Support Councils

The San Diego Museum of Art enjoys the support of eight support councils that offer members a wonderful opportunity to explore areas of interest while furthering the Museum’s mission to collect, preserve, interpret and display the finest works of art that men and women have created throughout time for the benefit of the broadest conceivable audience. Support organizations play a critical role in funding education programs and exhibitions for the Museum.

Support organizations meet several times a year and offer such special programs as behind-the-scenes tours, visits to private collections and artists’ studios, and special lectures and discussions led by curators and guest speakers.The support organizations’ programs complement the Museum’s schedule of exhibitions, the collection, and ongoing education activities.

Members of the Museum’s support organizations pay support council fees in addition to their Museum membership fees. To discover more about these Support Organizations, please contact Merry Lampinen, Support Councils & Special Projects Coordinator at (619) 696-1918.

African and Pacific Arts Council

The African Arts Council (APAC) is dedicated to promoting appreciation of African and Pacific art through its support of acquisition, celebration, and education. Tours to private and public collections, lectures, and discussions provide further knowledge and enhance awareness of the arts of Africa and the Pacific. For more information concerning APAC meetings and events, please contact Chair Charlene Glacy or at 858.538.6788.

Artists Guild

The San Diego Museum of Art’s Artists Guild was established in December 1915 with a mission to enhance the cultural profile of San Diego County. The Guild exhibits and sells artworks through an online gallery . Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Museum Boardroom. For more information, contact Chair Angelika Villagrana or at 619.544.1361.

Asian Arts Council

The Asian Arts Council (AAC) exists to foster interest in the art of Asia through its monthly lecture series, study group research, curatorial and exhibition support, as well as Museum conservation efforts. General meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month in the Museum’s boardroom at 1:00p.m. For information on AAC meetings and programs, please contact Chair Courtenay McGowen or at 619.435.7165.

Committee for the Arts of the Indian Subcontinent

The Committee for the Arts of the Indian Subcontinent (CAIS), established in 2003, supports The San Diego Museum of Art’s Edwin Binney 3rd Collection and works to enhance the appreciation of all the arts of India. For more information, please contact Jas Grewal or at 858.792.5190.

Contemporary Arts Committee

The Contemporary Arts Committee's purpose is to educate by presenting contemporary art and artists in the area. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7:15 p.m. in private homes, galleries, and art institutions. For more information, contact Chair Bill Stern or at 858.720.0097.

East County Chapter

The East County Chapter promotes membership in and provides support to The San Diego Museum of Art from the communities in East County, supports art education for children in underserved schools, and provides members with opportunities to enrich their knowledge and appreciation of art. Monthly lecture meetings, September through June, are held on the first Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare Center Auditorium. For information please contact Chair Barbara Campbell or at 858.565.7979.

Latin American Arts Council

The purpose of the Latin American Arts Council is to foster, on behalf of The San Diego Museum of Art, knowledge in and appreciation of Latin American art. For more information on our programs or the council, contact Chair Ruben Villegas by email or at 858.587.7582.

North County Chapter

Art lecture meetings are held the third or fourth Monday of the month from September through May (no meeting in December). Museum members can join NCC for an annual fee of $30 for a single member or $40 for a two-person membership. Meetings are held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, located at 15th & Maiden Lane in Del Mar (across from Del Mar Plaza). Attendance is free for NCC members and first time guests; $5 for others. Contact Dorothy Roll or at 760.704.6436.