Front Porch Gallery celebrates 20th Anniversary with new exhibit

Front Porch Gallery starts the celebration of its 20th anniversary with the opening of the “Save the Ocean 5” Art & Poetry Exhibit. The show, which runs from March 26th to May 28th, 2025, explores urgent environmental themes, climate change, expressions of beauty and the rejuvenation of the spirit that can be found in nature. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

Front Porch Gallery Director Cathy Carey said, “Being close to the ocean is part of the sensational experience of the gallery. To celebrate our 20th Anniversary this year we are honored to be collaborating with Surfing Madonna Oceans Project to bring the community the fifth ‘Save the Ocean’ art and poetry exhibit.”

This year, the gallery juried in over 50 artists and poets for the show which is centered around a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. “By showcasing the diverse perspectives of these creatives, Front Porch Gallery hopes to inspire viewers and participants to have meaningful discussions about environmental degradation and how the ocean can provide a place of beauty, solace and rejuvenation for the next twenty years to come,” said Carey.

Carey believes the exhibition comes at a critical moment, as Southern California is already witnessing the devastating effects of ongoing climate change in 2025, and notes how the region’s creative communities have been particularly hard hit from loss of homes and studios, galleries, theatres and the destruction of significant collections of art in the January fires. “’Save the Ocean 5’ aims to amplify the voices of these creative professionals who are dedicated to raising awareness and fostering positive change through art,” Carey said.

During the opening reception on March 29, 2025 from noon to 2:00 p.m. people will have opportunities to meet the artists and poets, hear their stories, and discuss how the creative community can contribute to real-world solutions. There will be a surf guitar band and poetry readings.

Front Porch Gallery, which opened at its current location on April 2, 2005, was established with a generous grant from California Lutheran Homes, which eventually merged with two other organizations to become Front Porch. The gallery’s original director, Steve Nossan, curated engaging exhibits until he retired in 2017 and Julie Weaverling took over and continued the excellent caliber of art exhibits. In 2023, Cathy Carey was appointed director. In addition to continuing the high quality exhibits, the mission of the gallery changed to accommodate creatively engaging programming and poetry as part of the shows.

Inspired by Ruth’s Table, its sister gallery in San Francisco, Front Porch Gallery continues to host invitational and juried exhibits of excellent art and poetry as well as offer free art classes that encourage creative engagements and social connections. The gallery places an emphasis on creating a space for adults over sixty and adults with learning differences.

Save the Ocean 5 is made possible through the dedication of the Surfing Madonna Oceans Project, funding from The Front Porch Communities Foundation and the support of passionate artists and community members.