Hope Street Students’ Work Featured in
Dreams and Reality Art Show at Local Gallery

“Dreams and Reality,” a recent exhibit of Hope Street students’ art opened April 4 at galleryGOMEZ, 429 Venice Boulevard, just a half-block away from Hope Street Margolis Family Center. The students created their work over an eight-week session guided by local artist and gallery owner, Michelle Gomez.

The “Dreams” theme was conveyed through paintings on canvas while the theme of “Reality” was depicted in books the students wrote and illustrated. “The kids were fascinated to see all the art displayed," said Araceli Padron, Hope Street’s art program coordinator.  “The gallery lets them see all their art together giving the students an opportunity to share their artistic visions with each other,” said Ms. Padron, adding, “It was so interesting to see the older kids explaining the art to the younger ones and to see them reading each other’s books.” 

With her own work in the back of the gallery, Ms. Gomez turned the exhibit into a mini art walk where she talked to each of the students about their art and then encouraged them to ask her about her work.  “My hope,” said Ms. Gomez, “is that our Creative Workshops transform the community by ‘reflecting it back’ in an inclusive way, which encourages dialogue, elicits pride, and creates a sense of unity through diversity. Our communal stories and our expressions are important and I’m always interested in honoring those gestures through our work at galleryGOMEZ.”

galleryGOMEZ is open on an appointment basis by contacting

Michelle Gomez by phone:  323.508.1920

or email: fineartscreens@yahoo.com 

website:  www.aboutmichelle.com