fresh stART / HOLA
FRESH START is a 501(c)(3) founded in 2001 to raise funds for youth arts programs in some of LA's most underserved communities. Past beneficiaries have included Free Arts for Abused Children, A Window Between Worlds, Para Los Niños, LA's BEST and My Friend's Place. To date, FRESH START has raised over $2 million. For 2021, FRESH START has partnered for the third time with Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) to help underwrite their extraordinary Visual Arts Program taught by professional artists in HOLA's studio in the MacArthur Park neighborhood. FRESH START is a carefully curated sale of art from emerging and established artists, with 60% of the purchase price of each artwork going to our beneficiary, and 40% returned to our participating artists.
With the onset of COVID-19, the work of HOLA Visual Arts has become more critical than ever by providing a sense of connection, belonging and positive expression during a time of uncertainty and turmoil. HOLA is providing more than a dozen weekly virtual art classes, a monthly Art Club, virtual field trips to museums around the city, academic tutoring, family case management and connection to basic resources. FRESH START’s donation to HOLA will help underwrite these important services for young people across Los Angeles. Every $100 raised will help HOLA provide an art kit and several hours of professional teaching artist time to a participating student. Now more than ever, HOLA’s belief that art can be a powerful agent of social change is so deserving of our continued support.
Hear what HOLA means to its Visual Arts Students
FRESH START 2021 Honorary Chair Alexandra Grant with artist Devon Tsuno at HOLA
Arthur Lewis, Creative Director of UTA Fine Arts and UTA Artist Space, has selected five artworks to highlight from the FRESH START art sale. "Arthur’s Picks" represent a range of artists from emerging to mid-career.
“UTA Fine Arts is committed to amplifying voices that have been historically underrepresented within the Fine Arts community. HOLA’s Visual Arts Program is moving this work forward and we are honored to support the next generation of artists through FRESH START.”
— Arthur Lewis
Nick Aguayo, the film is cut, 2019
Acrylic and Marble Dust on Canvas
14 × 11 × 1 1/2 inches
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Nick Aguayo, the film is cut, 2019
Acrylic and Marble Dust on Canvas
14 × 11 × 1 1/2 inches
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
This artwork has been generously discounted exclusively for fresh stART
"I was introduced to Nick’s practice by Susanne Vielmetter and I have been a big fan of his for a number of years. His works continue to expand upon the dimensionality of abstract art."
Eamon Ore-Giron, Infinite Regress LII (variation I), 2018
Letterpress Gold Leaf Print
17 3/4 × 13 1/2 inches
AP 2/Ed. 12 + 3AP
Courtesy of the artist
Eamon Ore-Giron, Infinite Regress LII (variation I), 2018
Letterpress Gold Leaf Print
17 3/4 × 13 1/2 inches
AP 2/Ed. 12 + 3AP
Courtesy of the artist
This artwork has been generously discounted exclusively for fresh stART
"Eamon creates beautiful imagery that encourages you to explore every line and color to see where they connect and what the broader story is. He has been part of some of the most celebrated exhibitions in America, most notably Made in L.A., and any collector would be lucky to have his work in their collection."
Davina Semo, Drag, monoprint #1, 2020
Relief Ink on Rives BFK
27 1/2 × 22 inches
Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco
Davina Semo, Drag, monoprint #1, 2020
Relief Ink on Rives BFK
27 1/2 × 22 inches
Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco
This artwork has been generously discounted exclusively for fresh stART
"Davina has mastered materials and I find her work so incredibly inspiring. Her manipulation of different mediums form various shapes, creating dimensions that keep you captured and wanting to see more."
Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Darkroom Mirror (_2220750), 2018
Archival Pigment Print
13 × 10 inches
2 of 5 + 2 AP
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Darkroom Mirror (_2220750), 2018
Archival Pigment Print
13 × 10 inches
2 of 5 + 2 AP
Courtesy of the artist and Vielmetter Los Angeles
This artwork has been generously discounted exclusively for fresh stART. Frame is included as a courtesy - Value of frame is approximately $400.
"Paul’s photography is a powerful testament from an artist that has carved a new lane for himself. His images capture incredibly intimate moments and demand that you examine both technique and subject. I am big fan of Paul and I know he will continue to positively impact this medium."
Adee Roberson, hold me baby, 2019
Acrylic on Paper
25 × 19 inches
Edition 1/4
Courtesy of the artist
Adee Roberson, hold me baby, 2019
Acrylic on Paper
25 × 19 inches
Edition 1/4
Courtesy of the artist
This artwork has been generously discounted exclusively for fresh stART
"Adee is an epic story teller. Her work has abundant energy and she brings images to life through her use of color. I know that we are just at the beginning of her amazing journey as an artist."
FRESH START is wholly volunteer run and operated. We would like to thank our 2021 Curatorial Committee:
Andi Campognone
Andrea Feldman Falcione
Ariel Pittman
Arthur Lewis
Cris McCall
Deb Klowden Mann
Dominique Clayton
Lesley Silverman
Mélanie Faure
Nara Hernandez
Paul Kopeikin
Pauli Ochi
Tiffiny Lendrum
Zuzanna Ciolek