Thursday, November 12, 2009

Self Help Graphics & Art's Holiday Craft and Print Fair

Great holiday shopping at Self Help Graphics & Art--Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 from 12 PM - 6 PM both days! Find meaningful and beautiful gifts and support local crafters and artists!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Live Silkscreening by Hit + Run at Self Help Graphics & Art's Dia de los Muertos Event


Join Hit + Run at Self Help Graphics & Art's Dia de los Muertos event on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 from 5 PM - 11 PM!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Deadly Stylish Exhibition Opening Reception Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 at Self Help Graphics & Art


Join Self Help Graphics & Art at a special opening reception for its Dia de los Muertos exhibition, Deadly Stylish, curated by Diane Gamboa on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009 from 5-7 PM.

Day of the Dead holds and represents a long traditional history of remembering and celebrating the dead. As we close the first decade of our new millennium, we face new issues of life and death through our evaluations of technology and biological applications. Artistically, we are now combining these new millennial perspectives with traditional and non-traditional forms of expression—creating a Deadly Stylish extravaganza in our Self Help Graphics community. I thank all at SHG as well as the exhibiting artists: William J. Acedo; William Borges; Ofelia Esparza; Simone Gad; Angie Skull Garcia; Jessica Gudiel; Theresa Hernandez; Edgar Ibarra; Pola Lopez; Rigo Maldonado; Sandra Vista; Dawn Wirth; and Jaime "Germs" Zacarias.--Curator's Statement by Diane Gamboa.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Hard N Da Paint at Self Help with the Sirens and Olmeca!


Join us for a night of performance and competition as Hard N Da Paint's October show features live performances from the EASTLOS Punk Sensations - THE SIRENS also featuring OLMECA / nuAi / and more!

$100 Prize for the winner of both the MC Battles and the BBOY / Break Dancing Competition - mc's / bboys! sign up early! free to enter !!!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Dia de los Muertos Community Art Workshops



SELF-HELP GRAPHICS & ART
3802 Cesar Chavez Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90063
(323)881-6444 - info@selfhelpgraphics.com
www.SelfHelpGraphics.com

Dia de los Muertos Workshops 2009
Self Help Graphics & Art is pleased to offer the following Dia de los Muertos workshops in October 2009. These community workshops for the WHOLE familia are free, and take place 4 Saturdays in October----starting right at 1p.m and ending PROMPTLY at 3p.m each time. All materials and teachers are provided by Self Help Graphics & Art! Please be on time, wear clothes that are not too precious, enjoy a Saturday afternoon of fun & tradición with new friends and old ones too.

Please note and mark the dates & times in your calendar.
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OCTOBER 3, OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 17 & OCTOBER 24, 2009
Flores de Papel/ Paper Flower Making , 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Come learn the tradition of creating handcrafted paper flowers with Master Altar Maker, Ofelia Esparza and the Esparza Family. Many of the flowers you create will be used for the community altar which is one of the yearly traditions at Self Help Graphic’s Dia De Los Muertos Celebration each November 2. There will be paper flowers to take home too. You can make small and big flowers of multiple colors.
This workshop is open to all ages. No experience is necessary.

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OCTOBER 3, OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 17 & OCTOBER 24, 2009

Paper Mache Mask, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Learn to create your very own calavera mask with artist, Dewey Tafoya. Dewey made plaster forms for you to build your paper mask on, which makes the classic Paper Mache calaca-look easy to achieve. Create your mask on one Saturday, let it dry for a week, then come back the following Saturday to paint and glitter it! Making masks is a two-part process, be sure to make time in your schedule for 2 Saturdays. Small kids will need help with mask making---they should bring a parent,
older sister or brother to assist them.
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OCTOBER 3, OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 17 & OCTOBER 24, 2009

Dia De Los Muertos Mascara Decorating 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join crafter, Becky Cortez to decorate a one-dimensional, calaca mascara (mask) created by a SHG artist and printed on card stock. This workshop is challenging for young and old, because there are different materials for you to select from for personalizing your mascara. They each come out beautifully unique! We encourage you to wear the mascara you created and decorated to Self Help Graphic’s
Dia de los Muertos procession on November 2!
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OCTOBER 3 & OCTOBER 24, 2009

