In 2022 the NTC Foundation selected 3 emerging artists to hold space in ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. NTC Foundation’s Emerging Artists program has an initiative to foster emerging San Diego/ Northern Baja Region dance makers and dance maker collaboratives with studio space and the chance to participate in a growing, creative environment. The initiative is designed to help them build their career in San Diego, engage with other artists, and grow their audience and patron base for future success.
2024 Emerging Visual Artists
Gracie Moon As a Japanese American and white 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. (Website)
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. (Website)
2025 Emerging Visual Artists
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 environment. (Website)
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. (Website)
2024/2025 Emerging Dance Artists
Joyce Lien Kushner Born and raised in San Diego, Joyce Lien Kushner’s first love has always been dancing, specializing in modern, contemporary and dance conditioning. Despite moving away and switching career paths for a short period of time, Joyce’s journey has led her back to her hometown, reigniting her passion for not only creating captivating dance pieces but also teaching and training dancers of all ages across California. With this residency in ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, Joyce aims to curate an Asian American dance showcase, championing diverse narratives, fostering collaboration through innovative choreographic practices, and providing dedicated space for dance artists to refine their craft. Her vision embodies a commitment to nurturing creativity, amplifying underrepresented voices, and cultivating a vibrant, inclusive dance community in San Diego.
sol dela rosa For sol dela rosa, being selected for the Emerging Artist Program is a full circle moment. As a young artist, Sol took summer workshops, open classes, and performed professionally for San Diego Dance Theatre in Liberty Station. Now many years later, Sol is back in ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station facilitating classes and educational experiences along with presenting some of his own work. With this new space, Sol looks forward to integrating himself into the rich and creative community in ARTS DISTRICT, collaborating and exchanging knowledge with others.
Lexii Regina is a multidisciplinary movement artist known for her curious exploration of storytelling. Utilizing the mediums of acrobatic dance, physical theater, improvisation, modern dance, and circus, she creates works exploring mental health, human connections, the communities that lift us up, and the hope that keeps us going. Lexii is thrilled to have been chosen as an Emerging Artist at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station and looks forward to using the beautiful studio space to develop a variety of short-form and evening length performances and dance films. She is excited to see how she can contribute to the vibrant arts community and enrich the experience of visitors of Liberty Station.
Micah Parra has always been immersed in the world of dance. Growing up, Micah was quickly integrated into the circus community, leading her to the San Diego Circus Center in 2021. Since then, Micah continued to hone in on her acrobatic skills through various programs around San Diego. Excited to have a beautiful, accessible space to collaborate with other artists of multiple mediums, Micah looks to cultivate her own creative voice and facilitate a space where people learn to appreciate art as an invaluable tool for healthy expression and human connectivity.