PHOSPHENE is a group exhibition curated by Dinah Poellnitz that explores the inner spark behind artistic creation— the instincts, sensations, and moments of discovery that emerge before ideas become fully formed. Named for the phenomenon of seeing light without an external source, the exhibition considers the “inner vision” artists follow when they trust intuition over certainty.
Developed through Poellnitz’s curatorial residency with Space 4 Art, PHOSPHENE began with a studio visit with Space 4 Art resident artist Bryttney-Mischele Salvant and grew into a conversation among four artists whose practices embrace experimentation, transformation, and personal expression. Though working across painting, fiber, illustration, embroidery, and found materials, Bryttney-Mischele Salvant, Mark Chamness, Pastelle, and Akiko Surai share a commitment to following the creative process wherever it leads.
Together, these artists invite viewers to consider the moment when instinct overtakes intention— when making becomes less about knowing and more about trusting. PHOSPHENE celebrates the quiet inner light that artists follow and reflects on the creative spark that exists within us all.
Throughout the exhibition, Space 4 Art will offer a series of free workshops exploring creativity, materials, and artistic process. The monthly Community Knitting Circle with Linda Litteral meets on July 25, while Conserving Your Art with Nylah Byrd and Morgan Wylder of BACC on July 28 offers artists practical tools for preserving their work. On August 1, participants will make Plant-Dyed Tote Bags with Daria Van Nice and Karlee Maríel.
Exhibition Details
Title: PHOSPHENE
Curator: Dinah Poellnitz
Exhibit Dates: July 18 - August 15, 2026
Gallery Hours: Fridays 1-7 p.m.; Saturdays 12-6 p.m.; or by appointment
Opening Reception: July 18 | 4-7 p.m.
Closing Reception + Artist Talk: August 15 | 12-3 p.m.
Free Workshops: Knitting Circle, July 25 | Conserving Your Art, July 28 | Plant-Dyed Tote Bags, August 1
Location: Art Produce Gallery, 3139 University Ave., San Diego
Presented by: Space 4 Art in partnership with Art Produce
Supported by: The Prebys Foundation Arts Ecosystem Grant
For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact Katie Ruiz: katie@sdspace4art.org.
This Space 4 Art-produced exhibition is the fifth of seven exhibitions as part of our year-long residency at Art Produce, funded by a generous grant from the Prebys Foundation.
The year-long programming partnership between Space 4 Art and Art Produce aims to expand support for local artists, deepen community engagement, and strengthen the city’s creative ecosystem through exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and cross-organizational collaboration.
The Prebys grant aims to help address structural challenges such as the lack of affordable arts spaces where community-based organizations like Space 4 Art can produce accessible arts programming.
The Space 4 Art @ initiative provides a synergistic means for activation at Art Produce, which remains committed to building on decades of creative experimentation and community-building in North Park.