Calling all art enthusiasts, the Arts District Liberty Station will unveil a new exhibition in  Gallery 201 on Feb. 28, spotlighting two artists from its Emerging Artist  Visual Arts Residency program. 

Sean Sarmiento and Gracie Moon wrap up their 6-month residencies in a big way with a gallery exhibit titled All the Places We Belong, on display in Gallery 201 from Feb. 28 through June 13.

Through the exhibit, both artists navigate the psychological and cultural resonance of home, shaping it as a space where identity is formed, questioned, and reclaimed.

“Thanks to the generous support of the Fleet Family Foundation, Gallery 201 has been championing the city’s next wave of creative voices, and we are so excited to have our very own Emerging Artists featured in the space,” said Lisa Johnson, president and CEO of the NTC Foundation. “Arts District Liberty Station is a hub for the creative economy, and we are thrilled to be a part of the journey for these artists, providing them with the tools and space to grow their careers.”

All the Places We Belong invites viewers to examine their connections to belonging, fostering a deeper understanding of the intimate, multifaceted spaces we occupy—both physically and socially. Through their collaborative practices, Sarmiento and Moon transform the concept of home into a space of deep engagement, where care and critique intertwine, and memory and identity are constantly in flux.

Sarmiento’s collages romanticize the intimacy of home, blending typography, domestic architecture, and warm amber tones to transform everyday household objects like stove lights and night lamps into emotional landscapes. His work reimagines home as a stage for vulnerability and connection, highlighting how memory and care are deeply embedded in the spaces we occupy.

In contrast, Moon’s work critically explores how heritage and identity are shaped and commodified within the domestic sphere, drawing from her multiracial experience and childhood memories of blending Japanese and American cultures. Using materials like Jello molds and food wrappers, she questions the reduction of culture to consumable objects in Western narratives. Her art revisits the unspoken stories of her grandparents’ assimilation, offering a space to reclaim identity and challenge the authenticity of inherited family stories.

Gallery 201 is a canvas to showcase the work of early-career artists in the San Diego-Baja region. Through their Emerging Artist Visual Arts Residency program artists gain access to studio space and support resources, have the opportunity to showcase their work, and gain recognition within the wider regional arts and culture community.

Supported by the Fleet Family Foundation, the Curator-in-Residence role at Arts District Liberty Station launched in 2023 as a new initiative of the Art In Public Places programming. This residency offers regional curators like Poellnitz the chance to curate exhibitions, mentor emerging artists, and collaborate with the Arts District team on future creative initiatives.

The community is invited to stop by Gallery 201 in Arts District Liberty Station for the opening reception of All the Places We Belong on First Friday, March 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. where visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists and curator, explore their work, and engage in conversation about the creative process.

As Sarmiento and Moon conclude their residencies, Arts District Liberty Station is excited to welcome the next pair of Emerging Artists, Amanda DiGiovanni, and Helena Westra, who will begin their residencies at the Emerging Artist studio in Barracks 14 in January.

This marks the continuation of the Arts District’s commitment to supporting emerging artists, providing them with dedicated space to develop their practice within San Diego’s vibrant arts community. DiGiovanni and Westra’s residency will run from January through June, and they will have the opportunity to share their progress with the public during events and open studio sessions at Arts District Liberty Station.

More information on the incoming Emerging Artists is included below:

Amanda DiGiovanni

DiGiovanni, a multimedia artist born and raised in San Diego, has a lifelong passion for the dynamic potential of art to transcend boundaries. With experience in sculpture, performance, and photography, DiGiovanni’s work explores profound reflections on human existence. She is eager to continue evolving as an artist during her time at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station.

Helena Westra

A multidisciplinary artist Westra uses locally harvested materials such as clay, dirt, and found objects to create sculptures and land art. Her work reflects her interest in symbology, archetypes, and a deep connection to the land, encouraging introspection and a grounded, meditative experience. Westra is excited to explore new creative horizons and expand her practice in this supportive and dynamic environment.

For more information about the Emerging Artist program, please www.ntcfoundation.org/emerging-artist/