LOS ANGELES, CA.- Corita Art Center (CAC) announces its official opening in the heart of the Los Angeles Arts District on March 8, 2025. This milestone marks a new chapter in bringing the legacy of Corita Kent—a groundbreaking artist, educator, and social justice advocate—into the spotlight. Often referred to as the “Pop-Art Nun,” Corita’s artwork pushed the boundaries of art and social practice. The Center’s independence, new location, programming, and exhibitions are focused on ensuring Corita’s place is embedded in the community and art history.
Explore the Intersection of Art and Activism: Unlock Corita Kent’s transformative teachings through her influential works.
"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.”
The inaugural exhibition, heroes and sheroes, pays homage to important figures that Corita believed inspired and uplifted society. Between 1968 and 1969, Corita produced 29 prints that she identified as "a set of heroes and sheroes." The series represents a pivotal moment in her artistic journey, created shortly after she took a sabbatical from Immaculate Heart College and subsequently left the order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. While Corita never directly participated in the radical activities associated with many of her contemporaries of the religious left—such as Daniel Berrigan and the Catonsville Nine—the heroes and sheroes artworks capture Corita’s evolving vision and her powerful engagement with the social and political movements of the 60s. The prints address topics such as labor and civil rights, nuclear disarmament, and political assassinations while employing imagery and language from mass media. Notable figures in this series include Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Robert F. Kennedy, and Cesar Chavez.
"The exhibition will debut the full suite of heroes and sheroes in Los Angeles for the first time, highlighting Corita Kent's powerful use of mass media to address the pressing issues of her era—many of which remain strikingly relevant today,” stated Olivian Cha, CAC Senior Curator. “Designed to engage and inspire a younger generation, the exhibition is also accompanied by a thoughtfully developed curriculum that we hope will foster dialogue and deeper reflection as it tours colleges and universities nationwide.”
Space for Connection, Creativity, and Research
More than just a gallery, the space invites visitors to engage in Corita’s art and ideas, fostering dialogue and a deeper understanding of her life and work. Programming such as exhibitions, workshops, and educational activities will showcase selected artworks and archival materials from the collection, offering visitors unique opportunities to explore Corita’s creative process, life, and enduring impact.
"It is long overdue for Corita Kent’s work to have a space of its own—as a hub for creativity, community, and dialogue that reflects her belief that art should be accessible to all. In a city where female artists remain vastly underrepresented, the opening of the Corita Art Center in this vibrant and creative neighborhood stands as a powerful testament to her enduring impact and the necessity of amplifying women's voices in art," said Sheharazad Fleming, Corita Art Center Board Chair.
With partnerships across Los Angeles, the Center is committed to expanding its collaborations with nonprofit and educational organizations, upholding its mission of democratizing art and empowering individuals through creative exploration. Staying true to Corita’s vision of accessibility, the Center remains dedicated to offering free admission for all visitors, with a special day set aside, weekly, for nonprofit partners and educational groups to access the space for group tours.
Additionally, CAC will offer access to a seminal and comprehensive archive of Corita Kent’s life and works, providing a resource for researchers, educators, and art enthusiasts alike. This archive underscores Corita’s lasting impact on art and social practice, offering valuable insights into her innovative methodologies and the cultural movements she engaged with throughout her career.
Interior Murals: “Ten Rules” and More
In addition to the exhibition, the new CAC space will feature murals inspired by Corita’s artworks, created through collaborations with Los Angeles-based designers, sign painters, and community organizations. Each mural was hand-painted by a skilled team of students and faculty from the world-renowned LA Trade Tech College Sign Graphics program.
A mural of Corita’s “Ten Rules,” a set of guiding principles co-authored with her students at Immaculate Heart College will greet guests as they enter the building are followed by the upstairs murals inspired by Corita serigraphs—in (1964) and left (1967)—which use directional street signs as source materials. Conceived and designed by Los Angeles-based creative agency Keith & Co., the collaborations exemplify the spirit of creativity and community that Corita championed throughout her life.
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