HISTORY
Open Walls began as a concept of community inclusion, artist leadership and collaboration. Born from the idea that the SELA community was in need of art-focused programming, Edlin Lopez, curator for the SELA Arts Festivals, decided to extend the festival’s pop-up model into an organization that focused on providing temporary exhibition spaces to both emerging and established artists in the regions of SouthEast Los Angeles. In efforts to find new ways to exhibit professionally curated artist spaces, Edlin Lopez joined Albert Orozco, designer and professional artist, in order to reimagine and broaden the reach of Open Walls. With his knowledge of art and design, his architectural prowess, and community-focused approach, Open Walls shifted from an idea, to an innovative artist studio. We are now diligently working toward a more inclusive artist work-space, focused on artist community collaborations, and creating artist spaces. Bringing professional art gallery presentations and resources to emerging community artists and artisans, Open Walls hopes to bridge the gap that exists in the contemporary art world with regard to visibility and accessibility to people of color.