Meet Julio Martha | Artist and Founder of the San Diego Art Society

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

Hi Julio, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well let me start with, I wasn’t trying to build a business at all. I started posting my artwork on the streets of San Diego with the Instagram handle @sandiegoartsociety and suddenly artists began to reach out to me asking how to join the society. I received so many messages that I thought to myself, there’s something bigger than me here. People want to come together and connect to other artists and like-minded people.

That led me to start the San Diego Art Society, The Society was first formed by myself and three very talented artists: Gerardo Meza, Veronica Aranda and Aaron Asis. We started the project by listening to the needs of the artistic community. For example, artists would reach out and ask if we had connections in others cities or countries where they were looking to exhibit or sell their work, move or do a collaboration. Through our connections and network we were able to help them achieve their goals. Another need we saw was emerging artists looking for mentors to help teach them the business and improve their technique. We started pairing these new artists with established artists by leveraging the network we were creating.

Since then, our mission and projects have blossomed and we have created many more opportunities for artists to exhibit their work, get jobs and help each other out. I’m so proud when I think of where we started and what we’ve become.

Some highlights:
-Providing live art and exhibitions during the San Diego Latino Film Festival and local music festivals
-Working with the city of Chula Vista on a project to create 14 murals along Broadway Ave
-Curating a San Diego Art Society permanent collection, with pieces from local artists

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art journey hasn’t been an easy one. I wasn’t encouraged at a young age to do art, Instead, I was told that it wouldn’t take me anywhere. I still created art, though, even if it was just for me. I started with photography, drawing, writing, painting, graffiti and wheat paste art. I’m open to all mediums. I’m always excited to try something new. I’m not looking to become the best or famous, I just want to create. That’s all that matters to me. I love helping artists get to where they want to be. It makes me really happy to see a fellow artist become successful and be recognized by others. I don’t like being the center of attention or being talked up when introduced to other artists. I just introduce myself as Julio. I am someone that will listen and maybe even help you a little along your journey, whatever that may be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man, this is a tough one. There are so many good places in San Diego. I would give a tour of Chicano Park, I love that we have the largest outdoor gallery in the Western hemisphere.
Balboa park for all the museums and the beauty of the park itself. Let’s not forget the zoo.
Food! Food! Everywhere! I would start with the Convoy area, Little Saigon, Chula Vista, National City, Tijuana.
I love hanging out in Barrio Logan, North Park, Normal Heights, South Park.
There are far too many galleries to mention and friends, but they are all local. I am all about supporting local and encourage
visitors to take a little of San Diego home with them – an art piece, mainly.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Erika ,Julian, Daniela and Andre for always encouraging me to do more with my art
Gerardo, Veronica and Aaron for believing in the power of the San Diego Art Society
My parents and brothers
Andy Gonzalez – Mentor
Blanca Bergman from Art Unites
Vallo Riberto – Professor/ Mentor

All the Artists that reach out to me and I see grow and become successful, Keep going!!!

Website: https://www.sandiegoartsociety.com

Instagram: @sandiegoartsociety

Other: https://www.cycadgallery.com

Image Credits
Mural by Thao French of Mindful Murals