The Corita Art Center will officially open in Los Angeles on March 8, 2025. It celebrates artist and writer Corita Kent’s message of hope, justice, and resilience, which is much needed after Los Angeles suffered devastating fires in January.
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.
I attended a special event in Los Feliz celebrating her work
The event was presented at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz on November 23, 2024. It included Corita-inspired art projects, entertainment, conversations, and film screenings. Part of its purpose was to announce the relocation of the Corita Art Center and its opening on March 8, 2025.
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.
“Of the few single-artist spaces dedicated to women artists, this marks a significant milestone as Los Angeles welcomes its newest cultural space dedicated to one of its most important artists, Corita Kent. Corita was a pioneering artist who challenged societal norms, and used her creativity to inspire reflection, connection, and change,” said Nellie Scott, Corita Art Center Executive Director.
“We are honored to open our doors to serve others at a time when Los Angeles, the nation, and the world need Corita’s artwork, messages, and social practice the most. This inaugural exhibition is one that Los Angeles has never, until now, experienced—one that inspires new generations to see themselves as artists and changemakers.”
Corita Art Center 811 Tracton Ave #3a, Los Angeles, California 90013.
Admission is free, reservations are required. Donations are accepted here.
Corita’s work is also displayed in various locations around the world. Click here for current exhibitions.
Join the center’s mailing list for announcements here.
Leave a Reply