At VPE Communications, we take pride in amplifying the voices of changemakers through purpose-driven communications. In honor of Earth Month, we’re shining a light on our recent work with Self Help Graphics & Art’s groundbreaking exhibition, Sinks: Places We Call Home, a highlight of Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative.  

This Los Angeles exhibition exemplified artivism—the intersection of art and activism—by using creative expression to raise awareness and inspire action around environmental justice. 

Curated by Marvella Muro, Sinks  focused on the long-term environmental impact of industrial pollution in historically underserved neighborhoods like Vernon and Willowbrook. Featuring artists  Maru Garcia  and  Beatriz Jaramillo, the exhibition blended scientific data with compelling visual art to tell the story of Black and Brown communities in Los Angeles who have borne the brunt of land contamination and environmental neglect. 

The exhibition was created in partnership with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and grassroots organizations like the Willowbrook Community Garden. Together, they addressed the legacy of environmental racism while providing tools for community empowerment and change. 

“The case studies featured by the exhibit, Vernon and Willowbrook, show how Black and Brown communities are linked by environmental injustice and exploitation that, unfortunately, many communities of color across the nation continue to face,” said Marvella Muro, Director of Artistic Programs and Sink Curator, Self Help Graphics. “While the exhibit shows this hard reality, it also uplifts community-driven solutions and provides resources that empowers audiences with the tools they can use to stay vigilant, active, and engaged to fight against environmental injustice.” 

(Source: theluckman.org)

The VPE team executed a targeted local and national media outreach campaign that earned significant press coverage and visibility for Self Help Graphics & Art, including several Spectrum 1 segments showing onsite footage of the Sinks exhibition at the Luckman Gallery featuring interviews with Muro, Garcia, and Jaramillo. The media strategy helped extend the impact of the exhibition beyond the gallery walls fostering broader community conversations around environmental equity, public health and social justice. 

This campaign underscores our belief in purpose-driven communications. When stories are rooted in authenticity and impact, the results go far beyond metrics and have the power to drive change.  

Supporting the arts is one of our Community Impact pillars at VPE Communications. We are proud to have a long-standing history of supporting organizations and causes that increase access to the arts. Collaborating with Self Help Graphics & Art and the intersection of art and advocacy was powerful. 

To learn more about Self Help Graphics & Art’s t ongoing programming including art exhibitions, volunteer opportunities, events, merch, and free workshops  visit  Self Help Graphics & Art.