PROGRAMS & CLASSES
The EVAC offers a range of programming throughout the year, including festivals, classes, film screenings, and art shows.
Festivals include the Frogtown Artwalk and Illuminate the Night. Both are biennial and run on alternating years.
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The organization supports young filmmakers by commissioning films on the neighborhood of Elysian Valley (aka Frogtown) and on local artists.
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The EVAC invites local artists to share their knowledge through a series of free or low cost art classes. Past classes offered include: wood-sculpture, ceramics, drawing, bookmaking, sewing, the art of masapán, quilting, and more.
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Many of these events and classes are made possible in part by grants from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the California Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
FESTIVALS
The Frogtown Artwalk is our signature event. It started in 2006, and celebrated its 13th year in 2022. It is held biennially in even-numbered years.
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In 2022, the EVAC initiated a new festival entitled "Illuminate the Night" and it was such a success, we have decided to bring it back and run it biennially as well. It will run in odd-numbered years. Look for the 2023 event in September.
In 2022, the City of Los Angeles opened the new Taylor Yard Pedestrian Bridge, connecting the two communities of Elysian Valley/Frogtown and Cypress Park. In celebration, the EVAC organized a virtual panel discussion with members of the design team and the city's Bureau of Engineering.
To continue the celebration, the EVAC created a mini-festival, entitled Illuminate the Night, featuring music, dance and poetry readings all centered around the bridge. Visitors were invited to "bring the light" by wearing/carrying lights to activate the river path.
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Visit the EVAC's YouTube channel to see videos of the 2022 event
DONATE HERE to help support this event and to help bring the light to the LA River!
YOUTH ART
CLASSES
The EVAC has invited local artists to share their knowledge through a series of free art classes, offered to neighborhood youth aged 7-18.
The classes are hosted by businesses in the area, and past offerings have included:
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wood-sculpture and ceramics classes taught in a contractor’s shop
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drawing and bookmaking classes hosted by a gymnastics club
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sewing classes held in a room of a continuation high school
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Pictured above: Students hard a t work during a free class held at Klub Gymnastics.
CLASSES FOR
ALL AGES
Art classes open to all ages have been hosted by the EVAC in partnership with local artists, similar to youth classes.
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The Art of Masapán
Students learned how to make Traditional Decorative Bread Dough Art, a folk art originated in Ecuador. Class Instructor, Milton Antonio Juardo Alvarado “MAJA”, guided students through the process of making basic shapes, using color dyes and creating pieces for "Dia de Los Muetros."
Quilting Workshop
Students learned the basics of quilting, including how to make a "Disappearing Four-Patch" quilt block with Instructor Christine Rodriguez.
Sewing Workshop
Students learned basic sewing techniques and create a personalized tote bag with the guidance of Instructor Christine Rodriguez.
Pictured above: Students show off their quilting masterpieces from the all ages Quilting Class.
SOUNDS OF
ELYSIAN VALLEY
Sounds of Elysian Valley is an ongoing partnership with local schools. Students from the EV neighborhood are paired up with film-makers, photographers and radio hosts to create photos and videos documenting their neighborhood and school.
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As part of the program, students also interview and photograph business owners and craftspeople in the area. Students learn photographic techniques and techniques for processing and edit their images.
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Pictured above: Students from the 2018 Sounds of EV class learn the photo documentation process.
BECOME A
CREATIVE PARTNER
Interested in hosting an Art Class? Have an idea for a workshop? Send us an email at evartscollective@gmail.com, we'd love to partner with you on future events and classes.
To keep up with upcoming classes and workshops, subscribe to our newsletter below or check here for an updated list.
