Art Expressions Gallery features an extensive selection of original art in a variety of media, ranging from traditional and contemporary paintings to fine art photography. Under the stewardship of Patricia Smith, who founded the gallery in 1984, Art Expressions Gallery represents emerging American artists who share a mastery of their medium.

The 3,500 square foot gallery specializes in assisting private and corporate clients identify and achieve their goals as collectors. The gallery clientele includes both experienced collectors and enthusiastic novices. In addition to an ongoing exhibition schedule, the gallery hosts a variety of seminars, presentations, and tours that expand client's appreciation of art in all its forms.

Art Expressions Gallery also provides full-service custom framing that combines the latest technologies with Old World craftsmanship to ensure your art is both beautifully framed and well preserved for years to come.

Thank you for considering Art Expressions Gallery as a venue for your event! We’re delighted to open our available spaces to the community.

who we are

Patricia F. Smith, Principal & Art Consultant

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Patty Smith founded Art Expressions Gallery in 1984 and has been an active member of the San Diego arts community for decades.  She is equally as passionate about mid-century Modernist design and art as she is in folk art and crafts, and she has always been enthralled with Japanese printmaking and South American weavings and textile art.   A lifelong quilter, Patty Smith has always been interested in the melding of the tradition and accessibility of craft with the “high art” concepts and design elements of Modernism and Postmodernism.   The common thread in her life’s work and passions has been all about education and making art accessible for all.  A philanthropist at heart with a long record of volunteering within her community, Patty Smith began her career in teaching and continues her passion for education and the Arts through her non-profit work as a founding member of ArtsBusXpress, an organization that provides funding for field trip transportation for San Diego County school children, providing opportunities for profound educational experiences in the arts and sciences.   Patty has been happily married to David A. Smith, D.D.S. for more than 45 years and in her free time, enjoys reading, travelling the world, and watching her grandchildren grow.

Debbie Linn, Gallery Manager & Art Consultant

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Debbie Linn has been an integral part of Art Expressions Gallery since 1994.  Her expertise in corporate art, particularly in art for Health care spaces, is apparent throughout the greater San Diego area, as she has managed numerable large accounts for Sharp Hospitals and Scripps, among others.  Valued by interior designers for her sensibility in the Southern California lifestyle, Debbie Linn also specializes in placing art in residential spaces.  With an educational background in Sociology and Public Speaking, and more than 20 years of retail management experience, Debbie demystifies the art buying experience with her professionalism and personable style.   A born and raised San Diegan, Debbie and her husband of more than 28 years enjoy an active lifestyle.  When not hard at work, Debbie enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis, travelling, gardening, cooking, and entertaining friends.

Paul Ramirez, Head Framer

Paul Ramirez is a master framer.  He has been with Art Expressions Gallery since 2002 and has more than 15 cumulative years of custom framing experience.  With the precision of an engineer and the heart of an artist, his attention to detail is unparalleled.  Originally from Corning, CA, Paul Ramirez began studying painting at 8 years old.  As he grew older, his interests shifted toward graphic design and sculpture.  Custom framing became a natural next step.  His resume boasts framing experience at the Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego(MoPA) and experience as the Lead Carpenter in the Design and Installation department at the San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA).  He has studied sculpture under A. Wasil and has worked as a bronze casting assistant under Moon Kyung Kim at the San Diego Art Casting Institute.  Then, along with his friend Penny Houle, Paul Ramirez co-founded a gallery in 1998 called Eso Terra Contemporary Arts in Coronado, CA, which displayed established West Coast contemporary artists working in various mediums.  Eso Terra closed its doors in 2002 and Paul Ramirez refocused his career on framing once again.   In his free time, Paul can be found painting in his new studio, riding his longboard, reading or writing.

Nikole Stephenson, Gallery Assistant & Custom Framing Designer

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Nikole Stephenson joined the Art Expressions staff in 2007 as a custom  framer, and has since taken on additional roles in the gallery including framing design, advertising design, website maintenance, inventory maintenance, and assisting with exhibition planning.  She has more than 5 years of experience    in custom framing, and more than 4 years working in the gallery circuit, and draws from her knowledge of interior design and photography as well.  Originally from the Midwest, Nikole earned her two Bachelor’s degrees in Fine Art and Creative Writing at Ohio University in Athens and names meeting  Duane Michals in Chicago and being a volunteer photo assistant for Spencer Tunick in Cleveland as her favorite career highlights thus far.  Currently, Nikole is working on some photographic art installation pieces of her own and also has a newfound love for blogging on her site called Art and Artefact (www.artandartefact.blogspot.com).  When not hard at work, Nikole can be found training for half marathons, doing yoga, reading, and playing with her niece.