TESTIMONIALS
Janet Diane
Gutierrez
"I owe a lot to PIECES. It is a place where young artists can expand on their knowledge of their skills, but also a place where we are allowed to be who we are.
PIECES encourages every member to not be afraid to explore the artist in them, and as a result the creativity in this group only excels. There is a great variety of people in PIECES. We differ from cultures to taste in music, to what we think should be done at our next event, but that's how PIECES is meant to be; different artists with different ideas collaborating to produce an inspiring final product.
It is very much a community organization, but we also focus on our personal goals. We have all been able to achieve great things at PIECES and I am forever grateful for the opportunities that are open here."
Erika
Tavares
"PIECES is my second home. Its allowed me to expand on my music and meet new and amazingly talented young folks. Lalo, Monica and all the volunteers are incredibly kind, helpful and supportive!"
Daijavaun
Nixon
"This might be a little cliché, but PIECES literally changed my life. If you want to be involved with a community of artists that will help strengthen your craft, look no further."
Christian Londono
"The level of support that members receive and deliver amongst each other is the backbone of this organization. What I admire most about PIECES is that every individual involved whether member, mentor, or volunteer has a unique piece of mind to contribute to the whole purpose of what PIECES stands for."
"Besides learning many technical aspects about visual and performing arts, young adults experience an open and comfortable social environment that serves as a support hub where members may collaborate on specific projects and/or eventsthat meet the goals and expectations of each member."
Shane Issac
Basey
"PIECES is a non-profit that really stands out compared to others. It allows young adults to be themselves. They can focus on their creative art skills free from distractions and prepare their craft for a professional environment. Creator/Owner Lalo Marquez shows a never ending passion for his students giving 100% of his time no matter the project and/or situation. I feel so lucky to be a part of some thing so positive and surround myself with great people. At Pieces, everyone is in the spotlight. Everyone can benefit from the amazing list of classes and instructors."
Sally
Deng
Sally
Deng
Sally
Deng
"Lalo is the physical embodiment of positivity and optimism. With every goal you set for yourself, he will raise it higher, never failing to let you know just how much more potential you have.
His sincerity and limitless excitement will lead you to constantly push your own boundaries and surpass even your own expectations. Through determination and hard work, Lalo has created a very special and very much needed creative environment. At Pieces, you will find a similar group of people who share the same amount of enthusiasm and passion that one can only find amongst those truly in love with art."
"Lalo is the physical embodiment of positivity and optimism. With every goal you set for yourself, he will raise it higher, never failing to let you know just how much more potential you have.
His sincerity and limitless excitement will lead you to constantly push your own boundaries and surpass even your own expectations. Through determination and hard work, Lalo has created a very special and very much needed creative environment. At Pieces, you will find a similar group of people who share the same amount of enthusiasm and passion that one can only find amongst those truly in love with art."
Nikki Hernandez
"Being a part of PIECES helped me build up my confidence in my poetry. I used to think my poetry wasn't good enough but Lalo, Founder, gave me a platform & damn near forced me to get on stage lol. I received constructive feedback. Lalo gave me direction. But I needed that push and guidance. I'm very thankful to this organization as a whole (Monica & Lalo, Members & Partners), because they cultivate such a safe and creative space to be myself and learn and grow. Thank you."
Nehi
Thompson
"I met Lalo back in 2010 at a high school open mic I was performing at. 2 years later he's telling me about this idea he has for an non profit Arts Center for talented and forgotten youth. Fast forward almost 3 years and this center now known as PIECES is and will continue to be one of the most influential pillars of art, community, and love, not only in my life but in the life of so many I know. It's an honor to have introduced so many people I know to PIECES and the magic we bring to the arts community. FIRST VENICE, THEN THE WORLD!!"
Teresa
Escobar
"I love coming to PIECES! I'm a consistent member of pieces. It's such a great thriving creative community for me as an artist and as a student. I learn so much from everyone there, it is like an environment of expanding ideas. Thank you pieces! I really wouldn't know what to do without your support and love."
Josie Cordova
"PIECES is quirky, unique, motivating, and everything a non-profit should be. Not only does it allow their members to express themselves, it allows them the excel. PIECES offers various programs i.e painting, graffiti art, poetry, dance, music, and audio engineering... The list continues to grow.
Within the past year, I have witnessed this non-profit grow alongside with its members. It acknowledges these young-adults when most programs cease to do so at the age of 18. Unlike most non-profits, PIECES helps guide these young adults and gives them the experience to put their talents into play. Therefore preparing them for a field if they wish to pursue it.
This non-profit is a definite must if you wish to grow as a creative mind. Let them be a PIECE that guides you in the right direction."
Lyndraice
Papa
"The life of a musician without a family support has always been a difficult to pursui dream. The dream in this sense isn't to be famous, it's to be heard. PIECES has been the backbone of my voice. Not only does PIECES provide space, workshops, equipment and quality art time to grow, but they have a strong support system for their members."
"PIECES has been gathering people with many different talents and levels to work as one unit. The professional level and dedication of these members make PIECES a safe haven for those who want to excel in their art. "
Belle
Rousse
"Pieces is a wonderful organization for the arts. As a struggling musician from out of town, they gave be the tools, resources, and community of artists to collaborate with that I would otherwise not have. They were a huge part of my artistic development thus far and I am lucky to call them my pieces family! "
Rachael Day
"I have been a PIECES member for about one year. Since then, PIECES has offered me mentorship, a network of support, a place to get inspired, and opportunities to grow both personally and within my career. As a recent art student graduate, knowing that PIECES is there has helped tremendously in giving me piece of mind in knowing that I will continue to have a space and a network of peers within which to create art. With the help of PIECES, I was able to take part in my first group show in a gallery setting. This gave me a chance to showcase my art for several weeks, talk about my work amongst a panel of my peers, and opportunities to sell my artwork. I was also able to take the lead on several murals that were painted at Plummer Elementary School, earlier this year in September, as part of UCLA’s annual Volunteer Day. This provided me with leadership opportunities, an occasion to try something new in order to expand my skills set, and monetary compensation for my work and designs. I am immeasurably grateful for PIECES and the opportunities and support it has provided me with, and I will continue to be involved every chance I get. Being able to be a part of a network of passionate people who also have a creative drive and are striving for the same goals I am is invaluable and very precious to me."
