The San Diego Art Department is the heartchild of George Lofland , whose vision of a dynamic atmosphere brimming with creative play came to fruition in July, 2003. It is a 3,700 square foot haven which beckons artists to work, learn, teach, exhibit, critique and commune with one another in spaces designed for painting, pottery, sculpting, tiling, and other media.

The mission of the San Diego Art Department is to establish itself as a sacred place that encourages the creativity of artists of all ages and stimulates the ongoing flow of ideas and expression.

The San Diego Art Department is unique in that we are an art school, a working studio space, and an exhibition gallery. We have state-of-the-art equipment and award-winning instructors. Our gallery is filled with new works by our students, teachers, and members. The exhibitions are changed each month for Ray at Night, San Diego’s largest monthly arts and cultural event.

Community is everything and it has several meanings at the San Diego Art Department. First, we are a dynamic and evolving community within ourselves, bringing together artists of all backgrounds to create a work-play community.

Second, given our location on Ray Street, we have embraced and been embraced by the burgeoning community of artists, patrons, and businesses here in North Park.

Third, we are proud to be expanding our reach to the greater community as evidenced by the launching of our “Teen Art Program” (TAP) for the homeless. The program will offer classes to homeless youth first on a weekly and then a multi-day basis.

After only a few months in business our sense of community — that we are not alone — is strong and inspiring.