Daily Inspiration: Meet Elizabeth Toledo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Toledo.

Hi Elizabeth, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in California to immigrant parents, I was raised in Arizona and Sonora. My earliest memories, are talk about art; I have always loved art in all of its forms. Growing up I would draw continuously, otherwise, I would be singing. These activities were not rare in the Toledo household, as most of my family members were involved in the arts, the visual as well as the performing. Therefore, my decision to pursue these passions professionally was fully supported.

My Bachelor of Fine Arts permitted me to teach performing and visual arts in the Isaac School District, an inner city elementary and middle school district. Nine years later, and with a Masters in School Administration, I entered an administrative position in Arizona’s largest public high school district, Phoenix Union. My artwork was put on the back burner because my career took a great amount of time. Now retired, I have returned to the corner of my mind where I had stored my many paintings and art projects that circumstances did not allow me to adventure.

My artwork demonstrates the cultural influences of my life. My upbringing in the Arizona/Sonora desert with its rich landscapes, array of strong colors, passionate monsoons, powerful arroyos and comforting heat have been my inspiration to create with the ardor displayed. MY artwork consists mostly of female figure drawings and paintings with a surreal influence and with the intent of bringing forth the pains and passions of the female existence.

Since my retirement in 2014, I was recruited to volunteer at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center (ALAC) in downtown Phoenix. A few years later I became the Executive Director. ALAC is a nonprofit organization that promotes, mentors and educates upcoming artists, visual and performing.

Among the many tasks of running a nonprofit cultural organization, I oversee the numerous community cultural events that include art exhibits, entertainment, community cultural awareness, art education, fund raising and publicity. All events are open to the public.

I have developed curriculum of art education for elementary, middle/high school students as well as adults. These classes are facilitated by master educators. My connection with the City of Phoenix public education, has made ALAC one of the favorite school field trips because the students get historic education, writing prompts and a peak into the life of an artist.

Supporting, mentoring and promoting the Arizona artists has become my new passion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a non profit is always a struggle. Our goal is to promote the local artist both visual and performing. We want to sell their art pieces and we want to be able to pay the artist that are performing. Our exhibitions are also a cultural experiences for the benefit of the community.

Having a gift shop helps, especially when we are in season and the Phoenix Convention Center, which is across the street, is very beneficial. Visitors from across the globe love being able to take home a one of the kind, hand painted or print from a local artisan. The other benefit is to be able to rent the venue for private office or personal parties, receptions or workshops.

We also rely heavily on grants, donations and sponsorship and finding these has been a great challenge.

Most of our staff are volunteers resident artists and luckily they have been here for many years. It is a lot of physical work to set up and tear down an event; but their dedication is reliable. As their love for the arts.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My artwork is mostly the female figure. My work tells the story, the struggles and the love. For example: I have painted a series of La Llorona, a famous legend of the southwest of a beautiful indigenous woman who furiously drowns her children in an arroyo after her beloved tell her he is taking her children away to Spain to never see them again. I have also ventured into Wearable Art, where some of my art prints are sewn into jackets and also painted on clothing. I also have hats and bags. My Wearable Art is well received and sells well.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My passion for my work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: elizabethtoledoart
• Facebook: Elizabeth Toledo
• Twitter: vivatoledo