Create the world that you want to live in

As the 21st century began, Patric Stillman was on a journey of personal and artistic growth.  He traveled across California on his own seeking to better understand himself and rediscover a path back to his creativity.  It was at this time that his acclaimed gay-themed Brotherhood Tarot  was created.

It didn’t take long before he found a group of like-minded artists.  As they freely shared ideas and resources, he found that his own success accelerated. He began to dream of opening a space for art that would be a nurturing place for local artists to share their experiences, freely express themselves through their artistry and propel their careers through professional development.

In 2014, The Studio Door opened as a gallery with working studios that encouraged diversity among its art and its artists.  It has built a local reputation for being resilient in the face of change and as a vibrant conduit for mid-career and professional artists to achieve their potential.

The concept of a starving artist is not a sustainable model. Believing in the real world possibilities for career artists, The Studio Door leads by example as an artist run business.

Artists on the move

Several studio artists have been with the gallery since the beginning and feel very strongly about how this unique arts space has impacted their careers.

"This is my art home. I recommend it. I've grown as an artist in ways that I didn't expect." - Stefan Talian (studio artist since 2016) Talian had begun painting only a year before starting a studio practice with The Studio Door.  Since then his Captured Emotions series has been represented by Winn Slavin Fine Art Gallery in Beverly Hills and appeared as the cover artist for the international male art magazine Juturna.

"It's a fun place. I'm so inspired by being surrounded by like-minded artists. They're my family." - Crisinda Lyons (studio artist since 2014) Lyons has proven that fused glass works can move across the boundaries of craft to visual art.  She has been featured by the international glass artist supply company Slumpy’s and is one of the galleries consistent crowd pleasers.

"I have had so many opportunities that wouldn't have come my way, if I wasn't here. It has definitely boosted my career and art sales." - Chris Smith aka Hooligan Arts (studio artist 2014-2023). Smith moved from the streets to a studio practice that has made him one of our more visually arresting artists.  His work has been represented by San Diego art dealer Alexander Salazar and has had a solo exhibition at the artist run storefront Art Produce.

No glass ceiling, just glass doors

As a cis gender gay elder, Stillman has given thought to ensuring that the space is safe for people from all walks of life.  This has allowed many LGBTQIA+ artists to flourish in the space.

Stillman has taken time to lift up these artists who work is often censored, canceled or misunderstood.  The annual exhibition PROUD+ has grown into a San Diego tradition that allows local artists to hang side by side with their national counterparts.  Working with The WORD San Diego, Stillman has a regular column ‘The Word on Art’ reporting on the regional arts scene showcasing the quality and diversity of work being produced by and for the community.  Patrons who are or have a friend or relative who is LBTQIA+ have acknowledged the joy it brings to them to find a space so welcoming.

As our community expands, The Studio Door is creating a legacy for emerging artists unparalleled in the region.