Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

San Diego, CA – May 15, 2026 — The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) will host its third EXPO Design Market in partnership with Mortis Studio and Kiku Room, on June 6 and 7. Taking place on Saturday, June 6 from 11AM to 7PM and on Sunday, June 7 from 11AM to 5PM, EXPO is a two-day event series built to showcase the best of publishing, design, music, and community within San Diego and its neighboring communities across Southern California at a moment when access to arts funding and cultural spaces is increasingly uncertain. 

At its core, EXPO is an exchange of ideas, networking, and collaboration meant to encourage meaningful connection, and is guided by MCASD’s mission to inspire expansive thinking and an inclusive world through contemporary art. The weekend will be filled with goods for sale by local vendors, curated DJ sets, and thought-provoking artist talks. At a time when public investment in arts and culture faces mounting pressure, EXPO underscores the vital role of independent artists, designers, and cultural workers in shaping an inclusive and resilient creative ecosystem. Additionally, guests will enjoy 50% off gallery admission on both days, allowing them to view Giants and Hometown Heroes at a discounted rate. 

EXPO Pre-Party featuring: Geller 

Kickoff EXPO weekend at our Pre-Party on Friday, June 5 from 6-8PM with Geller, an artist, producer, and media composer from Los Angeles bringing a human touch to a world of electronic sounds and textures. Tickets can be purchased here: https://mcasd.org/events/geller

EXPO Lightrip 

EXPO Lightrip will feature daytime DJ sets presented by Kiku Room and Ohmega HiFi. Featured artists include: 

• Saturday, June 6: Dirty Dave from 12 – 6PM
• Sunday, June 7: Freshro from 12 – 4PM  

EXPO Lab 

EXPO Lab is a series of immersive activations and talks hosted throughout the weekend. Programming will include: 

Saturday, June 6 

• 12PM: Nick Pourfard – A conversation with Nicholas, a San Diego-based furniture and lighting designer, about his career path, challenges, and future projects.
• 3PM: Erik Carter – A discussion on the shifting landscape of the graphic design industry prompted by unprecedented cultural shifts and ethical dilemmas.
• 5PM: Justin Atallian – Explore the intersection of sport and style with Nike’s Expert Designer & Senior Design Manager as he delves into his 12-year career. 

Sunday, June 7 

• 12PM: Itzel Islas – A talk about how breaking cultural barriers helped Itzel redefine her identity as a cross-border designer and the how she explores designing in Spanish and English in her personal brand.
• 2PM: Sergio Hernandez – A conversation about the layered process of making an independent film. 

• 4:30PM: Scanners Archive x Mortis Studio – Zine workshop 

   

  Vendors

  • A New Path
  • Burn All Books & Friends
  • Child of Wild
  • ClaraRose Candle Co.
  • Crap Eyewear
  • Ediciones Caradura
  • Elizabeth Juarez
  • Everybody.World
  • FeeLIT
  • FIELLE
  • Future is Color
  • GUSANO
  • Heavy Manners Library
  • Heron Hues
  • Huerta X Huerta

  • I'm Still Developing
  • Isiko
  • Juliet Furst
  • Kaidan
  • Lang Books
  • Little Man
  • Mayorga
  • Persue
  • Poppy Press
  • Pouch
  • Sensitive Cassetes
  • Será Hogar
  • Somos Uno
  • The Dean Collection
  • Upton
  • URSIJAE

   

  MCASD x Kiku Room Presents: EXPO After Dark 

  After each night of the Market, attendees can attend a 21+ after party at Kiku Room, free of charge. There will be no RSVP required; entry will be based on capacity. Attendees can enjoy DJ sets from the following artists: 

• Saturday, June 6: Max Colletto & Enzo Muro from 8PM to 2AM
• Sunday, June 7: FreshRo from 8PM to 2AM 

About Mortis Studio 
Our boutique agency occupies the space where commercial meets creativity. We are dedicated to staying at the vanguard of cultural trends and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. Thus, we strive to challenge ourselves and our clients to think beyond the conventional and embrace the unconventional. We cordially invite you to partake in this exciting journey of creative exploration and business growth with us. 

About Kiku Room 
Kiku: Conjugation of the Japanese verb meaning “to listen”. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “jazu kissa”, or jazz cafe, Kiku Room sets out to offer a neighborhood bar with a strong focus on eclectic music from open to close. 

Sound will come in the form of vinyl, digital, reel to reel, or a curated playlist as we get the bar open and cranking for business. Bottom line is we want guests comfortable and in sync with the music as soon as they walk in the door. It is less about the format in which we play the music and more about the effect the music has on its patrons. 

ABOUT MCASD 
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of today. Open since 1941, the Museum invites people to reflect on their lives, communities, and the ever-changing world through the powerful prism of contemporary art. Located along the ocean in the beautiful coastal community of La Jolla — MCASD showcases an internationally-recognized collection. Its dynamic exhibition schedule features a vast array of media in an unprecedented variety of spaces, along with a growing dedication to community experiences and public programs. 

VISIT 
700 Prospect St, La Jolla, 92037 | www.mcasd.org | @mcasandiego 

PRESS CONTACT 
Melissa Zuazo, Public Relations & Outreach Coordinator | mzuazo@mcasd.org | (858) 366-4264 

General Press Inquiries: press@mcasd.org