History

The Carpinteria Cultural Foundation (CCF) began life in 2022 as the Latinx Arts Project (Artes de Proyecto Latinx Carpinteria), an organization focused on the goal of highlighting Latinx arts and history in the Carpinteria community. Under the initial leadership and vision of Leslie Westbrook and Suzanne Requejo, the Latinx Arts Project produced the short film, "Voces de Old Town Carpinteria," which addressed the history of segregation at Aliso Elementary School. Dr. Jim Campos joined the group serving in the capacity of the organization’s historian for the film. Shortly after the completion of the film, the Latinx Arts Project began the process of fundraising for the design and creation of the first in a series of murals to be featured around town. Rich Medel and Dr. Jesus J. Gonzales joined to shore up this part of the operation.  Artes de Proyecto Latinx Carpinteria evolved into the Carpinteria Cultural Foundation, as the Board expanded its vision to include additional themes and communities that are part of the city's history.  The Aliso mural was completed as the Carpinteria Cultural Foundation’s first project. Mike Damron and Adriana González-Smith joined for the second mural project, one that would encompass the entire history of the Carpinteria Valley.