Art galleries have a reputation as being disconnected, lofty and expensive.
That’s not necessarily the case at galleries spread out around downtown San Diego. Instead, striving to create connections with customers seems to be a common goal.
Galleries in the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, East Village and the Marina District are aiming for approachability. And making the act of purchasing art more accessible.
Come along on a colorful and inspirational tour of seven of downtown San Diego’s best places to buy and enjoy art.
Stefanie Bales Fine Art
Stefanie Bales embraces color and lightness in her work, often drawing on the San Diego landscape for inspiration. Her Little Italy gallery’s latest collection offers self-described “whimsy and femininity.”
Bales says her award-winning gallery aims to “break down barriers of traditional fine art spaces with their stark white walls and formal interiors” by replacing that status quo with a “whimsical cloud installation and colorful, welcoming facade.”
Approachability and community are tenets of her work.
“Unlike a lot of renowned contemporary art, my work is devoid of political or social commentary,” Bales says. “It is meant to be an escape from that conversation with the intent to inspire, uplift and transport viewers to a place of serenity, nostalgia and peace.”
The output focuses more on the human elements that connect us all through visual experiences, she adds.
“Most of the businesses in Little Italy are in the food-and-beverage sector, so I love the opportunity to offer a different sensory experience,” Bales says. “It’s also been really wonderful growing the business alongside so many others in the neighborhood.”
Bales also has painted murals in Balboa Park, Belmont Park and at the San Diego Museum of Art.
Beyond personal artwork, Bales strives to advocate for women in business, to incorporate teaching into her career (even though she’s no longer an educator) and to bring the community of Little Italy together.
She hosts several community workshops and events.
“I think now more than ever, the value and investment in art in our local communities – especially in the cultural hub of downtown – is vastly important,” Bales says. “And it all starts by supporting your local artists and galleries.”
1504 India Street, Little Italy, more info
Exclusive Collections
Ruth-Ann Thorn’s Exclusive Collections gallery aims to elevate the work of native artists, like Jeremy Salazar, in addition to other nationally recognized artists.
Thorn has a highly respected, three-decade history of curating galleries all over San Diego. Thorn began Exclusive Collections with her mother, and continues to feature her mother’s artwork in the gallery.
The Gaslamp Quarter location has been open since 2023. Recent artists on display have included Michael Flohr, sketches by John Lennon and the whimsical drawings of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Suess).
“It’s really fun because a lot of galleries only showcase one artist,” Fine Art Consultant Natalie Thompson says. “Here, around each corner you’ll find something new.”
Exclusive Collections recognizes that a common barrier stopping people from buying art is the cost. The gallery has flexible financing options to customers who feel a connection with a certain work.
“I think the art should find you,” Thompson says. “That emotional connection is a translation from somebody’s soul. Art is a legacy to leave behind to your family.”
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Thorn started a skincare line called N8iV Beauty and runs a YouTube series called “This is Indian Country.” Thompson describes her as one of the most inspiring professionals in her field.
“She’s become our mentor,” Thompson says. “She puts air under our wings.”
621 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, more info
Walter Redondo Fine Art Collection
Walter Redondo was a number-one-ranked junior tennis player in the 1970s. He took on the role of artist later in life. After years of producing work as a painter and sculptor, Redondo opened his gallery in 2023 at The Headquarters near Seaport Village.
With the help of Shatoo Mohamad, the gallery’s social media manager, Redondo found the space in The Headquarters and immediately knew it was right.
“As soon as I walked in it was like — what do I need to do to make it happen?” Redondo says. “We love to believe for things. We hope for the opportunity to move forward into our dreams.”
Redondo mentored Mohamad over the years, starting on the tennis court. Over time, she began to help him expand his social media presence. The two “grew together organically,” according to Redondo.
Redondo’s art is centered on the idea of childlike freedom and often draws on the motif of a flower’s growth.
“My art is about community, about the gathering of people, about life,” Redondo says.
In addition to showcasing his work, Redondo uses his gallery to host community events and workshops.
“This gallery has given me the opportunity to walk into a space and totally believe,” Redondo says. “It’s such a privilege. It’s challenging, but it’s an adventure.”
