We Are What We Eat Art Show OpeningHEART OF LOS ANGELES (HOLA) ART STUDENTS TO EXHIBIT MULTI-MEDIA WORK

AT HOLA GALLERY

Los Angeles, CA (March 12, 2012) – Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) will host the opening of We Are What We Eat, a multi-media art exhibit celebrating the work of underserved community youth artists from HOLA’s Visual Arts Program. The opening will take place on Friday, March 23rd, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the HOLA Gallery. The Gallery is located in the historic Wilshire Royale, 2619 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057 and is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, or by appointment. At the opening, student designed screenprinted canvas bags will be available for purchase, entertainment will be provided by Dublab djs, food will be donated by Whole Foods 3rd & Fairfax and the Mandoline Grill food truck will be parked out front.

HOLA’s art students, ages 6-19, have been working for several months on pieces inspired by the food that they eat. Works have been created in a number of mediums, including photography, ceramics, painting, drawing and mixed media. “I am very excited about this exhibit. Our students have been working really hard over the past couple of months, and I am so proud of the work they have produced,” said Nara Hernandez, HOLA’s Visual Arts Director. The students have explored food from all aspects, including cooking demonstrations by noted chefs, healthy lifestyles workshops and visiting local organic gardens and markets.

HOLA’s Visual Arts ProgramHOLA's Visual Arts Program provides quality programming to inner-city youth who have little or no access to such classes inside or outside of school. HOLA's facilities include three art studios, a fine arts library, music rooms, and a dance studio. Over 100 art classes are offered annually to at-risk youth and are taught by professional art instructors, college professors and passionate volunteer artists who combine their efforts to provide intensive arts education. Current class offerings include ceramics, photography, painting, sculpture, fashion design, illustration, printmaking mixed media, screen printing, water color, graphic design, new media and public art. Each year, over 300 youth participate in the Visual Arts Program.

Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA)HOLA’s after-school programs have made a vital difference to students 6-19 years old, attending overburdened schools in the Rampart District and surrounding neighborhoods who lack access to quality enrichment programming and academic assistance. HOLA’s youth development programming is designed to inspire students and reignite their interest in learning, and is unique in the quality of instruction and individual attention provided for each student. HOLA provides underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education and strengthen their communities. For over 20 years, HOLA has helped young people reach their potential, rather than succumb to the lures of gang life, drugs and juvenile delinquency.

For additional information, please contact Lee Schube, (213) 389-1148 or lschube@heartofla.org, and/or visit the website at www.heartofla.org.

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For Immediate Release