Up-and-Coming Visual Artists Awarded Studio Space in ARTS DISTRICT

Hey San Diego art lovers! We’ve got some exciting news that’s about to paint our local art scene with fresh, vibrant colors. The NTC Foundation, those awesome folks behind ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, are giving four up-and-coming artists the keys to their very own studio space. Talk about a dream come true!

Let’s dish on these talented newbies who’ll be calling Barracks 14 their creative home.

First up, from July to December 2024, we’ve got Gracie Moon and Sean Sarmiento. Then, kicking off 2025, Amanda DiGiovanni and Helena Westra will take over from January to June.

July 2024 – December 2024 Artists

Gracie Moon

We’re stoked to see what Gracie Moon brings to the table. This Japanese American artist is all about exploring cultural intersections through sculpture and performance.

She’s cooking up something special with ceramics, performance, and sculpture—think food, found objects, and a mix of industrial and homey items. It’s like visual poetry that digs into the complexities of her multicultural identity.

Sean Sarmiento

Sean Sarmiento? This guy’s a photo wizard who’s been turning heads all over SoCal. He’s not just taking pictures; he’s challenging how we see photography itself. His work often captures his own body in domestic settings, creating this cool vibe of being caught between the familiar and the unknown.

Emerging Artist Program features Sean Sarmiento

January 2025 – June 2025 Artists

Amanda DiGiovanni

Coming in hot for 2025, we’ve got Amanda DiGiovanni, a born-and-raised San Diegan who’s all about that multimedia life. From sculpture to performance to photography, she’s doing it all, making us think deep thoughts about what it means to be human.

Helena Westra

Last but definitely not least, Helena Westra is bringing her A-game with sculpture, ceramics, performance, and land art. She’s all about using materials straight from Mother Nature, turning clay, dirt, and found objects into art that connects us with the land.

Emerging Artist Program

Watch New Artists Thrive at Liberty Station

We’re pumped to see these artists dive into the creative melting pot that is ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. It’s not just about giving them space to work—it’s about helping them grow, connect with other artists, and build up their fan base.

As Lisa Johnson, the big boss at NTC Foundation, puts it, “We’re all about lifting up new talent and giving them a platform to shine.” And shine they will, right in the heart of one of San Diego’s coolest arts hubs.

See you there!

So, mark your calendars, art enthusiasts! Whether you’re into photography, sculpture, or performance art, these emerging artists are bringing something fresh to our local scene.

Let’s show them some San Diego love and watch them take their art to new heights. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite artist right here in our backyard!

For more info, visit here.

See you there, San Diego!

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