Local artists bring creativity to Bonita with pop-up sale

On Sept. 12, the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center will become a gathering place for artists and art lovers when The Chula Vista Art Guild hosts a pop-up sale featuring paintings, photography, cards and handmade items.

But the event is about more than artwork for sale. It is also a chance to meet the people behind the work and see how a local artistic tradition that began more than 80 years ago continues today.

The Chula Vista Art Guild was founded in 1945 by California Impressionist Alfred R. Mitchell and several of his Chula Vista students. The guild has since evolved to include artists working in a variety of mediums and styles.

“When Alfred R. Mitchell and some of his students founded The Chula Vista Art Guild, most of the artists were impressionists,” said Anna Lohse, vice president of The Chula Vista Art Guild, also a member. “We have evolved to encompass many art mediums and different ‘styles’ of painting.”

Today, she said, the guild includes not only painters but photographers, sculptors and members who create handmade items.

“Our group is smaller than the original guild, however, we are diligently seeking new members to join our art group,” she said.

The guild’s mission is to maintain an organization devoted to cultural and a]artistic pursuits while encouraging the arts in the community, she said.

Mitchell was an important figure in San Diego’s art community. A painter, teacher and organizer, he helped establish and influence art organizations throughout the county.

He also believed there was room for different approaches to art.

During a 1949-50 debate over modern art, Mitchell wrote in a letter to The San Diego Union, “Not many are qualified to say what art is … behind the effort to define art is the assumption that there is only one kind.”

That philosophy seems fitting for today’s guild, where visitors can find everything from paintings and photography to cards and handmade items.

“Visitors to The Chula Vista Art Guild’s pop-up will consist of various forms of art — paintings, cards (either hand painted or copies of paintings), photography, hand-made items and smiling members welcoming visitors to view (and purchase) the items on display,” she said.

A pop-up also differs from the guild’s traditional exhibitions.

“A pop-up is just that – canopies popped-up for a day/afternoon sale of artwork,” she said.

Traditional shows generally involve an Intake Day, judging or juried selection, displays that remain for several weeks and a reception where artists can receive awards.

The guild’s activities extend beyond selling artwork.

“Revenue from sales, Intake Day and other events are used in various ways,” she said.

The guild provides scholarships to art students at Southwestern College, gives awards to two artists in the Fine Art Division at the Del Mar Fair, participates in children’s activities at the Bonita Museum and holds community workshops about three times a year.
The Chula Vista Art Guild Pop-Up Art Sale will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita Road.

Admission is free.