Christina Diaz shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Christina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Travel.
There’s something about being in a new place — exploring different food, art, music, museums, meeting people from completely different walks of life — that resets me. I always say travel is soul food, because it truly feeds something deeper. When I’m out in the world discovering new corners of it, I lose track of time in the best way. It pulls me out of routine and reminds me who I am outside of work, outside of deadlines — just a person experiencing life. That’s where I feel most alive and most myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Christina, and I’ve been curating and creating art events in Ventura County since 2009 — one show at a time, slowly building what is now Seaside Events LLC, a home for the strange, the bold, and the wonderfully unconventional.
I’m currently in the process of opening Evolved Art Gallery, turning that vision into a permanent, year-round space for unconventional fine art and community connection.
What makes my work unique is that I intentionally create platforms for the outsiders — the black sheep, the misfits, the weirdos, the artists who don’t fit neatly into traditional gallery spaces or mainstream expectations. My events and now my gallery are built for people who live outside the box of conventional norms. It’s a celebration of the beautifully odd and unapologetically creative.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mentor, Michele Chapin, a world-renowned stone sculptor based here in Ventura County. She taught me almost everything I know about curating and community-building in the arts. I had the privilege of working alongside her for over three years, and from the moment I met her, I was endlessly curious and enthusiastic. She recognized that passion and welcomed me into her world without hesitation.
Michele curated First Friday out of her home studio for over a decade. I joined her during the later years of that journey, and she allowed me to shadow her, learn the process from the inside, and understand what it means to create a space where artists can truly flourish. She encouraged my offbeat, unconventional ideas and gave not just me — but the creative community at large — a place to stretch, experiment, and evolve.
I’m deeply grateful for that chapter of my life.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Let your instinct lead — even if you are the only one who understands where it’s taking you.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to building a lasting creative community — a space where quality fine art is accessible, not intimidating or gatekept. I want to make collecting art feel possible for everyone, while giving artists a platform to evolve, be seen, and be valued. Creating a space where both artists and collectors feel included and inspired is a lifelong project for me, and I’ll keep building it one show, one gallery wall, one connection at a time.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Not opening Evolved Art Gallery — this brick-and-mortar space has lived in my imagination for as long as I can remember. It’s terrifying to take the leap, but the excitement outweighs the fear tenfold. If I didn’t do it, I know it would haunt me more than any risk that comes with saying yes to the dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evolvedartgallery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvedartgallery/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Seasideodditiesexpo
- Other: For event info: https://www.instagram.com/seasideodditiesexpo/
Image Credits
Mural artist: Asako Otaki
Photographer: Alan Van Ryzin
Michelle Evans
