Bell Arts Factory will open Galería Cooperativa, a community art gallery, workspace, and storefront to be located in the studio 30 space of Bell Arts Factory. Galería Cooperativa will establish space for local artists to work alongside community members to develop solutions that address social problems like racism and injustice; economic inequity; domestic and sexual violence against women; and the impact of COVID-19 in minority communities.
Galería Cooperativa, funded in part through a California Arts Council Impact Project Grant, will feature six BIPOC/LGBTQ+ artists from Ventura and nearby cities. Confirmed artists include: Andrew Rodriguez, Ventura CA, Sergio Martinez, Santa Paula CA, Sue Franco, Ventura CA, Cesar Aldana, Oxnard CA, and Yumiko Glover from Goleta CA. In addition to using the gallery and studio space, each artist will develop community workshops and classes designed to leverage art as a tool to create personal and social change.
“Planting seeds of art in communities is one of the many ways to achieve a better world. Art Heals,” says Maribel Hernandez, Interim Executive Director of Bell Arts Factory. “Galería Cooperativa will be a vibrant studio space, where the community can meet with artists and see the healing power of art in action.”
Galería Cooperativa will have its grand opening on November 5th, 2021 5:00 p.m until 9:00 p.m. for First Friday. After that, regular hours will be Thursday 12:00-4:00 p.m. and Saturdays 12:00-4:00 PM, and every First Friday of the month from 6:00- 9:00 p.m. More information on Galería Cooperativa, including artist profiles, workshop schedules, can be found at https://bellartsfactory.org/galeria-cooperativa/
