Art Scene West: San Diego’s Newest Hidden Gem
Nestled in San Diego’s historic Seaport Village, Art Scene West has opened its doors to welcome art lovers of all ages. The gallery, which opened on July 4th of 2024, focuses on discovering talented artists from around the world in an effort to bring a diverse plethora of art to San Diego for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. Through world-wide art calls, the gallery is able to exhibit artists' work in their physical and online gallery spaces, contributing to the eclecticness that the gallery prides itself on.
Upon speaking with Art Scene West co-owner, Joshua Rios, the passion-filled mission of the gallery became clear. The gallery prides itself on creating an accessible and affordable space for artists around the world to showcase their artwork. With a wide variety of paintings ranging in size, style, and price, the gallery has something special for everyone.
The journey to open the gallery’s doors begins with Rios’s own unconventional journey with art. Rios shared that growing up art wasn't something that he thought much about. Rios’s interests were more aligned with sports than with painting and it wasn’t until after high school that he began to explore art as an outlet.
“I had a lot of energy and was looking for something to be more involved with,” Rios recalls. Always drawn to abstract art, he began creating as a hobby and, over time, found himself increasingly immersed in the world of art. By 2022, he was exhibiting his work in local galleries throughout San Diego, marking the start of his professional journey as an artist.
Now co-owner of Art Scene West, one of the first galleries to showcase his work, Rios is proud of the strides that the gallery has made since its opening. With rotating exhibitions, live music events, and a calendar full of creative workshops, Art Scene West has quickly become a central part of Seaport Village’s revitalization.
Rios points to the gallery’s painting parties as one of the gallery’s most significant accomplishments. Held four days a week with two sessions each day, the parties allow people to come together, create, and take home a piece of their own through a guided experience. Through events like these, Art Scene West aims to breathe new life into the historic Seaport Village area.
“We want to make this place more vibrant, more lively,” Joshua explains, adding that the gallery’s rotating exhibitions and art walks are helping to transform the area.
Whether it’s through its physical space in Seaport Village or its online platform, Art Scene West seeks to foster a community where art is for everyone. This commitment to inclusivity is evident not only in the variety of the art exhibited but in the gallery’s broader purpose: to connect people from all walks of life with the creative expression they may not otherwise encounter.
When asked what advice he would offer aspiring artists, Joshua offers thoughtful insight: “Art is important, but it can’t be everything. If you enjoy creating, keep doing it, but find other passions too. Those other interests will fuel your art and give you new inspiration.” He emphasizes that art is a journey, not a destination, and encourages young artists to explore the world around them as much as their canvas.
The Look Magazine is thrilled to be collaborating with Art Scene West. If you are interested in experiencing a painting party for yourself, or for more information make sure to check out the gallery’s website and Instagram.
By Katie Blais
Design by Anthony Gutierrez
