Past Exhibitions

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library has earned a reputation as one of the outstanding art galleries and art collectors in San Diego. The Athenaeum's art exhibition program, begun in the 1920s, has grown tremendously in both scope and recognition, particularly in the past 20 years.

Exhibitions are presented in three gallery spaces in La Jolla, the Joseph Clayes III Gallery, the Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery, and the Max and Melissa Elliott North Reading Room, as well as a gallery space at the Athenaeum Art Center, the Catherine and Robert Palmer Gallery. Approximately four exhibitions per year are presented in each gallery. Exhibitions in the Joseph Clayes III Gallery focus on nationally and internationally recognized artists. The Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery emphasizes community partnerships or emerging regional artists. The Max and Melissa Elliott North Reading Room showcases artists’ books from the Athenaeum’s Erika and Fred Torri Artists’ Books Collection. The Catherine and Robert Palmer Gallery emphasizes exhibitions of national and international artists, showcasing the distinct art of our binational region. Art in the galleries are related to the Athenaeum's other focuses, namely books or music. Works have included limited edition artists' books, drawing, painting, site-specific installations, photography, sculpture, collage, mixed media, architecture, and calligraphy.

Click on the title or images to view photographs and information about the exhibit.

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010