Corita Kent (1918 – 1986), also known as Sister Mary Corita Kent, was a former nun, artist, designer, and educator. She entered the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart at 18, graduated with a bachelor’s degree at Immaculate Heart College in Hollywood, and obtained a master’s degree at USC. She later became the head of the art department at Immaculate Heart College.
She is known for her serigraph designs for posters, book covers, and murals, but she also designed the LOVE postal stamp of 1985 and the 1971 Rainbow Swash, which covered a 150-foot gas tank in Boston.
Her work was celebrated at Corita Day at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz on November 23, 2024. The day included Corita-inspired art projects, entertainment, conversations, and film screenings.
It was also announced that the Corita Art Center will relocate to the Los Angeles Arts District on March 8, 2025.
A billboard in Los Angeles featuring her iconic 1984 artwork Hope will be installed near the 101 freeway at Western Ave, near Santa Monica Blvd. The work was created as a serigraph in 1965.
Corita Kent’s artwork was particularly popular during the 1960s and 70s as it addressed poverty, racism, and inequality. It stands out with its vibrant colors indicative of that time.
The Corita Art Center
The Corita Art Center was founded in 1997 to preserve and display Corita Kent’s art, teaching, and passion for social justice. Its collection includes 30,000 artworks, objects, and archival materials. Follow Corita Art Center on Instagram @coritaartcenter.
Corita’s work is also displayed in various locations around the world. Click here for current exhibitions.
The address of the center will be announced when it opens in March.
Join the center’s mailing list for announcements here.
The Philosophical Research Center
Corita Day was hosted at the Philosophical Research Center in Los Feliz near Griffith Park. It was founded in 1934 by author Manly Palmer Hall and has an extensive 30,000-piece collection of esoteric books, manuscripts, and artwork.
Spiritual seekers can take part in courses, lectures, and events. A gift shop and theater are available on the premises. Members receive invitations to membership-only events and will receive discounts for events and other services.
In addition to its rare book collection, visitors can take part in eclectic and rare film screenings, book signings and lectures, magic lantern shows, spiritual concerts, gatherings of the Death Cafe on mortality, Celtic shadow-puppet shows, alchemy, L.A. history and culture, mystical poetry, ancient folklore, exhibits by local artists, sound baths, Butoh dance workshops, ad somatic movement classes.
The Philosophical Research Society
3910 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323.663.2167
info [at] prs.org
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