In the Fall of 2020, Self Help Graphics & Art had the pleasure of working with the mitú digital team for a special feature story about the organization, through the lens of Barrio Mobile Art Studio (BMAS) Teaching Artist, Martha Carrillo. Watch the full video that aired December 14, 2020 and learn more about the interview here. 

Martha shared her artistic journey with the mitú team and expressed how positively Self Help Graphics has impacted her own career and creative process. “My interest [art] was sparked here [Self Help Graphics] and if I can spark others’ interest and bring it over to their community, to their parks, to their high school… that spark of interest is the important part of what we do,” said Martha.

Carillo was raised in Boyle Heights and has been involved in the arts for two decades. She began in theatre, then costume and fashion design. Today her work is a blend of these, as well as printmaking and sculpture. Martha was also part of SHG’s 2020 Census Atelier cohort and is the co-creator of ArtPunk, combining printmaking and fashion with fellow Artist and Printmaker, Victor Rosas. 

Martha’s story reminds us that representation in the arts and cultural spaces matters. "I feel visible through my art. I feel that the voice that we chose to convey visually represents each one of us. So me as a gay woman of color is represented in my work. Me as a Chicana is represented in my work. Me as a resident of Boyle Heights… as a 1st generation American.. All of that is visibility and is very important.”

Disclaimer: SHG and mitú complied with all local City, County and State regulations for filming at the time, which included rigorous Covid-19 protocols, talent and crew testing, among other vital precautions.

Jennifer Cuevas is SHG’s Communications Consultant. She is a Cultural Arts Producer, with a passion for the arts, social justice and policy.