Saludos and Happy New Year!
We’re Rooted and Ready for 2022 Offerings…

It’s been a marathon operating amid a pandemic for nearly two years, but we’ve pushed through the ebbs and flows and have thrived thanks to our comunidad. We are pleased to bring a fresh new year of programming and workshops to you in 2022, and start the year off strong with the viewing of our current exhibition by Pavel Acevedo.

As we kick off this season, know that your participation in our current cultural center may be some of the last memories we make together in the space before the transformation. We’re thrilled to plan to move forward with the renovation of our building in the latter part of this year, so please stay tuned! In the meantime, let’s gather safely, have fun and make some art! Here are the happenings for January… sign up today!

Explore Zapotec mythology through animals, using the printmaking medium, with artist Pável Acevedo in our upcoming free Family Workshop on Saturday, January 15 at 1:00 p.m. Learn how to create a simple print using foam plates, and explore the artist’s process and references, in this workshop for all ages. Our new year Family Workshop is inspired by Acevedo’s current exhibition, El Caparazón en las Nubes (The Shell in the Clouds) on view in the Self Help Graphics gallery through February 18, 2022.

Our Artist Lab: In the Studio virtual program resumes live on our Instagram @SHG1970 with artist, J. Leigh Garcia on Tuesday, January 18 at 12:30 p.m. PST! Garcia is an artist born and raised in Dallas, TX, whose identity as a bi-racial Latina and Texan roots informs her artistic practice. Through printmaking, paper making, and installation art, Leigh raises awareness and addresses the complexities between her Mexican and Texan cultures; such as historical wars, policies, the bracero program, and current immigration laws. She will be sharing examples of older and new works direct from her studio.

Get excited to try new foods and learn cooking techniques in our first Wellness Wednesday of the year that focuses on the art of food on Wednesday, January 19, 2022! Register on Eventbrite.

Learn recipes from vegan chef and artist Moni Perez. She will guide us in creating healthy foods to start the year off fresh and ready to try new things. No prior experience necessary. Open to all ages.

Our DIY Silkscreen Workshop with Dewey Tafoya is back on Saturday, January 22 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ($30)! Our one-day, do-it-yourself workshop teaches participants how to print using a stencil or photo process onto a screen. Create your own posters, fine art, print tote bags or t-shirts! This workshop is recommended for ages 12+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop). Learn more and register on Eventbrite.

Open call for Zapotec youth artists to submit work for a pop-up exhibition happening in tandem with Pavel Acevedo's exhibition A Shell in the Clouds! The deadline to submit artwork is January 21, 2022. All mediums will be accepted. The exhibition will be curated by Sabrina Mendoza and Kimberly Espinosa, past and present members of the SHG Youth Committee, who are of Zapotec ancestry. The exhibition will be on view in the Self Help Graphics from January 29, 2022 - February 15, 2022.

In conjunction with the exhibition The Shell in the Clouds (El caparazón en las nubes), Self Help Graphics presents a conversation on Saturday, January 29 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. with the featured artist, Pavel Acevedo, and Dr. Xóchitl M. Flores-Marcial, an interdisciplinary historian on Indigenous Intellectual and Cultural History focusing on the Zapotec society of Oaxaca, Mexico. Pavel and Dr. Flores-Marcial will discuss identity, communities in Los Angeles, the stories carried throughout generations, and how they are perceived today. The conversation coincides with the release of Pavel's artist book titled after his current exhibition, which will be available for sale.

Know Before You Visit SHG

Le't’s spread cheer, not COVID-19! All visitors must wear masks, including vaccinated visitors. Pursuant to local ordinances, Self Help Graphics will need to verify proof of vaccination for people visiting 12 years of age or older, or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of visiting. All people 18 years of age and older will need to show identification. Learn more about visiting our cultural center on our website.