Exploring Life & Business with Michelene Cherie of Frogtown Arts, formerly Elysian Valley Arts Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelene Cherie

Hi Michelene, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, growing up in the South Bay. Over the years, my career has spanned a wide range of creative fields, including performing arts, commercial art, and art production for an advertising agency. I’ve also worked as a wardrobe and prop stylist and have produced numerous events, theater productions, festivals, and concerts. These diverse experiences have all come together to shape my role as Executive Director of the Elysian Valley Arts Collective. In this position, I wear many hats, balancing a variety of responsibilities each week, and leveraging my background to help foster a vibrant and dynamic arts community.

I first connected with the Elysian Valley Arts Collective (EVAC) in 2018 as a volunteer, where I helped produce their annual fundraiser. After the event, EVAC was in need of an event producer for their biennial Frogtown Artwalk. At the time, I was in the process of launching my own boutique event production company, Cherie Creative Company, and saw a perfect opportunity to combine my passion for the arts with my growing business. I submitted a proposal, and was thrilled to be selected for the role.

From 2019 to 2020, while working with EVAC as a contractor, I began developing additional programming to engage the community between biennial artwalks. During this time, while planning the 2020 Artwalk, the pandemic hit, and we were forced to pivot quickly. We transitioned to a virtual artwalk, an innovative shift that earned us a $10,000 grant from SoCal Gas Company, who recognized the creative response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The success of our virtual event and the continued development of our programming enabled EVAC to secure additional funding, which in turn allowed us to hire our first Executive Director. In November 2021, I was honored to be chosen for the position, marking the next chapter of my journey with EVAC and the Frogtown community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building something that can truly impact your community is never without its challenges. Along the way, we’ve faced our fair share of growing pains—from securing funding and forging stronger connections with our neighbors, to recruiting volunteers and expanding our board of directors. Each step has come with its own set of hurdles, but we’ve remained committed, knowing that the road to meaningful change is often challenging.

Over the first few years of managing the organization, it came to light that we had some identity issues; our name, branding and our role as producers of the Frogtown Artwalk were not connecting as much as we would like. We have been working for the past several months on a new mission and vision as well as a new name and brand identity. Moving forward, we will be known as Frogtown Arts and we’re planning a relaunch of the organization’s branding in early 2025.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Frogtown Arts, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization based along the LA River that advocates for the positive, transformative effects of the arts by providing valuable resources and creative opportunities. We facilitate collaborative, educational and celebratory spaces of exchange for artists and community members to thrive and to experience pride of place.

Our flagship event, the Frogtown Artwalk, has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood since its inception in 2006. This biennial celebration of local art reached its 14th anniversary in 2024. The Elysian Valley Arts Collective was founded in 2008 to facilitate its growth and coordination.

In addition to the Artwalk, we’ve expanded our offerings to include other signature events. One of these is “Illuminate the Night,” which highlights light installations and live performances, inviting participants to “bring the light” and engage with the magic of artistic expression after dark, along the Los Angeles River in Frogtown. In 2024, we also launched the Frogtown First Fridays series, a lively monthly gathering that will return in late Spring 2025. Our Holiday Hop, an annual festival that celebrates the season with art and joy, has become a beloved tradition in December.

Through these dynamic, inclusive events, we foster deeper connections, strengthen community bonds, and offer enriching cultural experiences to people from all walks of life. Our goal is to create spaces where creativity thrives, relationships flourish, and the arts are celebrated by all.

Beyond our events, we are committed to offering educational opportunities that empower individuals through art. We provide free and low-cost workshops for youth, adults, and seniors in a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, photography, fiber arts, and crafts. These classes are taught by talented local artists, ensuring that our community benefits from homegrown creative talent and that artists are provided with opportunities to increase their income.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to reinvesting in the community. Whether supporting local residents, artists, or small businesses, we take pride in using our resources to uplift and nurture the diverse Elysian Valley/Frogtown neighborhood. Through our programs and events, we strive to make the arts accessible to everyone, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and connection.

In the year ahead, we’re excited to expand our offerings at the Blake Lofts in Frogtown. Our 1,200-square-foot community room—complete with an art gallery and outdoor patio overlooking the LA River—will host an even greater variety of events, classes, and workshops. Expect to see more art exhibits, wellness practices, and drop-in creative activities designed to inspire and engage the neighborhood. Stay tuned for all the exciting happenings in our vibrant space!

Moving forward, Frogtown Arts envisions a connected, inclusive community that is energized by creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.frogtownarts.com
• Instagram: @frogtownarts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frogtownarts
• Twitter: @frogtownarts

Image Credits
Michelene Cherie, Philips Shum, Crooze Productions, Justin Lui