Written by Lindsey Chronert

A while back, I went down to The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla to meet their marketing manager, Carrington. We do a lot of private events at the museum, so we initially met up to talk strategy. But, as usual, I moved on to the personal questions because I was eager to learn more about him. He shared more about his love for making music and his side hustle of making candles. You could feel the creativity and joy bursting out of every word he said. I liked him immediately. As we stood up to say our goodbyes, he asked if I had a few spare minutes to check out the latest exhibit. 

We walked by the giant silver pumpkin sculpture speckled with rainbow polka dots that greets visitors in the museum’s lobby. Carrington gestured toward the iconic Robert Irwin wing and asked if I had ever seen it before. It has a stunning 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean with wide open windows. He noted the space is always crowded with people trying to capture their perfect IG shots. We continued and strolled past Andy Warhol, Richard Serra and Robert Rauschenberg.

We walked quietly through the new exhibit until Carrington stopped me. He told me the next section might be difficult to see and asked if I wanted to continue. Of course, I did. He shared more about the series and its significance in our history. We paused before a portrait of a solemn, dignified Black woman with natural hair and a steady, unyielding gaze. Just beneath the image lay a single red rose that was delicate and powerful against the monochrome lithograph. The title read Love Letter II, a piece by Charles White. The portrait was of Fannie Lou Hamer, the civil rights activist who had bravely spoken out about the hysterectomy a white doctor performed on her without her consent during what was meant to be a simple surgery. This trauma fueled her lifelong fight for justice.

That work of art is not something I would choose to have in my home to decorate my halls. But I will never forget the emotions I felt. I have deep gratitude for the experience. And I am still captivated by the way art preserves stories that might otherwise fade. I recognize the unspoken agreement we, ordinary people have with the art collectors and the museum donors. We need the wealthy to fund thes arts. They do it for their own reasons. And this arrangement works. We don’t need to own the art. We just want to experience it. To stand in its presence. To feel its impact and be moved by something that reaches farther than ourselves. Art has a way of belonging to everyone who sees it. It becomes us. And for just a few dollars, or a lot of times even for free, we can stand inches away from these priceless creations and behold their wonder—the brutal, the heart-breaking and the beautiful. 

If you’re an art lover like me, here are a few place to find your next inspiration.

Top 10 San Diego Art Galleries Chosen by Curators and Collectors

San Diego is a vibrant, creative community with a diverse art scene. We've gathered recommendations from San Diego's prominent artists, curators from iconic establishments such as San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art and Sparks Gallery to provide a guide to the top art destinations in the city. So here’s your inside scoop on where to find your inspiration.

Two Rooms Birdrock

Two Rooms in Birdrock is a cozy and intimate artist-run gallery and project space founded by Lizzie Zelter in January 2023, located adjacent to her studio in San Diego, CA. Dedicated to informal and experimental artistic exploration, it hosts curated exhibitions and community events that foster connections between artists and the audience. With its relaxed vibe and emphasis on personal engagement, Two Rooms feels like a hidden gem within the San Diego art world, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the creative spirit of the San Diego/Tijuana bi-national region.

TwoRoomsGallery.com | La Jolla, CA

Bread & Salt

Bread & Salt distinguishes itself as more than just an art gallery—it's a dynamic cultural incubator and gathering place that embraces the full spectrum of creativity. Housed in a former bakery, this 45,000-square-foot space offers a blend of galleries, studios, and event areas, hosting an impressive array of artists, from local talents to international names. Past exhibitions have included works by artists like Marianela de la Hoz, who explored themes of identity and culture, and immersive installations like Cog•nate Collective's cross-border narratives. Its diverse programming includes everything from experimental music performances and poetry readings to community-driven art events, reflecting the unique blend of influences from San Diego’s close connection to the U.S./Mexico border. Bread & Salt’s residency program fosters emerging talent, and its engagement with artisans, educational entities, and nonprofits makes it a true cultural hub that champions artistic freedom and cross-cultural collaboration.

BreadAndSaltSanDiego.com | Barrio Logan, CA

Oceanside Museum of Art

Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is a premier cultural destination in North County San Diego, known for its innovative exhibitions and dedication to contemporary art. Housed in a modern, architecturally stunning building, OMA showcases a diverse range of works from regional and international artists, spanning various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art. With a focus on engaging the local community, the museum offers educational programs, artist talks, and special events that inspire creativity and cultural connection. Its rotating exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover, making OMA a vibrant and essential part of Oceanside’s cultural landscape.

OMA-online.org | Oceanside, CA

Future is Color

Future Is Color is a California-based lifestyle brand and community space started by Erwin Hines. It’s located in the heart of San Diego's Barrio Logan. Future of Color is dedicated to fostering conversations around collective liberation and embracing the full spectrum of humanity. Known for its thoughtfully designed garments—"wearable conversations"—and inclusive physical experiences, the brand creates a platform for dialogue and creativity that challenges oppressive systems and ideas. Their studio opened in early 2020 at 2060 Logan Ave and has evolved into a vibrant gathering space that hosts events, art shows, and the Studio Sessions experience series, which explores the unifying power of music and art. Future Is Color is more than a brand; it's a movement that inspires connection and a community that "Moves In Love."

Future-is-Color.com | Barrio Logan, CA

ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in San Diego is a vibrant hub dedicated to experimental art and transformative learning, challenging assumptions and sparking curiosity. As a dynamic platform, the ICA provides a space for the community to gather, question, and shape the future through contemporary art. The gallery showcases a diverse range of experimental works, including installation art, performance, and digital media, often focusing on themes related to pop culture, social issues, and urban art. Committed to supporting emerging talents, the ICA cultivates a rich ecosystem where artists can thrive. By engaging with the arts, visitors connect through meaningful questions, making the ICA a unique and essential part of San Diego’s cultural landscape.

