Plaza de la Raza

01/22/2021

Emma Valdez first attended Plaza when she was 17 in 1990, “that summer was such an amazing experience.” Emma wrote, directed, and acted in "Dreams of Darkness" where she played a witch. Then in fall, she did " Nuestro Barrio" an adaptation of Thorton Wilders, "Our Town" and she was “Señora Rosas." She then went on to college for Fashion and she did really well. In 2019, she decided to pursue acting again. Emma is attending Frida Kahlo and has participated in a few performances with both Sinergia & Teatro Gidai. Her latest project is attached. “Plaza is an amazing place!!!!”
#plazadelaraza #losangeles #lincolnheights #artseducation #theatrekid

01/22/2021

Emma Valdez first attended Plaza when she was 17 in 1990, “that summer was such an amazing experience.” Emma wrote, directed, and acted in "Dreams of Darkness" where she played a witch. Then in fall, she did " Nuestro Barrio" an adaptation of Thorton Wilders, "Our Town" and she was “Señora Rosas." She then went on to college for Fashion and she did really well. In 2019, she decided to pursue acting again. Emma is attending Frida Kahlo and has participated in a few performances with both Sinergia & Teatro Gidai. Her latest project is attached. “Plaza is an amazing place!!!!”
#plazadelaraza #losangeles #lincolnheights #artseducation #theatrekid

01/14/2021

Are you a student between the ages 13-18 who likes writing and theatre? I have the perfect project for you! The Ralph Lazo Project is a collaborative writing and theatre project involving local youth (13-18 years old) at Plaza De La Raza. Students will research the story of Ralph Lazo, the young Chicano from Los Angeles who protested the imprisonment of his Japanese American friends and volunteered to be sent to Manzanar Internment Camp during WWII. Students will research his story using online resources, zoom interviews with survivors, and will create an educational and interactive website. The students will collaborate to write and perform their own play, dramatizing the story and exploring the themes of Ralph Lazo’s journey which resonate with today’s society.

Be part of this amazing project at Plaza De La Raza! If you know anyone who interested and between ages of 13-18 and want to be part of this project send us a direct message or email us at [email protected] #CivilLiberties #CaliforniaCivilLibertiesPublicEducationProgram #CaliforniaStateLibrary

01/11/2021

Hello Everyone! I am the new LA County Art Intern at Plaza De La Raza. My name is Jaqueline Serrato (Jackie), I am born and raised in East Los Angeles. I am currently a senior at Cal State Long Beach majoring in Child Development and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology. I will be graduating Spring 2021 with my Bachelor’s Degree. As part of my internship, I attended a group peer event where I was able to learn and gain insight of the adversity and challenges faced in theatre and how to overcome theses issues. I was part of Plaza’s Toy Drive 2020 and it was amazing to be part of this experience and see how happy the kids were to receive gifts this year. I am honored and excited to be part of Plaza through this internship. I am able to experience first hand what Plaza does for the community and help the youth through the School of Performing & Visual Arts.

Through this internship I will take over social media and will continue to share Plaza’s alumni and promote free online classes offered at Plaza. I am excited about the internship and stay tuned of what’s to come!

01/11/2021

Hello Everyone! My name is Jose Espinoza and I am one of the Los Angeles County Arts interns at Plaza De La Raza this winter. I recently graduated with a B.A. in Studio Arts from Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson. I applied what I learned during my undergraduate studies by assisting with a photography exhibit to help commemorate Plaza De La Raza’s recent 50th anniversary celebration. Even through these difficult times, Plaza has been offering virtual classes that teach local youths important skills that help anchor our community in art and culture. As an Arts Education intern and proud Mexican/ American it is extremely satisfying to work for an organization that has helped our community since 1970. #lacountyarts

01/05/2021

On your mark, get set, go! Grab colored pencils or markers, a sheet of paper, and draw the car of your dreams. Submit drawings by kids, ages 4-15, to the Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest. Details at www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com
#ToyotaDreamCarUSA #DRMCAR2021

01/05/2021

On your mark, get set, go! Grab colored pencils or markers, a sheet of paper, and draw the car of your dreams. Submit drawings by kids, ages 4-15, to the Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest. Details at www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com
#ToyotaDreamCarUSA #DRMCAR2021

