Featured Artist
Eight months of each year (excluding January, August, September and November), we spotlight one or more of our many talented artists and give them an opportunity to showcase their artwork. Artists audition for this honor and are offered a full wall as well as prime real estate in front of the gallery to showcase their art. Featured artists have the option of hosting an art reception at the gallery. Guidelines for featured artists are posted on the website.
For questions about the Featured Artist or to apply to be a Featured Artist, email here. Please note that the featured artist may be a single individual or a small group. Traditional, digital and photographic media are eligible for consideration.
Please enjoy this introduction to the Featured Artist of the Month. Click on the artwork images for details.
Esther Beish
RECEPTION, JUNE 12TH, 4 – 6 PM
Hello, my name is Esther Beish. I’m an award-winning photographer and acrylic painter. I grew up in La Mesa and now live in El Cajon, from where I used to own an art gallery named Main Street 5 back in 2008. It was then that I won multiple awards in photography, a skill I acquired in college. While I have dabbled in painting before, only recently, as of last year, 2025, I developed proficiency in acrylic painting through persistence and a lifelong appreciation for art. Jumping in with both feet, I quickly became fascinated with learning this new craft, with the encouragement, critiques, and advice of friends who supported me along the way. Having joined the East County Arts Association, after only a few months of experimenting with texture, color theory, composition, and appeal, I submitted my first acrylic painting for public exhibition, and it was awarded first place unanimously by a jury. In all honesty, I had no idea I would get this far in such a short amount of time from what was initially just a passing hobby. In inspiration from myself and others, I want to continue this journey and spread the love of my artwork to as many people as I can
GWEN SMALL
July
