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.
Foothills Fridays
April through September, we host a 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 show, and celebrate the Featured Artist. 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.
Exhibitions & Meetings
April Juried Members Show
Unleash Your Palette in the “Color My World” Members’ Juried Show. As artists, color is our language. It shapes our vision and breathes life into our creations. Enter your best works and compete for cash prizes! Registration for this show is now closed.
Monthly Meeting
Members Meeting, April 3rd , 5-7 pm
Attend our brief business meeting, then enjoy an exciting demo by Duke Windsor on using gold leaf in your artwork.
Featured Artist for March
Wendy Kwasny is an award-winning fine artist, known for her mastery in oil and acrylic portraiture. With a BA in Fine Art, Wendy has spent over 25 years exhibiting her work in various galleries throughout San Diego, earning recognition for her exceptional craftsmanship and emotional depth. Click image for more information.
March Members Show
See what fuels artistic fire in our March Members Show, themed Inspire. It may be the brushstrokes of the Old Masters, the delicate details of a still life, the vastness of a landscape, or the captivating expressions of the human face. Click the image above to see a sample of this “inspiring” show.
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