Meet Julia Fister | Executive Director, Studio ACE

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julia Fister and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For much of my life, I searched for the perfect career—earning degrees in business, art, and later, a master’s in art history. I thought teaching would be my path, but the 2009 recession changed those plans. Instead, I found myself volunteering at the Oceanside Museum of Art, where I was asked to develop a children’s art program funded by a grant. At first, I saw it as just another job in my long list of careers. But after welcoming 1,500 fifth graders through the museum in a year, I realized I had found my true calling: arts education.
One moment in particular solidified this for me. A student, so moved by the experience, offered to donate their lunch money so another child could participate. It was a powerful reminder of art’s ability to inspire and connect. I saw firsthand how students entered the museum one way and left transformed—more engaged, more confident, and more connected. This impact extended beyond children. As I developed programming for toddlers, adults, and seniors, I witnessed the same transformation across all ages. Art brought people together, fostered friendships, and created a sense of belonging.
After six and a half years at the Oceanside Museum of Art and another year and a half at the Museum of Making Music, I knew I had found my passion. In 2018, I opened the doors to Studio ACE, a nonprofit dedicated to making art accessible and affordable for all. Every day, I see the joy, healing, and connection that art brings to our community. What started as just another job has become my life’s purpose, and I have never looked back.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Nothing about this journey has been easy—but stubbornness, passion, and a deep love for the arts have gotten me to where I am today.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Business and Art and a Master’s in Art History, but for years, I didn’t know what I truly wanted to do. I kept exploring different paths, working as a credit officer, investment banker, graphic artist, travel agent, accounting clerk, times share salesperson, and more—all while searching for the right fit. It wasn’t until my late 40s, when I stumbled into arts education at a museum, that everything clicked.

Growing up, I was given two pieces of advice:

“You can be or do anything you want to.”
“If you do work that you love, it’s not work.”

I followed both—though I’m sure my parents didn’t expect that to mean jumping from job to job in search of my true calling! But in hindsight, every career step helped me build Studio ACE into what it is today.

At its core, Studio ACE exists to connect, inspire, and enrich lives through Arts, Community, and Education—a mission that reflects everything I believe about the power of the arts. Art is more than just creativity; it’s a way to teach, heal, and build community so that everyone has a place to belong. Whether someone becomes an artist, engineer, scientist, or mathematician, arts education enhances problem-solving, communication, and innovation.

My goal every day is to bring affordable, accessible, and meaningful arts experiences to my community. That is what drives me—and that is my story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Any visitor of mine would first be taken to Studio ACE where I would probably rope them into volunteering if they stayed for a week! But many other fun things to show off our City and County:
A walk along the Strand to the end of the Pier
Drinks at sunset at the Harbor at any of the places there.
Surf Museum, Oceanside Museum of Art, Museum of Making Music and museums in Balboa Park
Mission San Luis Rey
A picnic at Heritage Park where I got married
Pour House and Buccaneer Cafe (best place to get breakfast while I sleep in)
LTH and PCH Burger
Flower Fields
La Jolla for the museum and the seals
Midway and Coronado
Concert at Belly Up or Rady Shell
Zoo and Safari Park
and Beach, Beach, Beach

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wholeheartedly dedicate my success to the incredible community that has made Studio ACE possible. None of this could have been accomplished alone—my journey has been built through the generosity of those who have given their time, resources, and support to bring my vision to life.

To my dedicated volunteers, donors, staff (past and present), and the artists and students who make Studio ACE a vibrant space—this success is yours as much as it is mine. Your belief in our mission, your hands-on efforts, and your unwavering encouragement have been the driving force behind everything we do.

I also dedicate this to my family, friends, and my husband, who, while part of this greater community, have personally supported me in countless ways—offering encouragement, love, and even rolling up their sleeves to volunteer alongside me.

While there is a more well-known saying, my favorite remains:
“It takes a community.” And I am endlessly grateful for mine.

Website: https://www.studioace.org

Instagram: @studioacearts

Linkedin: @juliafister

Twitter: @studioacearts

Facebook: @studioacearts

Yelp: Studio ACE

Youtube: @studioacearts

Image Credits
Robert Boon
Melissa Nabulsi