The mission of the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture is to advance arts, culture, and creativity throughout LA County. We fulfill our mission by providing services and support in areas including grants and technical assistance for nonprofit organizations; professional development opportunities; commissioning civic artworks and managing the County’s civic art collection; implementing countywide arts education initiatives; research and evaluation; career pathways in the creative economy; free community programs; and cross sector creative strategies that address civic issues. This work is framed by the County’s Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative and a longstanding commitment to fostering access to the arts.
The Alvarez Adventure illustrates the magic of reading, the boundless power of imagination, and the joy of familial connections. The four artworks depict a family reading together and becoming immersed in a shared world of wonder and creativity. The artist weaves together these themes, demonstrating the delight of embarking on fantastical journeys while fostering a collective imagination through the captivating world of books.
About the Artist:
Ivy Velazquez (she/they), born in 2000 and raised in Los Angeles, is a first-generation Mexican American artist who finds inspiration in the city's diverse tapestry as well as in her environment and heritage. Her work, characterized by cartoon-style figures adorned with elements of spray paint and acrylic, weaves together personal experiences, childhood/teenhood nostalgia, and the vibrant influence of 90s cartoons, together with a mix of whimsical folktales. Recent exhibitions include "Demasiado"; at Tlaloc Studios, the "Demasiado NFT" art exhibit at Le Grand Palais, and "In My White Tee" at William Grant Still Arts Center. They also contributed to the "California Cowboys" art exhibit at Superchief Gallery. With a distinct blend of cultural heritage and contemporary expression, this emerging artist encapsulates the dynamic spirit of Los Angeles on their ever-evolving artistic journey. Ivy currently works and lives in Los Angeles, CA.