By: Katie Nelson
Center Editor
Founded in 2015, Local Color is an organization based in San Jose that aims to provide equitable pathways for artistic expression through public events, showcases, and support of local artists. The program is a great way for high school students to launch their art into the real world or experience other local art through fun and interactive events.
Local Color is a women-powered organization founded by Erin Salazar, who is now the Executive Director. She explained that the founding of the organization came organically after receiving too many mural commissions to do herself. She started giving the jobs to friends, which soon turned into project managing for a small fee. She added that the passing of both of her parents led to “a lot of soul searching. I gave up bartending and threw myself into nonprofit work. I felt like I could be more impactful working for other artists than just working for myself.”
The mission statement of Local Color, Salazar described, is “to build equitable pathways for creatives to thrive. We are a woman-powered organization who meets our mission by facilitating equitably paid projects for artists; acquiring and developing affordable workspace for local creatives; and coaching and supporting local artists as they launch, maintain, and grow their arts and social entrepreneurship practices to be sustainable; while celebrating, educating, and advocate for the value of the artist in the community.”
Local Color has facilitated over 270 murals, opened up 70,00 square feet of studio space, and allocated over $1,5000,000 to artists. Art, Salazar explained, has the power to foster a sense of “identity, belonging, and pride…When people see their experiences reflected in local art, it helps build a sense of ownership and pride in their community.” She added that the Local Color events provide opportunities for “different groups to meet, share ideas, and bridge cultural divides.”
Large events put on by the Local Color team takes lots of coordination and curation. For example, Salazar explained that lots of things come together for an event like the Lowrider Art Showcase at the Villa Montalvo estate last September, such as “managing logistics such as permits, sponsorships and event promotion…On the day of the event, coordinating volunteers, setting up displays, and ensuring cultural respect are key to a successful and meaningful showcase.”
Local Color is special because it is an organization for artists, by artists. What sets it apart, according to Salazar, is the “Holistic approach to supporting artists and fostering vibrant public spaces…the organization values community collaboration, with projects and events that actively engage the public, transform neighborhoods, and reflect the cultural identity of San Jose.”
Local Color does far more than just art events and showcases; they support budding local artists in many ways. Their Youth Empowerment Series (YES) as well as Local Color Co-Labs are built to empower next generation artists through partnerships, funding sources, and community groups that are dedicated to the new artists. Coming up Nov. 16th is a POSTER show at a noble workshop and gallery. Follow @localcolorsj on Instagram for more updates.