picked up by the Obama campaign, selling out in 24 hours and raising $60k in the final election push.

In addition to helping Rafael get his poster out, Josh was also featured at MANIFEST HOPE: DC for his Healthcare Reform poster.

Cheers to Rafael, Josh, and all the collaborative creatives across the country who played a big part in bringing about change.

Enjoy tomorrow!

Bring your coin purse to CONSPIRE because you’ll encounter shirts, books, and other creative novelties from some of your favorite local independent retailers, including Micreation, Subtext, Velo Cult, and Hi Octane Jewelry. Hand screenprinted shirts and prints will also be available from graphic design masterminds Josh Higgins and Acamonchi.

Now located at 2220 Fern Street, Velo Cult is South Park’s newest bicycle shop and a dealer of high end and custom frames, rims, and accessories. With a strong presence in SD’s vibrant bike community and as a great supporter of local art, Velo Cult breaks the stereotypes of what one would expect from your typical bike shop.  We daresay their blog and shop are works of art in themselves!

Subtext, one of our favorite sources for inspiration and all things design, is settling into a new location right across from the Casbah on Kettner & Laurel. Subtext showcases urban contemporary, pop surrealist, and lowbrow artists from around the globe. We’re coming up on a great time to get over to the new space and check out their next show from January 16th to February 15th – 366: New Works by Frank Rogozienski – a photographer who dedicated himself to capturing 366 images (it’s a leap year) one day at a time.

Hi Octane Jewelry is run by Oceanside based hot rod enthusiasts and metal smiths Brad Johnson and Alicia Hanson. Their inspiration emerges in the form of auto-inspired sterling silver jewelry, including car grille rings and one-of-a-kind salvaged car emblems creatively reconstructed into necklaces.

Micreation showcases a line of hoodies, shirts, and hats with an evolved message behind the art. In their words, “Out of chaos comes form – stars become galaxies, individuals become societies, ideas become reality. Creativity is the language of nature.” Check out their goods here!

…On Halloween night! They’ve grown pumpkins (in their new community organic garden perhaps?) and will be showing the work of Mike Kershnar!

We love Sezio’s interview with co-ringmaster Jeff Black who says “Art, and everything that goes along with it, will save the world. Mark my words…” and we agree, my friend! Cheers to a new world.