Art is set to take over the sidewalks and storefronts of San Diego’s vibrant University Heights this autumn. The highly anticipated University Heights Open Air Gallery will take place on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Transforming the neighborhood into an immersive, walkable gallery, the event invites residents and visitors alike to stroll down Park Boulevard — specifically between Adams and Monroe avenues — to experience the boundless creativity of the local art scene.
A Vibrant Showcase of Local Talent
This year’s Open Air Gallery features a diverse array of mediums designed to captivate seasoned collectors and casual browsers alike. Attendees will find an eclectic mix of fine art, unique ceramics, handcrafted jewelry, expressive wood, resin, and textile creations, as well as colorful hand-blown glass.
Booths will line the bustling sidewalks, while several neighborhood businesses are opening their doors to host pop-up gallery spaces inside. Be sure to venture indoors to explore specially curated art installations hosted at Diversionary Theatre, HiFi Art, Cecilia’s Fine Jewelry, and Timshel.
Interactive Art and Event Highlights
True to its dynamic reputation, the gallery offers more than just static displays. Visitors can watch the creative process unfold in real time with live demonstrations scattered throughout the corridor:
Live abstract painting: Catch artist Jeffrey Taylor bringing canvases to life right outside Cecilia’s Fine Jewelry.
Paint your own pottery: Ceramists at Kairoa Brewing Company will have premade pieces waiting for your unique touches.
Community weaving: Stop by the University Heights Arts Association (UHAA)/University Heights Community Association (UHCA) booth to add to a collaborative community art piece!
Navigating the neighborhood is a breeze; event maps will be available on the day of the gallery to ensure attendees can easily locate every participating creator.
Additionally, guests can participate in a special community raffle. Participating artists are generously donating select pieces to be featured in an end-of-event drawing. Raffle tickets can be purchased separately at the event, and complimentary tickets will also be included with any purchase made at an artist’s booth.
Complete Roster of Participating Artists
The neighborhood will be buzzing with dozens of incredible creators across multiple categories:
Fine Artists: Gina Mathern (Ocotillo Art), Ansley Pye, Chelsey Blair (Rose Colored Chels), Rick Clarke Art, Sandro Gia Art, Kirsten Ivey (Yellow Moon Art), Jeffrey Taylor Art, Lulu Yueming Qu (LULU.LIVE Art), and Xi Wu (Shagnom).
Ceramicists: Aarthy Lakshmanan (Bumi Ceramics), Natalie Ikker (Ceramic Echoes), Hyeyoon Jeong (yo_ceramics), Jesse Santos (Santos Ceramics), Laura James (Glazey Daze Ceramics), and Jessica Lawrenz (Laugh Now Craft Later).
Jewelry Vendors: Dani Hall (Haus of Clay), Kennyotta Boone (Iris Studio Jewelry), Jiani Niu (Mitea Jewelry), Ashley Uranga (Earth Spirit Stones), and Brianna Williams (Aquarius Moon Designs).
Wood, Resin, and Glass Artists: Deborah Chandler (Just Because Resin Art), Haley Garvis (Make Shift Wood), and Taryn Bertolino (Taryn Jayne Glass).
Felted Wool Artists: Sophie Ancel (Wooly Wool Art).
Featured Artist Spotlights
To help you plan your stroll, here is a closer look at a few standout creators whose work you won’t want to miss:
Ansley Pye (Contemporary Fine Art):
A prominent San Diego-based contemporary artist, Pye creates evocative oil paintings that explore transformation, texture, and the emotional marks left behind by life’s experiences. Drawing from an extensive exhibition history across Southern California, her textured florals and abstract pieces offer viewers a deeply reflective space where beauty meets imperfection.
Aarthy Lakshmanan of Bumi Ceramics:
Blending functionality with organic aesthetic forms, Lakshmanan creates soulful, wheel-thrown ceramic pieces. Bumi Ceramics emphasizes grounding, earthy tones, and tactile finishes that bring a sense of mindful ritual into everyday home use.
Dani Hall of Haus of Clay (Jewelry & Polymer Craft):
Known for crafting whimsical yet sophisticated statement earrings and small-batch accessories, Haus of Clay bridges contemporary style with playful geometry. Her collections — ranging from abstract dangles to distinct seasonal designs — celebrate bold, wearable art.
Taryn Bertolino of Taryn Jayne Glass:
Working out of Southern California, Bertolino manipulates molten glass into stunning, luminous works of art. Her hand-blown glass pieces capture light and color in breathtaking ways, ranging from delicate decorative objects to striking functional forms.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Nov. 8. Grab a map and join us in supporting the incredible artists who make University Heights a vibrant cultural hub in San Diego.