Community Highlights: Meet Christina Valles of Art 444 the Community

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Valles.

Hi Christina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been into art for as long as I can remember. It’s always been the easiest way for me to express myself and connect with my emotions. When I was 19 I started looking more into community-based work, wanting to create my own organization. I had the idea to provide free art supplies, classes, and events for artists in the community but wasn’t necessarily sure of how to do so. At the time I lacked the knowledge and even confidence I have now at 24 years old to create such an organization.

I kept the idea in the back of my mind but drifted away from bringing it to life. It wasn’t until last year that I saw a video promoting a free art supply in Sacramento, California run by Claire Curley. Immediately I commented, asking for more information. She was helpful and pushed for more free art supply organizations to be started in other states. Soon after I started Art 444 the Community here in Phoenix.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, the hardest part was getting started. Most of the struggles I’ve faced were due to personal issues I had within myself. I think it’s very easy to become your own worst enemy and biggest roadblock, especially when starting something new. I doubted myself constantly. Even the idea of putting myself out there and interacting with new people scared me. Those fears have subsided due to the amount of support I’ve received from the community. I’m amazed every time I receive a donation and it shows me how willing those in the community are to help one another. I’m lucky to have my younger sister and brother as well, who have been by my side at past events, giving me encouragement when needed. It’s a group effort.

Everyone has been supportive and welcoming and it’s one of my favorite things to see at events. Seeing people show up looking timid and keeping to themselves, but by the time the event is over everyone is speaking to one another, exchanging contact information, and forming new friendships. Getting started is in my opinion the hardest part about embarking on something new, along with learning to trust myself. Once you push yourself past that fear and start, you just got to trust yourself to handle any challenge thrown your way. Then the rest will eventually fall into place.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Art 444 the Community accepts donations of new/gently used art supplies which we then provide free of charge for artists in the community and are also used at community events. Art is an expensive hobby, limiting the number of people who can participate. Creating art in any form is one of the best and most freeing ways to connect with yourself. It should not be limited to only those who can afford it. Capitalism is the root of our suffering. In a society where the upper class has access to anything they desire, it leaves those of us in the middle and lower class with a complete lack of resources and basic human rights. Your favorite painting, film, or book could be stuck in the mind of someone who is unable to execute their idea due to this. I believe we all deserve the opportunity to express ourselves, nobody should be robbed of that.

Art is healing, everyone is deserving of creating it. Anyone is capable of being an artist, there are no limits. Nowadays there is a push for “hustle culture” and individualism which is damaging. We should not see one another as competition. There is room for all of us to succeed. When we come together and work together, we are much more powerful.

Community is needed now more than ever. Social media has taken over, especially since the pandemic of COVID-19 which left people with no choice but to be isolated and rely on online communication. Depression and anxiety rates skyrocketed during this time. Although there are benefits to online communities, they should not be a replacement for real-life human connections. Nothing compares to being in a room surrounded by other like-minded individuals, supporting and rooting for one another.

My goal with Art 444 the Community is not only to provide free art supplies and opportunities for artists here in Arizona but also to create a safe space. I want our events to bring individuals in the community closer together, giving people the chance to meet new faces and create lifelong bonds. I myself have suffered from mental illness since a young age and know what it’s like to feel alone. I spent many years isolating myself, feeling as if I didn’t belong anywhere. Art 444 the Community will give people a sense of belonging, knowing there is a community reaching out to them with open arms where they will be heard and understood. We must take care of one another.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
What surprises people most about Art 444 the Community is the fact we give away supplies completely free of charge. Sketchbooks, canvases, paint, marker sets, yarn, ribbon, and much more. I remember at our first pop there were multiple people double-checking with me, almost in disbelief, asking me things like, “Are you sure?” and “Why?” I think we’ve become so conditioned to paying expensive prices, the idea of something being free seems abnormal, especially something that brings us joy.

This should not be our reality. We are all deserving of participating in things that bring us happiness without having to stress about the cost. It’s all thanks to generous donations provided by those in the community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art444thecommunity/