Other neighboring cities to Downey are starting to catch on, that if we care about our communities and would like to see new opportunities for creative people and artists, that the initiative has to come from the people. SELA Collective has sprung up in the last year with many ideas for Southeast LA, which they’ve identified as the area which includes Bell, Maywood, South Gate, Bell Gardens and Cudahey. Meeting frequently in a thrift store, they’ve taken their case to city council meetings and social networking to spread social change and artistic expression.
Alivio Open Mic was their first event, a monthly open mic for artists of any style to share with their neighbors, held in a converted garage at a private home. The events have been packed, and even were noticed in major media outlets such as the LA Times and KCET.
The Southeast LA Artwalk is their latest endeavor, and the community support has been strong. It takes place on August 2nd, 2 to 6PM, followed by another Alivio Open Mic. Artists work will be hosted in businesses along Atlantic Ave between Gage and 16th St.
DAC founding members Carolina Del Toro and Jorge Del Toro will be showcasing work at the event at the Neighborhood Bike Shop (and the Beauty Salon adjacent to the shop) located at 6118 Atlantic Blvd., Maywood, CA (Atlantic and Randolph).
For more information about the event, you can also read other local articles such as at EnclaveLA, at this link: http://enclavelosangeles.com/ai1ec_event/southeast-los-angeles-art-walk/
SELA Co’s event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502425179972571/
Press release below:
