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History

LA ARTCORE was founded in 1979 by Lydia Takeshita, who was a Professor of Art at California State University, Los Angeles. Ms. Takeshita found that her graduate students wanted a continuing contact with art professionals, and a group of graduate students met informally at Brookside Park for critique of their works, and for discussions on relevant issues. After a couple of years of meeting outdoors, the group wanted an exhibition space in which to display their work. CSULA allow them to use their 501(c)3, and a gallery was opened in old town Pasadena on Raymond Street. When the works began to sell, the accountants at CSULA advise the establishment of a separate, non-profit gallery.Since its inception, LA Artcore, its artists, and contributing members have worked to provide exhibition spaces and a continuing dialogue between artists of diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as with the art viewing public. At present, Artcore maintains two exhibition spaces, the Union Center for the Arts and the Brewery Annex, where new and original art works are displayed each month. Artcore also sponsors several exchange shows which bring artists from around the globe to Southern California, and provides local artists with opportunities to have their works seen abroad.

Mission Statement

LA ARTCORE is a non-profit organization that helps develop the careers of visual artists and brings innovative contemporary art to the public. Artcore opens two exhibition venues to artists of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds, and conducts educational service programs that enhance the interaction of artists and their surrounding constituencies.

Goal

LA ARTCORE promotes art that captures the culturally diverse spirit of the Los Angeles community through our active international and regional exchange shows. The above works are introduced to diverse cultural backgrounds. Our ultimate goal is to bring creativity into each and everyone’s lives to clarify, educate, cultivate appreciation of visual arts and creativity.

Objective

LA ARTCORE is dedicated to expanding interaction between artists and audiences. The organization provides a platform to enhance the exchange of information, ideas and feelings, and to facilitate the awareness of the essence of creativity through 24 exhibitions annually, conducting “Conversation with the Artists” hosted by representatives from the Board of Trustees. We share with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds an opportunity to observe contemporary art and to interact directly and the artist. Artists, in turn gain insight and clarity about their work through communication with a broad-based audience. To accomplish this mission, the program includes the following:

Exhibitions

Monthly exhibitions at the Artcore Brewery Annex & Artcore gallery at the Union Center for the Arts. Works by emerging, mid-career, and established artists are exhibited in a space committed to a context free of any prejudice of form or content.

International & regional exchange shows

• 2008 International Exchange Show with Thailand
• 2009 International Exchange Show with the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art at Ueno Park and Gallery Kingyo
• 2009 International Exchange Show with Canada

Regional Exchange Show

• Abq/LAArt: One Exhibition in Two Cities in Albuquerque and Los Angeles

Special Exhibitions

• Exhibitions of photography of blind artists
• Self-Taught Artists
• Homeless Artists
• Women Painters West
• Los Angeles Print Society
• Latitude-Six Latino Artists
• Celebration of Korean Artists and Art

Community Dialogue

Conversation with Exhibiting Artists: Artcore provides a forum for community organizations such as senior citizens, young groups and students who can meet exhibiting artists in an informative dialogue.

Art workshop: to assist in appreciation and understanding of abstract art

Web Site: Public will have access to information about Artcore and its activities.

The Annual Awards Benefit: Artcore recognizes and honors those individuals from all walks of life who have made a significant contribution to the quality of art in Los Angeles.

Career Development of Artists

Exhibition Opportunities: at Artcore Brewery Annex, Artcore at Union Center for the Arts, International & Regional Exchange Shows.

Job Opportunities: art workshops, as employees and independent contractors needed for the operation of Artcore.

Board of Trustees

Board Members