Media Kit.

Media Contact for THE STUDIO DOOR

Patric Stillman

Visual Artist and Owner

Direct Cell 619-994-2263

Company Background

In 2014, The Studio Door an interdisciplinary visual arts gallery dedicated to the creative marketplace opened. The gallery is nationally known for its annual exhibitions, The Crow Show and PROUD+, as well as its continuous support of local artists. As a leader in the arts, The Studio Door excels at providing creative solutions that elevate B2B relationships. From curating corporate art installations that enhance professional spaces to hosting memorable events and delivering custom team-building workshops, we specialize in blending artistry with business strategy.

As an S-Corporation, The Studio Door leads by example as a for-profit business while encouraging artists to participate in creative commerce. 4,000 artists have exhibited and participated professional development programs..

The Studio Door operates in the heart of the Hillcrest neighborhood. The 4,300 sq foot storefront contains a sprawling art gallery surrounded by 16 working artist studios.

Behind The Studio Door is “Mural Alley.” In 2010, the alley boasted an incredible mural by renown artist Shepard Fairey (now obscured by new development). Almost a decade later, local muralists have taken up the call to enrich the neighborhood. The Studio Door and Hillcrest Business Association have continued the expansion of Mural Alley with rope lights and the monthly First Thursday Walk in Art celebration. Hillcrest is now home to over 35 murals.

The Studio Door was awarded a Nicky Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts by the LGBTQ community and an Artie Award by Mission Federal ArtWalk. Additional recognition came from California’s Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Assemblymember Chris Ward for community service in the arts.

In 2024, San Diego Tourism Authority selected The Studio Door as part of its 2024-2025 Tourism Accelerator CoHort program. San Diego Pride also honored founder and owner Patric Stillman with the Larry T. Baza Arts and Cultural Award for his services to the community.

The Studio Door is a proud member of the San Diego Equality Business Association and is nationally certified as a LGBT Business Enterprise by The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Bio

Patric Stillman

Patric Stillman (he/him) is a visual artist whose work explores identity, memory and belonging. Drawing on LGBTQIA+ history and lived experience, he creates paintings that invite personal connection and bring often overlooked stories into view.

Known for his Radical Faerie-themed Brotherhood Tarot, Stillman has exhibited at the Musée du Louvre, SCOPE Miami Beach, Visual AIDS NYC, and ArtShare LA.. His work is held in the collections of San Diego History Center and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and has appeared in Boston Pride Guides, RFD Magazine and Chelsea Station Magazine. He was named “Mentor of the Year” by Professional Artist Magazine.

In 2014, Stillman founded The Studio Door, a contemporary art gallery with 17 working artist studios in San Diego. Located in Hillcrest’s LGBTQ Cultural District, the gallery reflects his commitment to helping artists build sustainable careers and creating a place where people feel seen through art. His community contributions have earned recognition as a Hillcrest Hero, San Diego Pride’s 2024 Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award and the community-based Nicky Award. He is also an arts columnist for The WORD San Diego.

His professional background spans business leadership and community service. He served as CFO of the San Diego World Trade Center and founding Executive Director of Townspeople, a nonprofit addressing housing needs for people living with HIV/AIDS. He was also a founding board member of Media Arts Center San Diego and served for several years on the boards of North Park Main Street and the Hillcrest Business Association.

Stillman lives in North Park with his husband, Danne Sadler, his partner of 20 years.

Additional information can be found on his website patricstillman.com