Meet Elizabeth Uribe

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Uribe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My pursuit of a creative career came from my curiosity of performance arts in high. I was amazed by the shows the theatre teacher and students produced that I got involved. I started assisting as stage crew then to being a dancer for the musical productions, and later joined the after-school salsa class. Looking back, I believe the arts found me because, as a kid, I remember always doing something creative or being surrounded by the arts. For example, one time my mom upcycled and got crafty with a pair of my shoes, bathing them in glitter for a family quinceañera. Another moment was in elementary school, I had the opportunity to learn how to play the violin through a program LAUSD had at some point.

The arts & culture field has always been present in my life, and I love it! I will say it is not an easy career and is not meant for the faint of heart. Yet, I would not change a thing I have experienced or have learned in my journey as a creative so far.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a multidisciplinary creative, I dabble in a variety of art mediums, such as collage, mixed-media, and film & media. My time as an Art and Activism intern in undergrad informed the type of creative I wanted to be. Ever since then, no matter where I go, I try to approach the arts & culture industry through a social justice and advocacy lens. Currently, I work for the South Gate Museum & Art Gallery, where I get to produce community art programming and make our gallery space accessible to our South East LA artists.

In addition, on my off time, I work on personal creative projects. I have been able to work on meaningful film & tv projects as a production assistant or producer for entities like PBS SoCal, Crimson Edge Productions, and Independent filmmakers. My most recent film as a producer is the Comanche Academy: A Healing Journey documentary with director Katheryn Boyd-Batstone, which has been a labor of love and collaboration with the Comanche Academy and Comanche community in Lawton, Oklahoma. Another project I am proud of is the Art Supply Swapmeet, which I started last year with my amiga Blanca, as the Broad Room’s supply closet in Sacramento inspired us to create something similar. We have made ours into pop-ups in which folks can swap, donate, or take art supplies that are new or gently used for free. A way to be environmentally sustainable while financially sustaining artists or community members who may need art supplies. The Art Supply Swapmeet has become a hub where folks gather and stay to create art or network with each other, which we are thrilled to see happen!

The journey to where I am now has not been easy, as the industry is always changing and is not always financially stable either. Especially for artists of color like myself who may be the first in their family to pursue a career in the arts. Over the year, I have learned that I enjoy projects that are collaborative, engaging, and incorporate topics I care about. This has helped me stay true to myself as a creative and overcome challenges, but still leaving room for growth. I am fortunate to have met so many extraordinary people along the way that I consider friends, mentors, and family. They give me wisdom and guidance at times when I feel lost. I have learned that every creative has their path and to not rush because then you miss out on celebrating you and your accomplishments. There is no need to compare myself to anyone else and to trust my gut.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would have us start at Cruzita’s Deli and Cafe in Huntington Park for lunch as they have tasty sandwiches and coffee. Then, we would check out what community programs are happening at Art Space HP. Not going to lie; we would probably hit up other local coffee pop-ups and do a coffee tour to try them all.

I am back in school for my master’s and came across the California Botanical Garden by the Claremont campus. So I would take them there as it is beautiful and peaceful, and then we would go to Claremont Village nearby for coffee and breakfast. Afterward, we would do some shopping at The Grove home store, which has so much cute pop culture merchandise.

Lastly, I would take them to Sonoratown in Long Beach because their taco and burrito menu is simple but so delicious! Also, the flour tortillas are just like the ones made in Sonaora, Mexico, where my mom is from.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people to give a shoutout to, as I’ve had lots of support along the way. I want to give a shoutout to the Matrarchy*, who are my biggest cheerleaders. In recent years, I would not have blossomed into my confidence and strength as a creative without the South East LA mujer artists, the SELA Gals (you know who you are), and my friends over at Art Space HP! Thank you for all the love and support throughout the years!

Website: https://elizabethuribe.weebly.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eli_sirena/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-uribe-128487a3

Other: Current film project: @comancheacademyfilm
Co-founder of @artsupplyswapmeet

Image Credits
The photos are by me

Comanche Academy Poster by Marlene @m2rl3n3