Arts center opens at former YMCA site

Chula Vista has a new home for the arts.

On Aug. 11, the city celebrated the grand opening of Casa Casillas, its first-ever cultural arts center. The former YMCA at 50 Fourth Ave. has been transformed into a bright, modern hub for creativity, featuring gallery space and studios for artists-in-residence.

The launch also marked the beginning of the city’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence Program, a pilot initiative designed to support local artists while offering the community opportunities to engage in their work. Running from July through December, the residency provides space for two visual artists to create, collaborate, and connect with the public.

According to Mirella Leung Lopez, communications officer for the city of Chula Vista, the first artists selected are Melissa “Melicha” Salgado and German Rojas.

Salgado, a Chula Vista native, works primarily in oil and acrylic, exploring themes of identity and nostalgia through surrealistic symbolism. For her, residency is a professional opportunity and a personal homecoming.

“I was drawn to this opportunity because it was the first time I saw my city provide a residency program, and I wanted to be part of such an inaugural moment! After being on a 2-year hiatus, I hope to bring a new series of paintings to life, as well as connecting with my community through events and creative workshops,” Salgado said. “I was born and raised in Chula Vista, so having a space to flourish creatively and professionally in my hometown is truly an honor.”

Rojas, a San Diego-based artist whose colorful work emphasizes sustainability and renewal, echoed the excitement.

“As a born and raised San Diegan, when I saw this opportunity, I knew I had to apply. It wasn’t until my interview that I realized how close I lived to this facility. I really love my city; we literally live in Barbie town! I hope the city realizes the incredible amount of talent there is here and continues funding the arts; we need it. I want to accomplish a lot of personal things, but the most important thing is to bring the community together to advocate for more art projects and make this city more beautiful,” Rojas said.

Lopez explained that artists were chosen through an open online application process that required a portfolio, biography, and artist statement, a proposal for public engagement, two letters of reference, and interviews.

“The program was open to practicing two-dimensional visual artists in painting, drawing, or mixed media, with preference given to Chula Vista residents,” she said.

Also, Chula Vista Library staff made final selections.

At this time, the program is a pilot: “Applications for the pilot are now closed,” Lopez said. “Residents can follow the city of Chula Vista on social media or visit the city website for future opportunities.”

Inside Casa Casillas, visitors will find clean white walls, contemporary details, and spaces for gallery exhibitions and artist studios. The illuminated exterior makes it a new landmark for the city’s cultural life.

The center is named in honor of Paula Casillas, a lifelong Chula Vista resident and mother of former Mayor Mary Casillas Salas.

Paula, who once worked at Rohr, discovered her passion for art through local recreation classes. She went on to build a prolific artistic portfolio, making the naming of Casa Casillas a fitting tribute to her legacy, Lopez said.

City officials describe the center as more than just a building. It is envisioned as a space where artists and residents can connect through workshops, talks, and community events, to make art a visible and accessible part of daily life in Chula Vista.