Papel Picado 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

A guest artist will teach the basics of papel picado using some simple cutting techniques and a template. Create traditional Day of the Dead designed cut-outs that you can use to display as panels and banners. This papel picado workshop is best suited to students who can use scissors and can follow a template. Some of these paper picado panels will be displayed as part of the community altar at Self Help Graphic’s Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, some will be for your Dia de los Muertos altar at home too. Parents are encouraged to attend classes with their child.
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OCTOBER 10 & OCTOBER 17, 2009

Papel Picado 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Papel Picado goddess, Margaret Sosa is teaching this session---don’t miss out! Learn the basics of papel picado with some simple cutting techniques and the use of a template. Create traditional Day of the Dead designed cut-outs that you can use to display as panels and banners. This papel picado workshop is best suited to students who can use scissors and can follow a template. Some of these paper picado panels will be displayed as part of the community altar at Self Help Graphic’s Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration, some will be for your Dia de los Muertos altar at home too. Parents are encouraged to attend classes with their child.
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OCTOBER 10, OCTOBER 17 & OCTOBER 24, 2009
Luminarias 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Come to the world premiere of Theresa Hernandez’ Day of the Dead themed luminaria making workshop. With simple materials, paints and calaca inspired décor, create a beautiful hand-made luminaria that you can prominently place at your home for beckoning los espiritos. Luminarias are made from paper bags, weighted down with sand and are illuminated from within by a lit candle and traditionally line walk ways and paths. More recently, they are becoming a traditional addition to a Day of Dead altar for guiding the spirits to the treats that await them. Theresa Hernandez is a long time Self Help Graphics artist with an extensive background in printing. This is a fun and easy craft for all ages.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Self Help Graphics & Art's 36th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration to be held at East L.A. Civic Center


Full Schedule Features Exhibition, Musical Performance, Altars, and More that Define the Theme of Deadly Stylish--Volunteers Needed! Please sign up on our website!

Self Help Graphics & Art welcomes the community to its 36th Annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration on Monday, November 2nd, 2009. To better accommodate the thousands of visitors who attend the landmark event, Self Help Graphics & Art will hold this year's celebration at the East Los Angeles Civic Center. The location will provide visitors with free easy access parking, restrooms and greater space for vendors and activities.

The event will feature children's art workshops, art and crafts vendors, elaborate altars, as well as delicious local food. Guests will also enjoy a day of the dead fashion walk, live music from top local performers including Conjunto Los Pochos, Killsonic, L'Esprit d'Afrique, Ollin, La Santa Cecilia and surprise special guests. One of the highlights of the celebration includes a traditional public procession featuring people of all ages in colorful calavera face paint and attire.

This year's commemorative print was created by vanguard artist Diane Gamboa who continues to feed off the urban landscape and its underground makings to fill her creative palette. Diane is known for her Hit and Run Paper Fashion, the Pin Up series, her Unpopular Culture series of photographs and related images and concepts, her ongoing Day of the Dead couture style, and Bruja-Ha objects. Gamboa is also serving as curator of the Deadly Stylish art exhibition featuring works by William J. Acedo, William Borges, Ofelia Esparza, Simone Gad, Angie Skull Garcia, Jessica Gudiel, Theresa Hernandez, Edgar Ibarra, Pola Lopez, Rigo Maldonado, Sandra Vista, Dawn Wirth, and Jaime aka Germs Zacarias. The exhibition will run from November 1-November 28, 2009 at Self Help Graphics & Art at 3802 Cesar Chavez Avenue.

Self Help Graphics will kick off the celebration with a series of FREE art workshops in October featuring courses on papel picado, luminarias and mascaras. Workshops will conclude with the construction of a community altar during the Noche de Ofrenda celebration on October 24, 2009 at 6 p.m. at Self Help’s Cesar Chavez Avenue location.

This year's event is sponsored in part by the Walt Disney Company, with support from Los Angeles County Supervisor, Gloria Molina, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, Los Angeles County Libraries, Los Angeles County Internal Services Department, Ex-Voto Design, Hit + Run, La Morenita, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Sticky Rick's.

DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATION: Nov. 2nd 2009, 5-11 p.m. East Los Angeles Civic Center 4801 E. 3rd Street, LA 90022 (on the corner of 3rd Street & Mednik) PROCESSION: 4 p.m. Gathering at the Virgen Mural on Mednik at Cesar Chavez Avenue

DEADLY STYLISH EXHIBITION: November 1-November 28, 2009 Opening Reception: November 1, 2009 5-7 PM Artist Talk: November 21, 2009 2-4 PM Self Help Graphics & Art 3802 Cesar Chavez Avenue, East Los Angeles, CA 90063

ARTS & CRAFTS WORKSHOPS: Throughout October 2009 NOCHE DE OFRENDA: October 24th, 2009, 6-9 p.m. Self Help Graphics & Art 3802 Cesar Chavez Avenue, East Los Angeles, CA 90063

Image: Deadly Stylish by Diane Gamboa, 2009

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Self Help Graphics & Art
2009 Summer Calendar

JULY

Summer of Youth/S.O.Y. Artista is Back! Tuesday – Friday, July 14 through August 7, 2009 10 am – 1 pm
S.O.Y. Artista Program (Summer of Youth Artist Program) is a four-week summer art-training workshop for local youths 14-17 years old. S.O.Y. Artista serves high school students with a critical need for summer programming while providing positive and alternative models for creativity in an environment that is nurturing and reflective of their lives and culture. The following will be included in the program:

Monoprinting & Silkscreen Workshop Tuesday- Thursday, July 14-16; 21-23, 10 am-1 pm
Monoprinting is the process of creating individual prints, using printing plates in combination with inks. A monoprint is a single print. Artists re-ink the plate and recreate an image each time you want to pull (or make) a print. The process is simple, spontaneous, and a fun way to introduce students to printmaking.

Relief Printmaking Workshop Tuesday –Thursday, July 28- Aug 6, 10 am -1 pm
In this workshop, students will explore topics of identity and place using the medium of linocut. Each student will produce a small edition of linocut prints and one linocut kite. We will look at artists whom utilized the medium of linocut throughout art history as well as contemporary artists using multiple media to create identity-based art.

Wild Card Fridays Fridays, July 14 -Aug 7, 10 am – 1 pm
As a part of SOY Artista, every Friday is a surprise workshop to be announced on the day of. Inspired by issues in our communidad and contemporary culture, Wild Card Fridays will tap into students’ improvisational and creative skills.

Hard in Da Paint Kick Off: Saturday, July 18, 2-9 pm; Every Friday thereafter 6-9 pm
Hard in Da Paint is a celebration of hiphop culture. Reuniting bboy'ing, DJ'ing, graffitti and hiphop. In the tradition of Self-Help's mission to foster emerging artists, Hard in Da Paint features Friday night workshops and demo’s where youth and people of all ages can learn how to breakdance, paint, silk screen, create digital arts, play music and much more. Free for S.O.Y. Artista students; $5 at the door.

AUGUST

Silk Screening Saturday, August 1st, 2009 10 am - 2 pm
Learn the silk-screening process using heat lights. Simple enough for anyone to easily do at home! Come early spaces are limited. All supplies, including screens will be provided for use in the workshop. Attendees are required to bring one original image on transparency film no bigger than 8 1/2" X 11". Bring a blank t-shirt or 2 to print your work of art on! Paper will also be on hand for printing. Cost: $10/per person.

Open Studio Drawing Mondays starting August 3, 2009 7 – 10 pm
Features a new model and still life set up every week! Models, costumes, poses and still life scenes will vary every week.
This is an uninstructed open studio. All artists are welcome to attend. Must provide all supplies. $10.00 at the door.

16 Years Later, Femicides in Ciudad Juarez
Saturday August 8, 2009 10:30 am to 4 pm
7:00 pm - Viewing; 7:30 pm - Performance.
Participate in a day of art activism related to the femicides in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. All ages and skill-levels are welcome to take part in the re-purposing a protest tapestry This day of community action presented by Self Help Graphics & Art will end in an evening performance dialogue that will feature social concern for the victims of Ciudad Juarez, whose deaths have found no resolution these past 16 years.

COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER! Lino Reduction with Leslie Saiz Saturday, September 5th, 2009 10 am - 2 pm
Learn to create a 2-color print using one piece of linoleum. Attendees will experience the process of cutting down linoleum, printing one color, then cutting further to print the last color. Known as a "suicide" cut, there is no turning back once the cut is made. Please bring prepared image or sketch no bigger than 4”x5”. Cost: $10/per person.