01/04/2021

Feliz Año Nuevo! It’s a New Year and a perfect time to learn something new! We invite you to enroll in our Online School of Performing & Visual Arts. New classes and workshops are added each week, and it's FREE!

https://plazadelaraza.teachable.com/courses/

12/29/2020

Reflecting on 50 years with gratitude & determination

We invite you to support our center and school to help ensure that Plaza de la Raza remains not only a vibrant cultural treasure but a solid community anchor in 2021 and beyond.
https://conta.cc/37WFYkd

Be a part of the next chapter... Give Now 2020 marked Plaza de la Raza’s 50th year and as we all know, it has been a year like no other. Currently, one in 10 people who live in East Los Angeles have

12/24/2020

Each year, Plaza de la Raza hosts an annual Toy Drive and Community Holiday Celebration featuring student performances and Holiday festivities. So many of you donated so many wonderful gifts! This year, for the safety of our community, we had to shift focus and redirect our efforts and we went about delivering the donated toys to local families. We’ve all been impacted by Covid-19 and we just hope that these gifts bring some joy to our community, especially for our little ones. Muchisimas Gracias and Happy Holidays!

12/22/2020

¡Felices Fiestas!

¡Felices Fiestas! Happy Holidays from Plaza de la Raza!

https://conta.cc/3aAfBlQ

Happy Holidays from Plaza de la Raza! Plaza de la Raza presents a series of virtual programs as part of our Annual Holiday Gathering. Highlights included our Student Mariachi Ensemble, NEA Folklife Fe

12/22/2020

American Latino Museum

We have succeeded! Latino stories are American stories, deserving of a brick-and-mortar home in the heart of the nation’s capital. Tonight, after a quarter-century long campaign, Congress passed the National Museum of the American Latino Act, a bill that will finally build a museum in our nation’s capital that celebrates and acknowledges the rich accomplishments and contributions of the American Latino.

Thank you to our champions in Congress for recognizing that #LatinoHistoryisAmericanHistory!

12/22/2020

Here is a little sneak peek of our recent Toy Drive! 🎁🎄Stay tuned for more! #FelicesFiestas #Plaza50

12/21/2020

Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration - Student Mariachi Ensemble 'Sabor A Mi'

As a part of Plaza de la Raza’s Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration, please enjoy an encore Zoom performance by our award-winning Student Mariachi under the direction of Irineo Yañez, featuring Yesenia Lopez on vocals performing “Sabor a Mi.” Enjoy! #Plaza50

12/21/2020

Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration - Student Mariachi Ensemble 'Sabor A Mi'

As a part of Plaza de la Raza’s Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration, please enjoy an encore Zoom performance by our award-winning Student Mariachi under the direction of Irineo Yañez, featuring Yesenia Lopez on vocals performing “Sabor a Mi.” Enjoy! #Plaza50

12/21/2020

Nacimiento Installation by Ofelia Esparza

As a part of Plaza de la Raza's Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration, artist Ofelia Esparza talks about the tradition behind her annual nacimiento installation at Plaza de la Raza.

12/18/2020

NEW WORKSHOP: As part of our Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration, we invite you to make paper angels with teaching artist Andrew Cervantes! This FREE online workshop is fun for kids and open to all! You will need the following household/school supplies to get started: Paper, Glue (white or glue stick is fine), Ruler, Hole Puncher, String, Scissors, Paper Clips (optional). Link to workshop in the comments and more FREE workshops at https://plazadelaraza.teachable.com/courses/ Enjoy!

12/17/2020

NEW Music Classes: Learn to play the Ukulele and La Jarana with Federico Zuniga! Federico first discovered Son Jarocho from local instructor Artemio Posadas and he also studied Bass Performance at the Los Angeles College of Music. He is a teaching artist with our ongoing School of Performing & Visual Arts and points out that online instruction is continuing the great oral tradition of learning music and we must Observa (watch), Escucha (listen) and Copia (copy).

