Gallery Walk La Jolla: The Art of Manny Farber & Patricia Patterson
Details
Join a guided art walk to explore a two-venue exhibition celebrating Manny Farber and Patricia Patterson, two of San Diego’s most notable artists, and their shared creative legacy.
### What to Expect
Join me for a curated walk exploring a special two-part exhibition celebrating the creative partnership of Manny Farber and Patricia Patterson — two of San Diego’s most influential artists.
We’ll begin at the La Jolla Historical Society, where Double Bill: The Art of Manny Farber and Patricia Patterson traces the couple’s intertwined creative lives through paintings, sketches, photographs, and archival materials. The exhibition focuses on their years in San Diego after moving from New York in 1970, highlighting how life in Leucadia and their work at UC San Diego shaped their distinct voices. Furniture, garden elements, and objects from their home appear alongside their art, offering an intimate view of their shared world and artistic exchange.
We’ll then walk about 10 minutes to Quint Gallery, where Manny Farber: An Up Beat Title presents a focused selection of paintings and drawings made between 1984 and 2008 — the final decades of Farber’s career. These works reveal both his celebrated tabletop compositions and the late, tender drawings inspired by Patricia’s gardens in Leucadia. Together, the exhibitions create a layered portrait of two artists whose influence on the region’s art and teaching communities continues to resonate.
Meet-Up Point:
La Jolla Historical Society — 780 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(Meet outside the main entrance at the start time)
Stop 1: La Jolla Historical Society — Double Bill: The Art of Manny Farber and Patricia Patterson
Stop 2: Quint Gallery — Manny Farber: An Up Beat Title (7655 Girard Ave)
Pace: About 15 minutes at each location, plus a 10-minute walk between venues
Distance: Easy walking route through La Jolla village
### What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Curiosity and an open mind
- A friend who loves art (optional, but encouraged!)
### How to Find Us
I’ll be waiting by the main entrance of the La Jolla Historical Society at the start time. Look for a small group gathering — I’ll introduce myself so you know you’re in the right place.
### About the Artists
Manny Farber (1917–2008) was a painter, critic, and longtime UC San Diego professor whose writing for The Nation and Artforum established him as one of the 20th century’s most original film thinkers. His paintings are known for their intricate arrangements of everyday objects and text fragments — works that have been widely collected and exhibited at major museums.
Patricia Patterson is a painter, writer, and educator whose work often extends the domestic scenes and narratives central to Farber’s visual language. Her contributions expand the story of West Coast modernism, and this exhibition marks a meaningful reunion of their shared creative vision.
### Friendly Reminder
Our gallery walks are meant to be fun and welcoming! Please join knowing you’re responsible for your own safety, belongings, and any property damage during the event. By attending, you agree not to hold the organizers or hosts liable for any issues that may arise.
### Additional Details
This walk should take about one hour total.
There is generally 2-hour street parking available throughout La Jolla village.
If you’d like to spend more time exploring, the La Jolla Merchants Association offers a $5 all-day parking option, which you can learn more about here:
👉 https://lajollabythesea.com/visitor-info/