For more information please visit www.selfhelpgraphics.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

SELF HELP GRAPHICS & ART HIRES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Evonne Gallardo Tapped to Lead Nationally Recognized Arts Non-Profit into its 39th Year

Los Angeles, May 13, 2009 – Self Help Graphics & Art is proud to announce that it has hired Evonne Gallardo as the iconic organization’s executive director. Gallardo was chosen after an extensive, national search for her deep fundraising experience, understanding of Chicano and Latino art and vision for the organization.

“We are thrilled about the future with Evonne at the helm,” said Stephen Saiz, president of the Self Help Graphics & Arts board of directors. “She has the experience, knowledge and energy to help advance the organization as the leader in nurturing and promoting Chicano art in the United States.

Gallardo comes to Self Help Graphics after two years as Director of Development for the Claremont Museum of Art where she oversaw and met a $1.2 million budget through the establishment of major donor giving programs, museum memberships, foundation and corporate sponsorships. Prior to Claremont, Gallardo served as Director of Development for Artists for a New South Africa where she spearheaded all fundraising initiatives and helped garner close to $1.5 million during her time with the organization.

Gallardo is no stranger to Self Help. She served as Director of Development for Self Help during a time of incredible development for the organization. From 2001 to 2003 Gallardo worked alongside the board and former executive director to raise approximately $1 million through a variety of development strategies.

“It’s good to be home,” Gallardo said. “I am excited to work with the incredible array of artists, volunteers, board members and community advocates to not only stabilize the organization, but to take it to new heights – where it belongs.”

With record-breaking print fairs, innovative community partnerships, cultural festivals such as its Día de los Muertos celebration, which draws thousands of attendees and artists – both emerging and veteran – flocking to the organization as a place to cultivate their art. Self Help Graphics has been undergoing a renaissance over the last four years. Last summer Self Help Graphics participated in the City of Los Angeles’ Summer Night Lights gang reduction program which has been hailed as contributing to a decline in youth crime in comparison to prior years. Self Help also partnered with local non-profit FarmLab on its widely acclaimed CHORA print project.

Earlier this year Self Help was honored to receive a challenge grant of $250,000 from Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. California Community Foundation has generously stepped up and granted Self Help Graphics a portion of the challenge grant. Despite the country’s current economic climate, the organization is boldly moving forward toward the goal of raising $1 million dollars in 2009. Self Help is working aggressively toward meeting the grant through a number of avenues, including the hire of the dynamic Gallardo.

Self Help Graphics & Art is a nationally recognized center for Chicano and Latino arts that develops and nurtures artists and printmaking. Self Help Graphics & Art seeks to advance Chicano and Latino art broadly through programming, exhibitions and outreach to diverse audiences in East Los Angeles and beyond. Self Help Graphics & Art seeks to identify young and emerging artists from the community in all aspects of its activities.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

SELF HELP GRAPHICS & ART TO STAY IN LONG-TIME ICONIC LOCATION

Nationally Recognized Arts Non-Profit Poised to Create a Stronger Future


Los Angeles, February 3, 2009 – Self Help Graphics & Art said today that it will stay in its original iconic location for at least one more year and received additional support. The Self Help board negotiated a favorable lease agreement with the building’s new owner, Piedmont Investment Company. It also announced that Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina’s $250,000 challenge grant to the organization was matched by an initial $75,000 grant from the California Community.

The historic mosaic-tiled building, located in the heart of East Los Angeles, was sold by the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese once the deed was transferred from the Sisters of St. Francis, Mount Alverno . For the past 35 years, Self Help Graphics was able to stay in the space free of charge so long as it followed the mission set forth by its founder, the late Sister Karen Boccalero. Since the sale of the building in July 2008, Self Help Graphics reviewed a variety of options for its operations, including moving to a new location.

“Staying in our long-time location enables us to continue uninterrupted service to the community,” said Stephen Saiz , president of Self Help Graphics & Arts board of directors. “We can also turn our attention to solidifying a stronger future for the organization including implementing a more diversified fund development plan, hiring an executive director and arranging for the proper care of our archives.”

The agreement stipulates that the organization will now be paying rent. The new owner is working with Self Help Graphics to fulfill a wish list of long-needed upgrades and renovations to the building.

