Support Innovative Arts—Through ‘The Center’

 With Christmas behind us and the New Year beckoning, this is a good time to seek the support of Eagle Rockers for a homegrown institution whose achievements in 2012 once again establish it as one of L.A.’s premier cultural hubs.

The reference is, of course, to the , which traditionally makes a push around this time every year to increase its membership in an effort not just to supplement its funds but also as a sign of the community’s continued backing for multicultural and multidisciplinary arts.

“The Center is here for all of us—whether you’re participating in a workshop, attending a concert, meeting artists at an exhibition or watching your child blossom” in a local afterschool program or art camp, CFAER Director Julia Salazar wrote in a recent letter to community members, along with holiday greetings.

What makes the Center an outstanding cultural arts institution is the scope and breadth of its innovative programming, which reaches more than 120,000 audience members across Northeast Los Angeles.

As Salazar mentioned in her letter, summing up the Center’s key accomplishments this year:

• The Center produced the 14th Annual Eagle Rock Music Festival, which not only infused the local economy but brought media exposure to the neighborhood, including its businesses and residents.

• The Center expanded its afterschool programs into 14 local elementary schools, offering courses taught by local artists, educators and innovators in such creative and diverse fields as comic-book making, ceramics, painting, printmaking, animation and organic gardening.

• The Center’s “Mini Comic-Con” brought contemporary comic book artists together for an exhibition in a new, permanent gallery space. An interactive comic convention featured graphic novelists and illustrators.

• A monthly film series debuted at the Center, showcasing new short films by contemporary filmmakers and the films that have inspired them.

• The Center created opportunities for more than 1,000 artists to exhibit their work or perform at the Center and in the wider community.

“Our programs are free or low-cost,” Salazar noted in her letter, adding: “Your contribution will keep us moving forward as we continue to provide access to innovative arts.”

Annual membership for artists, students and seniors costs just $25, and individuals can sign up for as little as $45. What’s more, new members or those who renew their membership will receive a free 14th Eagle Rock Music Festival T-shirt (while supplies last).

Click her to learn more about the Center’s membership and to view a list of member perks.