SELF HELP GRAPHICS & ART RECEIVES MACKENZIE SCOTT GRANT
SHG Executive Director, Betty Avila, Releases Statement
Los Angeles, Calif. (June 15, 2021) - Self Help Graphics & Art is proud to announce that it has been given a one million dollar donation by Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. “Arts and cultural institutions can strengthen communities by transforming spaces, fostering empathy, reflecting community identity, advancing economic mobility, improving academic outcomes, lowering crime rates, and improving mental health, so we evaluated smaller arts organizations creating these benefits with artists and audiences from culturally rich regions and identity groups that donors often overlook, ”said Scott. Read Scott's full statement here .
“We are absolutely thrilled to be recognized for the five decades of service that Self Help Graphics & Art has led in the community, as a grantee of Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, in the amount of one million dollars,” said Betty Avila, Executive Director of the organization. "To be on the radar of philanthropists of this level and be gifted alongside wonderful organizations doing the grassroots work in their communities is an honor."
About Self Help Graphics & Art
Since its incorporation in 1973, SHG has produced more than 2,000 art print editions, including 54 atelier projects and exhibitions all over the world. The organization remains dedicated to the production, interpretation and distribution of prints and other art media by Chicana / o and Latinx artists; and its multidisciplinary intergenerational programs promote artistic excellence and empower community by providing access to working space, tools, training and beyond. Now, nearly a half-century later, SHG continues to foster emerging Chicana / o and Latinx artists through its world-class printmaking practice and supports the role of artists as leaders, both within its organization and the community. For more information, visit www.selfhelpgraphics.com .
——————————————————————————————————————**Congratulations to my good friends at Self Help Graphics—a wonderful community arts organization that I am proud to know well. It was in the summer of 1975 when I first met the great Sister Karen, printmaker and founder of Self Help Graphics. Over nearly five decades Harriett and I bought art prints from Self Help Graphics; and over the past twenty-five years we have donated more than a thousand of these prints to Texas museums and universities. Ricardo Romo. San Antonio, Texas
ARTS ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION
ART WORKSHOPS
Self Help Graphics & Art is one of few places in Los Angeles that offers artists a space where they can develop artistically in a peer to peer setting. Our workshops attract all levels of artists to work in a variety of mediums such as intaglio, relief, screen printing, ceramics, aerosol art, and many other forms.
PROFESSIONAL PRINTMAKING PROGRAM
Self Help Graphics & Art’s (SHG) acclaimed Professional Printmaking Program offers artists the opportunity to create fine art limited edition serigraphs & monoprints through a peer-led approach that is dedicated to providing an environment that nurtures and supports our artists’ creativity and careers.
ARTIST MERCADITOS
In support of local artists, Self Help Graphics & Art holds multiple craft and art fairs that feature fine art, prints, adorable and distinctive art, jewelry, housewares, clothing and crafts by local artists and artisans.
CULTURAL & ANNUAL EVENTS
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Self Help Graphics & Art is known for its popular and culturally relevant events such as the longest running (45+ years) and free Annual Día de los Muertos celebration, which draws over 10,000 people to its festivities; it’s Holiday Marketplace; and its one-day-only Annual Print Fair & Exhibition, which happens every last weekend in June.
ANNUAL EXHIBITIONS
The Annual Print Fair & Exhibition is a highly anticipated showcase filled with panel presentations, demonstrations, and an opportunity for artists that have participated through Self Help Graphics & Art’s Professional Printmaking Program to show off their work created throughout the year.
BIENNIAL PRINTMAKING SUMMIT & FAIR
The Printmaking Summit’s mission is to build bridges among master printers, emerging and seasoned artists, as well as aspiring youth toward a solid foundation in printmaking.
In 2017, SHG inaugurated the Printmaking Summit to engage local printmakers at all skill levels to network and skill-share with like-minded individuals, and to honor legendary printmakers who had passed, including Richard Duardo, Sam Baray, Fernando Salicrup and Sam Coronado.
2019’s Printmaking Summit featured an exciting lineup of artists, printmakers and arts administrators to foster ideas and spark dialogue, in areas such as printmaking techniques and career pathways. The three day event held demonstrations, workshops, panel discussions and artist talks focused on the role printmaking in today’s creative economy for students, emerging artists and skilled national printmakers.
Stay tuned for our next Printmaking Summit in 2021.
Past Summits: