Visual Arts

Our innovative Visual Arts programs inspire youth to learn new skills while exploring their identity through creative expression.

We offer a wide range of visual arts classes that encourage youth to express themselves and build community through artistic collaboration.

Our programs help LA’s youth channel their creative energy in positive ways through project-based learning and experimentation. By participating in our art programs, youth learn valuable skills that will help them become innovative thinkers and confident leaders.

Whether your child is interested in painting, drawing, photography, or any other form of creative expression, Heart of LA is here to help them explore their interests and develop their talents.

About our Visual Arts Programs

Heart of Los Angeles’ extensive visual arts programming is designed and delivered by a talented team of established and emerging artists. Our creative youth development curriculum provides K-12 students throughout Central and South Central Los Angeles with the chance to express who they are and what matters to them while learning about different creative pathways.

Students in our programs access many incredible opportunities, including:

Classes

Professional artists teach numerous free classes each year, covering various art forms and skill levels.
Meet the Artist Series

Guest artists host hands-on workshops and share their creative practice and journey, providing students with additional insight into art careers and new art forms.
Public Artist Residencies

Artists-in-residence work with students on session-long projects focused on collaboration and celebration of local culture and community, while addressing systemic inequalities through these public art initiatives. The aim of these residencies is to create opportunities for more public access, equity, and inclusion in the arts.
Field Trips

Field trips to art galleries, artist studios, museums, and other cultural institutions across Los Angeles give students a deeper understanding of LA’s robust creative economy and artistic history.
Exhibitions

Themed exhibitions at our gallery in the MacArthur Park/Westlake neighborhood and other venues showcase our young, talented artists and celebrate their growth and creative expression.
Artist Mentor-in-Residence

The mentor-in-residence initiative invites Heart of LA alumni with interests in visual arts and art education to make a positive impact in our programs. During their tenure, Artist Mentors are exposed to workforce readiness and career pathways in the arts.
Creative Placemaking Projects

Heart of LA collaborates on large-scale place-making exhibitions and public art installations in Lafayette Park. These community-based projects intertwine the humanities with contemporary public art practices and storytelling.
Partnerships with Arts Organizations

Through a robust network of more than 20 annual partnership organizations, we expose students to diverse resources, building a deeper understanding of the local arts ecosystem and the transformative power of creativity.
Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Visual Arts

In partnership with Los Angeles Unified's (LAUSD) Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP), Heart of LA provides culturally responsive in-class visual arts instruction. This curriculum celebrates Black art history and innovation and boasts an impressive guest artist series, along with a culminating student exhibition.
Art Programming in South Central

Heart of LA offers visual arts programming at three different partnership sites in South Central.