Past Exhibitions
February 7 - May 25, 2025
La Jolla Surf
La Jolla Surf: Culture, Art, Craft introduces audiences to the artists, surfers, and board builders who shaped La Jolla’s surf scene, featuring a short film and photography that capture the passion, creativity, and ocean-centered lives of this unique community. Curated by lifelong surfer and photographer John Durant, the exhibition also includes iconic imagery, original artwork, and legendary surfboards that trace the evolution and spirit of surf culture in Southern California.
September 19, 2024 - January 19, 2025
Helen and Newton Harrison: California Work
As part of Getty’s PST: Art and Science Collide, La Jolla Historical Society presents Helen and Newton Harrison: California Work, a retrospective exhibition about the work of husband-and-wife team of Helen Mayer and Newton Harrison, who were among the earliest and most notable ecological artists. Curated by Tatiana Sizonenko, PhD.
June 16 - September 1, 2024
Sacred Architecture of San Diego/Tijuana
An overview of major architectural movements of the twentieth century through the contemporary architectural photography of Maha Bazzari, Estefany Maya, and Darren Bradley. Curated by Rev. Dr. Mark Hargreaves.
February 10 - May 26, 2024
Order/Disorder: Belonging in Nature
This exhibition features five artists from California and Tijuana whose works—ranging from sculpture to cyanotype—explore the beauty and fragility of our natural environment, with a special focus on La Jolla’s coastal habitats. Curated by Danielle Deery, the show highlights the vital relationship between humanity and nature through themes of environmental stewardship.
September 23, 2023 - January 21, 2024
Tigers, Unicorns, and Puppy Dog Tales
Green Tiger Press, Unicorn Cinema and Mithras Bookstore history. Curated by Carol Olten.
June 9 - September 3, 2023
The Artist at Home
Invited viewers into the studio and domestic spaces of artists. Curated by Lauren Lockhart and Joey Herring, featuring artist projects by Irène de Watteville, Jean Lowe and Kim MacConnel, and Irma Sofia Poeter.
February 10 - May 21, 2023
Sacred Canyons and Rare Trees: Torrey Pines - San Diego’s Symbol of Preservation
Torrey Pines State Reserve history. Curated by Peter Jensen and John Durant, Exhibition Design by Laurie Dietter.
June 4 - September 4, 2022
Voices from the Rez
Contemporary art created by Native Americans from the reservations of Southern California. Curated by Dana Hicks, PhD. Featured artists: Chuck Contreras, Gail Werner, Gerald Clarke, Gordon Johnson, James Luna, Jamie Okuma, Johnny “Bear” Contreras, Robert Freeman, Sandra Okuma and Tracy Lee Nelson (Mataweer).
February 5 - May 15, 2022
Memory Traces: Artists Transform the Archive
Considered the archive in its traditional function and reimagined it for contemporary times. Curated by Elizabeth Rooklidge, featuring original artwork by Robert Andrade, Janelle Iglesias, Joshua Moreno, Shirin Towfiq, Allison Wiese, Chantal Wnuk, and Joseph Yorty.
For more information on these exhibitions, visit our Timekeeper magazine page.