NTC Foundation, the nonprofit organization overseeing the development of 26 buildings in the Liberty Station Arts District, is pleased to announce the next four visual artists selected as part of its Emerging Artist Program. After receiving numerous submissions for the program, NTC Foundation has awarded free studio space in Baracks 14 to four talented artists with unique and diverse backgrounds. Gracie Moon and Sean Sarmiento will occupy the Emerging Artists studio from July 2024 to December 2024, and Amanda DiGiovanni and Helena Westra will occupy the studio from January 2025 to June 2025.
The four visual artists will each have the opportunity to develop their creativity and hone their skills in one of San Diego’s most vibrant centers for arts and culture for six months. They will use this opportunity to build their careers, connect with other artists, and grow their audience and supporter base for future success.
“The NTC Foundation is always excited to support emerging artists in a way that inspires their creativity, fuels the imagination, and hone their skills in such a dynamic community as Arts District Liberty Station,” said Lisa Johnson, President and CEO of the NTC Foundation. “Through the Emerging Artist program, we are able to provide the next wave of emerging talent in San Diego the platform to hone their skills by providing them with studio space. We are so excited to see what these four visual artists will accomplish in the next year.”
AMANDA DIGIOVANNI
Born and raised in San Diego, artist DiGiovanni (above) has always been fascinated by the dynamic nature of multimedia art and its ability to push boundaries. Her creative journey began at a young age when she experimented with different techniques and mediums, which led her to pursue her artistic endeavors. Through her work in sculpture, performance, and photography, DiGiovanni evokes profound reflections on the human condition. Eager to expand her creative horizons, she looks forward to growing as an artist during her residency at Arts District Liberty Station.
GRACIE MOON
As a Japanese American artist, Moon explores themes of racial and cultural intersectionality through her sculptural and performance work. She is developing a new body of work that integrates ceramics, performance, and sculpture, using materials such as food, found objects, and industrial and household items to create visual poetry. These stories navigate the tension of the in-between spaces exploring the complexities of her multicultural identity. Moon eagerly anticipates the creative collaboration opportunities in the Arts District and looks forward to collaborating with the dance and ceramics centers in the Arts District.
SEAN SARMIENTO
Prior to his debut residency at the Arts District Liberty Station, Sarmiento exhibited his fascinating work throughout Southern California. As a photo-based artist, he manipulates architectural and photographic norms to challenge traditional perceptions of photography and two-dimensionality. Sarmiento has exhibited his work at the Athenaeum Museum in La Jolla, the Palos Verdes Art Center, and the University of San Diego’s Student Life Pavilion and Metro Building, among others. His paintings often explore themes surrounding the home, capturing his own body in domestic settings to evoke feelings of in-betweenness, moments that are both unfamiliar and familiar. Sarmiento is excited to delve into his work in new and innovative ways in the Arts District.
HELENA WESTERA
Based in San Diego, Westra is a versatile artist specializing in sculpture, ceramics, performance, and land art. She uses a wide range of accessible and often locally harvested materials such as clay, earth, and found objects, and her work serves as a meditation on introspection, release, and grounding. Delving into the world of symbolism and archetypes, Westra uses themes from flora and fauna to create a deep connection between the land and the environment. She looks forward to exploring new spaces, experimenting with innovative mediums, and finding herself in a productive state of mind in the Arts District.
