Self Help Graphics: A Quarter Century of Activism & Passion in Art — 1972-1997

Fundraiser for the production of a sizzle reel, development and production of Independently produced 90-minute documentary

“People want to have a place to work, to be with others, and to be able to share their dreams.” – Sister Karen Boccalero, Self Help Graphics & Art founder

Art as Activism documents the evolving legacy of the East Los Angeles grass-roots arts organization Self Help Graphics & Art (Self Help), founded in 1972 by Sister Karen Bocalero and Mexican artists Carlos Bueno and Antonio Ibañez. Through a collection of interviews of with prominent Chicano/Latino, multi-ethnic and LGBTQ+ artists, and community members; and by including rare archival footage, Art as Activism examines Sister Karen’s powerful vision and contribution during the 70s, 80s and 90s. Art as Activism shows how Sister Karen and Self Help Graphics & Art has impacted the contemporary American art experience locally and globally, and demonstrates how this influence on social, cultural, artistic, and political identities continues to the present. Interviews from the many first-hand voices chronicling Self Help’s growth into one of the nation’s premiere grassroots-driven art hubs and its pivotal role in nurturing the emergence of Chicano art in Southern California. The film illustrates the impact and evolution of the exhibition print program, and moving from a local to an international stage, and to major museum collections.

WHY THIS FILM AND WHY NOW?

We have an obligation to preserve the stories of our culture so they will not be forgotten or erased. Self Help is an American art history success story, evolving from a grassroots organization to a recognized international institution. Through intimate conversations and archival images, Art as Activism tells the story of the impact of Self Help in the art world and communities, locally and globally, for over 50 years. Many of the Chicano/Latino artists and community members who began their careers with Sister Karen at Self Help are in their golden years, and time is of essence. It is crucial that we preserve the first-hand voices of these prominent artists and community members now.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND TIMELINE

We are currently meeting with sponsors and underwriters to support our developmental campaign of $160,000. The funds will be used for development/production costs and the completion of a sizzle reel, among other items (a detailed budget is available). Once these funds are raised, the team will approach a production company to fully develop the film for completion and distribution. The film is scheduled to be completed by no later than Spring 2026, to coincide with the culmination of Self Help’s celebration of its five decades of existence.

WHAT ARE WE DOING NOW

Since 2018, research began at the Self Help archives housed at the Special Research Collections at UCSB. In 2021, the team was granted exclusive access to research and catalog the Self Help in-house archive. During 18 months, 2,200 images of artwork and ephemera were digitized, viewed 8,000 slides and 32 videos. We are in the process of transferring, transcribing and cataloging. Presently, we have filmed interviews with many of the artists whose careers were nurtured by Sister Karen, including: Michael Amescua, Alex Alferov, Alfredo de Batuc, Tomas Benitez, Margaret Garcia, Wayne Healy, Mari Cardenas, Barbara Carrasco, Alex Donis, Roberto Delgado, Leo Limón, Miguel Angel Reyes, Arturo Urista, Ofelia & Rosanna Esparza, Yreina

Cervantez, Gil Cárdenas, Denise Lugo, and Richardo Romo among many others, with more interviews on their way.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

In addition to film festivals, we plan to take this film directly into communities that Self Help has impacted as well as other similar neighborhoods and venues generally marginalized from mainstream art, and to use it as a platform to continue to elevate the Self Help legacy. This will allow filmmakers to engage in dialogues and narratives to further inspire community members and to encourage them to document their very valuable experiences. For an extended history on the rich legacy and background on Self Help Graphics & Art, please visit www.selfhelpgraphics.com

Self Help Graphics & Art Serigraphs featured on the postcard is by (left to right) by Ester Hernandez, Roberto Delgado, Miles Hamada, Alex Donis & Margaret Garcia