This post is copied from the official press release made at www.selfhelgraphics.com today.  An open house is taking place on May 30 at 1pm.  Please drop by and meet Evonne. –Victoria

Evonne Gallardo Tapped to Lead Nationally Recognized Arts Non-Profit into its 39th Year

Los Angeles, May 13, 2009 – Self Help Graphics & Art is proud to announce that it has hired Evonne Gallardo as the iconic organization’s executive director. Gallardo was chosen after an extensive, national search for her deep fundraising experience, understanding of Chicano and Latino art and vision for the organization.

“We are thrilled about the future with Evonne at the helm,” said Stephen Saiz, president of the Self Help Graphics & Arts board of directors. “She has the experience, knowledge and energy to help advance the organization as the leader in nurturing and promoting Chicano art in the United States.

Gallardo comes to Self Help Graphics after two years as Director of Development for the Claremont Museum of Art where she oversaw and met a $1.2 million budget through the establishment of major donor giving programs, museum memberships, foundation and corporate sponsorships. Prior to Claremont, Gallardo served as Director of Development for Artists for a New South Africa where she spearheaded all fundraising initiatives and helped garner close to $1.5 million during her time with the organization.

Gallardo is no stranger to Self Help. She served as Director of Development for Self Help during a time of incredible development for the organization. From 2001 to 2003 Gallardo worked alongside the board and former executive director to raise approximately $1 million through a variety of development strategies.

“It’s good to be home,” Gallardo said. “I am excited to work with the incredible array of artists, volunteers, board members and community advocates to not only stabilize the organization, but to take it to new heights – where it belongs.”

With record-breaking print fairs, innovative community partnerships, cultural festivals such as its Día de los Muertos celebration, which draws thousands of attendees and artists – both emerging and veteran – flocking to the organization as a place to cultivate their art. Self Help Graphics has been undergoing a renaissance over the last four years. Last summer Self Help Graphics participated in the City of Los Angeles’ Summer Night Lights gang reduction program which has been hailed as contributing to a decline in youth crime in comparison to prior years. Self Help also partnered with local non-profit FarmLab on its widely acclaimed CHORA print project.

Earlier this year Self Help was honored to receive a challenge grant of $250,000 from Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina. California Community Foundation has generously stepped up and granted Self Help Graphics a portion of the challenge grant. Despite the country’s current economic climate, the organization is boldly moving forward toward the goal of raising $1 million dollars in 2009. Self Help is working aggressively toward meeting the grant through a number of avenues, including the hire of the dynamic Gallardo.

Self Help Graphics & Art is a nationally recognized center for Chicano and Latino arts that develops and nurtures artists and printmaking. Self Help Graphics & Art seeks to advance Chicano and Latino art broadly through programming, exhibitions and outreach to diverse audiences in East Los Angeles and beyond. Self Help Graphics & Art seeks to identify young and emerging artists from the community in all aspects of its activities.