NTC Foundation, the non-profit organization that oversees the development of 26 buildings in ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, named the next four visual artists selected as part of their Emerging Artist program.
After receiving numerous submissions for the program, the NTC Foundation has awarded four talented artists, from unique and diverse backgrounds, free studio space in Barracks 14. Gracie Moon and Sean Sarmiento will occupy the Emerging Artists studio through December and Amanda DiGiovanni and Helena Westra will take over the studio from January 2025 through June 2025.
Each occupying a 6-month term, the four visual artists will get the chance to explore their creativity and enhance their skills in one of San Diego’s most vibrant hubs for arts and culture. They will use this opportunity to build their career, engage with other artists, and grow their audience and patron base for future success.
“The NTC Foundation is always excited to uplift emerging artists in a way that stimulates creativity, sparks imagination, and hones their skills within such a dynamic community like ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station,” said Lisa Johnson, president and CEO of the NTC Foundation. “Through the Emerging Artist program, we are able to give the next wave of emerging talent in San Diego the platform to hone their skillsets by providing them with studio space. We are so excited to see what these four visual artists will achieve in the next year.”
More information on each of this year’s recipients is included below:
July 2024 – December 2024 Artists
Gracie Moon
As a Japanese American artist, Gracie Moon explores themes of racial and cultural intersectionality through her sculptural and performative work. She is currently developing a new body of work that integrates ceramics, performance and sculpture, utilizing materials such as food, found objects, and both industrial and domestic items to create visual poetry. These stories navigate the tension of the in-between spaces where the complexities of her multicultural identity are examined. Gracie eagerly anticipates the creative collaboration opportunities in ARTS DISTRICT and is excited to collaborate with the dance and ceramic centers within ARTS DISTRICT.
Sean Sarmiento
Prior to his debut residency in ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, Sean Sarmiento has showcased his captivating work throughout Southern California. As a photo-based artist, he manipulates architectural and photographic norms to challenge traditional perceptions of photography and two-dimensionality. Sean has exhibited his work at the Athenaeum Museum in La Jolla, Palos Verdes Art Center, and the Student Life Pavilion and Metro Building at the University of San Diego, among others. His imagery often explores themes of home, capturing his own body in domestic settings to evoke feelings of being in between, moments that are both unknown and familiar. Sean is excited to immerse himself in his practice in new and innovative ways in ARTS DISTRICT.
January 2025 – June 2025 Artists
Amanda DiGiovanni
Born and raised in San Diego, local artist Amanda DiGiovanni has always been captivated by the dynamic nature of multimedia art and its ability to transcend boundaries. Her creative journey began at a young age, experimenting with various techniques and mediums, leading her to continue her artistic pursuits. Through her work in sculpture, performance, and photography, Amanda evokes profound reflections on human existence. Eager to expand her creative horizons, she looks forward to growing as an artist during her residency at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station.
Helena Westra
Based in San Diego, Helena Westra is a multifaceted artist specializing in sculpture, ceramics, performance, and land art. Utilizing a diverse range of accessible and often locally harvested materials such as clay, dirt, and found objects, her work serves as a meditation on introspection, release, and grounding. Helena delves into the realms of symbology and archetypes, employing themes of flora and fauna to forge a deep connection between the land and the environment. She is excited to explore new spaces, experiment with innovative mediums, and be in a generative headspace in ARTS DISTRICT.