Self Help Graphic’s physical space will be consolidated in line with plans for some commercial endeavors within the facility. Gallery space and some of the printing operations will be moved to the second floor.

The organization’s stature as both a national and local treasure has never been more apparent than in the last six months. Since the announcement of the sale, Self Help Graphics has been inundated with an outpouring of support from community members, elected officials such as Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, foundations, universities and national arts institutions.

That support includes a challenge grant of $250,000 from Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. The California Community Foundation has generously stepped up and granted Self Help Graphics an initial $75,000 of the challenge grant. Despite the country’s current economic climate, Self Help Graphics is boldly seeking to raise $1 million dollars in 2009.

“The infusion of resources from the California Community Foundation and Supervisor Molina comes at a pivotal yet exciting time for Self Help,” Saiz said. “Their support will assist us with implementing our executive director search and the archive initiative while we aggressively cultivate relationships with new donors, foster new community partnerships and continue to implement our robust programming,” Saiz said.

“Given the strength of the organization’s current board of directors, its tenacity and community support, I have no doubt they will be successful,” said Antonia Hernández, president and chief executive officer of the California Community Foundation. “Self Help Graphics is one of our most vital centers of community-based art making.”

With record-breaking print fairs, innovative community partnerships, cultural festivals such as its Día de los Muertos celebration that draws thousands of attendees and artists flocking to cultivate their art, Self Help Graphics has been undergoing a renaissance over the last four years. Last summer, Self Help Graphics participated in the City of Los Angeles’ Summer Night Lights gang reduction program which has been hailed as contributing to a decline in youth crime in comparison to prior years. Self Help also partnered with local non-profit FarmLab on its widely acclaimed CHORA print project.

Self Help Graphics & Art is a nationally recognized center for Chicano and Latino arts that develops and nurtures artists and printmaking. Self Help Graphics & Art seeks to advance Chicano and Latino art broadly through programming, exhibitions and outreach to diverse audiences in East Los Angeles and beyond. Self Help Graphics & Art seeks to identify young and emerging artists from the community in all aspects of its activities.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Executive Director Job Opening

Self Help Graphics & Art
Executive Director
JOB DESCRIPTION

Organization Description
After more than 30 years, Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG) is literally synonymous with Chicano art. Some of the biggest names in Chicano art – Frank Romero, Wayne Alaniz Healy, Yolanda Gonzales, Salomon Huerta and Miguel Angel Reyes learned extensive knowledge about the art and skill of printmaking in SHG’s mosaic walls. Our mission is to advance Chicano and Latino art through programming, exhibitions and outreach to diverse audiences in East Los Angeles and beyond. SHG fosters a symbiotic relationship with the community through engaging emerging artists and bringing accessible, relevant art to the community.

We are seeking a candidate who not only fulfills the requirements outlined in this document, but one who will have pride in helping to carry on the legacy of SHG.

Position Description
SHG is seeking to hire an executive director who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of operations and execution of long-term artistic vision to ensure the organization fulfills its mission. In addition, with guidance from the SHG Board of Directors, the executive director is responsible for implementing daily procedures and long-term strategies to ensure the organization remains financially sound. The ideal candidate will have sensitivity to, knowledge of and respect for the special needs of Chicano and Latino artists in Los Angeles and beyond. He/she will have experience working with diverse stakeholders including artists, volunteers, community members, funders, peer organizations and elected officials. The executive director will also have a proven track record in business management and fund development. The Executive Director reports directly to the SHG Board of Directors.

Human Resource Management
The executive director will supervise the activities of the master printmaker, printer’s apprentice and the printmaking facility. Under the direction of the SHG Board of Directors, the executive director will develop job descriptions for and hire new staff members as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Masters Degree or MFA preferred

Experience:
• Desired 10+ years of management experience with supervisory responsibility
• Finance, accounting and business management experience
• Fund development, grant making and/or management experience
• Experience in the arts, preferably visual arts
• Deep knowledge of Chicano and Latino art history
• Significant experience in the non-profit or public sector
• Command of Chicano and/or Latino history, culture and current issues
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with accounting software a plus
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word and Excel

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience plus benefits

APPLICATION
All applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to the attention of Rose Ramirez at rose.ramirez@selfhelpgraphics.com by February 28, 2009.