ICASanDiego.org | Encinitas, CA

Thumbprint

Founded in 2009 by Paul Ecdao and Johnny Tran, Thumbprint Gallery is a dynamic San Diego art space that curates monthly exhibitions featuring a diverse array of emerging, mid-career, and established artists. With a focus on contemporary pop culture, nostalgia, urban art, and pop surrealism, the gallery creates an eclectic and engaging atmosphere that inspires creativity and fosters community. Thumbprint Gallery brings together art lovers and creators alike, celebrating local, national, and international talent while encouraging appreciation and support for the vibrant art scene. Join us to explore thought-provoking works that resonate and inspire!

thumbprintgallery.com | La Jolla, CA

Quint Gallery

Quint Gallery, established in 1981 by Mark Quint, has been a cornerstone of San Diego’s contemporary art scene for over four decades. Unlike traditional galleries that limit their representation to a select group of artists, Quint Gallery actively seeks to showcase a diverse range of talents, providing a richer tapestry of contemporary art for the community. This innovative approach has allowed the gallery to adapt to the evolving art world, embracing greater transparency and access to artworks. In addition to its primary exhibition space, the gallery features ONE, a satellite venue dedicated to experiencing monumental works in an intimate setting, initially launched during the pandemic to facilitate solitary reflection on art. Through its varied programming, Quint Gallery remains committed to bringing the best contemporary art to San Diego, continuing its legacy of exploration and engagement.

QuintGallery.com | La Jolla, CA

Barrio Logan Art Crawl

Barrio Logan is a vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood in San Diego, renowned for its deep-rooted Mexican-American heritage and thriving arts scene. As one of the city's most dynamic communities, it serves as a hub for creativity, activism, and tradition, with its streets lined with colorful murals, eclectic galleries, and local businesses that reflect the area’s strong Chicano identity. At the heart of the neighborhood is Chicano Park, a National Historic Landmark, featuring the largest collection of outdoor murals in the country, which celebrate the community’s history and resilience. In addition, the community hosts a self-guided art walk every second Saturday 12-8pm. Barrio Logan’s blend of history, art, and a welcoming spirit makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the authentic cultural heartbeat of San Diego.

Instagram.com | Barrio Logan, CA

The Front Arte Cultura

The Front Arte Cultura, run by Casa Familiar, is a vibrant art gallery, education space, and community meeting venue located in the heart of San Ysidro, California. Since 2007, The Front has been a driving force in boosting arts and culture in the San Ysidro–Tijuana region, offering a platform for new, diverse, and innovative projects. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021, the gallery has become a hub for cultural engagement, hosting art exhibitions, performances, and workshops that reflect the unique cross-border identity of the area. Housed in a restored 1929 Louis J. Gill building, The Front continues to foster creativity and social justice through arts education and community-driven programming, making it a vital space for residents and artists alike.

TheFront.CasaFamiliar.org | San Ysidro, CA

Murals of La Jolla

Murals of La Jolla is a public art project that brings large-scale, contemporary artwork to the streets of La Jolla. Curated by the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, these vibrant murals transform the city's walls into a dynamic outdoor gallery, featuring work by local and internationally renowned artists. With new installations regularly added, the project provides both residents and visitors with a constantly evolving art experience, celebrating creativity in unexpected places.

MuralsofLaJolla.com | La Jolla, CA

Meet the Contributors

Maru López is an artist, educator, and craft scholar based in San Diego, California. She holds an MA in Critical Craft Studies. Her research focuses on Puerto Rico and craft knowledges in contemporary art. Maru has shown her jewelry in Europe, Latin America, the United States, and Puerto Rico. She currently works as the Manager of Education and Engagement at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. 

Natalie Gonzalez joined Sparks Gallery as the Outreach Coordinator in August 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience as an arts advocate, cultural promoter, and exhibitions coordinator. Born in Los Angeles and primarily raised in Mexico, she earned her B.A. in Arts and Cultural Management from the Universidad de Guadalajara. With 15 years of international experience organizing art exhibitions in Europe and Mexico, Natalie is dedicated to making art more accessible and fostering creativity within Southern California. Her passion lies in building a sense of community around artistic activities, ensuring that the transformative power of art reaches a broader audience. At Sparks Gallery, she continues to promote cultural engagement and support the local arts scene.

Dante Rowley, a native of Stockton, California, found his passion for entrepreneurship and creativity early on. After earning a Bachelor's in Art from Fresno State, he moved to San Diego for graduate studies at SDSU but shifted focus to real estate, prioritizing connections over a degree. He founded Rosewood, which evolved from an art gallery into a thriving sneaker and streetwear store. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, including ventures like E. Vil Donuts, Dante now leads front of house operations at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, where he oversees daily operations and curates events, collaborations, and products with renowned brands like New Era, MLB, and artists such as Barbara Kruger and Andres Serrano.

Sonya Sparks is the owner and chief curator at Sparks Gallery. Sonya studied art in conjunction with obtaining her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the University of San Diego. Sonya founded Sparks Gallery in 2013 to encourage the patronage of local artists, support local art groups and institutions, and to educate the public about Southern California artists. Sonya has curated exhibitions for multiple organizations, including, but not limited to: the Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance, Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, Cannon Art Gallery, and the Escondido Arts Partnership. As an inducted member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society, Sonya champions ethical business leadership.