Foothills Art Association: A Nonprofit Art Gallery in La Mesa
Foothills Art Association: La Mesa’s Nonprofit Art Gallery
Foothills Art Association (FAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art gallery in La Mesa, California, committed to advancing the arts through exhibitions, education, and meaningful community engagement. As an inclusive arts organization, FAA actively supports and elevates diverse artistic voices—creating space for women, underrepresented artists, and emerging creatives working across traditional, digital, photographic, and mixed media practices.
Our mission is to foster creativity, expand access to the arts, and build cultural connection through equitable, community-focused art experiences. By offering both in-person exhibitions and an accessible online presence, FAA ensures that art is not limited by location, background, or medium.
Visit Our Art Exhibitions
Foothills Art Association presents rotating nonprofit art exhibitions in San Diego County, showcasing original work by local and regional artists. Our exhibitions celebrate a wide spectrum of perspectives—encouraging dialogue, visibility, and opportunity for artists whose work challenges, inspires, and reflects contemporary culture.
Exhibitions are held at Porter Hall in La Mesa, California, as well as through FAA’s Digital Art Gallery, which expands access and provides a dedicated platform for digital, photographic, and video-based artists.
Inclusive Access to Art
Our gallery is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM, welcoming all members of the community to experience art in a supportive and inclusive environment.
At FAA, we believe that access to art is essential—and that representation matters. Through our nonprofit mission, we continue to create opportunities for artists to be seen, heard, and valued.
Featured Artists
This month, we are honored to have two very talented artists sharing the spotlight. For more information about these artists, click the images below.
Rhonda Pettit Anderson
Rhonda Pettit Anderson is a San Diego-based artist who has spent her life using art as a powerful means of communication and connection. She focuses intensely on an ever-evolving, experimental approach to drawing and painting. Her award-winning work explores color expressionism and rich narratives.
Susan J. Osborn
Susan J. Osborn is a Bonita-based artist and educator whose work is deeply inspired by the peace and grandeur she finds exploring the landscapes of Southern California. Utilizing line, texture, and color, she leverages the rich, painterly quality of oil pastels to capture the vibrant energy and beauty of the outdoors.
Exhibitions
April Show
We invite you to our members only juried show in April, which features the optional theme, “Color My World.” This exhibition encourages artists to share their unique perceptions of the world through the vibrant and expressive use of color. We are pleased to have esteemed artist Risë Parberry judging this show. Don’t miss the reception and awards ceremony on April 10th from 4-6 pm. Click the image at left for the prize winners and a sampling of this beautiful show.
May Show
Expanded Media – our wildest show of the year!
Ready to show off what you’ve been working on outside your usual routine? May brings our most eclectic and exciting exhibition: Expanded Media.This show is all about versatility. From fiber arts and sculpture to digital prints and photography, if you made it, we want to see it. This is the perfect opportunity for our members to debut their “other” artistic endeavors and push the boundaries of the gallery. Registration now open. Click the image for more information.
Foothills Fridays
Support Foothills Fridays
Join us in bringing art to the community! From April through September, we host a booth at the La Mesa Farmers Market alongside a concurrent reception at the gallery. As a non-profit, we rely on member volunteers to help with artist demonstrations at the market and gallery hosting. Your support is vital to our mission of keeping the arts accessible in La Mesa.
Meetings
May Meeting
May 7th, from 5:30-7
After a brief business meeting, Foothills Art Association is pleased to present esteemed artist Duke Windsor.Gold leaf has been used for centuries to signify power, light, and meaning—yet in contemporary painting, it is often misunderstood as purely decorative. Gold leaf can function as structure, surface, and concept within acrylic painting.Duke will demonstrate the complete gilding process from surface preparation through leaf application, integration with painting, and preservation. A 3 hour workshop will follow the demo. Click the image for more information.
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 showcasing digital art, photography, AI-assisted work, mixed media, and new media practices. Operated by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, this platform extends FAA’s mission beyond Porter Hall—connecting artists and audiences across San Diego County and Southern California and expanding how contemporary art is experienced.
Unlike commercial platforms, FAA’s Digital Gallery is nonprofit and educational at its core, focused on access, visibility, and community impact rather than sales alone. Through thoughtfully curated online exhibitions, we create space for artists working in evolving mediums that reflect today’s creative landscape.
Our Purpose
The Digital Art Gallery is designed to:
• Provide meaningful exhibition opportunities for artists working in digital and lens-based media
• Expand public engagement with contemporary digital, photographic, and new media art
• Support arts education and community outreach through accessible online programming.
A Platform for Contemporary Voices
Featuring monthly themed exhibitions, the Digital Gallery highlights both emerging and established artists, creating an inclusive, forward-thinking space for creative exploration. By removing physical limitations, it expands participation, increases visibility, and opens new possibilities for artists working across digital and contemporary media.
As part of Foothills Art Association: A Nonprofit Art Gallery in La Mesa, the Digital Gallery complements our exhibitions at Porter Hall while advancing a more accessible, sustainable, and future-focused approach to the arts.
Access FAA’s online Digital Art Gallery by choosing “Digital Gallery” from the homepage navigation or clicking the link provided.
Current Exhibition: TIME, Architecture, Motion
TIME, Architecture, Motion is a contemporary art exhibition featuring digital art and photography that explore the relationship between time, architecture, and motion. Through layered imagery and experimental techniques, artists reveal how space, memory, and movement intersect in both physical and digital environments.
This exhibition highlights how architecture is shaped by time and how motion transforms perception, offering viewers a dynamic and immersive visual experience. Discover how contemporary artists use digital and photographic media to interpret the evolving nature of space and time.
For questions, please email us—thank you for supporting and participating in the FAA Digital Gallery!
Follow us on Instagram: @foothillsartassoc
Casual Art Groups: Create Together in Community at Foothills Gallery
Foothills Art Association’s Casual Art Groups are member-organized gatherings held at our nonprofit gallery in La Mesa, California. These sessions provide a relaxed, collaborative space for artists to connect and create in a non-instructional, open studio environment.
Bring your works-in-progress, exchange ideas, and enjoy the company of fellow artists while building creative momentum and community.
These informal art groups are ideal for inspiration, creative exchange, and strengthening connections within the local arts community. Some have a $3 gallery fee which 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 [email protected] and we’ll get in touch with you.
(619) 464-7167