President Mike Hefner, the East County Art Association (ECAA), was born in San Diego and as a small child always loved art.
“I couldn’t color in the lines in the coloring books like my friends. I liked to draw on plain paper and make my own designs. My friends all laughed at me,” he said.
President Mike Hefner, the East County Art Association (ECAA), was born in San Diego and as a small child always loved art.
“I couldn’t color in the lines in the coloring books like my friends. I liked to draw on plain paper and make my own designs. My friends all laughed at me,” he said.
After Hefner graduated high school, he was given an opportunity to attend a San Diego State acrylic painting class. He married and had a full career in carpeting and floor covering.
After retiring, he enrolled in the Plein Air Class in watercolor and oil painting classes at San Diego Community College. This became his favorite medium. Before this, he worked with acrylic. “I was inspired by Van Gough, Monet and Edward Hopper,” he said.
In 1993 he placed his paintings in his first art show at the First Annual Oceanside Longboard Contest Art Show.
“I was nervous. I sold my first painting for $400.00. I was the only artist there that sold a painting. I was ecstatic,” he said.
He is also a member of the Water Color Society and the Foothills Art Association. His paintings hang in many galleries and have earned him awards in all three venues.
“When I was asked to become president of the ECAA I accepted. I wanted to make a difference,” he said.
Sponsored by the ECAA, The Masters of the Moment Regional Show is open to all East County artists. The Masters of the Moments show exhibits in June 2015, at the Sophie’s Gallery, 109 Rea Avenue, El Cajon.
Established in 1979, the ECAA is a non-profit arts and crafts venue. Originally the El Cajon Art Association. In 1984, the El Cajon Art Gallery was established for fine art with the first annual Juried Awards Exhibition in 1984. In 2002 the El Cajon Art Association changed its name to the East County Art Association.
ECAA holds its monthly meetings in the Rancho San Diego Library. Various artists give demonstrations in different art mediums. The 100-plus members of the ECAA provide local artists availability to meet for social, educational, and art related functions. It is committed to further art education for both members and the community, through juried shows, lectures, workshops and programs.
You can contact the ECAA at its website: www.eastcountyartassociation.org. You can contact Hefner at: mikehefnerart@gmail.com.
