Embracing Our Values: A Celebration of Creativity and Community

Front Porch Gallery is an intergenerational art space in Carlsbad, California dedicated to creative opportunities for older adults and adults with disabilities. Jean Keane, Program Manager at Front Porch Gallery, reflects on the gallery’s recent “Embracing Our Values” exhibit.

This August and September, Front Porch Gallery celebrated 20 years in Carlsbad with an exhibit that feels especially close to home: Embracing Our Values. Instead of showcasing outside artists, this exhibition highlighted the creativity of Front Porch staff. Employees from across the organization created artwork inspired by the values that guide our daily work. The results are heartfelt, unexpected and deeply connected to who we are as a community.

Where It Came From

In 2023, employees were invited to create a piece of art around one of our six values—Connection, Collaboration, Inspiring Creativity, Building Trust, Leading Responsibly and Embracing Change.

Some participants were seasoned artists. Others hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since childhood. That mix is exactly what makes this exhibition so powerful. Each piece reflects a personal perspective, whether through painting, photography, sculpture or mixed media. Together, they show how our values are not just words on paper, but living principles that shape everyday life.

At the gallery, we’re especially drawn to Embracing Change. Change is part of our DNA—whether it’s starting new programs, trying out fresh ideas or finding new ways to bring people together. It’s not always easy, but it’s how we grow. This exhibition captures that spirit of growth and adaptation in a tangible, inspiring way.

Spotlight on the First-Place Winner

One of the most striking works is the first-place winner by Carlos Vargas of Wesley Palms. Using wire hangers and paint, he created a tree that brings all six values to life:

• Connection: Intertwined branches show how employees, residents and partners are linked.
• Build Trust: Deep, steady roots represent the foundation of trust.
• Collaborate: Intersecting branches lean into one another for strength.
• Lead Responsibly: The top of the tree stretches upward, leading by example.
• Inspire Creativity: Each leaf, unique in form, sparks fresh ideas.
• Embrace Change: The branches shift and move, ready to adapt to new circumstances.

The symbolism runs deep: 54 roots for the 54 Front Porch communities, branches for 3,000 employees, and leaves for 7,500 residents. One tree, built from everyday materials, representing an entire organization.

What Visitors Are Saying

Visitors have shared how powerful the experience has been:

• “I’ve never thought about values as something you could actually see and touch. This made it real.”
• “The tree feels alive—like the whole organization is reaching and growing together.”
• “It’s inspiring to know the people who made this art aren’t professional artists—they’re staff, just like us.”
• “It made me stop and think about my own values, and how I bring them into my work and life.”

Why It Matters

At its heart, Embracing Our Values shows that creativity belongs to everyone. You don’t need to be a professional artist to make something meaningful. When people share their creativity, it creates connection, sparks belonging and invites us to see each other in new ways.

As we celebrate 20 years, this exhibition honors where we’ve been and points to where we’re going: adapting, building community and making space for creativity in all its forms.

To learn more about the Front Porch Gallery, visit their website and check out their current exhibit.