A Community for Artists, In the Gallery and Online
Step into a space where art comes to life. For over 70 years, we have been a creative community for artists and art lovers in La Mesa. Our mission is to connect, educate, and showcase local talent.
Discover your new favorite artist in our fine art gallery, or explore our innovative online space that celebrates digital art and photography. We’re more than just exhibitions; we’re a hub for learning and connection. Join our monthly meetings with artist demonstrations, or participate in a weekly art meet-up. There’s a place for you to explore, create, and engage with the transformative power of art.
Our Gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday each week from 11 am to 4 pm.
Foothills Sign Up For Gallery Sitting has been repaired. If you have signed up recently, please contact Michele Barbour, Gallery Sitting Chair, or send the information to Foothills Gmail and let her know the date you signed up for.
Exhibitions
In celebration of the season of love and the vibrant hue of red, we invite our member artists to participate in our February Members Show. Registration is now open through February 2nd, with take in on February 5th, 2-5 pm. While we are highlighting the color red, the theme remains optional. Please complete your entry by clicking the image to the left.
Meetings
February Members Meeting
February 5th, from 5:30-7
After a brief business meeting, we will have a demo by Michele Little, who will present a live gelli plate printing demonstration. Michele is a mixed media artist who loves to experiment, from watercolor, acrylics, and oils to collage and found objects. This engaging demonstration will explore the versatility of gelli plate printing, showcasing how layered textures, everyday materials, and intuitive mark-making can come together to create unique, expressive prints.
Classes
This hands-on art journaling class blends self-care with creative exploration, offering a relaxed and supportive space to experiment, reflect, and make art just for yourself.
Participants will explore a variety of art journaling approaches, including bullet journaling, collage, expressive painting, guided writing prompts, and junk journal techniques. You’ll learn how to combine words and imagery in ways that feel intuitive and personal—no rules, no pressure, and no previous art experience required. Click the image for more information.
Foothills Art Association’s Digital Fine Art Gallery
Welcome to the Foothills Art Association’s Online Digital Fine Art Gallery, a nonprofit virtual exhibition space dedicated to digital art, photography, AI-assisted work, mixed media, and new media practices. As part of FAA’s mission to advance the arts through education and public access, this gallery extends beyond Porter Hall to connect artists and audiences throughout Southern California and our partner community in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Digital Gallery features monthly themed exhibitions highlighting both emerging and established artists, offering an inclusive platform for creative exploration and community engagement.
To enter the Online Gallery, select an image above or choose “Digital Gallery” from the homepage navigation.
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?
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
Our member-organized art meet ups 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. 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