The Carlsbad Area Art Association (CAAA) was established in 1964 by a group of artists passionate about promoting and advancing the quality of original fine art and crafts in Carlsbad and the surrounding areas.
The role of CAAA in this community is to promote the expansion of art appreciation through exhibitions, demonstrations, lectures, and educational workshops. CAAA is a 501-C3 organization governed by a membership-elected board of directors consisting of officers and three Directors at Large.
In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, CAAA expanded as an umbrella organization for The Artist Gallery (a co-op gallery) and the Pottery Studio. The current officers are: Vicki Trout, president; Cindy Gutierrez, Vice President; Mike Pfeifer, secretary; Pat Beason, treasurer, and Jean Prominski, membership coordinator. The Directors at Large are: Jim Renfrow, Helen Gwinn, and Sue Plumlee. Daina Taylor and Pat Beason are co-directors of The Artist Gallery and Janice May is the director of the Pottery Studio.
In 2001, through the generosity of the Merchant family, art patron Robert Light, local businesses, and many art supporters in the community, CAAA purchased the building at 120 South Canyon Street which houses The Artist Gallery and the Robert S. Light Art Room, a large, multi-purpose space used mainly for meetings, workshops, and open studio. Membership in CAAA is open to adults interested in art. We welcome not only artists and craftsmen, but also are delighted to include art appreciators, art patrons, art supporters, and anyone curious about or interested in how CAAA enriches the quality of life in our community. Joining CAAA means becoming part of a lovely group interested in creativity, participating in exclusive art events, discounts on workshop fees, as well as the possibility of membership in the Pottery Studio and/or The Artist Gallery through a simple jurying system.
Learn more and join CAAA at our website: www.theartistgallery.net,
phone: 575-887-1210, or stop by The Artist Gallery and chat with one of our friendly members while enjoying the exquisite array of arts and crafts exhibited there. We are open for business Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Article written by Helen Gwinn with Pat Beason and originally published in Focus on Carlsbad 2025 Fall edition.
