by Morgan Hurley
Greetings, art lovers, or even those new to the scene. Listings in this new space will include events, exhibits, or art announcements from LGBTQA artists, gallery owners, and the like. It is not meant to be all-inclusive but a way to get the word out about things happening locally that we can involve ourselves in. There is always something happening in our art community! Take a Saturday and visit one or more of these great events! All are open to the public unless a ticket price is indicated.
A new creative palette space for RD
Local artist RD Riccoboni recently announced he was moving to a new studio and invited everyone to stop by.
His move has now taken place and as of April 4, his works are on display for all to see at Studio 16 B in Spanish Village Art Center, located in Balboa Park. RD is known for his is ready to greet customers and even those taking a stroll through the village to browse.
Spanish Village Art Center is located at 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park (for parking, enter from Park Boulevard side, just north of the Natural History Museum).
His new studio hours are Thursday through Monday, from 11 am – 4 pm. For more information, visit rdriccoboni.com or bearnakedartist.com.
Artist Alchemy in Hillcrest
Guest curator Kevin Winger presents the group show, “Artist Alchemy: Abstract Innovations” for the month of April at The Studio Door.
The eight local (paint and multimedia) artists whose works will be included are Ansley Pye, Jamie Kaminscky, Jason Gould, Kevin Winger, Beate Bermann-Enn, Jill Joy, Wayne Hulgin, and Jeffrey Taylor.
While the show is happening now and runs through April 27, the opening night reception is scheduled for Friday, April 12, from 6-9 pm.
“Studio Door owner Patric Stillman and guest curator Kevin Winger invite you to experience this colorful, innovative, and cutting-edge exhibition showcasing San Diego’s preeminent abstract creators,” said a press release announcing the exhibit. “These works demonstrate a broad diversity of processes, mediums, and unique expressions from our very own San Diego-based artists, exemplifying some of the top talent in our fine city. Please join us and experience this dynamic and immersive collection of works in person at the Studio Door gallery in Hillcrest this April.”
The Studio Door, which originally opened in 2014 in North Park, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The gallery is nationally known for its annual exhibitions, The Crow Show and PROUD+, and support of local artists. The Studio Door’s 4,300 square-foot Hillcrest storefront hosts 16 working artists studios in addition to its large gallery space.
The Artist Alchemy: Abstract Innovations exhibit is available for viewing this month (through April 27), Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm at The Studio Door, located at 2867 Fourth Ave., in Hillcrest. For more information, visit thestudiodoor.com. @thestudiodoor
The controversy of equality
A special series called “Controversy of Equality,” will be on display at SD Art Advisory, starting April 9 and running through June.
The work is from local artist and sculptor Elizabeth Laul Healey, of La Jolla, who splits her time between here and Laguna Beach.
“Women, race, equality, power, celebrity, self confidence, the art world, consumerism and the environment are all recurring subjects in my work. Art challenges the way we think, it opens the doorways to conversations, and art is food for the soul,” Healey states on her website, elizabethlaulhealey.com.
There will be a special meet-and-greet with the artist on Saturday, April 13, from 6-8 pm, which will launch the exhibition. Healey’s works, which she defines as “conscious contemporary art,” will then be on display through June, with viewings by appointment. Call 619-844-4487 to schedule.
SD Art Advisory Gallery is located at 3877 Falcon St., in Mission Hills. To learn more about the gallery, visit sdartadvisory.com.
Gallery 21 solo exhibition
A local Mission Valley-based artist will have a new exhibition, titled, “Minimal Designs & Organic Shapes,” to be held at Gallery 21 in the Spanish Village Art Center, from April 9–22.
The exhibition has an opening reception and meet-and-greet scheduled for Saturday, April 13, from 3-6 pm. Viewings outside of the stated hours can be made by appointment.
Gallery 21 has long focused on emerging artists, offering them the opportunity to showcase their work in Gallery 21’s intimate venue.
The meet-and-greet on April 13, is “a unique opportunity to engage with the artist as he shares insights on his personal and professional inspirations that led to this exciting body of work,” stated a press release announcing the art event.
Smith, who moved to San Diego from the Midwest in 2021, is known for his use of color and “showcasing his personality.” He has already engaged in a number of other exhibitions around the county with award-winning results in his short time here.
“Lucas brings a fresh vision to abstractionism inspired by exploration of America’s Finest City,” stated the release. “This contemporary artist is not afraid to use color and showcase his personality through his imagination and creativity. Smith’s palette choices are bold & vibrant. His artwork is a series of layers, each with their own unique significance. Lucas invites his viewers in, not holding back, taking them on a journey through is artwork. Each piece tells a story and seeks to engage with the viewer not only to inspire but to soothe the mind.”
Gallery 21 is located at 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. For more information, visit lucassmithart.com @lucassmithart
Paint and sip your evening away
Hosted by Alexander Salazar at his SD Art Advisory Gallery, Christy Ross Art presents “Paint & Sip,” an evening with art and wine.
Christy will guide those in attendance through an evening of creative exploration.
At 6 pm, attendees will get the chance to mingle with a glass of wine and light appetizers while enjoying the two floors of professional artwork inside the SD Art Advisory gallery.
The painting lesson, “The Cloud,” will start promptly at 6:30 pm. The next two hours will be spent painting. All art supplies will be provided and included in the ticket price.
Christy said she will teach attendees techniques to help them unleash their inner artists and create their own masterpieces.
SD Art Advisory Gallery is located at 3877 Falcon St., in Mission Hills. Tickets are $75. For more information and to buy tickets, visit christyross.art/sdartadvisory.
Editor’s Note: This came in after we went to press so we are adding it to our online version of the story:
Christy said they are offering an early bird special of $10 off, bringing the ticket price down to $65 for the art lesson, all supplies, adult beverage and light appetizers. However, you must complete your registration on or before Saturday, April 13.
To buy tickets with Venmo, @Christy_Ross or online at christyross.art/sdartadvisory. To get the discount, enter EARLYBIRD at check out on her website or type EARLYBIRD in the Venmo message.
If you’d like to be included in Art About Town, send an email or a press release and photo to [email protected].
All images/photos courtesy of the artists/galleries.
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