Enroll today, these classes are FREE and open to all! Link to online classes in the comments. Enjoy! More classes available at https://plazadelaraza.teachable.com/courses/

12/12/2020

Detail of mixed media piece "Altar para la Virgen de Guadalupe" by @frankromeroartist @nancywromero @flektro22 #PlazaDeLaRaza #Plaza50 #12deDiciembre

12/04/2020

Make Holiday ornaments with teaching artist, Emilia Cruz! Emilia uses accessible household materials to create a version of the Mexican folk art called “hojalata,” also known in some parts of Mexico as, “lamina” or “lata.” This popular traditional practice of shaping, stamping, punching, painting and cutting tin into a wide variety of decorative and functional shapes, has been practiced in Mexico since the 1500’s. Materials you will need include: Aluminum foil, Cardboard or chip board, Ruler, Pencil, Scissors, Hole puncher, String or ribbon, Liquid glue and Permanent markers. As part of our Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration, find Emilia's and many more FREE workshop at plazadelaraza.teachable.com Enjoy! #Plaza50 #SPVAOnline #Christmas #Ornaments #Mexico #Folkart @cruzemilia

Make Holiday ornaments with teaching artist, Emilia Cruz! Emilia uses accessible household materials to create a version of the Mexican folk art called “hojalata,” also known in some parts of Mexico as, “lamina” or “lata.” This popular traditional practice of shaping, stamping, punching, painting and cutting tin into a wide variety of decorative and functional shapes, has been practiced in Mexico since the 1500’s. Materials you will need include: Aluminum foil, Cardboard or chip board, Ruler, Pencil, Scissors, Hole puncher, String or ribbon, Liquid glue and Permanent markers. As part of our Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration, find Emilia's and many more FREE workshop at plazadelaraza.teachable.com Enjoy! #Plaza50 #SPVAOnline #Christmas #Ornaments #Mexico #Folkart @cruzemilia

12/02/2020

Plaza de la Raza’s Virtual 2020 Holiday Festivities will continue throughout December, so stay tuned for more! If you missed our Giving Tuesday Holiday Kick Off, be sure to catch it on YouTube https://youtu.be/QN8CbrmYsnc

12/02/2020

Muchas Gracias! Yesterday on Giving Tuesday, our community came together to help Plaza de la Raza! 🌞Today, we are filled with gratitude and love. ❤️ Thank you for your support during this time that is especially difficult for all of us. Thank you for donations, encouragement, likes, shares and gifts for our annual ToyDrive! Here are a few images from our Virtual 2020 Holiday Festivities...Stay tuned for more! #Plaza50 #GivingTuesday #Juntos

12/01/2020

Plaza de la Raza Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration

Plaza de la Raza’s Holiday Festivities are the culmination of our center’s 50th Anniversary year! This Giving Tuesday Holiday kick-off is hosted by Natalie Aguirre and features performances by Pacifico Dance Company and the Plaza de la Raza Student Mariachi Ensemble. Interviews with Plaza alumni, Guadalupe Vargas and Yesenia Lopez. Artist workshops by Emilia Cruz teaching Aluminum Foil Folk Art Workshop, Jose Lozano creating “Alebrijes” for kids, and Margaret
Garcia teaching Painting and Drawing. Virtual programs will continue throughout the month December 1 through December 20, 2020 Plaza de la Raza

Plaza de la Raza’s Holiday Celebration 2020 Series was supported in part by the Los Angeles
Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture and the
National Endowment for the Arts.

12/01/2020

Virtual 2020 Holiday Celebration - Student Mariachi Ensemble

Buenos Dias! Here is a cheerful tune from Plaza de la Raza’s Student Mariachi Ensemble to get you going on this Giving Tuesday! Ajua! The group is made up of a talented young musicians who participate year-round as a part of our School of Performing & Visual Arts Program. Performer and educator, Irineo Yañez is the leader of the group made up of talented young musicians who range in ages 9+ years old. Plaza de la Raza’s award-winning Mariachi students are Cultural Ambassadors having performed on stages throughout Los Angeles County. Enjoy! #Guadalajara #Plaza50 #GivingTuesday #Mariachi #SPVAOnline

