Showcasing up and coming talents, RAW Natural Born Artists is on a mission to keep your community connected to local, independent artists in all creative disciplines. So what exactly is RAW Natural Born Artists? I’m glad you asked. It is a collective movement started by Southern California’s own Heidi Luerra. The RAW team assembles and promotes artists through their online community as well as through their monthly events. Their site features artists’ profiles, making it easier for you to get to know them and what they do. Hosting four cites which currently include Los Angeles, Fullerton, Santa Monica, and Long Beach, RAW is able to freely promote Southern Californian artists to a waiting audience.
As a platform for up and coming visual artists, fashion designers, musicians, comedians, filmmakers, etc. RAW’s event nights make discovering new art and fresh talent more accessible to the public. RAW recently hosted a showcase at the Cherch Lounge in Fullerton. A veritable smorgasbord of creativity, the event highlighted standup comedian/magician Justin Rivera, music by Octavius Womack, fashions by Metevo Clothing, hair by Melissa McFadden, makeup by Yvette Mendoza, and the musical styling’s of DJ Martin Vidal. A pop-up gallery was on display with art from Kaleeka Bond, Patricia Cory, Shannon LeClair, and Raymond DeLuna. A short film by Luke Randall was screened for the audience to kick off the night’s events. The festive occasion was an exciting experience and a fun way to discover something a little out of the ordinary.
When attending their showcase nights, you are exposed to great performances and art while also getting a chance to mingle and network with fellow art connoisseurs. Helping link artists to the public and professionals, RAW ultimately supplies the foundation for future harmonious collaborations. The team’s positive vibe is key to their message of “connecting independent artists with the tools, resources, and exposure to inspire and incubate creativity, productivity, and success.” The tools that RAW provides to their group of artists are given through workshops that coach them on the business side of their given industry.
Not only does RAW work to broaden your cultural horizon, but they are also good for you. And when I say “good for you,” I mean that they help out that planet you live on called Earth. By being completely green, RAW goes as far as making donations to the Carbon Fund to cancel the emissions of the cars that travel to their events. They also do the majority of their promotion via the web and texting. Only when paper is an essential marketing tool do they use only 100% recycled paper. RAW also facilitates artists with giving back to the community by connecting them with charitable organizations. These simple contributions make a world of difference in the long run and make it a win-win situation for all parties involved in their movement.
Now that you know about RAW Natural Born Artists be sure to check their site and make your way out to one their showcase nights. Artists can also submit applications to become a part of the RAW team. To learn more visit www.rawartists.org. Eco-friendly sensibilities and accessible art are what sets this organization apart from the rest. Looks like it’s time for you to go RAW.
Photos taken by Hiro Landazuri
