Self-Help Graphics & Art

Official Self Help Graphics Dia De Los Muertos Design by Sandy Rodriguez

At the height of the Chicano Civil Rights movement in 1970, Carlos Bueno and Antonio Ibañez and several Chicano artists, including Frank Hernandez, met Franciscan nun and Temple University-trained Master Artist, Sister Karen Boccalero. They connected around their shared love of printmaking and their desire to create a place for community empowerment through art. They held their first joint exhibition that year and by 1972, they had incorporated the organization, Self Help Graphics. With the help of the Sisters of St. Francis, they were able to acquire the iconic space on Cesar Chavez Ave that served Boyle Heights for so many years. Although, they occupy a different, beautiful space on 1st Avenue these days. Their commitment to furthering the careers of local artists and building their neighborhood through art has never changed. For 47 years, they have been hosting Dia de los Muertos, the longest running, free event of its kind in the country. This year’s event, despite being virtual, holds exceptional significance given all the deaths from COVID-19.

Join Self-Help in remembering everyone who has moved on to the spirit world through November 1 at 4:00 pm.

Self Help Graphics & Art is proud to present its 47th Annual Dia de los Muertos season! This year’s 47th Annual Celebration will be held virtually on Sunday, November 1 at 4:00 p.m. on SHG’s YouTube channel, with live performances by Ceci Bastida, Tropa Magica, and Katzù Oso curated by The Paramount. The Celebration will be Co-Hosted by Musician and Scholar, Martha Gonzalez and Actor, Annie Gonzalez.

Due to the pandemic, the Día de los Muertos Celebration is part of a month-long virtual season, including the opening of the Ofrendas 2020 exhibition October 13, weekly art workshops in October on YouTube, and Noche de Ofrenda in partnership with Grand Park's Downtown Día de los Muertos. Learn more here. Read the press release here.