789 W Harbor Drive (Unit 124), Marina District, more info
Sparks Gallery
A vast, but warm space in East Village, Sparks Gallery showcases contemporary art by local creators.
It was founded by Sonya Sparks, an artist who has curated exhibitions for San Diego museums and galleries.
The Sparks Gallery focuses on regional talent.
“Our gallery champions artistic talent in the region and serves as a nexus for creative conversations to elevate the local artistic community,” Sparks’ website says.
A part of the gallery scene for 11 years, Sparks aims to make buying art more accessible.
The company line: “We stand against art being inaccessible, exclusionary, and confusing to purchase, and against ‘art’ that is made in a factory…We believe that by providing this space and service, we can help encourage the growth and preservation of local art and culture.”
530 Sixth Avenue, East Village, more info
Adelman Fine Art
Positivity is at the center of Adelman Fine Art’s mission.
“Our biggest inspiration was from our mother, who was always supportive of the arts,” Nicole Adelman Brewer says. “We quit our jobs and started a new adventure with no background.”
Owned by sisters Nicole and Phylicia Brewer, Adelman Fine Art has been in Little Italy for 10 years; the gallery is the oldest tenant on the block.
Since its inception, community has always been an important part of the gallery’s identity, according to Nicole.
“The community here welcomed us,” she says. “We love working with creatives and creating.”
The gallery is overflowing with work that exudes vibrance and life, urging viewers to look on the bright side. Nicole describes the work as being “colorful and uplifting – not political or sad.”
Adelman Fine Art is, above all, a place where the community can embrace art that aims to put a smile on your face.
“My favorite part of this gallery is being around the connections that people are making with the art,” Nicole says.
1980 Kettner Boulevard (Studio 40), Little Italy, more info
Agora Galleries
Bursting with lively artwork, vintage furniture, handcrafted jewelry and handmade clothes, Agora Galleries is a feast for the senses.
Owned by Susan Kreitzer, the Gaslamp Quarter gallery is focused on providing a breadth of work.
“I’ve always loved representing different artists from all over the world — as much art as I can,” Kreitzer says.
When the gallery’s previous owner passed away, Kreitzer took over and decided to expand the gallery’s artwork, adding an array of new artists and more jewelry to the collection.
Besides art, the shop is also inhabited by Kreitzer’s dog, Pebbles, who sits by a self-portrait at the front of the gallery.
Fostering a welcoming environment and helping people make connections with art has always been important to Kreitzer.
“I love representing artists to help them grow,” Kreitzer says. “And I love when people come in and say, ‘You made my vacation.’”
363 Fifth Avenue (Suite 102), Gaslamp Quarter, more info
Mee Shim Gallery / Sarah Stieber
Sarah Stieber’s pop-up gallery, currently in the Mee Shim Gallery space in Little Italy, is a pocket of vibrance and fun.
Stieber’s displays are bright and colorful, overflowing with life, positivity and plenty of visitors.
“I love how accessible the Little Italy gallery is for my friends and collectors, and how international the space is,” Stieber says. “Little Italy is so close to the airport and the convention center that I feel like I’m traveling every time I open the doors.”
Stieber’s current collection will be in the gallery until June 15. It’s called “The Integration Series,” and is made completely out of cut-and-pasted tape.
“[It] depicts the illusion of overlapping transparent colors, inviting viewers to explore the depth and vibrancy of their own multifaceted identities,” Stieber says. “When we know ourselves at our core, we can integrate those parts, be purposeful about which layers to bring forward, and move through the world with integrity and awareness.”
Stieber is a proponent of accessibility and community in the art world. She believes that, “while not everyone can afford original art, everyone should be able to experience it.”
The gallery is a welcoming space for viewers, with an interactive community art wall, videos of Stieber creating the art and a complimentary Topo Chico for each guest.
She hosts several events, and has live music every Saturday.
“There are so many ideas and stories behind each painting, and the diversity of people who walk through the doors enriches the conversations and connections with my art,” Stieber says. “It’s really important to my team and me to facilitate an experience that makes you think about art, and maybe about yourself, in a new way.”
1943 India Street, Little Italy, more info SDSun
