The Arts Institute is not a commercial gallery and has been in existence since 1941 (in this space since 1997). It allows Southern California artists an opportunity to compete against other local artists through a jurying process and to get their art in front of a potential buyer’s eye “while the artist is still breathing.” There is no permanent collection on site; it’s forever changing and includes artwork such as oil and pastels as well as mixed media.

In May, the San Diego Art Institute is sponsoring two special events: “Rewind 68” and “Merging Minds.” Rewind features music, fashion and art along with Ursula 1000 from Thievery Corporation’s label, ESL Music. The lineup includes DJ Haaps, Dr. Sergio of Orange Kiss and live fashion modeling. Merging Minds is an international evening of sight and sound.

SDAI is 10,000 square feet of gallery where a new exhibit opens every four to six weeks, offering a comprehensive perspective on regional art. Admission is a mere $3; that’s less than a gallon of unleaded and it will take you to places where no vehicle could ever take you. Open your mind, free up your senses and experience art in many forms, shapes and sizes.

The entire place is dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts. Throughout the year, apart from their regular shows, they offer a “One-Foot” show, youth art and special outreach shows.

Their outreach exhibitions have underscored hot topics such as breast cancer (Winged Victory), AIDS (Our Healing Arts) and the environment (EARTH).

The institute sponsors a youth art program as well, for elementary, middle and senior high schools in the region. It includes storytelling, which is an interactive program using both verbal and visual skills.

There’s even art education: classes in life drawing, painting and watercolor, among others. And they don’t stop with the classes. They offer an evening lecture series with discussion, and occasionally sponsor a tour to other art venues. In August, they will visit Laguna Beach for their annual Pageant of the Masters.

Currently, they are sponsoring the International Digital Fine Art Exhibition (April 30-June 11). They received 800 entries and will display 86 pieces. Prospectuses for this show were sent as early as August of last year.

The Front Runners & Walkers of San Diego have their mixers at this space, free of charge, in exchange for providing volunteers to some functions like the C-Note, the institute’s biannual art sale that helps earn funding for continued services, and provides a unique opportunity for art collector’s to find original art pieces at low prices.

The San Diego Art Institute believes that the creative process is essential for a healthy quality of life. They have a vision: to see the visual arts elevate San Diego to a world-class, creative and vibrant community. And they have a mission: to develop artists and supporters of the visual arts through exhibition, education and outreach.

On May 7, Joe Naiven is guest speaker for “The Gathering,” which develops dialogues relevant to the arts by providing an opportunity to meet and get to know other local artists from emerging to professional.

If you want to become an artist member of SDAI, all they require is 125 artistic bucks on a yearly basis, plus a few hours of volunteer work at the institute. Members sell their crafts (pottery, glassware and jewelry) and get special discounts.

So if you need a special artistic treat, the Museum of the Living Artist may be just the thing for your palate.