Honoring Chris and Raul Rodriguez
This year the 2024 Frogtown Artwalk is dedicated to two talented and dedicated artists/residents of Elysian Valley: Raul and Chris Rodriguez. Raul is a true native - born and raised right here in Frogtown. Chris married Raul and moved into the neighborhood in 1981. We asked Chris to share some information about their history with the area, and their pursuit of various artistic endeavors over the years. We think you will enjoy their story as much as we did!
RAUL RODRIGUEZ - Growing up in Frogtown
Raul's grandparents moved their families to the neighborhood in the early 1940’s. Raul’s dad and mom met at a high school dance, and as was typical, stayed here in Elysian Valley, remaining close to grandparents and cousins as they raised their four boys.
Raul’s love of nature can be traced to a childhood spent playing in the LA river. He and his brothers would fill their pockets with frogs, a surprise for their mother who later discovered them swimming in the washing machine!
Raul was in the second of four generations of Rodriguez family members that attended Dorris Place elementary school. Raul went on to Marshall high school, community college, finally graduating from UCLA in 1976 with a B.A. in Geography. After UCLA, Raul received a full scholarship to graduate school at the University of Michigan to study geography and cartography. On his way to a field study site with a professor, Raul's car was in a catastrophic accident, leaving him with injuries that had life-long impacts on his health.
CHRIS RODRIGUEZ - From Kalamazoo to Los Angeles
Chris Rodriguez was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her grandmother, Emma, had an embroidery business, began in the 1930’s during the depression. Chris’ mother worked with Emma and after school, Chris and her sister would join them. If they were bored, there was always a needle and thread handy. Chris’ dad worked for an architect, but did photography, lapidary work, cross stitch embroidery and miniature boat building. Chris and her sister were encouraged in any crafty endeavors they wanted to try.
Chris attended the University of Michigan to pursue her dream in Architecture. During her junior year she met a grad student, Raul Rodriguez, who moved into the dorm room across the hall, and it changed her life forever. Raul's accident interrupted their courtship, but after his mother saw Chris' dedication to him in the hospital, she knew Chris was "a keeper". Ultimately, Chris got a job at UCLA’s graduate library and then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Library Science. She retired in 2019 after working 25 years as a branch manager for the Burbank Public Library.
CHRIS AND RAUL - An Artistic Life
In 1981, the Rodriguez family returned to Elysian Valley/Frogtown and actively participated in the community. They brought up their children in the Rodriguez residence on Shoredale Street. Raul initially worked seasonally for the California Department of Fish & Game, eventually securing a permanent job as a Biologist. His career culminated in his retirement in 2011 as an Associate Biologist overseeing endangered species in the San Bernardino mountains foothills.
During his time at Los Angeles Community College in 1971, Raul discovered a passion for ceramics. Intrigued by clay and its techniques, he constructed a raku kiln in his backyard. A perfectionist at heart, he had no qualms about creating something and dismantling it if it did not meet his standards.
After Raul found he needed a little help walking, he crafted his own walking stick. Well received, he started making them for others and selling them at the Frogtown Artwalk.
Chris made her first quilt at 15. At the age of 16, she proceeded to share a booth at the Ann Arbor Art Fair where she sold her quilts, dolls, and silent wind chimes (designed for those who enjoy wind chimes but dislike the noise they made!). Chris is a prolific quilter, and has taught sewing classes for the Elysian Valley Arts Collective.
Recently, describing her artistic process, Chris said:
"Visually, I look at various art forms and my mind is working towards turning it into a quilt or fabric sculpture. While I initially saw failure in not achieving my dream of being an architect, I realized what I loved was the precision of drafting and deciphering the inner structure (of the building) which translates easily into quilting. I am currently exploring multitudes of forms of needlework. My head is full of ideas and my house full of fabric."
Chris and Raul have participated in the Frogtown Artwalk since 2014. After a fall fracturing his hip, his health deteriorated and Raul passed away in October 2023. Raul and Chris were together for 44 years and married for 33 of them. This year you can find Chris exhibiting her art at Venue #27 - 2770 Newell St.
When asked what she likes most about living in Frogtown, Chris shared these thoughts: "Here, we have our own small community. Through the arts collective, the neighborhood council and the senior group, we have met so many people who genuinely care. My hope is that as new residents move in they make the effort to meet their neighbors and get involved."
We are delighted to honor these two talented artists by dedicating the 2024 Frogtown Artwalk to them: expressing our appreciation for their active contributions to our community.
For more information on Chris Rodriguez' quilts, visit the EVAC's YouTube page to watch a short film from the 2020 Virtual Frogtown Artwalk.
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