Spring arts preview 2023: Our top 10 visual art picks for the season

Fall and spring are the premiere seasons when it comes to the visual art scene, with most museums and galleries unveiling the most anticipated exhibitions of the year around these times. Here are just a few of the ones, along with two premiere annual festivals, that we’re most looking forward to this spring.

Mesa College Art Gallery: “Perceive Me”

A painting by Kerri Sabine Wolf in San Diego Mesa College’s exhibit “Perceive Me.”

(Courtesy of Kristine Schomaker)

In honor of Women’s History Month, artist Kristine Schomaker will showcase paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures and more, all examining and questioning the concept of the “ideal” female figure. Through April 13. Artist lecture on April 4 at 7 p.m. San Diego Mesa College Art Gallery, 7250 Mesa College Drive, Clairemont. Free. Noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday. (619) 388-2829. sdmesa.edu

Hyde Art Gallery: “Climate Reckoning” and “What I Wanted to Tell You Was This…”

Grossmont College’s art gallery will host two concurrent exhibitions, first, “Climate Reckoning,” a group exhibition featuring the artists of the Feminist Image Group, a local arts collective. The second (“What I Wanted …”) is a memorial exhibition of the works of Grossmont professor and artist Jade Sloan , who passed away last year. March 21 through April 25. Hyde Art Gallery, Performing and Visual Arts Center, Building 22, Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. (619) 644-7000. grossmont.edu

Mingei International Museum: “25 Million Stitches”

Mingei International Museum will host “25 Million Stitches: One Stitch One Refugee” beginning March 25.

(Courtesy of Mingei Enternatioanl M)

Guest curated by fiber artist Jennifer Kim Sohn, this traveling large-scale installation consists of hundreds of fiber panels with each stitch meant to represent the millions of displaced refugees throughout the world. March 25 through Oct. 15. Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. Free-$15. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday. (619) 239-0003. mingei.org

Museum of Photographic Arts: Video Portraits: Robert Wilson

The acclaimed visual artist and photographer will showcase some of his time-based cinematography clips, which infuse myriad disciplines such as photography, dance, theatre, painting and even architecture. April 1 through Sept. 24. Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park. Pay what you wish. (619) 238-7559. mopa.org

Medium Festival of Photography

Anyone with an interest in photography will want to check out this annual fest, which recently expanded to Tijuana and includes virtual workshops, showcases, pop-up showcases, the “Size Matters” exhibition, portfolio reviews and guest speakers, all revolving around the art and practice of taking pictures. March 30 through April 16. Various times. Admission to pop-up showcase is free. mediumphoto.org

San Diego Museum of Art: “Art Alive” and “O’Keeffe and Moore”

“Jack-in-the-Pulpit No. 3” by Georgia O’Keeffe is featured in San Diego Museum of Art’s “O’Keeffe and More” May 13-Aug. 27.

(Courtesy of San Diego Museum of Art)

SDMA kicks off spring in style by bumping up the date for their annual “Art Alive,” the annual four-day showcase of floral interpretations of the museum’s vast collection. Speaking of iconic florists, works by modernist Georgia O’Keeffe will be on display alongside works from sculptor Henry Moore, offering an examination of how two artists, one British and one American, can influence one another. “Art Alive” happens March 31 through April 2. “O’Keeffe and Moore” opens May 13 through Aug. 27. San Diego Museum of Art, 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park. $8-$20. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. (619) 232-7931. sdmart.org

Quint Gallery: Thomas Glassford solo show

The multidisciplinary artist known for using everyday materials to create stunning sculptures and functional pieces will showcase new work, his first solo show at the gallery since 2017. April 15 through May 27. Quint Gallery, 7655 Girard Ave., La Jolla. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Free. (858) 454-3409. quintgallery.com

Mission Fed Credit Union Art Walk

Folks check out artist booths at a previous Mission Fed ArtWalk Little Italy event in 2022.

(Paul Nestor)

The annual two-day festival has been a great showcase of local creatives for nearly 40 years and features dozens of regional artists selling their wares, as well as entertainment, food vendors and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 29 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30. Between Juniper St. and A St., Little Italy. Free. (619) 615-1090. artwalksandiego.org

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library: Wendell Kling solo show

The local interdisciplinary artist has some big plans for the already intimate Athenaeum space, including using window treatments, mechanical devices and sculptural furnishings to transform the La Jolla institution into a contemplative space. May 12 through July 8. Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla. Free. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. (858) 454-5872. ljathenaeum.org

Bread & Salt: Pablo Castañeda solo show

The Mexicali-based draftsman and painter will showcase new work, mostly consisting of stark landscapes, portraiture and still lifes. May 13 through July 15. Bread & Salt, 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. (619) 851-4083. breadandsaltsandiego.com

Combs is a freelance writer.