Young Latina Students Land Gallery Row Exhibit forTheir Interpretation of Historic Olvera Street
Local Beverage Start-Up Partners with Non-Profit to Bring PositiveChange to Young Latinas
Los Angeles, CA-This month Cobá will open its headquarters to expose Art Walk attendees to aphotography collection from students involved in Las Fotos Project, a non-profit, community-basedprogram that seeks to empower Latina youth through photography. The collection of photographs isfrom “Nuestra Placita Olvera,” a project in which the young women captured the culture and life ofthe city’s historic landmark, Olvera Street, by documenting its annual celebrations.
Headquartered in the heart of the arts district in downtown Los Angeles, Cobá wanted to respect theculture of the neighborhood and thus transformed their office into a gallery featuring the work ofvarious accomplished, local artists. Last month, Cobá featured the work of Yolanda Gonzalez, whosebold use of color and texture reflects her family’s long heritage of artists. In April, José Ramirez’ssociopolitical paintings, rich with images of Chicano culture, were a hit.
The Las Fotos Project encourages young women to express their individuality and creativity and honetheir artistic talents with photography training, mentoring and field projects. On display will be thework of Valerie Beltran, age 16, Julie Cabral, age 18, Civil Hernandez, age 16, Jessenia Pineda, age14, and Yoali Sayago, age 17. According to Las Fotos Project founder Eric V. Ibarra, “The studentstook a photojournalistic approach to this project by documenting historical celebrations that may beforever changed in the future. Their ability to create this beautiful installation full of color, culture,and life was very inspirational to the Las Fotos Project community and we are all very proud thattheir hard work and amazing accomplishments will be shared with such a large audience.”
Cobá CEO, Arnulfo Ventura stated, “Art Walk is a great venue and opportunity for these students todisplay their best work and I know how much this means to them.” Later adding, “Orozco’s murals inGuadalajara made an impact on me as a child and today, I see Yolanda (Gonzalez) and José (Ramirez)as some of the greats of our time. Arts have a rich history in the Latino culture and I’m just gladwe’re able to provide a forum to keep celebrating these fabulous artists.”
The event takes place the evening of Thursday, June 9 during the general hours of Art Walk.Cobá, the first ready-to-drink all-natural aguas frescas company, will be providing samples of theirauthentic aguas frescas sweetened with organic agave.To learn more about Cobá and its work withlocal artists, please go to www.drinkcoba.com. For more information about Las Fotos Project, visitlasfotosproject.org.###
