Sophie's Art Gallery & Gift Shop

Address

140 E Main St
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 593-2205

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Details

Founded in the 1970s, SMSC’s art program began with a few classes that quickly revealed an extraordinary, previously untapped depth of creative talent. Students who struggled to express themselves through traditional means found a powerful voice through painting, printmaking, jewelry, textiles, and mixed media.

As the program grew, it expanded beyond its original space. In 1999, with strong community support, it moved to a Downtown El Cajon storefront and became Sophie’s Gallery & Gift Shop. By 2007, the gallery expanded to 4,400 square feet, allowing more students, more classes, and instruction exclusively by professional artists—an industry-first in the region.

Over the years, Sophie’s Gallery has grown to include additional locations and exhibitions, strengthening connections between our students and the broader arts community. The Downtown El Cajon gallery now hosts a vibrant annual exhibition season, with opening receptions that regularly draw more than 200 guests. In 2010, Sophie’s Gallery El Cajon was named San Diego’s Best Gallery (to Buy) by the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Beyond our galleries, students exhibit their work regionally, nationally, and internationally. Venues have included UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, the Kennedy Center Gift Shop in Washington, D.C., Princeton University Medical Center, and international exhibitions such as Neurodiversity at the Museum of Modern Art of Ukraine—along with more than a dozen shows each year throughout Southern California.

This legacy reflects our enduring mission: empowering artists, celebrating creative expression, and sharing our students’ work with the world.

Hours

Monday - Thursday
9:00am to 4:00pm

Friday
9:00am to 3:00pm

Saturday & Sunday
Closed

Upcoming Events

• Wings and Snow- Making Memories art show
  Fri, Dec 12, 2025 - Sat, Jan 31, 2026