Hidden Gems: Meet Zach Gracia of The Art Department

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Gracia. Them and their team share their story with us below:

The Art Department is a streetwear and lifestyle brand founded by Artist, Designer Zach Gracia. The inspiration came when walking around LA one night, after a Dodgers game, and noticing how street art depicted a narrative not usually found in prestigious museums. A museum requires admission, but street art is for everyone. 

With each piece, we strive to re-imagine how Art is shared in our global community. Deploying persistence, patience, passion, and a little bit of adventure. Our goal is to create compelling product that celebrates the fusion of classical art and contemporary street art. Our philosophy is simple: we believe Art is for EVERYONE. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The Art Department was founded as the global pandemic hit us all and Los Angeles implemented a stay-at-home order. While this created some complications, it allowed us to revisit our brand, fine-tune design concepts, and strategize the best way to disrupt the market. The stay-at-home order allowed us to cook up new designs that would be translated to canvas and cotton and reminded us how important our mission was. With so much uncertainty, it was important for us to understand that nothing is guaranteed and if you’re not doing what you want to do right now; start immediately. 

We’ve been impressed with The Art Department, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Art Department is all about bringing art to everyone. The name, The Art Department, was an idea that came from my early years as an artist in high school carrying around my latest piece of art. I had a tendency to paint large canvases because that was all that was available to me at the time, and I was always being stopped by other students and teachers with questions or comments. The collaboration and real-time feedback was something that has always stuck with me and followed me throughout my art education and career. 

I wanted to find a new way to bring that feeling to people’s homes and closets. Art is meant to be shared and interpreted and we believe that whether folks decide to bring home a canvas, print, or hoodie; they can still be a patron in their own way. Our brand is still young, with much to come, but hopefully, the mission resonates with those who are looking for a little more Art in their life. 

Any big plans?
We’re looking to get more involved in the community and specifically helping Arts education more. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in Arts education both as a student and teacher and am an example of how Art can positively change someone’s life. 

We’re still very young as a brand and so there are lots of already planned drops and new pieces coming for weeks to come. We hope our audience continues to connect with our story and feels included in the Art community as a result. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.art—dept.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_art.department/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Art-Department/100063739490284/