Foothills Art Association – A Nonprofit Art Gallery Serving San Diego County
A Nonprofit Art Gallery Serving San Diego County
Foothills Art Association (FAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art organization dedicated to advancing the arts through exhibitions, education, and community engagement. Located in La Mesa, California, FAA provides public access to fine art while supporting artists working in traditional, digital, photographic, and mixed media practices.
Our mission is to foster creativity, education, and cultural connection through inclusive, community-focused art experiences, offered both in person and online.
Visit Our Art Exhibitions
Foothills Art Association presents rotating art exhibitions in San Diego County, showcasing original work by local and regional artists. Our nonprofit exhibitions are open to the public and reflect a wide range of artistic voices, styles, and contemporary approaches.
Exhibitions are held at Porter Hall in La Mesa, California, and through FAA’s online Digital Art Gallery, expanding public access to art both in person and online.
Our Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday each week from 11 am to 4 pm.
Exhibitions
Current Exhibition
Foothills Art Association invites members and the public to experience our January Members Art Exhibition, featuring a diverse collection of original works inspired by the optional theme of Peace. This month, we are proud to also showcase artwork by talented local students from the Grossmont Union High School District, highlighting youth creativity and community expression.
To view highlights from the exhibition online, click VIEW or select the Peace exhibition image. Visit our gallery at Porter Hall in La Mesa to experience the full show in person.
Upcoming Exhibition
In celebration of the season of love and the vibrant color red, Foothills Art Association invites member artists to participate in our February Members Art Exhibition. Artwork intake on February 5 from 2–5 pm at Porter Hall in La Mesa, California. While red is highlighted, the theme remains optional
Meetings
February Members Meeting
February 5th, from 5:30-7
After a brief business meeting, Foothills Art Association will host a live gelli plate printing demonstration by Michele Little, a mixed media artist known for her experimental approach. Michele works across watercolor, acrylic, oil, collage, and found objects, blending materials to create rich, layered compositions.
This engaging art demonstration in La Mesa, California will explore the versatility of gelli plate printing, highlighting techniques such as layered textures, everyday materials, and intuitive mark-making to create unique, expressive prints.
Foothills Art Association’s Digital Fine Art Gallery
Online Art Exhibitions by a Nonprofit Arts Organization
Welcome to the Foothills Art Association Digital Art Gallery, a nonprofit online art gallery dedicated to digital art, photography, AI-assisted work, mixed media, and new media practices. Operated by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Digital Gallery extends FAA’s mission beyond Porter Hall to connect artists and audiences throughout San Diego County and Southern California.
Unlike commercial art platforms, FAA’s Digital Gallery is nonprofit and educational in purpose, expanding public access to contemporary art through curated online exhibitions.Our goals are to:
•Provide artists with meaningful exhibition opportunities
•Encourage public engagement with digital and photographic art
•Support arts education and community outreach
The Digital Gallery features monthly themed exhibitions highlighting both emerging and established artists, offering an inclusive platform for creative exploration while complementing FAA’s physical gallery and in-person programming.
Access FAA’s online Digital Art Gallery by choosing “Digital Gallery” from the homepage navigation or clicking the link provided.
Current Exhibit “TIME”
Time shapes everything we see, remember, and become. In this digital exhibition, FAA artists explore time not only as a measure, but as a lived experience—layered, fractured, preserved, accelerated, or suspended.
Together, these works invite viewers to slow down, look closer, and consider their own relationship to time. What endures? What disappears? And what does it mean to experience time in an increasingly digital world?
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR FEBRUARY SHOW “Abstract Explorations”
For questions, please email us—thank you for supporting and participating in the FAA Digital Gallery!
Follow us on Instagram: @foothillsartassoc
Casual Art Gatherings: Create Together in Community
Foothills Art Association’s Casual Art Gatherings are member-organized community art meetups in La Mesa, California, offering a relaxed and collaborative space for artists to connect and create. Bring your works-in-progress, share ideas, and enjoy the company of fellow artists in a non-instructional, open studio setting.
These informal art meetups are ideal for creative exchange, inspiration, and building community. A $3 gallery fee is collected at each gathering. For more 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. This group consists of beginners to experienced artists in a supportive group where creativity flourishes and friendships form around a shared love for drawing. This group is currently at capacity.
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