As America’s Finest City, San Diego is abuzz with a scintillating nightlife scene, contemporary cuisines and chic boutiques to provide for a little retail therapy. But set aside the milieu of its best known perks, San Diego is also a city chock-full of artistic and cultural venues that are guaranteed to aesthetically entice you. Let’s see who said what about current and upcoming art and culture events in San Diego.

W San Diego’s Got (Chris) Milk: The future of the art world is about to be rocked. On Saturday, May 23rd, the W Hotel will host the opening night of Who's Got Chris Milk, a four month exhibition of award-winning Music Video Director and Photographer, Chris Milk. Having worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Kanye West (pictured), U2, Gnarls Barkley and John Mellencamp, Milk is kicking off the opening night with a sneak-peak of his life-size installations and live performances by LA’s DJ Chris Holmes. Get RSVP and event details.

MIX: Nine San Diego Architects and Designers: San Diego’s Museum of Contemporary Art is always resplendent with many visually aesthetic and unique exhibitions. So of course, it comes as no surprise that with the re-opening of the La Jolla location, another unique installment comes along with it. MIX presents the work of nine different architects and designers who have been redefining housing design, development, and urbanization in the San Diego region and beyond. The architects and designers included in MIX are recognized for their exceptional expertise in designing and fabricating spaces appropriate to a location. Opening on May 22nd and closing on September 6th, this is a showcase you don’t want to bypass.

It Moved: Recently relocated from La Jolla to its killer new home in the newly renovated Glashaus building in Barrio Logan, the Device Gallery is home to an abundance of artwork that will undoubtedly marvel your mind. The eclectic array of bizarre sculptures and paintings on display at Device embrace the essence of originality and ingenuity. Head down to Device this month to check out its current exhibition, It Moved. The display features the kinetic artwork of six talented artists with moving sculptures and is guaranteed to awe you.

 

Liquid Runway Fashion Show: Calling all fashion divas! On Saturday, May 30, the Hard Rock Hotel will be hosting the Liquid Runway Fashion Show to celebrate the unique artistry of the Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing and Management programs of the Art Institute of California – San Diego. Commencing with a red carpet event and a VIP cocktail reception, the Liquid Runway Fashion Show will feature a unique array of futuristic and vintage designs which embodying the mystique of the ocean. All proceeds will be donated to the City of Hope’s Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer and EDMC Education Foundation. Don’t miss out on San Diego’s IT fashion show of the year.

Sushi: For 29 years, this innovative performance and visual art gallery has provided artists and audiences alike with a dynamic spin on physical interaction and ever-changing culture. Sushi offers the community a variety of core programs such as Tuesday Series which encompasses monthly events centered on music, film and performances and Sushi AIR, an annual international artist-in-residence project. Currently on display until June 9 is the installment Orphans of the Storm (O.O.T.S) which features sculpture, paintings, collage and sound art pieces utilizing found objects and imagery. Sorry, no California rolls here.

 

Art After Dark: Oceanside’s Museum of Art offers a newfangled approach to the way we conceptualize art. On Friday, May 22 at 7 pm, join OMA for the signature Art After Dark series. Experience the video performance artist Megan Pogoda, Beholder by filmmakers Jim Cavolt and Neil Kendricks and Lowbrow Art: Nine San Diego Pop Surrealists. Aside from the copious array of art worthy spectacles attendees can also enjoy disco classics from the 70s, sushi from Harney Sushi, beer from Stone Brewing Company, pizza from Santino’s and wine tasting from Carruth Cellars.

13th Annual North Park Festival of the Arts: This Sunday, May 17th, head to the Artists’ Village in North Park for a free, all-day artsy experience filled with fun for the whole family. From 10 am to 6 pm, attendees can peruse the juried artists’ area where local artists will display and sell their work and compete for awards, wander through the 100 assorted specialty booths enjoying tasty treats and international cuisine or unwind by the Beats & Eats Stage to enjoy a diverse selection of live entertainment such as acoustic singers, poets, storytellers and beat-boxers. Kick back, relax and soak up the fun.

Art Alive 2009: The San Diego Museum of Art is gearing up for it’s longest running and most celebrated exhibition. Join SDMA from June 12 to 14 to experience Art Alive, an event teeming with exquisite flower arrangements by professional and award-winning designers alongside Old Master, Asian and American artworks. Don’t miss out on Flowers After Hours, a special edition of Culture and Cocktails, held on Friday, June 12 from 6 to 9 pm. Head to SDMA at sundown to sip on exotic beverages, sway with the DJ and soak up the dazzling artwork on display.

Kettner Nights: We all know that the Little Italy Art and Design District on Kettner is teeming with exceptional shops, boutiques and galleries all brimming with modern artwork, funky and fashionable furniture and one-of-a-kind finds. So why not pack all these chic places into one for a night of shopping, socializing and imbibing? Hosted once a month by eight galleries and 15 studios in Little Italy, locals can spend the evening sipping complimentary cocktails while browsing for unique and chic treasures. Just another reason to love our mini SoHo.

Lux at Night: This chic museum nestled in the hillside above San Elijo Lagoon in Encinitas is not your ordinary art gallery. Combining a residence, studio and exhibition space, the Lux Art Institute provides for an all-encompassing experience where visitors are directly exposed to the artistic process. Visit the gallery on Wednesdays to partake in Lux at Night, an event where attendees can enjoy wine, live music and the work of contemporary landscape painter and current artist-in-residence, Victoria Adams.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss out on another great night of art and glamour. The San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts hosts Grand Tasting and Wine Auction on Saturday, May 30th. Join MoPA for an evening of artistic inspiration and fine dining without the fuss. Sample wines from boutique wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valley and enjoy cuisine from restaurants such as Whisknladle, Currant American Brasserie, JRDN, George’s California Modern and Heaven Sent Desserts. Find out more details here.

Find more and add your own San Diego art events on our San Diego event calendar.