Avenue 50 Studio: A place for Chican@ art

More than a gallery, Avenue 50 Studio is a nonprofit arts organization with the purpose of inspiring intercultural understanding

By YOSELIN MONTES-CASTILLO

EL NUEVO SOL

Avenue 50 Studio owner, Kathy Gallegos, sits at her desk surrounded by Latino and Chicano art, planning the next art exhibit.

Every month, Gallegos coordinates events and invites some of the most talented Latino and Chicano/a artists of Los Angles, to display their work in order to educate attendees. Artists like Yreina Cervantez, Judy Vacca, Joe Bravo, and Heriberto Luna–along with many others–contribute to the education of art in the Los Angeles community.

More than a gallery, Avenue 50 Studio is a nonprofit arts organization with the purpose of inspiring intercultural understanding.

“We need the (Chicano/a) art to help us understand who we are,” said Gallegos.

According to Gallegos, before the Chicano/a movement spread, the art medium was rarely seen in Los Angeles.

“There was no other Latino galleries in the city… and the Westside wouldn’t show Latino artists, so I opened the door and I filled a need,” Gallegos said.

Since 2010, Avenue 50 Studio has advocated to teach about Chicano/a art, history, the community and self identity.