Through exhibitions and public lectures, it encouraged works beyond representational art, and included figurative and abstract expressionist paintings in the 1950s.
Though it originally exhibited primarily watercolor and oil paintings, the association evolved to include various other mediums and art forms.
[2][3] [4] The SPAA has historically sponsored cultural art exchanges with artists outside the United States;[5][6][7] this tradition continues through current exhibitions.
Since then, the association has expanded and is known for bringing local artists together with varied art forms that include painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodworking and jewelry making.
In 1953, under the direction of its President Jay Meuser, the San Pedro Art Association wrote many of its bylaws and became a non-profit corporation providing a structure for the future growth of its membership and activities.