FOR THE LOVE OF EAST LA
EAST LOS LUV
CO-CREATING CULTURE, COMMUNITY, AND EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ART – A COLLABORATIVE MURAL BY LOS ANGELES ARTIST STEPHANIE MERCADO
ABOUT THE PROJECT
East Los Luv, a community-inspired mural, will be installed on the Las Dahlias Affordable Housing Complex in 2024. Stephanie Mercado’s printmaking-based collage art, weaves together cultural references and portraits of community members. The vibrant painting incorporates community-sourced photographs, reflecting the rich cultural history of East Los Angeles spanning ten generations. Chosen from 53 local artists, Mercado brings a dynamic and engaging mural to life using the visual language of relief printmaking, collage, paper arts, and portraiture.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Stephanie Mercado is an interdisciplinary artist and art administrator, born and raised in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Her artistic practice is centered labor and empowerment. Her portraits pay homage to each individual's contributions to society. Mercado pays homage to the invaluable role of labor, the dignity inherent in manual work, and the profound care invested in the creation of handiwork, craftsmanship, and the arts. Her art illuminates the often unseen world of labor, capturing the essence of the working class.
MISSION
To create a vibrant and eclectic mural that uplifts, empowers, and celebrates the surrounding community’s cultural contributions. Increase representation of East Los Angeles residents through public art, and inspire the viewer through cultural affirmation and an artistic experience.
VISION
To create a community-based collaborative mural that includes icons and symbols, cultural references, family photos, and oral histories from locals. This mural will reflect the community through direct engagement and inclusion, resulting in a collage-based artwork that highlights the diversity and history of East Los Angeles.
CULTURE OF INCLUSION
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Explore your creative potential and share your story, your photos, and what East Los Angeles means to you.
CONNECT THROUGH ART
In addition to collecting photos and stories, the artist will be designing a series of coloring sheets with blank areas where you can add your drawings, photos, or notes. You are invited to co-create an artwork with Stephanie through coloring and collage activities.
- Email your completed coloring sheets, anecdotes, in honor/memory-of, or shout-outs to [email protected]
- Send your photos, completed coloring sheets, anecdotes, or shout-outs via social @eastlosluv on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter
- Coloring sheets can be downloaded from our Resources page.
*Select coloring sheets, photos, and anecdotes may be chosen to be featured on the website and through social media platforms.
RESOURCES
COLOR AND CREATE
Free themed coloring sheets for all ages with designated areas where you can respond to the theme and fill in the blank.
COLORING SHEETS
East Los Luv coloring sheets are an homage to the cultural diversity of Los Angeles. Each sheet will have a theme that highlights the cultural contributions of residents and includes music, portraits, food, and more. Coloring sheets will have a blank space for you to add your experience, either through a drawing, a photo, or text. You are encouraged to Co-Create with Stephanie by downloading, coloring, collaging, or writing on the sheet. You are encouraged to share your completed coloring sheets online and use the #Eastlosluv.