Keys to the Art World
Get Focus & Direction
Not a seminar...
Not a workshop...
This is personal guidance.
In this program, Kristen Guest shows you how to find your artistic visual voice, build a thriving studio practice, create a unified body of work, and how to successfully market and sell your art.
Over the course of the semester, you'll go on 2 outings as a group and experience 4 guest artists who are interviewed on topics that they thrive in so artists can get access to even more knowledge and experience.
See Major Growth
Artists also have access to exclusive opportunities throughout the year to gain exposure and to sell their work.
Being a professional artist can be a part-time or a full-time endeavor. We learn all the ways artists can support themselves.
Many of our alumni go on to:
- acquire solo shows
- get gallery representation
- be juried into art fairs
- start teaching
- launch art prints of their work
- spend more time painting than ever
- and more
All while feeling prepared and ready.
Be Part of a Gallery Show in December
At the end of the year, both spring and fall semesters host their own show at Ashton Gallery to put into practice what we have learned.
Our year-end group show is the largest, most attended, and most successful show that the gallery has hosted for the past 3 years in a row.
Artists in this program help with the promoting of their own gallery show:
- prepping their own marketing materials
- inviting people to attend
- how to engage with show visitors
- decorating the gallery
- getting ready for opening night
- post-show private viewings
This gives artists real-world experience that they need to understand the business side of art.
It's Free to Apply!
We jury 10 artists into each semester. There's no cost to apply and you can submit your application online or in-person at Art on 30th.
The application is short and sweet. Websites and Instagram accounts are not required as we learn all about them as part of the program.
Because this is not a "how–to–paint" class, artists should be proficient enough in basic painting techniques and be intermediate level.
Artists complete the program in-person here in San Diego but they do not have to be San Diego County residents. We've had some artists temporarily move here just to take this program.
More Info:
- Semester Length: 24 weeks
- Mondays 10:30am–1:30pm
- Cost: $299 every 4 weeks
- Group Size: 10 artists per semester
- Level: 4 (advanced)
Important Dates:
- Deadline for Spring 2026: December 15
- Notifications: December 18
- Fall Semester: January 5 - June 22
What You'll Be Learning
What the Alumni Have to Say
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David S.
It was thorough on the business side, which was awesome and most appreciated! I enjoyed the opportunity to actually learn how to market yourself with practical advice and hands-on experience. Kristen went above and beyond to answer questions. I felt like she was invested in my success. This program was worth all the time, money, and emotional work!
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Skye S.
I took this program because I recognized it was "the best value" that Art on 30th has to offer and it gives so much! I recommended it to my friend and they were just accepted to take the program so now we'll both get to showcase our artwork together at the end of the year.
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Autumn S.
Kristen has profoundly influenced my artistic understanding—particularly in the areas of color theory, light, shadow, and the emotional depth of space. Her ability to distill complex artistic concepts has had a lasting impact on me as an artist.
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Shelly C.
I have grown so much as an artist at Art on 30th. I can't say enough positive things about this art school and gallery. Kristen was very professional and really cared about providing informative instruction to help your art soar!
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Shelby M.
It's been amazing! I've learned so much and felt so encouraged by Kristen and the entire community. My past year here has really had an incredible impact on my life and well-being!
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Anna H.
The best part was the community! But what really helped me was learning about having a vision and unique voice—and just being able to focus on making a body of art.
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Michiyo M.
This program was a rare experience that taught me how to be a real professional artist. So glad to be here!! Kristen was wonderful and resourceful.
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Jordan L.
Great classes, great instructors—but more than anything, it's been a pleasure to be part of the community at Art on 30th!
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Missy G.
The community is amazing! If I could live here, I would!
Meet Your Mentor
Kristen Guest
Kristen Guest is an award-winning, full-time abstract artist and art instructor in Southern California. She graduated from art school at Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Art Education, that focused on painting, book arts and printmaking, and has been teaching realism painting since 2004 and abstract painting since 2018. Kristen currently works in three mediums: acrylic, oil, and colored pencil.
Kristen lives in Poway, CA where she works out of her home studio. She is the Director of Education for Art on 30th, an art center in the North Park district of San Diego, CA. She also leads their 24-week program called “Keys to the Art World” and shows artists how to make art their career.
Her work is currently represented through Janssen Artspace in Palm Springs CA and Libby Silvia Artstyle in Boston, MA. Kristen’s work has been on exhibit with Ashton Gallery in San Diego CA, The Athenaeum Arts & Music Library in San Diego CA, Sandstone Gallery in Laguna Beach CA, Huntington Beach Art Center in Huntington Beach CA, Borrego Art Institute in Borrego Springs CA, Arc Gallery in San Francisco CA, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center in Port Angeles WA, Jen Tough Gallery in Santa Fe NM, Woman Made Gallery in Chicago IL, and Saatchi's The Other Art Fair Los Angeles.
