Dear community,
As we step into our 50th Anniversary, we are thrilled to share that our building renovation will begin this spring! During this period of construction we’ll continue to operate administratively and develop exhibitions, programs and workshops through community partnerships launching in April, to make room for permanent roots!

In anticipation of this change, our operations team has been working diligently to support the move; and our administrative team will relocate the office and print studio to its new temporary space in April. Please note that beginning April 17, 2023, our building at 1300 E. 1st St. will no longer be open to the public. During our building closure, the public may continue to contact us at 323-881-6444 or info@selfhelpgraphics.com.

Our online shop remains open, but we appreciate your patience as we now ship orders 30-45 days from the date of purchase. This update will give us the necessary time to ship art, catalogues or merchandise from our new temporary packing facility. We appreciate your continued support and cooperation.

Please take a moment to learn more about our Building Renovation plans and partnerships further below. Download our FAQs here. We look forward to continuing to share our Capital Campaign and Building Renovation progress and hope that you’ll continue to join us on this monumental journey!

¡Adelante!

- Self Help Graphics & Art Team

P.S. April is the last month of in-person programs and exhibitions at our space before we close for the renovation. Please stop by and enjoy!

Our off-site programming, “Self Help Graphics in the barrio,” will launch in April with our monthly Family Workshop at the East LA County Library and monthly Wellness Wednesday workshop at Latinx with Plants. To learn more or register for upcoming exhibitions, programs, workshops or events, please continue to visit our Eventbrite page at selfhelpgraphics.eventbrite.com.

Family Workshop
Beginning April 8, our free monthly workshops will take place every second Saturday, from 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., at the Los Angeles County’s East Los Angeles Library located at 4837 E. 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA. 90022.

Wellness Wednesday
Beginning April 19, our free Wellness Wednesday program will take place every third Wednesday monthly at Latinx with Plants, located at 2208 Cesar Chavez Ave. Boyle Heights, CA. 90033.

Barrio Mobile Art Studio
Additionally, our Barrio Mobile Art Studio team will stay active across Southern California and are available for future mobile bookings through Arts Services Manager, Cynthia Navarro.

Professional Printmaking Program & Open Printmaking Studio
Please note that our Professional Printmaking Program will continue to produce prints during the renovation; however, our Open Print Studio that was previously available for the public to rent, will temporarily be closed during construction.

Our 12,507 square foot building and the property (a 20,510 square foot lot) are in much need of repair and retrofitting for our current use as a cultural center. The renovation will not only more safely meet the community’s needs, but allow us to fully activate the indoor and outdoor footprint for public programs. The vital upgrades to the building will reflect the quality and caliber of the art that is produced within our walls.

For the last several years, we’ve done our due diligence to develop a team that understands who we are and what we need to bring our unique needs as a community arts organization and cultural center to life. Self Help Graphics & Art is proud to share that we’ve teamed with NAC Architecture to design the renovation and TELACU Construction Management to serve as lead renovation project manager.

About NAC Architecture
NAC Architecture is a design firm with over 170 architects, engineers, interior designers and support staff, with offices in Spokane, Seattle and Los Angeles. The firm specializes in architecture, planning, electrical engineering, interior design, and capital facilities consulting.

About TELACU
TELACU was established in 1968 as a pioneering institution committed to service, empowerment, advancement, and the creation of self-sufficiency. Chartered as a Community Development Corporation (CDC), TELACU was initially funded through federal legislation authored by Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Jacob K. Javits to revitalize urban, underserved communities throughout the United States.

The path to complete the repayment of the mortgage in 2022 was supported by the Los Angeles County Supervisorial District 1 (Office of Honorable Hilda L. Solis), La Vida Feliz Foundation, Perenchio Foundation, Ahmanson Foundation, Vera R. Campbell Foundation, The California Endowment, and private donors. The Capital Renovation fundraising is ongoing with support by the State of California, the Federal House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, the S. Mark Taper Foundation, Ruth Foundation for the Arts and major contributions from generous private donors.