This studio is a valuable cultural resource in the Highland Park neighborhood. In the last 12 years it has presented over 300 shows in the Northeast L.A. area that primarily focus on Latino artists of Mexican and Central American descent whose work has not been represented in mainstream galleries. As stated on the studio’s website, “the showing of multicultural arts on a monthly basis in a working class community can go a long way in educating people to the importance of diverse art in our lives.” In addition to exhibiting works of art, the studio conducts monthly poetry readings for community members and guest poets to read their creations, and holds weekly classical guitar lessons by a master guitarist for beginning to advanced players. The Avenue 50 Studio deserves this 2014 award for its ability “to build bridges of cultural understanding through artistic expressions” that reflect and enhance the Highland Park community.
