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\u201cLa Jolla Sunset\u201d by Encinitas artist Sidney Wildesmith. (Courtesy JLSD)<\/p>\nEncinitas artists Suchita Rathi Jhawar and Sidney Wildesmith were among 10 selected artists to be featured in The Junior League of San Diego\u2019s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging\u2019s 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\u2019s Bankers Hill headquarters.<\/p>\n
\u201cAhead of last year\u2019s event, I knew the artists would be talented. I just did not expect to be completely blown away,\u201d said Junior League of San Diego\u2019s DEIB Vice President Leticia Smith in a news release. \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are excited to build on that energy and make this year\u2019s event even more impactful.\u201d<\/p>\n
The artists\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
A diverse group was selected for the showcase, including the pair of Encinitas artists.<\/p>\n
According to her artist\u2019s statement, Jhawar has been exhibiting her work since 2021 and has participated in juried shows while also teaching and hosting community-based art programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cLa Jolla Sunset\u201d by Encinitas artist Sidney Wildesmith. (Courtesy JLSD)<\/p>\n
\u201cMy work explores storytelling, cultural identity, and connection through vibrant color and layered symbolism,\u201d she reflected. \u201cInspired by everyday moments and heritage, I create pieces that invite reflection while remaining accessible and joyful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Most of her work creates connections across cultures, incorporating symbolic imagery, vibrant color, and elements from both Eastern and Western visual traditions: \u201cThrough my work, I hope to invite viewers to reflect on belonging\u2014how we carry our histories, traditions, and values while also adapting to new environments,\u201d she wrote.<\/p>\n
As a naturalist and artist, Wildesmith uses his art to help people connect with the wonder of nature\u2014he even wrote an educational plan titled, \u201cIn Praise of Diversity\u201d, built on the guiding principal of the \u201cpeople\/culture\/environment balance\u201d.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 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,\u201d Wildesmith wrote. \u201cMine 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.\u201d<\/p>\n