Join us, artist Melina Cruz Bautista, and community artists on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 from 7-9:30 PM for the opening reception for the exhibition DOWN UNION. Curated by Melina Cruz Bautista, DOWN UNION transforms the Goethe-Institut Project Space into an interdisciplinary, multigenerational group showcase that highlights the work of artists from the Pico-Union, Westlake, and Echo Park neighborhoods. Through photographs, poems, music, and paintings, DOWN UNION strives to capture the essence of these communities' rich cultural histories and offers a platform for conversation and community engagement. As Melina and her childhood friend and artist, Kristal Torres reflected on the effects of displacement and rent increases in their neighborhoods, the exhibition’s title, Down UNION emerged. Both artists graduated from Belmont High School’s Multimedia Academy in 2016 and continue to dedicate their work to their respective neighborhoods Down Union. Accompanying programs, events and communal celebrations offer an opportunity to engage with the extended community through proposed financial literacy & mental health workshops crucial resources for Indigenous families and neighbors within the community, fostering holistic approaches to well-being. This exhibition includes contributions from Kristal Torres, Luis Angel, Sandra Maldonado, Alan Mejia, Maria Paula Benicio, Angel Cruz, Anahi Cruz Bautista, Jackie Hernandez, Socorro Galindo, Vida Con Mel & more.