Learn All About Us

The Studio Door is a contemporary art gallery and working-studio hub located in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood, the city’s recognized LGBTQ Cultural District. Founded in 2014, the gallery presents a year-round exhibition program alongside 17 on-site artist studios, positioning itself as both a site of presentation and an active center of artistic production.

The Studio Door is built around sustained artistic practice, material knowledge, and process. By integrating working studios into the gallery environment, visitors encounter art not only as a finished object, but as an evolving practice shaped by time, experimentation, and dialogue. Our exhibitions include thematic group shows, spotlight presentations, and juried exhibitions that bring together emerging and established artists from Southern California and beyond.

Longstanding programs such as The Crow Show and PROUD+ have become annual traditions, reflecting the gallery’s commitment to continuity, access, and community engagement. These recurring exhibitions sit alongside new projects and collaborations that respond to the cultural moment while maintaining a consistent curatorial foundation.

Beyond exhibitions, The Studio Door serves as a creative platform for business-to-business and community partnerships. We collaborate with organizations, cultural institutions, and corporate partners to deliver art-centered experiences, including curated installations, creative engagement workshops, speaking programs, and private events. These initiatives position contemporary art as a tool for connection, placemaking, and professional engagement.

The Studio Door is proudly gay-owned and operated. Under the leadership of Patric Stillman, the gallery continues to expand its role as a connector between artists, audiences, and partners—supporting creative exchange while contributing to the broader cultural and economic life of San Diego. Discover our support and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

To learn more, visit Our Story.