FOOTHILLS ART ASSOCIATION
Community For Local Artists
Welcome to Foothills Art Association in downtown La Mesa, California, a creative community for over 70 years. Our gallery showcases local artists in monthly members and juried art shows, as well as a featured 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 a workshop for hands-on learning.
Whether you are an artist seeking inspiration 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.
Exhibitions & Meetings
Entry open 9/9/24 – 10/17/24.
The juried Wildlife show is open to all artists and is our biggest show of the year, featuring over $2000 in prizes. Reception 11/2/24. Click here to learn more.
Monthly Member Meeting
Our next meeting will be on November 7th at 5:30 pm. Demo artist Stephanie Henry will show how Procreate, a powerful iPad app, can enhance and augment traditional art. Stephanie will be teaching a 6 week course on Procreate as well. If you would like a sneak preview prior to the start of her course on October 23rd, sign up for Stephanie’s free Procreate demo on 10/17 at 4pm here.
Classes Open for Registration
Registration has opened for fall classes. “Activating Your Canvas” will be taught by Cappie Geis. Lisa Bebi will be offering an art mentoring program for serious artists who wish to improve their skills. Lisa will host a free preview of the mentorship as well. Pet portrait and wildlife artist Stephanie Henry will be teaching 6 week art class on painting animal portraits with colored pencil. Stephanie will also add a 6 week class on creating digital art on the iPad with Procreate. Learn more and register on our Classes page.
Current Exhibit
September’s juried Small Image show, showcasing the beauty that comes in small packages, is now open through October 17th.
Upcoming Shows
November hosts the 35th Annual Wildlife in Art Show.
December’s theme focuses on Winter Moments.
Members Galleries
Each artist’s online gallery offers a unique perspective and artistic vision. We invite you to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of art created by our community of passionate artists.
Members' Special Interest Groups
Special interest groups are social gatherings which do not offer formal instruction. Bring your ongoing art project and enjoy creating art in a supportive community of fellow artists. There is a $3 per person gallery fee collected at each meeting. For further information please call the gallery at (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 artistry. From beginners to experienced artists, everyone is welcome to join this supportive environment 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