In Boyle Heights, stepping into a gallery isn’t a must to witness some of the best art the city has to offer. New and historic murals, installations and graffiti art adorn the streets in this neighborhood. The art scene here thrives on walls indoors too.
If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy creative minds spanning genres and generations, several galleries on the Eastside are hosting art exhibitions and events.
Catch an art walk with poetry and music or go down memory lane via a local Chicano’s retrospective. Celebrate a milestone for a community-based art collective or marvel in the works of icons Frida Khalo and Jack Kirby.
We’ve rounded up a list of five places to check out in Boyle Heights plus one in Southeast L.A.
Stepping Out of a Dream: A Retrospective 1965 to 2024 at Casa 0101
Richard B. Valdes embarks on his first solo retrospective, which includes over 45 pieces spanning six decades. Valdes, a Boyle Heights native and graduate of the Chouinard Art Institute (now recognized as CalArts) was a cartoonist for the Chicano publication La Raza in the early 1970s and has since become a full-time artist, creating paintings with pastels, foils, and several other mediums.
Curated by Jimmy Centeno, the exhibit, “celebrates Valdes’ technical mastery of color, and the artist’s ability to generate specific emotions, thoughts, and moods through unexpected color combinations,” says Karen Mary Davalos, professor of Chicano and Latino Studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Casa 0101 Theater
2102 E First St.
Los Angeles, CA
On display now through Aug. 17
Free admission
“Por La Lucha Palestina” at Espacio 1839
It’s the second Friday of the month, and that means CaminArte is back out on 1st Street outside of Espacio 1839. Peruse the artisan marketplace set up on the sidewalk, grab a bite from one of the local restaurant and bars, and head into Espacio for art and community,
The space will be hosting the opening ceremony of “Por La Lucha Palestina,” an art showcase of over 20 artists featuring unique artworks, poetry and performances. Curated by community member Leslie Guardado, the exhibit features pieces by Homeboy Art Academy’s Fabian Debora, known for his murals centered on Chicano and gang life, East L.A. Community College professor Obed Silva, and trans poet creative Féi Hernandez. Event organizers are also accepting donations to aid displaced families in Gaza. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Espacio 1839
1839 E. 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA
Opening reception 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 12
On display now through July 28
Donation-based entry
“Alas Pa’ Volar Como Frida” at Tonalli Studio
Located in East Los Angeles, Tonalli Studio regularly hosts unique art exhibitions and wellness workshops centered around cultural traditions reflecting the many roots of our communities. This Saturday the Eastside art spot will host an opening reception for “Alas Pa’ Volar Como Frida,” a group art show focusing on the diary of the one and only Frida Kahlo.
Curated by Rosanna Esparza Ahrens and Andrea Ramirez, the exhibit will explore artists’ literal or symbolic sources of inspiration and support.
Tonalli Studio
4539 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
Opening reception 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Free admission
Celebrating 20 years of the Kalli Arte Collective at Cultivarte Studios
Kalli Arte Collective, a Boyle Heights-based family art collective, will celebrate 20 years of community artivism with a pop-up art shop. Self-taught artists and couple Adriana Carranza and Alfonso Aceves launched the collective, eventually bringing on their four children. Through printmaking, murals, workshops or installations, the group has continued its mission to speak to the community through art. Join them to mark the milestone with a marketplace full of artists, music and exclusive merch this Saturday at Cultivarte Studios in Bell. For those looking for a hands-on experience, Kali Arte Collective will lead Arte y Visiones at InnerCity Struggle Friday, July 12. See details here.
Cultivarte Studios
4346 Gage Ave
Bell, CA
Pop-up marketplace from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 13
Free admission
“Kirbyvision: A Tribute To Jack Kirby” at Corey Helford Gallery
For comic book fans and those looking to explore new art scenes, the Corey Helford Gallery is collaborating with The Jack Kirby Museum and Research Center to showcase everything Jack Kirby, a famed American comic book artist best known for his illustrations in a wide range of Marvel comics. Among original works by the iconic artist, there will also be one-of-a-kind artworks produced by over 70 artists from the New Contemporary art scene. The gallery space also hosted the viral “Care Bears Forever” exhibit earlier this year.
Corey Helford Gallery
571 S Anderson St. #1
Los Angeles, CA
On display now through Aug. 3
Admission is free
