The Creative Hive April

The Creative Hive, April 11, Latin American Cultural Center

Thursday, April 11, 20245:30 - 7:30PM

Latin American Cultural Center (4338 Bigelow Blvd., Oakland)

Free

The Creative Hive is a monthly networking event designed to provide a friendly and casual space for artists, creatives, art educators, culture bearers, and arts administrators to establish and foster professional relationships.

Program highlights include:

  • Free and tailored to artists, creatives, art educators, culture bearers, and arts administrators.
  • No program, no agenda – just show up with a desire to network and connect.
  • Be a part of creating stronger connections and bonds, especially between disciplines and roles, to improve the breadth and strength of our sector.
  • Non/alcoholic beverages provided, as well as finger foods.

Venue Info: The Latin American Cultural Center (LACC) is an outreach initiative of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA), a non-profit organization of nearly 14,000 scholars and students from around the world that has been based in Pittsburgh, PA since 1986. Significant expansion of both membership and programs led LASA to seek a new headquarters facility, and they found the perfect building in the historic district of Oakland — the educational center of Pittsburgh. Ample space in the new facility offered LASA room to expand, as well the opportunity to develop this exciting new outreach initiative for the public — the Latin American Cultural Center.

Accessibility Info: The outside entrance to the LACC's landmark historic building is wheelchair accessible by ramp. A small wheelchair is available on site, and the auditorium and permanent exhibits are accessible by an elevator. The Center’s stage and Special Exhibits Gallery are not accessible but accommodations can be made with advance notice. Should you have special needs in terms of accessibility, please call (610) 492-2790 so that they can make every effort to accommodate your needs. 

Parking Info: Paid parking is available on the street or in the University of Pittsburgh owned parking garage located under the lawn in front of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum located at 4141 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

Sign-up HERE!

The Creative Hive Hosts

Max Emiliano Gonzales (they/them)

Latino person with short wavy dark hair, blue t-shirt, and a small tattoo on their arm
Host of The Creative Hive Max Emiliano Gonzales, also known by their artist name “GEMS,” can be classified as an activist, art educator, muralist, graffiti writer, curator, and much more. Originally from the Southwest side of Chicago and raised in Latino communities, Max brings a unique perspective to Pittsburgh and their Garfield community. Max was brought to Pittsburgh in 2012 to attend Carnegie Mellon University's Fine Art program on a full-ride Scholarship. By 2016, Max had graduated with honors, secured multiple positions with the university, and was arrested as Pittsburgh’s most wanted graffiti artist. Rather than let the notoriety of their graffiti identity dwindle, Max has gone on to develop a career from it as a practicing artist, muralist, curator, and art educator.

Alexandria "Clara Kent" Reed (she/her)

Clara Kent
Program Specialist Clara Kent specializes in artists advocacy, artist outreach, events, creative direction, and social engagement.

Dr. Tahirah Walker (she/her)

A smiling Black woman with black-and-gray hair, large circular dangly earrings, a chain necklace, and a bright blue top. She's posing outside in front of a brick wall covered with greenery
Host of The Creative Hive, January-December 2024

Tahirah Walker is an assistant professor in the Department of Community Engagement & Leadership at Point Park University's Rowland School of Business. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetorical Studies. Tahirah enjoys books, books, books, music, visual art, and her beautiful supportive family. Tahirah is inspired by a wide range of writers, musicians, and visual artists including Deesha Philyaw, Brian Broome, Kiese Laymon, Yona Harvey, Stevie Wonder, Kara Walker, Reyna Noriega, and the incomparable noteholder mezzo soprano like no other, Whitney Elizabeth Houston.

Event accessibility is our priority

The Arts Council is committed to making its programs accessible to everyone - even virtual events. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate in this event, please email events@pittsburghartscouncil.org at least two weeks prior to the event. Event accommodations may include ASL; Open Captioning; Audio Description; digital, large-print or Braille materials, etc. If an accommodation would be helpful and the lead time is less than two weeks, please let us know so we can make every effort to help you fully participate. To learn more, check out our Event Accessibility page.