Our Mission
Our mission is to engage the creativity of individuals in order to strengthen wellbeing and communities. We are a non-profit, community resource dedicated to creating vibrant, vital communities through art viewing, discussing, making, and investing.
We believe everyone has a story to share. And stories told through art are not only compelling, but profoundly important to our individual wellbeing. Understanding and connecting with this expression are at the very heart of what we know community to be. Individual creativity at all ages is available to anyone interested and willing to learn. Front Porch Gallery reveals these stories through innovative programs for Front Porch residents and exhibitions showcasing artwork from a variety of senior artists and others whose stories come to life through paintings, photography, sculpture, fiber arts, and more. This space helps create an understanding of aging through art, where the community can come together to share creative expression throughout the year. The gallery collaborates with individual artists and innovative organizations to produce unique exhibits to celebrate creative endeavors and full range of artistic expression at every level of experience. The gallery is an outreach program of Front Porch.
What People Are Saying About Front Porch Gallery Programs!
“I enjoyed meeting new people and trying new things!”
“I can’t thank you enough on behalf of my mother for the paper flower making class. It was perfect for her. There are so few classes she is interested in or can participate in and she is extremely board. She and I are thrilled you will be offering something weekly.”
“I’m feeling encouraged to take out my art supplied at home and do something with them!”
“I really enjoyed hanging out with everyone.”
“Thank you for the excellent direction, encouragement and genuine concern for our creativity.”
“I’ve been in Carlsbad area over three years now and I want to keep up the creativity in my blood. Thank you for this group!”
Our History
Front Porch Gallery, which opened at its current location on April 2, 2005, is part of Front Porch, a nonprofit organization that supports senior living communities, affordable housing communities and programs and services nationwide. Front Porch communities in the San Diego area include Casa de Mañana, Wesley Palms, Fredericka Manor and Carlsbad By The Sea where the Front Porch Gallery is located.
Established with a generous grant from California Lutheran Homes, the 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.