Encinitas artists Suchita Rathi Jhawar and Sidney Wildesmith were among 10 selected artists to be featured in The Junior League of San Diego’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging’s Artists in the House exhibition, a celebration of community and creativity. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, April 4 at the organization’s Bankers Hill headquarters.
“Ahead of last year’s event, I knew the artists would be talented. I just did not expect to be completely blown away,” said Junior League of San Diego’s DEIB Vice President Leticia Smith in a news release. “The work was outstanding and so compelling that I wanted to take pieces home, and I did. What made the event special was the spirit in the room and the genuine sense of community you could feel throughout the space.
“We are excited to build on that energy and make this year’s event even more impactful.”
The artists’ selected works will be showcased from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on April 4. Guests will have the opportunity to view the curated exhibition, meet the artists, purchase select artwork and enjoy light refreshments.
A diverse group was selected for the showcase, including the pair of Encinitas artists.
According to her artist’s statement, Jhawar has been exhibiting her work since 2021 and has participated in juried shows while also teaching and hosting community-based art programs.
“La Jolla Sunset” by Encinitas artist Sidney Wildesmith. (Courtesy JLSD)
“My work explores storytelling, cultural identity, and connection through vibrant color and layered symbolism,” she reflected. “Inspired by everyday moments and heritage, I create pieces that invite reflection while remaining accessible and joyful.”
Most of her work creates connections across cultures, incorporating symbolic imagery, vibrant color, and elements from both Eastern and Western visual traditions: “Through my work, I hope to invite viewers to reflect on belonging—how we carry our histories, traditions, and values while also adapting to new environments,” she wrote.
As a naturalist and artist, Wildesmith uses his art to help people connect with the wonder of nature—he even wrote an educational plan titled, “In Praise of Diversity”, built on the guiding principal of the “people/culture/environment balance”.
According to his artist statement, he has been a scientific illustrator for museums, nature centers, and state parks and served as an artist-in-residence in seven National Parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Mesa Verde and Redwoods.
“My lifelong quest has been to know and understand what on earth I am, on a giant twirling ball that circles a giant burning orb, which is just one amongst billions and billions,” Wildesmith wrote. “Mine has been a scientific expedition into the Spiritual Mystery of our existence. Along the way, I have lived an adventure-filled life bedazzled by literally thousands of amazing people. My focus is and has always been on our existence amongst the miracles of nature.”
Tickets for the 2026 Artists in the House are $25 for Junior League members and $35 for non-members. Proceeds support the organization’s mission. To purchase tickets, visit jlsd.org/artists-in-the-house-event/. The Junior League headquarters is located at 210 Maple Street in Bankers Hill, San Diego.