Past Events
May 3, 2025
Spring into Art at Open Studios
Over 150 guests joined us for a vibrant Open Studios with amazing art, live music, and a special moment honoring Linda Litteral for her healing-arts work with incarcerated individuals. Huge thanks to Assemblymember Tasha Boerner’s office and the Prebys Foundation for their support!
Electronics improvisational trio by Jonathan Piper, Amy Cimini, and Nick Lesley.
Killer Trees band of student musicians played original songs and covers.
Tobin Chodos and crew held an open jazz rehearsal in his studio.
Drummers Without Borders hosted a drum circle in Brennan Hubbell’s studio.
Linda Litteral read emotional testimonies by her incarcerated art students.
December 14, 2024
Moonlight Magic at Open Studios
Our final Open Studios of 2024 was a beautiful, moonlit night full of art, music, and connection. Close to 200 guests celebrated S4A’s 15th anniversary and enjoyed the casual company of fellow arts enthusiasts.
Special thanks to:
Alaric López - curator of the pop-up mini art gallery
Mission Brewing - donation of beer
Trader Joe’s Mission Valley - donation of cider & other NA drinks
Empanada Kitchen on C St. - discounts on the delicious food
Amy Cimini and Nick Lesley improvise together.
Abril Diaz, Felix Diaz, and Silvio Diaz of Drummers Without Borders perform.
October 5, 2024
Rally 4 Culture
Thank you to all who joined us for a day of community art, music, theater, and advocacy for affordable artist spaces in San Diego! As one of our guest speakers said, “We can’t be an island. We need to be (part of) a bigger network that’s connected to other organizations to further this mission.”
Call to action for October: Please sign this open letter to our City Council by October 29, and check out this google doc to Join the AB 812 Coalition and learn all the ways you can support the affordable artist housing movement locally.
Special thanks to all those who helped make this event possible:
Tyler Hewes, Michael Camacho - Guest Speakers
Herbert Siguenza - Guest Performer
Jonny Hoolko, Jonathan Piper, Linda Litteral - S4A Speakers
Andrew Alcasid - Art Station
Felix Diaz, Mary Pat Hutt, Jonathan Piper, Alaric López - Musicians
Michael Potterf - Videos & Photos
Kelvin Lopez, Chris Padilla, Athenaeum Arts Center - Print-Making Equipment
Kubo Coffee, Barra Cruda Cevicheria - Food & Drink
Local Church - Chairs
S4A Tenants & Board Members - Volunteering
September 10, 2024
Reflections in Fabric: Flood Stories
Reflections in Fabric: Flood Stories emerged from the August 24th workshop, Tides of Emotion, where families used quilting as a creative medium to process and express the emotional journey surrounding the impact of floods in their lives.
This exhibition showcased quilt squares, each telling a story of water’s powerful presence in our San Diego communities— from the arrival of the floodwaters to the aftermath, and the ongoing healing process. Through group conversations, fabric, and collage, participants visually documented their experiences, exploring themes of recovery and resilience.
Hung on a clothing line, the quilt symbolized the drying and healing of emotional wounds, inviting neighbors and the community to reflect on these stories over food and music. This community art project celebrated how creativity can reconnect us with our environment and each other.
Workshop led by: Yvette Roman
Team: Carlito Espudo, Rio Villa Ezell, Daniela Kelly, Francisco Soto, Veronica del Rio
Hosted by: Space 4 Art, Sherman Heights Community Center, Office of Councilmember Vivian Moreno (District 8)
June 18, 2024
Successful Closing Reception
Many guests joined us at Mesa Gallery for the last chance to see our show, Creating in Community: A Group Exhibition. In addition to mingling with a number of artists, guests were treated to four performances by resident musicians Jonathan Piper, Alaric López, and Nick Lesley, as well as one of Jonathan’s students, Max Montgomery.
Special thanks to:
Alessandra Moctezuma, our curator and the gallery director
The full gallery staff - for their fantastic support throughout our exhibition
Clandestine BBQ - for treating our guests to delicious tri-tip rolls during the Closing Reception
Nick Lesley and Jonathan Piper use various percussion instruments, electronic equipment, and a tuba to improvise together.
Alaric López improvises a mesmerizing soundscape on guitar.
Jonathan Piper and his high school student, Max Montgomery, perform some tuba duets.
Jonathan Piper experiments with a pie tin and a crafty way to play two tubas at once!
June 6, 2024
Over 100 guests attended our Opening Reception at Mesa Gallery!
The Opening Reception for our show, Creating in Community: A Group Exhibition, at Mesa College Art Gallery was full of opportunities for lively discussion. Guests had ample opportunities to speak with our artists and performing musicians, capped off by an informative panel discussion full of advice as Space 4 Art forges ahead to realize its mission of creating a wholly-owned, large-scale Arts Center that will provide affordable artist live/work spaces as well as community arts spaces.
Ciel Bracher performs while Andrew Alcasid continues painting his mural during the Opening Reception.
Felix Diaz and Abril Diaz of Drummers Without Borders perform during the Opening Reception.