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.

ART EXHIBITIONS

SHG produces contemporary art exhibitions featuring printmaking, mixed media, social practice, performance, photography, and other mediums. These exhibitions highlight works from SHG archives and support the production of new artworks. As SHG’s building gets renovated, these exhibitions are on view at satellite locations in Los Angeles County.

The Biennial Printmaking Summit & Fair

The Biennial 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. Taking place every two years, the summit features panels, workshops, a print sale, and more.

youth & community outreach

BARRIO MOBILE ART STUDIO

The Barrio Mobile Art Studio (BMAS) was founded as a program that works towards equity and social justice through art. SHG’s BMAS mission is to nurture emerging artists and present Latino art to a broad audience and address the vast demographic that is Los Angeles, while also expanding audiences and community beyond East Los Angeles.

S.o.y. Artista

S.O.Y. Artista is a free five-week (60 hour) summer art-training workshop for local youths (12-24 years old) from underserved communities of East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and the greater LA area who are recruited from local youth groups, schools, and other community centers. This youth program’s goal is to fortify and expand the use and access to art through SHG’s facilities and resources.

SHG Youth Committee

The SHG Youth Committee is a paid opportunity for youth to support SHG’s youth-led programs and events, such as exhibitions, pop-ups, art installations, etc, uplifting issues important to young people in the community. The Youth Committee is open to ages 15-20 living in Los Angeles, with preference given to residents living on the Eastside of LA. The committee's commitment is for 9 months, from September to early June.

SHG YOUTH ARTIVISM INTERNSHIP

The Youth Artivism Internship is a program aimed at integrating more art and youth voices into our housing justice advocacy with Eastside LEADS. It is open to youth ages 18-24 living in Los Angeles who have an interest in advocacy, activism, and the arts, as well as strong ties to the community. Participants receive training and guidance on civic engagement, how to lead programming, artivism, and issues of interest to their communities. The interns have a commitment of 20 hours per month for a 9-month term. The internship includes a stipend for participation.

Achievements

• Produced largest collection of Chicano/Latino fine art prints in history.

• Produced the longest running, free, artist-led Día de los Muertos celebration in the U.S.

• Traveled more exhibitions of Chicano/Latino Art across the country and around the world, including Mexico, Africa, Europe, Australia and Latin America.

• Recent Grant Awards:

- Ford Foundation
- Mike Kelley Foundation
- Parsons Foundation
- California Arts Council
- National Endowment for the Arts
- Vernon Community Fund
- Los Angeles County Art Commission
- National Association of Latino Art & Culture
- Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs

• Exhibits work in major museums across the U.S. including LACMA, Autry National Center, Museum of Latin American Art, Fowler Museum, Hammer Museum, Mexican Museum in San Francisco, Museo del Barrio, Museum of Modern Art, National Mexican Museum of Art, Museum of Art and History in Anchorage, and the Museum of South Texas.

Community Impact

Self Help Graphics & Art’s community impact by the numbers in 2024:

• 35000+ Reached

• 1,200 Professional Serigraph Prints Printed at our Professional Print Studio with 25 Artists

• 150 BMAS Community Arts Workshops

• 300 Youth Served

• 4 Exhibitions Curated

• 1 Beyond the Press Artist in Residence Zoe Blaq

• 51st Annual Dia de los Muertos

  • 40+ participating vendors, artists, and community organizations

  • 2024 Community Altar by Denise Esparza, Altarista (Tonalli Studio) at East LA County Library

  • 2024 Commemorative Print | Amalia Mesa-Bains, Antepasados y Memoria, 2024. Serigraph, Edition of 55, 30 x 40 in

Read our past Annual Reports below.