By APRIL GOODJOHN

I had the opportunity to sit down with PB artist Michaela Jean Upp for a conversation about what she does and her thoughts on the newly established PB Arts District that seeks to provide more public art, arts events, gallery space, and classes.

Michaela is a life-long lover of nature and art. Her father, an artist, began teaching her the fundamentals of drawing in her early life. Her favorite subjects included flowers from her grandfather’s garden so it’s no wonder why her subject matter is often organic.

She graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in history of art. I asked her specifically, what it’s like to be a Pacific Beach artist, and here is some of what she shared.

“It’s interesting that you ask me, ‘What’s it like to be a PB artist?’ because I’m not sure those two identities were ever presented to me in the same sentence until a few years ago. Since I’m from Pacific Beach and have always been ‘an artist’ in some capacity, I could say that being a PB artist has always been part of my identity.

“But the shift lies in Pacific Beach herself. In recent years (we’ll continue personifying her), Pacific Beach has claimed — through the people who call her home — her powerful presence and seriousness as a community. For a long time, she was either a sleepy beach town or a place for college kids to let loose — never a cultural hub. But culture is in the people, and her people are, of course, exuding creativity in so many ways!

“So for me, as a PB artist, I feel like this land has always been special, magical, beautiful, home, and worthy of artistic representation. But now, she’s finally being seen for more than the escape and reprieve she offers; she’s being seen for the people who tend to her — artists included.

“I see a bright future in this shift. I love the emergence of new murals, but that’s just the beginning. I hope to see realtors and developers not just consider the profit potential of the land, but ask: ‘How can our development add to the community? How can our addition be an offering rather than something that dominates or siphons from the existing businesses and creations around it?’

“I would love to see galleries pop up. Don’t get me wrong — I love our bars! But I think we’ve probably filled that quota. I love the idea of artist residencies, pop-ups, and creative classes. I also hope that these new programs benefit the younger generation in our local schools. My sons both attend PB schools, and I’d love to see more seasoned artists guiding the next generation of creatives toward the future of their dreams.

“As a professional artist, the current greatest hindrance is simply getting our art seen by the community. There’s a need for more gallery spaces and exhibition opportunities that are accessible, safe, and open. I do want to shout out Meraki Spaces and the Gallery at Land’s End for being pioneers in this venture — I hope to see us all grow together.

“On that note, I’ve added a photo of my largest canvas painting to date (above), ‘Summer on the Bay.’ It’s an oil painting of an imagined view of Sail Bay, near where I grew up. It took just over two years to complete, and she’s a perfect example of a piece that belongs in Pacific Beach — but lacks a place to be viewed.

“I’m so hopeful for and excited about, the shift toward creative prioritization in our community.”

Michaela’s work can be seen at the Gallery at Land’s End at 4989 Cass St. in the heart of Pacific Beach and on her website is michaelajeanart.com.