Elise McKenna
I’m a native San Diegan who loves to travel but always feels good about being home. I grew up painting, drawing and experimenting with different mediums. From a young age, I spent my summers at art camp, drawing animals at the San Diego Zoo. Whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say “an artist,” but I never found the path to getting there. Read more>>
Shiloh Reed
I discovered my love for photography in high school when I first started shooting with an old film camera that my mother let me borrow for school. I loved taking assigned pictures and then developing the film and working in the dark room. It was so exciting to see what would evolve. My high school photography teacher was amazing! Read more>>
Lori Mitchell
I have been drawing ever since I was a kid. My mom was an art teacher and art was encouraged in my household. We would go to art shows and museums and there were crayons and paper always at the ready. I went to Art Center College of Design and got a BFA in Illustration and I have made art my career. I have illustrated 10 books and I also teach art. I teach at the Athenaeum and also at UCSD Extension. Read more>>
Allan Toh
I spent most of my life on the fence about wanting to be an artist. I initially went to college, looking to major in art, but graduated with a BS in Biology and a Chemistry minor. I’m self taught other than a drawing class which confirmed what I already knew and an acrylic class which confirmed I was different than any other person that wanted to explore painting in the class. That gave me confidence to give art a try. Read more>>
Leah Higgins
I was born and raised in La Jolla, San Diego. I have an artistic background but my parents didn’t support me at college level to participate. My major was Social Work and Nutrition. My husband encouraged me to use my god given gift to be creative and use my art abilities. I became a fashion designer for 12 years, created my own line and manufactured and sold internationally. Read more>>
Melissa Montoya
I’m originally from Peru. My family and I moved to San Diego, CA when I was a baby. Even though, I was very young, I think coming from a different cultural background always made me an observer and curious to learn about other people’s backgrounds. This sparked many travels in my life as well as different dwellings. I’ve lived in Boston, Paris, NYC and Peru (again). I have made my way back home though, San Diego that is, and I love it here! Read more>>
Kevin Shi
My interest in art world was awaken and influenced at early stage by my father, who was a traditional Chinese brush painter. But, I didn’t start to pursue my artistic passion until my 30s. I got into photography when I visited United States at first time. I was amazed by the beautiful landscape of West Coast of US, decided to take my impression with me to China, to show to my family and friends the images of US. I bought my first camera at a Palo Alto, at a 2nd-hand camera shop, it’s a Minolta SLR. Read more>>
