Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathi Meyer.
Hi Kathi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Meyer Fine Art
2400 Kettner Blvd, Suite 104, is a cornerstone of Little Italy’s art and design district.
Gallery Owner and CEO Perry Meyer and Gallerist and PR Director Kathi Meyer met in San Diego in the 1980s, each arriving by very different paths.
Perry and his family moved from Chicago to Point Loma in 1965. Early visits to the Art Institute of Chicago had already sparked his love for art, which grew into a career. By 1978, he had established his own San Diego art business, specializing in original prints for local businesses, law firms, and private collectors.
Kathi grew up on Long Island, NY, immersed in art from an early age—her father was a renowned illustrator, commercial artist, and U.S. stamp designer. Although art was in her blood, her studies took a different direction. After summer marine biology courses in San Diego, she pursued a masters degree in Marine Science at UCSB, later working five years in the field before transitioning into a 20-year career in biotech, where she eventually served as a Research Librarian.
With Kathi working fulltime, Perry balanced raising their two children with running his independent art business. Over the years, their son and daughter also contributed to gallery exhibitions. In 2006, Perry opened Meyer Fine Art as a public gallery in the historic Studio Arts Building on Kettner Blvd. Kathi joined him full time shortly after retiring from her corporate career.
Today, Meyer Fine Art is recognized as one of San Diego’s most respected fine art galleries. The gallery specializes in original graphics, limited-edition prints, and works on paper by 19th–21st century artists, along with a curated selection of paintings.
With more than 40 years of expertise, Perry provides personalized consultation to help both novice and seasoned collectors build exceptional, lasting art collections.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Little Italy neighborhood has such a diversity of businesses. In the early 2000s,
the majority of the art-centric organizations were predominantly in the north.
We opened our gallery in 2006 in a small upstairs space at the 2400 Kettner building. When a larger space became available on the ground floor, we knew we had to expand and take advantage of the visibility it offered.
At the time, the building was home to several other galleries and a community of individual artists, many with open studios. To draw visitors to the north end of Little Italy and showcase the mix of retail and art, we collaborated on evening Art & Design Walks. These events thrived for many years, but over time the neighborhood dynamics shifted. Rising rents and parking challenges led artists to relocate, some businesses closed, and others stopped keeping consistent hours. As participation waned, attendance declined, and eventually the walks came to an end.
Today, we rely on our own efforts to promote the gallery—through exhibition receptions, social media, email newsletters, our website, and special collaborations.
Our connection with the Little Italy Association (LIA) has also been vital to our visibility. Perry served on the LIA board for 10 years, and together we have participated on various committees, volunteered at events, and maintained an active presence in the community. For one of our Vintage Poster exhibitions, we partnered with the LIA by donating a portion of sales to a neighborhood project they selected.
Still, the north end of Little Italy has always presented challenges. It sits outside the main pedestrian hub, and while new eateries continue to open, many businesses have closed or relocated. Large-scale development is on the horizon, but in the meantime, our area struggles to attract consistent foot traffic.
In response, we are exploring creative ways to entice and engage visitors—through curated exhibits, collaborations, special events, and unique offerings—with the hope of sustaining interest and, ultimately, generating sales.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Meyer Fine Art, Inc. has been a trusted name in the San Diego art community since 1978. In June 2006, the gallery opened its public space in the heart of Little Italy, where it has since become one of the city’s most respected fine art galleries.
We specialize in original graphics, limited edition prints, and works on paper spanning the 19th to 21st centuries, complemented by a curated selection of paintings. Our collection features artworks created through a wide range of techniques—etching, lithography, drawing, mixed media, and more—offering both rare and museum-quality pieces alongside contemporary works.
The gallery presents internationally renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Joan Miró, Alexander Calder, Roberto Matta, and André Masson, among others. Featured exhibitions have included the celebrated Argillet Collection of Salvador Dalí etchings, paintings by illustrator Howard Koslow, mid-modern works by Clay Walker, and surrealist-expressionist canvases by Jean Kazandjian.
As independent gallerists, we are known for curating thoughtful exhibitions and offering visitors an educational experience. Many guests describe their visit as more than just a gallery stop—it feels like a guided “tour,” where stories, context, and insight bring the art to life. Because most of our artists have passed on, we often speak on their behalf, creating an experience that feels like stepping back into history. For others, we share direct insight into their personal histories, techniques, and backgrounds—knowledge gained through our own experiences, or through close connections with family members and those who knew the artists well.
With over 40 years of expertise, Owner Perry Meyer offers personalized consultation services to both new and seasoned collectors, helping them build exceptional collections with confidence. We also provide framing, shipping, and restoration services, ensuring a complete art experience from acquisition to care.
How do you define success?
As independent gallerists, we are known for curating thoughtful exhibitions and creating an educational experience for our visitors. Many guests describe their time with us as more than just a gallery visit—it feels like a guided “tour,” where stories, history, and context bring the art to life.
For us, success is defined in many ways: the joy of welcoming repeat customers who continue to grow their collections with us; new visitors discovering the gallery and calling it a hidden gem; and the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve connected someone to an artwork that resonates deeply with them.
Above all, Meyer Fine Art is defined by its commitment to authenticity, professionalism, and integrity. Whether serving individual collectors, corporations, or institutions, we pride ourselves on delivering a welcoming, personal atmosphere and providing trusted guidance in the fine art market.
Pricing:
Our gallery offers a wide range of artworks to suit both new and seasoned collectors. Original works on paper in our vast inventory are priced between $300 and $10,000, with a specially curated selection—originally prepared for a Los Angeles print fair—available at more accessible prices starting at $250 to $875.
We also represent several art estates which include both works on paper and paintings. Prices range from $300 for smaller works to about $20,000 for large-scale oil paintings.
In addition, we are proud to feature the Argillet Collection of original Salvador Dalí etchings. Prices for these rare and highly sought-after works are set by the collection’s curator.
At Meyer Fine Art, there is truly something for everyone—from affordable entry points for novice collectors to significant, museum-quality works for seasoned buyers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://meyerfineartinc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meyerfineartinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meyerfineartinc/
