ArtworxLA, the L.A.-based educational organization dedicated to combatting the high school dropout rate via engagement of alternative high school students with a long-term program focused on the arts and mentorship, is celebrating its 26th year with its annual “An Evening of Art” gala on May 10, 2018, as well as with a series of public events showcasing the work of its students.
Founded in 1992 with just one partner school site, artworxLA has grown to 29 alternative education schools, where students may pursue a variety of creative disciplines, from fine arts to filmmaking to the recording industry, with teaching artists and entertainment industry mentors helping students develop the skills and connections that lead to creative careers.
Over the past 26 years, artworxLA has worked with 12,000 students at over 50 alternative education sites in eight school districts. Among the cultural institutions who have partnered with the organization are the Getty Museum, LACMA, the Japanese American National Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West, the Los Angeles Public Library and the Hammer Museum. artworxLA students have received scholarships at the top arts colleges in the area; and in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Office of Education, it has also established the first alternative education arts academy in Los Angeles.
Far surpassing its stated mission of reducing the dropout rate, artworxLA alumni have also successfully pursued careers in the arts: publishing photography, launching creative businesses, working as professional artists assistants, receiving certification in creative software and pursing college art degrees. Many artworxLA alumni have also returned to give back to the organization, offering advice and mentoring to current students.
This year, the non-profit’s annual gala will honor Andy Cohen, Co-CEO of Gensler, the world’s largest architecture firm, with over 5,500 people who designed projects in over 100 countries last year. Gensler is known for its design innovation, collaborative leadership and sustainability; and Curren Price, L.A. City Councilman for the 9th District, where a number of artworxLA participant schools are located. Councilman Price, a South Los Angeles native, is personally dedicated to bettering the lives of low-income families and children. Both honorees have made a commitment to the creative education of artworxLA students.
“We are thrilled to honor Andy Cohen and Councilmember Price. Their support helps our students re-engage in their education and connect to viable creative career pathways. By linking resources from LA’s creative industries to benefit our students, we are creating a stronger, more inclusive Los Angeles,” noted artworxLA Founder and Executive Director Cynthia Campoy Brophy.
For more information on artworxLA or to purchase tickets to the gala, please visit: www.artworxLA.org
