Our History

Ashton Gallery is an integral part of the bustling, 8000 square foot art center, Art on 30th, that's located in the trending Arts & Culture District of North Park.​It was started by artist/teacher/mentor, Kate Ashton, who has been an active part of the San Diego arts community since 2001.

Our Artists

Each month, the gallery features over 50 artists. We host monthly juried shows that offer exhibition opportunities that support our local artists and the vibrant art scene in San Diego, as well as a monthly solo exhibitions featuring art in the Realism style, and two artists from our advanced painting class with owner, Kate Ashton, and their freshest artworks.

Our Exhibitions

Ashton Gallery strongly believes in the power of the arts community to continually challenge artists to excel.

The gallery specializes in art that people want to live with. ​“The exhibitions that I present,” says Ashton, "are full of the kind of artwork people want to hang in their homes. Artwork that becomes a family legacy to be passed on through generations.” 

Always Original

All artwork by represented artists is original. “There are many, large marketplaces that sell prints and giclées” says Ashton, "but we do not.” 

Artwork at Ashton Gallery is one-of-a-kind and signed by the artist—never mass reproduced. Each piece is accompanied with a certificate of authenticity.

Find Your Perfect Piece

“Buying art is like falling in love,” says Ashton. “There's a chemistry between the art and the buyer that is just palpable.” 

To insure that each buyer is 100% satisfied, we offer a 5-Day In-Home Art Loan. If for any reason the artwork does not work out, the buyer can simply return the piece with no questions asked.

Gallery Staff

  • Kate Ashton

    Owner & Senior Mentor

  • Meg Kharpertian

    Gallery Director

  • Efren Obeso

    Assistant Gallery Director

  • Kristen Guest

    Director of Education
    Social Media

  • Gabby Carter

    Gallery Assistant

  • Skye Silver

    Gallery Assistant

  • Sierra Roberson

    Gallery Assistant

Celebrating 10 Years

It has been our great honor and privilege to provide a community art center, accessible not just to all of San Diego, but also to North County.

1. Our Regional Shows

We have offered over 100 themed art shows open to any artists in San Diego County. Each show is presented with a warm and welcoming reception with finger foods and wine.

2. Our Teachers

We began with just one teacher and now proudly work with over 20 experienced art instructors who are local San Diego artists.

3. Our Art Classes & Workshops

We have offered many traditional art classes like drawing, oil, acrylic, and watercolor at five skill levels, providing a path of growth that fits everyone's goals. In addition to these, we have set the standard for presenting 'experimental' classes plus numerous fun and unexpected workshops.

4. Our Keys to the Art World Program

We have been the first to offer a 24-Week Program, Keys to the Art World, that has graduated over 65 artists who have learned to make art a career. We even had artists move to San Diego from out-of-state just to attend this program.

5. Our Advanced Painting for Exhibiting Artists Class

We are the only San Diego art center that offers continuous support for exceptional artists to be able to work together under the combination of mentorship and critique, helping these artists to exhibit their artwork at Ashton Gallery and beyond.

6. Our Private Studios

We offer sought-after private art studio spaces to over 20 working artists, who benefit from the regular receptions that bring in hundreds of art lovers every 5 weeks.

7. Our National Show

We have hosted a national art show every fall with several hundred art entries. Each of these shows are accompanied by cash prizes for award winners and a printed catalog that gives each juried artist a full-color page to showcase their accepted artwork.

8. Our Giving Back

Four of the art shows that we have hosted over the years have been successful fundraisers for charitable organizations; giving proceeds to the Ukrainian people, endangered animals, fostering dogs, and supporting humane treatment of farm animals.

9. Our Owner

Our senior mentor and owner, Kate Ashton, published a book featuring local artists. It has supported readers all over the world in becoming a better abstract artist. Oer 100 full-page images of artwork created by artists at Art on 30th illustrate the book's principles.

10. Our Community

We have been proudly and joyfully supporting our mission statement: "Where Artists Come to Grow" with art studios, art classes, art workshops, regional juried art shows, and national juried art shows.