About Stay Arts

Who we are

Stay Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to broadening arts access and representation through high-quality arts education, community-led art programs, and impactful public art projects. Our mission is to engage, inspire, and empower local artists, youth, and families through the transformative power of the arts, design, creative exploration, and cultural expression.


What we do

We create welcoming spaces and meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the arts. Rooted in Southeast Los Angeles, our programs have provided arts education to thousands of students and supported local artists through exhibitions, commissions, and creative opportunities. Grounded in social-emotional learning, cultural relevance, and process-based artmaking, our work strengthens cultural identity and amplifies the creative contributions of our region across Los Angeles and beyond.

  • We provide high-quality visual and performing arts education in partnership with schools across the region, youth classes at Stay Studio, and mentorship opportunities for young artists. Our programs build confidence, promote mental and emotional wellbeing, and nurture a lifelong relationship with the arts, while helping to integrate creative expression into the fabric of daily life.

  • We collaborate with organizations to design and produce murals, art installations, and custom creative projects that enrich and transform public spaces. As a bridge between artists and large-scale opportunities, we prioritize representation and fair compensation that ensures artists are valued and reflected in the cultural landscape.

  • Our community programs inspire creativity and connection at Stay Studio and throughout the region. Rooted in the grassroots spirit that Stay Arts was founded on, these programs reflect our deep responsiveness to community needs. Through exhibitions, art markets, public events, and interactive experiences, we create accessible ways for people of all ages to engage with the arts and celebrate local creativity.

Stay Studio

Stay Studio is our dedicated creative space in Downtown Downey. We host weekly art classes for youth and adults, public programs like Paint & Sip and Family Paint Day, and select exhibitions and workshops throughout the year. Over the years, Stay Studio has become a cultural anchor in Southeast LA, a creative home for artists, students, and families alike. It serves as a welcoming hub for hands-on learning, artistic exploration, and meaningful community connection.

Our impact

Stay Arts emerged from a need for accessible arts programs, spaces, and resources in Southeast Los Angeles. For over a decade, we have supported hundreds of local artists, provided high-quality arts education to thousands of students and families, and created public art projects and community events with our local partners.

Our professional services – including mural production, art installations, and custom art programs – sustain our youth arts programs and public art initiatives across the region. By providing meaningful opportunities and fair compensation to local artists, we help ensure that creativity thrives wherever we work.

Since 2012, we have:

Represented

800+

Local and emerging artists

Produced

500+

free and low-cost exhibitions,
classes, and events

Served

15,000+

youth through our
arts education programs

Our Team

  • Gabriel Enamorado, Executive Director & Co-Founder

    Gabriel Enamorado

    Executive Director & Co-Founder
    See bio

  • Juliana Canty, Programs Director

    Juliana Canty

    Programs Director
    See bio

  • Amy Doyo, Teaching Artist

    Amy Doyo

    Teaching Artist

  • Carrie Molinaro, Teaching Artist

    Carrie Molinaro

    Teaching Artist

  • cindy macias, Teaching Artist

    cindy macias

    Teaching Artist

  • Daisy Velasco, Teaching Artist

    Daisy Velasco

    Teaching Artist

  • Isis Gomez, Teaching Artist

    Isis Gomez

    Teaching Artist

  • Julia Vartan, Teaching Artist

    Julia Vartan

    Teaching Artist

  • Mike Alcala, Teaching Artist

    Mike Alcala

    Teaching Artist

  • Sofia Carrillo, Teaching Artist

    Sofia Carrillo

    Teaching Artist

  • Yaileen Zamora, Teaching Artist

    Yaileen Zamora

    Teaching Artist

Board of Directors

George Manzanilla
Chairman

Luz Lluncor
Treasurer

Emely Martinez
Secretary

Barney Santos
Board Member

Valentin Flores
Board Member, Co-Founder

Community Partners

ArtsForLA

Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco

Avenue Press

BLVD MRKT

California Arts Council

California Senator Bob Archuleta

CalOSBA

CalNonprofits

City of Downey

Congressman Robert Garcia

Downey Arts Coalition (DAC)

Downey Chamber of Commerce

The Downey Conservancy

Downey Coordinating Council

Downey Council PTA

Downey Federal Credit Union (DFCU)

Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities

Downey GOOD

Downey Historical Society

Downey Kiwanis

Downey Patriot

Downey Rose Float Association

Downey Rotary

Downey Theatre

Downey Unified School District (DUSD)

Downtown Downey Improvement Association

Eastside Arts Initiative

Ecuamex Café

Ellen & Clarence Peterson Foundation

Exchange Club Family Support Center

Here LA

Home Field Advantage (HFA)

Kaiser Permanente

La Plaza de Cultura y Artes

L.A. County Department of Arts & Culture

L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn

Mary Stauffer Foundation

New World Mortgage

Odyssey STEM Academy

Open Walls

PIH Health

Poached Kitchen

Porto’s Bakery

Rancho Los Amigos

River In Action (RIA)

SELA Art Center

SELA Artists Guild

SELA Arts Festival

SELACO Workforce Development Board

South Gate Museum & Art Gallery

TLC Family Resource Center

Woodruff Academy

10-20 Club