by Liz Hernández, CEO & Founder of ARTEZONA
The contribution of artists is essential to the vibrancy and growth of our communities around the world. For me it’s all about relationships, and I’m unrelenting in my passion to support the arts, amplify creativity, and elevate working artists.
With over 25 years as an art advocate, curator, and past owner of two brick and mortar galleries, I launched an online art gallery during the pandemic to showcase the work of many artists whom I had worked with and known personally for decades.
Artists are among my favorite people. All around us, artists and creative innovators contribute to our social, cultural, and economic ecosystem. Many have devoted their entire lives to making art and honing their skills. I believe that their creative practices deserve support and recognition.
That's why I’m very excited to make a transition from the commercial art gallery scene to the philanthropic side of the art world.
Earlier this year, I formed ARTEZONA, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation dedicated to providing grants to Artists as well access to the digital marketplace. The direct funding to Artists will be for almost everything from from art supplies to educational opportunities.
In acknowledgement of the many challenges that Artists encounter in learning, practicing, developing, sustaining, and promoting their creative work, ARTEZONA is committed to offering grants that could cover expenses for things like art supplies, tools, instruments, special projects, workshops, residency programs, as well as other needs or opportunities that have the potential to positively impact an artist's professional and artistic growth.
And we're proud to say that the ARTEZONA mission remains the same: to support working artists, amplify creativity and inspire people through art!