This article came out in the San Diego Evening Tribune on October 9, 1979, written by art critic Jan Jennings:
Exhibition Limited in Scope
Guild all-media show lacks usual pizzazz
     "When keen selectivity is exercised, it is likely to serve up choice ingredients for an exhibition. Either that, or it may suffer from too much restraint.
     The latter appears to be the case with the Art Guild All Media Membership Exhibition….
     With barely more than 30 pieces accepted for exhibition, the show is a shadow of the scope of previous art Guild shows numbering items well over 100 which encompassed all media including sculptural jewelry, collage, wall hangings, paintings in varying media, sculpture, constructions and other works born of creative minds.
     The current exhibit is on the whole rather anemic, but individual quality ranges from superb and imaginative to rather dull and contrived….
     Those selected for exhibition were obviously tightly screened, but it is likely that the rejections are in good company too."

     On October 14, 1979 John Edwards wrote this letter to Carl Johnson and the Guild Board of Directors:
     "I for one have been somewhat disappointed in the overall presentation of the Art Guild on our last two All Media shows. I feel they have not truly represented the potential of our membership. It seemed to me that they have represented, instead, a 'Peter Plagens show' or a "Josine Ianco-Starrels show'. (Note: the two jurors)
     From the viewpoint of the observer, I would much rather see a show representing the full spectrum of the Guild's talents. From my own experience, having been denied membership twice before being accepted, I know that this is a carefully selected membership, already 'juried' for competence.
     Therefore, I propose that the next SDMAAGMS offer at least one piece from each member who wishes to show. Naturally some guide lines would have to be set for size, acceptability, etc. I believe that this would provide for a much better show and would include many advantages:
     Art work could be delivered directly to the East Wing show area and eliminate the need for delivery at the docking-auditorium area and then moving the accepted pieces all the way across the Museum to the East wing.
     It would eliminate the need for a juror. The money could be used to publicize the event. Awards could be decided by a committee made up of some non-biased citizens (if possible).
     Each artist could present what that artist feels is truly his or her best effort, rather than something he feels will appeal to the whim of a certain juror.
     Highly qualified artists would be encouraged to join if they knew they would be able to show at the SDMA at least once a year.
     Catalog information would be available ahead of time instead of waiting for the results of jurying.
     It seems to me that something along these lines would simplify the entire operation and provide both the Guild and the public with what they would like: To show and to see the best that the Guild has to offer."

     Donna Leavitt wrote this letter to Carl Johnson on October 16, 1979:
     "You are probably getting considerable feedback in regard to the present Guild show. That's how it should be and a healthy sign of interest. - Now I'm going to add my 2 cents worth, too….
     Of course I'm very pleased to have been in the last two Guild shows, but I also agree with J. Jennings that this one is not a strong presentation. With such a vast membership it surely should be otherwise. I know that most of the members who work in fine crafts do not enter any more as they feel certain that they don't stand a chance. Why?
     Allied Craftsmen presents a good contemporary craft show at the Museum every second year in alternation with the former Cal/Hawaii. It is very fitting that the Guild have a yearly showing of the best in contemporary fine arts and crafts that the area has to offer.
     I assume that the Museum requires that the shows be juried and therein lies the problem. A/C resolved the same dilemma with their last show, as you may know, by having their work juried by 2 or 3 of their own members with the idea that all were to be represented but only the best from each artist would be shown. Could something like that work for the Guild?"

     Judy Chicago spoke at the SDMA on October 16, 1979 with 400 in attendance.
     In December 1979, several Guild artists, including the author, exhibited in the invitational San Diego - Yokohama exhibition, in Yokohama, Japan.

     Carl Johnson, Guild Chairperson, wrote this letter to Steve Brezzo dated December 27, 1979:
     "At the November Artists Guild board meeting, thank you for sharing your thoughts for an 'artists conception, inspection, execution,' exhibit. The board concurs with your general idea and support your attempt to do something creative and different with an appeal to a larger segment of the museum viewers. As you are very much aware and as we discussed, selecting the 'best' persons to do the art work and solving the technical problems will be the key to the exhibits success. In working out the details and in the selection of the artists, please consult with the Artists Guild board of directors so we may assist you.
     In looking to the future of the San Diego Museum of Art and the Artists Guild, I am deeply concerned about what appears to be fewer opportunities for the public to view quality, local, contemporary art. The exhibit you proposed has the good long range values and allows the public to view a limited number of art works on a somewhat educational level. However, that exhibit and those art works should supplement and enrich more extensive displays of local art and not be an end in itself.
     I assume the museum will continue to co-sponsor the Artists Guild All Media Exhibit and the Awards Exhibit. In order to clarify and to start planning, what will be the dates of the next All Media Exhibit?
     In addition, there is a considerable need for an expanded regional exhibit (such as California-Hawaii, California Contemporary) that will help complement the other museum exhibits. I believe that it is imperative that such an exhibit be in the planning stages as soon as possible. What dates can we work toward for a California Contemporary Exhibit? Can an exchange with another museum be worked out?
     The Artist Guild will constantly seek to provide San Diego with contemporary art exhibits of quality and of the highest standards. The guild with its many museum members wants to continue as an active, supportive role to the museum.
     If I can assist you in any way, please contact me."

