The Studio Door

Perfect for art patrons & visitors in Hillcrest.

🎧 Podcast: Beyond Gallery Walls
🎧 Column: The Word on Art for The WORD San Diego Opened in 2014, The Studio Door is a multi-purpose community art gallery dedicated to the creative marketplace. As an S-Corporation, The Studio Door leads by example as a for-profit business while encouraging economic development. Over 2,000 artists have exhibited and participate in exhibits and creative programming lead by the business. After several initial North Park locations, The Studio Door settled in the heart of the Hillcrest neighborhood. The 4,300 sq foot storefront contains a sprawling art gallery surrounded by 16 artist studios and a small “museum store.” Half of the gallery space converts into a public space, which has held live local Jazz concerts, Drag Queen performances, art workshops and public gatherings. The gallery is nationally known for its annual exhibitions, The Crow Show and PROUD+, as well as the regional biennial 50 To Watch. As a strong community partner, The Studio Door collaborates with Mission Federal ArtWalk’s Business of Art Scholarship. Behind The Studio Door is “Mural Alley.” In 2010, the alley boasted an incredible mural by renown artist Shepard Fairey (now obscured by new development). Almost a decade later, local muralists have taken up the call to enrich the neighborhood. Hillcrest Business Association has secured the funding to hand rope lights across the alley and future events are being planned. In 2019, The Studio Door was awarded a Nicky Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts by the LGBTQ community. Additionally, recognition came from California’s Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, Assemblymember Todd Gloria and Councilmember Chris Ward for community service in the arts.