We were lucky to catch up with Christina Valles recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Since a young age I’ve known I wanted to pursue a career in the arts. My dad inspired me with his own creativity. He would draw often when I was younger and I remember sitting at the kitchen table while I watched him. It’s also him who has instilled in me to follow what makes me happiest. Art has been and remains what makes me happiest. I’ve loved drawing and painting since I was little. I used to want to be a fashion designer when I was around 8 years old and had a small journal I’d draw my ideas in and then use my own old clothing and fabric scraps to bring the creations to life. Writing has always been a comfort for me as well. Reading was and still is one of my favorite things to do and I’d constantly write my own short stories. I self published a poetry book when I was 19. Painting has been my main focus as of lately. I love abstract expressionism and intuitive painting, it’s my favorite way to connect with myself. Everything I’ve done has always led me back to art. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. I feel out of balance when I go even just a few days without creating. I know it’s what I’m meant to be doing. For awhile I debated becoming an art therapist. I knew I wanted to do something where I was able to help others through creative expression. A few years back, starting an organization was what I felt most called to be doing. The idea was there, but it wasn’t brought to life until last year. My nonprofit, Art 444 the Community is a mix of everything I love.

Christina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m the Founder and Executive Director of Art 444 the Community, a nonprofit organization that collects donations of new/gently used art supplies which are then provided to artists in the community for free and used to host free art classes taught by local artists. Art is a human right and we all deserve the opportunity to express ourselves. In the past I would host pop ups with the free art supplies, but we have received such a large amount of donations due to our generous community that I’m currently working on making my garage our new space. It will then be appointment based where artists will be able to schedule a time which works best for them to stop by and take home free art supplies. My long term goal is owning a building where not only will free supplies be provided, but also be a space for creatives to come together. Community is everything. We are all we have. It’s important for us to take care of one another, which we have the ability to do. I am big on community over competition. I believe there is room for everybody to succeed. Sharing our own experiences and knowledge can be the next stepping stone for someone else’s journey.

I’m heavily inspired by my community. The organization would not exist if it was not for all of the consistent support and donations I receive from them. I’m always learning, it’s never ending. I learn something new everyday about how to run a nonprofit. A lot of work is done behind the scenes and I’m extremely grateful to my siblings for all they have done to support and help me as well. I’m inspired by Claire Curley who runs a free art supply organization in Sacramento, California. She’s very supportive of the nonprofits she has inspired and is the blueprint. I’m inspired by my younger self. Everything I do is with her in mind.

My main focus is creating an environment where everybody feels heard, accepted and inspired.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I don’t necessarily see anyone as “non-creative”, but rather people who have suppressed the voice inside of them leading toward their calling. Everyone is capable of being an artist. I see “non-creatives” as those who are simply out of touch with their inner artist, which is more than likely due to the lack of a support system, no access to materials and the capitalistic society this country runs on. Majority of people have no choice but to choose what will pay their bills rather than going after what their heart feels called to. Many work multiple jobs, leaving them with no free time to find a space in their community and makes them miss out on time with their loved ones. It’s no surprise this leaves people feeling defeated and kills their creative spirit that is naturally embedded in all of us. This should not be reality. Everyone deserves to live out their passion. Art comes in many forms, not just the painter or photographer. Chefs, mechanics, athletes, they are all artists. Everything is art. Art is in everything we do. I think those who struggle to understand are stuck in a mindset intentionally instilled by a system that wants them sacrificing their hopes and dreams, which they shouldn’t be looked down on or blamed for. That’s what is so important about bringing the community together, for us to show one another we are here to support each other. It’s easy to become disconnected from yourself and your community when you have no choice but to put all your focus into making rent and trying to survive. We need to wake up and look at the world around us. We need to recognize the power we hold within ourselves and how amplified that power becomes when we work together.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As an artist I find I’m constantly learning and discovering new things about myself. Through my art, I learn so much about me. Creativity comes with risk. It takes a whole lot of courage to share something you created with the world. I put so much emotion into everything I do, it’s like handing your literal heart to somebody. Facing what scares you head on is rewarding when you realize fear is nothing but an illusion. I applaud anybody who is brave enough to do the same. It’s rewarding when others are able to connect with your art. Although I make my art for me and only me, I feel honored when I receive messages from people expressing their love for a certain painting I made. Sharing your art allows for conversations to be had that would have never happened without it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Nonprofit instagram: @art444thecommunity Art instagram: @christina.valles