FOOTHILLS ART ASSOCIATION
A Community For Local Artists
Welcome to Foothills Art Association in downtown La Mesa, California, a creative art community for over 70 years. Our gallery showcases local artists in monthly members’ and juried art shows, as well as featuring a talented artist each month. Highlighting the year is the annual Wildlife in Art exhibition, open to all artists. Monthly members meetings feature a lecture/demo by a skilled artist, often followed by an art workshop for hands-on learning. Weekly art meet-ups focus on drawing, watercolor, oil and acrylic, and life drawing.
Foothills Art Association is excited to expand its horizons with a dedicated online art gallery showcasing the innovative spirit of digital art. Explore captivating works in digital painting, photo manipulation, digital collage, groundbreaking AI/text-to-image art, dynamic video installations, and stunning 3D renderings.
Whether you are an artist seeking inspiration, an art collector wishing to expand your collection or an art lover looking to connect, Foothills Art Association invites you to discover, create, and engage in the transformative power of art. Please see our About Us page for information on joining.
Our Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday each week from 11 am to 4 pm.
Foothills Fridays
April through September, we host an art reception on the second Friday of each month from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the gallery. These receptions showcase the Gallery, highlight the monthly art show, and celebrate the featured ratist of the month. In addition to the receptions, we also have a table at the La Mesa Farmers Market. The continued success of Foothills Fridays relies on the support of member volunteers. These receptions and our presence at the Farmers Market increase awareness of our gallery and support the arts in our community. Please lend your time and talents to help us make these events a success. Please click here to volunteer.
Summer Class Schedule
Step into sunshine with Slice of Summer, an acrylic mini painting workshop designed for both beginners and seasoned artists. Offered on July 13th and 17th, this class offers each participant the opportunity to create a series of mini canvas paintings. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll paint using acrylic paints. All materials are included. We’ll provide everything you need, including canvas, brushes, paint, palettes, and aprons. Class will be taught by Stephanie Henry. Please click here for more information.
Exhibitions & Meetings
July Favorite Things Show
Get ready for our July exhibition, where the artists explore their favorite things through their art. You’ll find pieces inspired by everything from portraits, meaningful experiences, beautiful landscapes to favorite activities .
Join us for the opening of the show on July 11th, with a reception that evening from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Monthly Members Meeting
June 5th , 5-7 pm
Attend our brief business meeting, followed by Glenn Osga demonstrating a small image landscape in acrylic. Click here to sign up for Glenn’s landscape class on Sunday, June 8th, from 10-1. We invite new members to attend the Orientation Class from 5-5:30 pm prior to the meeting. Please note we are dark for meetings in July and August.
Featured Artist for June
This month’s featured artist is Maureen Kerr. Traveling has been a big part of her life, and it’s where she draws much of her inspiration and passion for art. Her goal as an artist is to bring some of what she sees to life on canvas. Each painting tells a story and invites the viewer to join her on a journey and experience the world through her unique perspective. Enjoy more information about Maureen here
June Summer Sol Juried Show
The warmth of summer is on its way, and so is our June juried art show! We invite artists to submit their best work. Our optional theme is “Summer Sol” – think bright colors, joyful moments, and the fun in the sun. . Join us for a celebration of creativity and share your artistic vision! This show opens June 6th with a reception Friday, June 13th, 4-6 pm.
Foothills Art Association’s Digital Art Gallery – Officially OPEN!
Foothills Art Association proudly unveils its first-ever Digital Art Gallery, opening May 15th thru June 30th 2025 with the inaugural exhibition:
Island to Inland – New Media from Hawaii and Southern California
In partnership with the Digital Art Society of Hawaii (DASH), this virtual show highlights original digital artworks from both regions—expanding FAA’s reach and celebrating innovation in the digital arts.
Thank you to everyone who submitted their artwork—this is shaping up to be a fantastic show that highlights a wide range of styles and approaches in digital art. I’m excited for what’s ahead!
Foothills Digital Gallery is officially OPEN! and ready to view art in a whole new way—anytime, anywhere. CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE to enter or ENTER HERE!
Call for Entries: “Experimental” Upload LINK starting June 7th
Foothills Art Association – Online Digital Gallery
Casual Art Gatherings: Create Together in Community
Our member-organized art groups provide a relaxed and collaborative space for artists to connect and create. Bring your works-in-progress and enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts in a non-instructional setting. It’s a perfect opportunity to share your passion and find inspiration. A $3 gallery fee is collected at each meeting. For further information, please call (619) 464-7167.
Wordell Critique Group
Second Monday of the month 10:00-12:00
The Wordell group encourages growth and development, providing valuable insights and encouragement in a supportive environment to artists at all stages of their creative journey. In addition to the collaborative critique sessions, participants have the option to take on monthly challenges designed to inspire creativity and expand artistic horizons. Attendance is open to all members.
San Diego Drawing Guild Wednesdays, 10:00-2:00 Weekly
The San Diego Drawing Guild is dedicated to exploring the rich possibilities of colored pencil, pastel and graphite art. From beginners to experienced artists, everyone is welcome to join this supportive group where creativity flourishes and friendships form around a shared love for drawing.
Oil & Acrylic Painting Group
each 2nd, 3rd, 4th Thursday 1:00-4:00
The Oil and Acrylic Painting Group at Foothills Art Association is a dedicated to the exploration and mastery of oil and acrylic painting. The group provides an opportunity for artists to refine their techniques and share insights. Join us as we blend colors, experiment with textures, and bring our artistic visions to life on the canvas.
Watercolor Painting Group Fridays 10:00-1:30
The watercolor group is a community of artists brought together by a shared passion for the medium of watercolor. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a beginner, our welcoming atmosphere encourages exploration, learning, and growth. Join us as we gather to paint, share techniques, and inspire one another.
Life Drawing Group
3rd Monday of each month from 10:30 am to 12:30pm.
Drawing from life is a skill that enriches all artists, regardless of their chosen medium. This group is open to nonmembers. A $10 fee for members and $15 fee for nonmembers covers the cost of live models with an additional $5 if you wish to take photos for future reference. For further information please call the gallery at (619) 464-7167
Contact us at foothillsartassoc@gmail.com and we’ll get in touch with you.
(619) 464-7167