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I asked our speakers from last Wednesday night the same questions you’ve been answering: What’s sticking with you? What might you check out? What was missing?
Here’s what’s on their minds:
Ben Strauss-Malcolm, 30, Golden Hill 
Niche:
Visual arts
What idea is sticking with you?
I loved the cross-over that was occurring all night. Art of Élan was very interesting both on the musical talent as well as business platform. The images that Jennifer Luce presented make me very excited to see this year’s Design section at the San Diego Art Fair.
Where might you visit or check out?
I will, of course, continue to check out all the murals that are going up in La Jolla, but am also interested to see the “Life of Riley” currently showing at the Old Globe, which was recommended to me by a fellow panelist, and I’m certainly going to sit outside if I have to in order to see Art of Élan.
What had you never heard about before last night?
Art of Élan was new to me as a few of the designers mentioned by Jennifer Luce.
What did you think was missing?
More people. I realize it was the first event of its kind and great to see those that did turn up, but for a population of over 3 million people in San Diego I think there is vast improvement to be made for recognizing our wonderful art scene.
Seema Sueko, “30s”, Birdland/Serra Mesa 
Niche:
Theater (founder and artistic director, Mo’olelo Performing Arts Company)
What idea is sticking with you?
An art mural made by the community responding to “What’s your favorite color?”
Where might you visit or check out?
Casa Familiar
What had you never heard about before last night?
Felt furniture!
What did you think was missing?
It would be great to hear about our robust dance community: Eveoke, transcenDance, Malashock, San Diego Dance Theatre, Collette Harding, PGK Productions, Krucial Element, Mojalet, San Diego Ballet, City Ballet, Samahan, Rincon, Alison Greene, the ethnic specific dance companies, etc.
Evan Schumacher, 30, Clairemont 
Niche:
Software, tech
What idea is sticking with you?
That art can be woven into your everyday life. The murals in La Jolla, the art pieces in the neighborhoods of Mexico, and even functional furniture just show you that you are surrounded by art all the time — you just have to have a mindset to see it.
Where might you visit or check out?
I’ll definitely be on the lookout for the murals in La Jolla (and other neighborhoods) when I’m out with my dog.
What had you never heard about before last night?
It’s sad to say that I hadn’t heard of most of the other topics. I learned a lot in each 6:40 segment.
What did you think was missing?
Some type of Q&A or call to action after the event. In keeping with the spirit of the event, though, I’d limit the questions to one sentence and the answers to 20 seconds (and have a timer!)
David Flores, 39, Chula Vista 
Niche:
Architecture, art and planning
What idea is sticking with you?
The idea of cross pollination and cross connection efforts needs to be reinforced. We need hubs to present all of the arts happenings… by regions maybe? I know we are all busy with our own efforts, but maybe direct invitations from community to community. What would happen if one of the six presenting organizations hosted the other’s communities for one event or happening?
Where might you visit or check out?
Hip classical music…I love it, but I know that within the community we have not been taught to appreciate classical music, even within our organization…
What did you think was missing?
A follow-up plan… but hey it’s the first one and with Twitter/Facebook we can spread the next to do’s quickly.
Photos by Sam Hodgson.
Kelly Bennett is the arts editor for VOSD. You can reach me directly at kelly.bennett@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.325.0531. Or you can keep up with me on Twitter @kellyrbennett or on Facebook.