About Self-Help Graphics

Self-Help Graphics & Art, Inc. is a community based visual arts center located in the heart of East Los Angeles. SHG was started by a small group of local artists working out of a local garage in the early 1970s, for the purpose of creating art that reflected the rich cultural values and spirit of the local Chicano community. By the time the group decided to move into a storefront on Brooklyn Avenue, the community had already enjoyed Self Help Graphics' creative output and presence, and many more local artists had joined forces with the core group.

Since then, Self-Help Graphics has emerged as the leading visual arts institution serving the predominantly Chicano/Mexicano community of Los Angeles. In that time, Self-Help has earned national acclaim for its programs and services which promote the rich contribution of Chicano art and culture to the American landscape. Surrounded by a local population of nearly 3 million Chicanos/Mexicanos, Self-Help Graphics has become a popular and vital community resource of cultural identity and pride, as well as a center of art opportunity, training, and creativity.

Self-Help first gained recognition for its innovative Barrio Mobil Arts Studio, which provided art education and a quality experience to thousands of local children by taking programs and artists directly to the schools. In 1972, Self-Help instigated the modern celebration of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which has since become a highly popular citywide celebration of the unique cultural identity of Los Angeles. In recent years, Self Help has become best known for its annual Printmaking Atelier (Serigraph Workshop), which provides opportunities for hundreds of artists to develop techniques and create images that document for all audiences the diversity and vision of contemporary Chicano art. In all its activities, Self Help has maintained its mission:

(1.) To foster and encourage the empowerment of local Chicano artists,
(2.) To present Chicano art to all audiences through its programs and services,
(3.) To promote the rich cultural heritage and contribution of Chicano art and artists to the contemporary American experience.

Since 1983, The Printmaking Atelier has enabled well over 200 artists to create and produce over 300 editions of quality silkscreen prints. The Atelier has not only been Self-Help's most successful and well-known program activity, but has also been a vital influence toward the development of the professional careers of the participating artists. The Atelier Program has provided artists with the opportunity to develop their skills and experience, build a body of work, and foster their creative development. The collection of prints to emerge from the Atelier have been a major contribution of Chicano art and culture to the contemporary art world.