The Alta took an important step forward with a special VIP Preview celebrating LA LA LA, the inaugural exhibition featuring works by renowned Chicana artist Patssi Valdez alongside artists Gabriela Ruiz and rafa esparza.
Community leaders, artists, philanthropists, civic officials, and supporters gathered for an evening of art, music, and storytelling, offering many their first opportunity to experience the new arts and cultural space ahead of its official grand opening later this year.
Located in Los Angeles' Eastside, The Alta represents a bold vision for how art, culture, health, and community can come together to inspire connection, belonging, and well-being. Guests explored the facility and learned about current projects and future plans for exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programming, academic research opportunities, wellness initiatives, and community gatherings.
"Artists help us understand who we are and imagine what is possible," says Pilar Tompkins Rivas. "The Alta honors the voices and stories of Chicana/o/x and Mexican artists whose contributions have shaped our cultural landscape, creating a place where their work can inspire healing, learning, connection, and belonging for generations to come."
The evening highlighted LA LA LA, curated by Marco Antonio Flores, AltaMed Art Collection curator, with support from Ray Fernandez, manager of the Patssi Valdez Studio. The exhibition marks Patssi Valdez's first solo exhibition in more than a decade and showcases her distinctive photography, painting, and mixed-media works inspired by the vibrancy and creativity of Los Angeles and the communities AltaMed has served for more than 50 years.
As a natural extension of the AltaMed Art Collection, The Alta is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and elevating the work of Chicana/o/x and Mexican artists, filmmakers, writers, and cultural leaders. By sharing stories that have too often been overlooked, The Alta seeks to foster cultural pride, deepen community connections, and create opportunities for healing and learning across generations.
While the VIP Preview marked an exciting beginning, it is only the start of what The Alta will become. As programming continues to expand and preparations move forward for the official grand opening, The Alta is poised to become a vibrant community resource where art, culture, and wellness come together to serve and inspire future generations.
The Alta is currently open by appointment. Inquire about a tour.
