Art is both business and pleasure for Sarah Zavala and Ashley Mobley, the powerhouse founders of Mansion of Art, a San Diego-based experiential art agency.
Ashley Mobley and Sarah Zavala are the powerhouse duo behind Mansion of Art. PHOTO BY LIOR MALKA
Sarah Zavala: Ashley and I first crossed paths six years ago through our husbands, and our shared passion for the arts quickly brought us together. With my background in art dealing and Ashley’s experience as an artist, we had a natural connection. The concept of Mansion of Art was born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, I had envisioned opening a traditional art gallery in late 2019, but as the pandemic unfolded in 2020, it became clear that this plan was no longer viable. Undeterred, I pivoted to selling art digitally. By 2021, I had the idea to showcase artists’ works in my home, which led to the creation of Mansion of Art, operating by appointment only. As demand grew and I began collaborating with more artists, I realized I needed a partner who shared my vision and passion. That’s when I approached Ashley.
Ashley Mobley: For us, starting Mansion of Art was about more than just representing artists or selling their work. Our vision was to build a memorable brand centered around personalized experiences that would make both artists and collectors around the world feel truly seen and valued.
SZ: At Mansion of Art, we offer specialized services designed to support artists and collectors at every stage of their journey. One of our key services is our art agency, where we provide bespoke support for our artists. We also host invitation-only exhibitions and offer art rental services, which are particularly popular with interior designers, real estate professionals, and developers.
AM: Mansion of Art not only provides specialized art services and experiences but also offers a diverse range of original artworks and sculptures available for purchase. Our curated collection allows collectors to acquire unique pieces from both renowned and emerging artists.
AM: We love the incredible diversity and the blend of classical and contemporary art. Balboa Park is a major highlight, offering everything from classical to modern to international works. We also love the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla—it’s such a fantastic space that really embraces innovative and thought-provoking work.
SZ: When it comes to galleries, one of our favorites is Madison Gallery. Its exhibitions are always fresh, and the artists they showcase bring a unique perspective we admire.
AM: As for local artists, one of our absolute favorites is Kyle Leblanc, who is part of our roster at Mansion of Art. He’s our only local artist, and his work is truly remarkable. He captures the stunning landscapes of the American West Coast in such a unique way.
SZ: We have a lot of exciting projects in the works! One piece of news we’re excited to share with San Diego is our upcoming collaboration with the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
AM: While we can’t reveal too many details, we promise it will be special. With a strong international presence—through the artists we represent and our clients’ locations—we’ve also been actively working on major projects abroad, particularly in France.
Photography by: Lior Malka
