Welcome!
As one of the oldest support councils of The San Diego Museum of Art the Asian Arts Council (AAC) has played a significant role in the history of the Museum. It exists to foster interest in the Museum’s Asian art collection and to support curatorial efforts. Our monthly meetings feature programs by visiting scholars chosen to expand our knowledge of our rich and varied Asian collection, an exhibition, artist, medium or historical period. We have an active study group promoting in depth study on a variety of topics. Organized trips include bus trips to other Southern California museums and travel to other cities to enjoy exhibitions of Asian interest. The Asian Arts Council affords members a rich experience of Asian art and a deeper appreciation of the objects in our permanent collection. Please join us!
ASIAN INSIGHTS!!!
Treasures from the Museum's
Asian Collections
Meiping Vase
Pinacle of Porcelain
13th c., China
by Heather Simmerman, Ph.D., Docent, first printed for members in the AAC Newsletter, January, 2022
Find this beautiful vase in the Chinese gallery at the San Diego Museum of Art! It is best appreciated in person! Preview of the history and meaning: The material, technique, and design of this Meiping Vase exemplify the pinnacle of porcelain production from the Ming dynasty imperial kiln at Jingdezhen in the south of China. Its modest size, 9 3/4 in. x 6 in. x 6 in. (24.77 cm x 15.24 cm x 15.24 cm), belies the rarity and special significance of this type of white porcelain for the third Ming emperor, Yongle (r. 1403-1424)...
(click to continue), or click on the picture, to read the whole article on the Asian Insights menu tab.
Of the holdings of the Museum’s permanent collection, almost 50% consists of Asian objects spanning many cultures, historical periods and media. The ongoing gallery rotations from the permanent collection, coupled with periodic special exhibitions, offer a rich, stimulating and diverse visual experience for members, visitors and guests.
Proudly opened in February, 2012. The Art of East Asia features works from Japan, China and Korea arranged in five distinctive gallery settings.
South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Persian Art
Paintings from the esteemed Edwin Binney 3rd Collection were featured in a new gallery that opened in January, 2017, in the back of the Museum's West Wing. While the small gallery is called the Binney Gallery, South Asian art art is resting for a few years. The South Asian Arts Council (SAAC) is on hiatus until FY26. The SAAC website can be reached by clicking here.
Meetings feature distinguished speakers with expertise on a wide range of topics related to Asian art. We meet on the last Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom, with the exception of November and December when there are no meetings. Non-members may register for meetings by clicking here, scrolling down and selecting this month's lecture. Donations are welcome! (In-person meetings were free for AAC members and only $10 for Museum members and $12 for non-Museum members Pre-Covid. Students attended for $8).
Newsletter
AAC Members receive a subscription to the
monthly Asian Arts Council newsletter.
To receive a free copy, email for information.
AAC Board
Chair: Heather Simmerman
Vice-Chair:
Secretary: Tom Dillon
Treasurer: Mary Witztum
Past-Chair: Chad Patton, nominations
The Board meets on the third Monday of each month via Zoom. There is no meeting in December. If you would like to visit the Board meeting, and you are a member, while there are Zoom meetings, please visit and get involved. Click here to send an email to request a Zoom invitation to a board meeting. The all-volunteer Board serves a two year term with Committee Chairs serving, hopefully, forever. Meetings are open to members, so if you want to attend a Board meeting, email to get a Zoom link. For a list of current officers and committee chairs (and Bylaws), click here. For more information, please contact us. To see a calendar, click the link.
AAC members and Museum docents have an opportunity for in-depth research on topics within a theme chosen each year by the group. “Asian Gardens and Architecture"is the theme for FY26, beginning in September 2025. Returns from recent membership survey showed that this theme is one of the top interests.
The Study Group meets on the third Monday of the month on Zoom at 10:00 a.m. to hear presentations by its members and Docents. There are no Study Group meetings in December, January, July or August).
Visit our Membership Page to join or renew now for the great benefits we offer. New AAC members are always welcome! Starting on July 1st, $50 for an individual membership, $75 for a dual membership. Membership in The San Diego Museum of Art at the Dual Level ($125) is needed to be a Council member.
We are grateful for those who continue to support The San Diego Museum of Art's Asian Art Council.
A chance to give to support the Asian Galleries! See the Membership and Giving Back pages for more information.
The Asian Arts Council has played a significant role in the history of the Museum by providing funding in support of research, education and conservation.
