We are thrilled to welcome Corrie Martin as SPARC’s new Development Manager! Corrie brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, event organization, and collaborative projects that align seamlessly with SPARC’s mission. Her passion for art, performance, and activism will be invaluable as we continue to produce, preserve, and promote socially relevant artwork. We look forward to the innovative initiatives and energy Corrie will contribute to our community.
Hello, Friends and Fellow Fans of SPARC!
What an honor to be moving into the role of Development Manager for this beloved and storied organization!
After moving to Los Angeles this past summer, one bright afternoon exploring my new Santa Monica neighborhood I happened to wander into the SPARC Gallery at the Bergamot Station Arts Center. Inside, I was surrounded by the phenomenal mural work-in-progress of the 1960s section of the Great Wall of Los Angeles mural.
Stretching to the ceiling on each of the four walls were vibrant scenes of joyful protest (have you seen our depiction of the Los Angeles Donut Riots?) and inspiring moments from our nation’s great era of everyday people standing up and speaking out for freedom and justice: Freedom Riders departing Los Angeles’s Union Station, the Free Speech rally at UC Berkeley, the East Los Angeles student walkouts, and more.
I sensed immediately that the history of the human spirit had come alive in this space and that this is exactly what we need art to do today.
After officially joining SPARC’s Research Team and delving into the collaborative process behind the mural extension project, my admiration has transformed into passion—dare I say, love–for SPARC’s mission, vision, and impact.
I am thrilled to return to the field of fundraising and development for an organization that creates art that changes lives and improves communities. My dream is to talk to every person in Los Angeles about SPARC, and then everyone in the state! But, then, why stop there? Will you join me?
I’d love to hear from you! Email or call me to share your ideas, questions, and stories!
Professor Judy Baca and her students in the UCLA@SPARC Digital/Mural Lab Beyond the Mexican Mural Class on Thursday, June 2, 2016. SPARC showered the students with love and food. Wanting them to know they always have a community here at SPARC. Baca provided the students a safe place to share what they were all feeling…
June 7, 2006 Venice, California Letter to Our Community S.P.A.R.C. would like to express a deep concern and regret for the violence that has affected our Venice community, leading to the tragic loss of young Agustin Contreras 16yrs old, a Venice High School student. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family in their time…
This month, we shine a spotlight on Gary McKee. SPARC volunteer Gary McKee has guided more than a dozen school groups through visits to the Great Wall mural in the past year, applying his theatrical talents and love for storytelling in his role as tour guide. Gary loves to bring the stories of the mural…
Mayra wrote this poem in 2010, she was the winner of the City of LA Latino Creative Writing Contest. [easymedia-gallery med=”7430″ size=”200,200″ style=”transparent” filter=”1″] She recently came to visit Judy at SPARC. February 3, 2014 Email exchange between Mayra and Judy Dear Mrs. Judy, First of all, I want to thank you for your time…
Update Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) Please note that public events at SPARC are postponed until further notice in alignment with nation-wide responses to coronavirus (COVID-19). Our headquarters in Venice, CA will be open by appointment only. We hope that you are all able to take care of your health during this time and we look forward to…