11/30/2020

Stay safe & support Plaza de la Raza! Any $50+ donation received on or before December 1st Giving Tuesday, will receive a Plaza mask in honor of our 50th Anniversary!  Adult, Youth & Child sizes are available! Donate Now on our Bio/Profile! #Plaza50 #GivingTuesday

11/30/2020

Plaza de la Raza's annual Holiday Festivities will take place throughout December marking the end of our center’s 50th Anniversary year! We will be presenting a special series of VIRTUAL programs throughout the month to celebrate the Holidays 2020.  Stay tuned & Join us! December 1 through December 20 ONLINE @plazadelaraza

Performances by:
Pacifico Dance Company
Plaza de la Raza Student Mariachi Ensemble
Folklor Pasión Mexicana
Mariachi Los Reyes
Nacimiento by Ofelia Esparza  

FREE Online Workshops:  
Piñata Making
Drawing & Painting
Repujado
Alebrijes
Aluminum Foil Folk Art
Jarana & Ukulele
Mariachi Voice
Vihuela & Guitarrón
Oil Painting
Holiday Papel Picado

Participating Artists:
America Madrigal-Herrera
Andrew Cervantes
David Flury
Emilia Cruz
Federico Zuñiga
Frank Romero
Gustavo Hernandez
Irineo Yañez
Jose Lozano
Manuel Jiménez Ramírez
Margaret Garcia
Maricela Sosa
Mario Hernandez
Natalie Aguirre
Ofelia Esparza
Ricardo Estrada
Tomas Benitez
Yesenia Lopez

11/26/2020

Thank you to our friends and colleagues at USC Civic Engagement, El Centro de Ayuda and ProspanicaLA for partnering with Plaza de la Raza to provide nearly 2,000 pounds of turkey for local families. We are truly grateful! Cheers to all for a safe holiday!
Gracias! 🦃🌞 #Plaza50 #Juntos

11/25/2020

Plaza de la Raza remains temporarily closed to the general public during the shutdown. However, our case managers and staff remain available and open to any questions on FamilySource services, online workshops and any upcoming Toy Drive and Virtual Holiday Celebration inquiries. Please contact the office at (323)223-2475 or [email protected] Gracias!

11/25/2020

Coming up in December at Plaza de la Raza!

Coming up in December at Plaza de la Raza! https://conta.cc/3709HqA

Celebrate with us ONLINE, throughout the month! Plaza de la Raza remains an oasis of art and culture in our beautiful center in Lincoln Park, East Los Angeles. We are an arts venue with 50 years of de

11/23/2020

Plaza de la Raza remains temporarily closed to the general public during the shutdown. However, our case managers and staff remain available and open to any questions on FamilySource services, online workshops and any upcoming Toy Drive and Virtual Holiday Celebration inquiries. Please contact the office at (323)223-2475 or [email protected] Thank you!

11/19/2020

Artists Spotlight (Oscar Salas, Ricardo Estrada, Eduardo Serrato) - Plaza de la Raza

Interviews with artists, Oscar Salas, Ricardo Estrada, Eduardo Serrato, from Plaza de la Raza's 2020 Day of the Dead Virtual Experience

11/18/2020

Conjunto Tenocelomeh, 'El Siquisiri' - Plaza de la Raza

Full performance of Conjunto Tenocelomeh's 'El Siquisiri' from Plaza de la Raza's 2020 Día de los Muertos Virtual Experience

11/14/2020

Folklor Pasión Mexicana w/Conjunto Tenocelomeh, 'La Bamba'

Folklor Pasión Mexicana with Conjunto Tenocelomeh, full performance of ‘La Bamba’ from Plaza de la Raza's 2020 Día de los Muertos Virtual Experience

11/14/2020

Folklor Pasión Mexicana w/Conjunto Tenocelomeh 'El Canelo'

Folklor Pasión Mexicana with Conjunto Tenocelomeh, full performance of 'El Canelo' from Plaza de la Raza's 2020 Día de los Muertos Virtual Experience

11/10/2020

Xipe Totec, Danza Azteca demonstration available as a part of Plaza's Online School of Performing & Visual Arts series of FREE Classes & Workshops at https://plazadelaraza.teachable.com/p/danza-azteca-demonstration-with-lazaro-arvizu