The Studio Door is treasured in San Diego’s Hillcrest for its devotion to the community and its dedication to art. The gallery, which was selected last year to participate in the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Tourism Accelerator Program, is also deeply involved in the neighborhood’s yearly Pride celebrations. As national Pride Month arrives in June (followed closely by San Diego’s own Pride events in July), Studio Door founder Patric Stillman talks about his inspirations, his gallery’s connections to the LGBTQIA+ community and his top picks for San Diego visitors.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to launch The Studio Door.
A: I’m an artist turned gallerist. I launched The Studio Door in 2014 to create a space where artists could thrive and patrons could feel part of the creative process. I dreamed of an art space where community and creativity collide, and that’s exactly what we’ve built.
Q: What are two must-try experiences your business offers?
A: Don’t miss our PROUD+ exhibition each July during San Diego Pride Month. It’s a powerful celebration of LGBTQ+ artists from across the country. And with 17 working artist studios on-site, visitors get an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at creativity in action.
Q: How do you support or partner with local organizations, nonprofits or community groups to contribute to the well-being of the San Diego community?
A: Community is everything! We’re proud members of the San Diego Tourism Authority, San Diego Equality Business Association, Out Professionals, and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. We love partnering with our neighbors to bring art and inclusion into everyday life.
Q: What are a few San Diego collaborations that you’d like to highlight?
A: This year during PROUD+, we’re unveiling the Words of Pride project, featuring 30 local LGBTQ+ artists. We’re also showcasing “Bold and Brilliant: The Colors of LGBTQIA+ Pride,” a new series by Carole Kuck that honors 50 Pride flags in vibrant, meaningful ways.
Q: For someone visiting your business, what are a few surrounding things that would be interesting to do?
A: Hillcrest is known as an entertainment district with busy nightclubs, lazy coffee shops, tasty restaurants and vintage boutiques. You’ll find our artists starting their day at Bread & Cie, enjoying cocktails at Urban Mo’s, and ending the night with dinner at Parma Cucina Italiana.
Q: Locally, where do you go to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community? And what are some of your favorite LGBTQIA+-owned businesses, events, neighborhoods or organizations in San Diego?
A: San Diego Pride spreads across Hillcrest, the city’s LGBT cultural district, during the month of July. We love to get photographed under the neon Hillcrest neighborhood sign and on Pride Plaza under the Pride Flag. The Pride Parade marches down University Avenue, turns onto Sixth Avenue and flows into Balboa Park, where you can find the Pride Village during the weekend of July 18 this year.
Q: If someone were coming to San Diego for the first time, what would you tell them to do to get a sense of the local community’s breadth?
A: I always recommend a full day of local gems. Beyond The Studio Door, I would suggest heading to Balboa Park’s Spanish Village for colorful artist studios, grab a sunset drink on the rooftop at Mister A’s or at the outside lounge of Island Prime, and treat yourself to the outrageous style of the remodeled Lafayette Hotel or near the beach at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. For something more relaxed, nothing beats Dog Beach in Ocean Beach with friends.
Q: What do you think would most surprise a newcomer to San Diego?
A: San Diego is more than just sunshine and beaches. Beneath the postcard views is a vibrant, binational city fueled by multicultural creativity.
Q: Looking forward, what makes you excited about growing your business in San Diego? And do you have any new events or experiences that would be great for returning visitors?
A: San Diego’s creative energy is unstoppable. As the city grows, so does its art scene— and I’m excited to keep building a space where diverse voices and bold ideas are always front and center.
Alongside PROUD+, our annual Pride Month exhibition, we’re proud to host The Crow Show every winter. Now in its 11th year, it’s a national tradition celebrating the mystery, magic and symbolism of our feathered neighbors.