Upcoming Exhibitions

Catherine and Robert Palmer Gallery

YANG JIANG: I Thought I’d Be Braver

March 22–May 10, 2025

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 22, 5–8 PM

Artist Talk: Saturday, April 12, 6 PM

Yang Jiang (b. 1988, China) is a San Diego–based artist and therapist whose tactile and dreamlike creations embody emotional liberation and spiritual freedom. Shimmering like artifacts from a fairy tale, her pieces use light, texture, and sculptural forms to convey a sense of vulnerability and resilience. A testament to the beauty and complexity of spiritual survival, Jiang’s work offers viewers a poignant reminder of the courage and tenderness of the human heart. Her art has been exhibited at the Athenaeum Art Center, Visual Art + Supply, Revision San Diego, and the Brown Building. Jiang is a graduate of Wellesley College and the University of San Diego. I Thought I’d Be Braver, Jiang’s debut solo exhibition, is a decade-long chronicle of her journey toward emotional courage. Her early work, characterized by bold colors and harsh textures, reflects the pain of repressed emotions and a fear of vulnerability. Gradually, this aesthetic softens into one of sheer, vibrant hues and delicate layers, mirroring her internal shift toward nurturance, forgiveness, and compassion. This evolution in her style reflects the brave heart of a wounded healer who has confronted her shadow and embraced self-acceptance, demonstrating that true courage lies in acknowledging and integrating one’s emotions.

Joseph Clayes III Gallery & Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery

HARVEST & GATHER: Missed Connections

April 26–July 19, 2025

Opening Reception: Friday, April 25, 5:30–7:30 PM

In collaboration with Harvest & Gather, a nomadic curatorial project from Mika Castañeda and Cat Gunn, the Athenaeum is collecting recycled paper waste for an upcoming exhibition in Spring 2025. Riffing off of “missed connections” posts on Craigslist, this exhibition allows artists an opportunity to search and connect with another artist they had a potential to share something special with at a point in time but their spirits couldn’t connect or the stars didn’t align. Artist Katie Delaney will be collecting paper waste from the Athenaeum and surrounding community for papier-mâché sculptures and fiber installations that respond to the visual imagery of the city.

Catherine and Robert Palmer Gallery

SDSU Art Council

May 17–July 26, 2025

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 17, 5:30–7:30 PM

Check back soon for more information!

Joseph Clayes III Gallery & Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery

33RD ANNUAL JURIED EXHIBITION

July 26–October 18, 2025

Opening Reception: Friday, July 25, 5:30–7:30 PM

One of the most prestigious juried shows in San Diego, selected artists will exhibit their work in our galleries, receive excellent exposure, and mingle with both artists and art lovers at an opening reception. Prize winners, including the recipient of the Leslie Von Kolb Memorial Award, will be announced at the opening reception.

The call for entries for the Athenaeum's 33rd Annual Juried Exhibition will open April 1 through June 20, 2025. Artists may enter up to three different works for juror consideration for this exhibition, which will open July 26. Our juror this year is art historian and curator Malcolm Warner. Entry fee per artist is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. 

The 33rd Annual Juried Exhibition will be on view July 26 through October 18. Prize winners, including the recipient of the Leslie Von Kolb Memorial Award, will be announced at the opening reception on Friday, July 25, which will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. Visit ljathenaeum.org/juried-exhibition for updates.

Catherine and Robert Palmer Gallery

Helena Westra

August 9–October 25, 2025

Opening Reception: Saturday, August 9, 5:30–7:30 PM, during the Barrio Art Crawl

Check back soon for more information!

Joseph Clayes III Gallery & Carolyn Yorston-Wellcome Rotunda Gallery

inSITE

October 25, 2025–January 17, 2026

Opening Reception: Friday, October 24, 5:30–7:30 PM

Check back soon for more information!

Catherine and Robert Palmer Gallery

Athenaeum Faculty Show

November 8, 2025–January 3, 2026

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 8, 5:30–7:30 PM, during the Barrio Art Crawl

Check back soon for more information!