We had the good fortune of connecting with Cora Ramirez-Vasquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cora, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Gallery Azul provides opportunities to emerging, working, artists of various cultural backgrounds. We mindfully create group art exhibitions that emphasize sociocultural issues. We believe, that as artists, we have the power and an obligation to bring awareness, promote discussion and critical thinking about the various sociocultural issues that impact us all. In doing this we hope to cause a ripple effect in our community and hopefully the world.

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?
We moved to San Pedro and chose to open a business here because we love the vibe of the community. As a world traveler I find San Pedro to have some of the most interesting, creative, and dedicated people and beautiful historical architecture. It is a close knit and welcoming community. Our favorite breakfast and dinner spots include Pacific Diner, Rex’s Cafe, San Pedro Brewing Company, Baramee Thai, Kalaveras, and Pina’s Cafe. We would make sure to visit Crafted and Brouwerij West. We would walk San Pedro’s 1st Thursday artwalk, and check out local art. We would go to San Pedro’s Farmer’s market on Friday and get a vegan smoothie from Nuda. Check out a show at Collage and the Annex. We would save our most favorite spot for last, The Artistry Lounge and Gallery and have a delicious dinner and fabulous wine.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where we are today has many contributing factors: dedication, research, family, friends, mentors, and artists. However, my true partner is my husband and co-owner Raymond Vasquez. Our gallery is a true team effort. He is a fellow artist who also works full time as a high school principal for a school with emphasis on the arts.

Website: Www.galleryazul.com

Instagram: GalleryAzul

Twitter: @galleryazul

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalleryAzul/

Other: Www.coraramirezvasquez.com Www.Facebook.com/coraramirezvasquez2

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.