Alumnus influences community, children through art program

By Ruth A. Williams, On-line Forty-Niner

August 6, 1998

A dream of one Cal State Long Beach alumnus is being fulfilled with the help of the Museum of Latin American Art in Los Angeles.

Artist in residence Daniel Martinez and the MoLAA are making an impact on the community through art, by hosting a summer arts camp.

As a child, Martinez's interest in art kept him out of trouble.

"It taught me to be focused," Martinez said.

At the age of 14, he worked as an apprentice at a print screen shop. It was there Martinez was given freedom to create and design as he pleased.

By age 17, his talent spoke for him. His work was appreciated by many, and he was encouraged to pursue a degree in art.

"I was already making money doing what I enjoyed," Martinez said. "I felt I shouldn't have to be graded on something that I was making a living at."

With much coaxing, Martinez agreed to pursue his art degree. He graduated in 1987 with a bachelor's of fine arts with emphasis in design.

"I saw a need when the children have nothing to do,

they tend to get into trouble."

- Daniel Martinez

One day, while taking a stroll in his East Village neighborhood, Martinez saw some young men "tagging" the MoLAA sign. He asked them why they were defacing the sign, and they responded that they felt left out.

Martinez explained this to Dr. Robert, Gumbiner, founder of MoLAA.

In February of 1997, Martinez joined the MoLAA staff as an advisor for the Art Education Program. His ingenuity in implementing the program aided in efforts to eliminate graffiti in the neighborhood.

"I saw a need for it," Martinez said. "When the children have nothing to do, they tend to get into trouble."

One of the plans of the Art Education Program was to introduce MoLAA to children in the neighborhood through class visits to the museum. Once the children are finished looking at the displays, they are given an opportunity to interpret what they have seen.

Since then, Martinez and MoLAA have offered Sunday Art Workshops.

"It's great because the children and their parents spend time working on projects together," Martinez said.

"The children really enjoy coming here because they are given freedom to express themselves," Susan Golden, manager of public relations, said.

Although MoLAA is dedicated to the exhibition and interpretation of Latin American art, children of all races and nationalities are welcome to attend the art camps and Sunday workshops facilitated by Martinez. He even encourages them to speak their native languages.