CARLSBAD — Front Porch Gallery is gearing up for its next exhibit, “The Journey of Life Through Vision and Verse,” an art and poetry show that delves into the profound power of storytelling as a means to preserve, understand and celebrate diverse personal and cultural narratives.
According to the gallery, through the intertwining of visual and literary arts, this exhibit aims to illuminate the rich tapestry of human experience, transcending the boundaries of language, geography and age.
From a diverse range of 41 artists and 16 poets chosen from over 200 entrants, each artwork serves as a vessel for stories that are both unique and archetypal.
“Even though there is a diversity of viewpoints and mediums, after reviewing the works for this show, a common theme arose in the subjects of the submitted pieces – relationships, home, nature, animal companions, the journey, inner workings, concepts and the spirit world,” said Front Porch Gallery Director Cathy Carey.
The artwork itself will also feature a diverse array of mediums, including photography, fiber arts, oil, acrylic, watercolor paintings, mosaic, assemblage and collage.
“It is so fascinating to see a similar topic as experienced by different people. When viewing art, you are on the inside track of another person and allowed to see and feel their inner thoughts,” Carey continued. “These archetypal themes really track how our relationships, viewpoints and emotions create our ways of being in the world and how our personalities grow from our experiences.”
The “journal” theme of the show encouraged the artists and poets to share on a deeper level.
“We encourage the community to visit the gallery and look closely at each of the pieces in this exhibit and try to imagine what each artist is communicating,” Carey said. “Ask yourself if you like the work, if so why? Why not? Does it resonate as familiar or show you a new idea? Allow your thoughts to engage with the ideas that went into these artworks and poems, because it is in that dynamic neural thought process that the actual ‘art’ occurs. Creative thinking is part of being human, and why engaging in creative activities, as the participant or viewer, has amazing benefits.”
In the book, “Your Brain on Art,” by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, the authors describe the research being done in “neuro arts,” which is the study of how the arts and creative engagement changes the mind, body and behavior. Their research, according to the gallery, shows that art experiences – whether as a maker, discussing or viewing – rewires the brain and triggers the release of neurochemicals, hormones and endorphins.
In other words, art practices promote healing, well-being and even longevity.
“Art is not a luxury – it is a basic human need, and it has been with us from the beginning,” Carey said.
According to Magsamen and Ross, the simultaneous activation of multiple neurological and physiological systems involves the entire brain, body and spirit. Art that pushes boundaries expands executive functioning, promotes problem solving skills, and broadens understanding of the world.
“You don’t need to identify as an artist to enjoy your creativity,” Carey said. “The exhibitions we are creating at the Front Porch Gallery are meant to stimulate our community through creative engagement by discussing, viewing and making art.”
To complement the exhibit’s theme, Front Porch Gallery is offering free programming funded by the Front Porch Communities Foundation on journaling, introspective writing and art making.
Lisa Trujillo will guide participants through a social emotional arts workshop aiming to improve quality of life through the creative process and integrating the arts with social and mental wellbeing.
Four workshops with Crystal Daigle are offered on “Making Your Own Oracle Cards,” “Wish Wands,” “Palm Reading Collage” and “Star Vision Board.” In the workshops, participants will engage with journal writing prompts and create instructed mixed media artworks.
Kim Cyr will lead participants in creating a “messenger of hope inspiration” doll. All the art making classes include supplies, however participants are welcome to bring any extra supplies to make their pieces even more personal.
Artist docent tours are another way for guests to hear how artists put their pieces together.
The exhibit will be on display from Nov. 6 to Dec. 27. A catered reception will be held on Nov. 9 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the gallery, located at 2903 Carlsbad Blvd. in Carlsbad. Nine local poets will read their “Journey of Life” inspired poems during the reception and be on hand to talk about their work.
For more information, www.frontporchgallery.org.
