Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Arias.
Hi Teresa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Throughout most of my adult life, I have worked within the educational system with LAUSD. Although I earned a BA in Journalism and Communications Studies from CSULB, I gravitated toward education and often considered becoming a full-time teacher. At the same time, I wanted to actively do something in support of underserved communities like my own in Southeast LA. I struggled finding a balance between both, but I had no doubt that with time and effort, I’d be able to do what I dreamed of. Things fell into place in what felt like a full circle two years ago when my brother, Hector “Tetris” Arias, founded SELA Art Center in Bell, the city where we grew up. As the Communications and Programming Director, I have been able to bring art and educational programming to our community, a place that is often lacking resources. At the same time, I have been able to use what I learned in the journalism and communication studies field to elevate what we have been able to provide. Through the opening of the SELA Art Center and with the help of organizations that we work closely with, I have also been able to work on my goals, such as instructing workshops to aid students in reaching higher education. Time has seemed to fly by, but I feel as though it is only the beginning of what we have to offer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although SELA Art Center has had a tremendous amount of support from the community, we have faced the challenges of obtaining licenses needed in order to increase our programming. For this reason, we are currently seeking a new location in order to obtain necessary grants and donations that would allow us to bring more accessible and consecutive programming to the community. It has been an enriching process, and the community that has gathered and supported us since the beginning has become family. Although it has not always been smooth, our supporters remind us why we do what we do. Creating a safe space for everyone to feel comfortable and gain confidence and support from one another is definitely something that keeps us going. We are surrounded by talent and want it to reach its full potential!!!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about SELA Art Center?
Founded by Hector “Tetris” Arias in February 2022, SELA Art Center has become the home of many artists within and around Southeast Los Angeles. Bringing programming from Life Drawing, community murals, art workshops to FAFSA filing and college application workshops, SELA Art Center thrives in sharing resources and making them accessible. In addition, at SELA Art Center, we value the importance of sourcing within and hiring local talent. Southeast LA is surrounded by talent, and it has become our mission to support that talent and find ways to allow creatives to learn and grow in any field that they are passionate about. Being from the community, we know the experiences lived in SELA first-hand. Because of this, we understand the need for the work we are doing and look forward to creating more programming and resources that allow community members to reach goals that only seemed like unattainable dreams.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
There really is no “perfect time” to start doing what you really want to do. Sometimes, it is facilitated, while other times, it is not, but passion goes a long way, and when one door opens, more will follow. It is important to not underestimate ourselves and instead, we should continue to dream big. The more we focus on our big dreams, the closer we are to attaining them. We are more than our circumstances and our past, and with each day, we have a fresh start!
Pricing:
- Sunday Life Drawing 10-1 pm $20
- Wednesday Life Drawing 6:30-9:30 pm $20
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selaartcenter/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhgi4fMEDFreiHPXPHnvoAG4WJAn402am&si=k-h-oWHA0hwmNwHb
Image Credits
Luis Velasquez
SELA Art Center Team