     On December 29, 1979, Carl Johnson, Chairperson of the Guild wrote this letter to Mr. Edward J. Muzzy, President of the SDMA Board of Trustees:
     "In regard to Mr. John Shenefield's comments at the September 25, 1979 Board of Trustees meeting concerning restrictions of membership to certain museum committees - I do not believe Mr. Shenefield's remarks were directed at the Artists Guild, however for clarification, the board of directors of the Artists Guild had given additional consideration to its membership procedure.
     I believe that the Artists Guild as an invaluable resource to the museum and the community as a source of art work of the highest standards and quality. In addition, the Guild is a body of supportive museum members deeply involved in the actual creative process. In order to keep the organization as a quality, positive force, certain professional qualifications should be met. Therefore, the Artists Guild will continue to seek members, without restrictions, who meet the standards of a quality, professional artist as judged by the Artists Guild Membership Committee."

     This following was recorded in the minutes of the January 15, 1980 Guild Board meeting:
     "Steve Brezzo introduced Ms. Elinor Oatman. (Pres. Board of Trustees) He began by saying that the museum will increase its responsibility for exhibitions. He clarified the roll of local artists in the Museum. The Museum is committed to showing contemporary artists. In the future it will have Focus Shows, All Media Shows, and California Shows. The Artist Guild should extend recommendations, raise funds, develop programs, and educate the public and encourage active support of local artists. Steve Brezzo and Ms.. Oatman left after answering some questions."

     Irina Gronborg wrote this letter to Steve Brezzo on January 15, 1980:
     "The Artist Guild Board has discussed our attitudes towards the Rental Gallery and Focus shows and wishes to share them with you.
     We strongly support the continuation of the Rental Gallery as it is: a juried selection of quality work, primarily that of local artists. We feel that it is important to offer works of high quality, even if the sales revenue remains low. Perhaps new educational programs could be designed which would encourage beginning collectors to use the Rental Gallery more extensively.
     The Board also strongly supports the Focus shows of local artists. We feel that a clearer focus might be made by including a wall sheet that would provide some information about each artist…
     The museum should consider making a bid for more broad-based support from local artists by recommending that artists who desire to show in the Rental Gallery or to participate in the Focus shows join the Museum as members of Artist Guild.
     Another suggestion that would strengthen the relationship between the Museum and one of its greatest resources, the local artists, would be a formal announcement of the Focus shows and of the process of selection. In order to inform local artists that the Museum is not a closed shop, I suggest that the Museum staff announce its interest in accepting slide applications for the Focus shows."

     Carl Johnson wrote this note to Denise Draper on February 24, 1980:
     "I was so sorry to hear that you have not been feeling well and also sorry to hear that you will no longer be the manager of the museum Sales and Rental Gallery. The Artists Guild members and myself personally have long enjoyed and benefited from your expertise, promotion, and display of local art in the gallery. I hope you can continue to be in some way involved with the Artists Guild and the museum, perhaps thorough your writing or that sculpture class you always wanted to take.
     The best of luck and I hope for a speedy and full recovery." (Note: the author held Mrs. Denise Draper in very high regard for her kindness and her devotion to the artists, who exhibited in the Sales and Rental Gallery. She provided great support for all of us, and I personally remember her warmth and dedication to our community and myself. When she left her position at the Gallery, it was to me at the time, a crushing blow to my own fine art career and as will be revealed in the following pages, to the entire San Diego community.)

     On February 26, 1980 Steven Brezzo was officially named director after an eight-month trial period.
     The Artists Guild Prize Winners' Show with Kathleen Marshall, Harry Lum, & John Pendleton ran from March 19, 1980 - April 13, 1980.

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