About Denise Rudy
Denise Rudy is an award winning San Diego artist specializing in painting and collage. She studied art education at Ohio University and holds a BA in Social Science from CSU San Marcos and a certificate in Expressive Healing Arts from the University of Florida. She spent decades fostering creativity as an Associate Professor at Palomar College (2003–2026), where she is now Professor Emeritus, and in addition, she has led expressive art workshops that help others tap into their creative potential.
Now working as a full-time artist, Rudy creates intricate mixed-media portraits from paper, acrylic paint, gold leaf, layering texture and color to explore the depth of human emotion. Rooted in social science and art, she believes in the power of art and creativity to transform and connect us, She continues to seek new opportunities for collaboration and to share her work with a wider audience.
Rudy’s original artwork is on view at her studio gallery in the Arts District at Liberty Station: 2960 Historic Decatur Road, Barracks 19, Studio 213 (second floor), San Diego, CA 92106.
Artist Statement
As an artist, I am inspired to portray the “voices” of women. My work features contemporary figurative compositions of women across cultures, time periods, and life circumstances. These women hold stories—of strength, vulnerability, longing, and resilience. My work invites you not just to see them, but to feel them.
I create intricate compositions primarily from paper, through layers of texture, color, and detail. Look closely, and hidden elements begin to emerge. Each artwork invites the viewer to look deeper—not only at the surface, but at the stories woven within.
Curriculum Vitae:
Collage and mixed media artist | Professor Emeritus, Palomar College
Studio: Arts District at Liberty Station, Barracks 19, Studio 213, San Diego CA drudy144@gmail.com
Past Juried Exhibitions
Carlsbad ArtWalk, Carlsbad CA – September 2026
ArtVenture, Norma Hertzog Community Center, Costa Mesa CA – September 2026
ArtWalk Liberty Station, San Diego CA – August 2026
Carlsbad Village Art Festival, Carlsbad CA – June 2026
“Layers,” TAG Gallery, Los Angeles CA – Honorable Mention – June–July 2026
Coronado Art and Wine Festival, Coronado CA – May 2026
Los Angeles Makery, Los Angeles CA – February–April 2026
TAG Gallery, Los Angeles CA – December 2025–January 2026
Woodward Contemporary Art Gallery, San Diego CA – November 2025–January 2026
Sturt Haga Gallery, Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge CA – November 2025–January 2026
ArtVenture, Norma Hertzog Community Center, Costa Mesa CA – September 2025
North County Coastal Art Gallery, Carlsbad CA – August–September 2025
Las Laguna Art Gallery / Hugo Rivera Gallery, Laguna Beach CA – July 2025
Newport Beach Cultural Arts Exhibition, Newport Beach Civic Center CA – June 2025
Foothills Art Association, Porter Hall Gallery, La Mesa CA – Honorable Mention – June 2025
Professional Organizations
Oceanside Art Museum Artist Alliance
California Art League
San Diego Art Directory
Liberty Station Arts District
Southern California Women’s Caucus for Art
San Diego Watercolor Society
Education
Certificate, Expressive Healing Arts, University of Florida, 2023
BA in Social Sciences, CSU San Marcos, 2005 (Cum Laude)
AA in Arts, MiraCosta College, 2001
Art Education Major, Ohio University, 1974–1976
Teaching
Associate Professor, Palomar College, 2003–2026 (Professor Emeritus)