Lázaro's home studio in Havana Vieja is known throughout the city as a place where imagination replaces hardship, where children find safety and belonging, and where the arts keep kids off the streets, connected to their neighborhood and to each another. As a respected community leader and teacher, Lázaro has fostered an inter-generational cultural haven where free artistic expression and Afro-Cuban spiritual and cultural traditions are celebrated and woven into the fabric of daily life. It is a place, rich in creativity and joy, where children and their families come together to be supported, seen, heard, and healed.

Lázaro's mission grew from his childhood experiences when he was orphaned at a young age. He was brought up inside a lineage of traditional Santería by his grandmother and aunt, who worked at a local cultural center where Lázaro learned music, dance, and the visual language of art in its various forms. Art offered Lázaro alternative perspectives and a supportive community – and paved the way for his path as a teacher and mentor. Lázaro sees his own life as an example of how the creative arts can be transformational and open extraordinary opportunities. His deepest wish is to give back to his community and help create a better future for the youth and families of his beloved Cuba, a place he loves with all his heart.

Lázaro's community center not only serves as a creative space, it also provides food to the children and families who often arrive hungry and in need of basic nourishment. He offers a place for parents to drop off their children if they need to go to work or visit the hospital, and once a month he hosts a block party where he provides food for the entire neighborhood.

Lázaro currently splits his time between Cuba and the Schoharie Valley of upstate New York. He has used his talents while in the US to provide various avenues of cultural exchange through art workshops, education opportunities and exhibitions.

This fundraiser aims to support Lazaro and his work in several ways:

Essential materials and upkeep for Lázaro’s studio and gallery space, including much needed repairs and infrastructure upgrades including; plumbing, solar energy and security measures
Free workshops for children and youth, providing hands-on artmaking and mentorship
Events and collaborative projects that use art to strengthen multigenerational social ties, collective spirit and community pride
Monthly gatherings offering food and resources to Lazaro's neighborhood community
Transportation of Lazaro's project to neighboring communities that are unable to afford to come to his studio

By contributing, you are helping to sustain not only one artist’s vision, but an entire community’s heartbeat, one built on creativity, compassion, and the belief that art can transform lives even in the most challenging circumstances.

Lazaro estimates that between $10,000-15,000 is needed for repairs to his space to ensure a safe, working environment - this includes upgrades to water mitigation to prevent flooding in his first floor studio, security measures to help prevent theft and installing solar resources to ensure power during rolling blackouts and electricity failures.

$3000-$5000/mo is needed to ensure that Lazaro can continue to offer not only his creative education, but also sustaining the community services that he offers through his space, including food collection and storage for the local children that come through is space for workshops and respite, as well as the monthly community meals he hosts. Additionally, this will also assist with transportation to bring his work to neighboring communities that would otherwise be unable to attend and benefit from his workshops and community offerings.

Your donation whether one time, or recurring, will help keep the lights on, the tools working, and the spirit of community alive through Lázaro’s art.

Together, we can ensure that hope, color, and imagination continue to thrive in his corner of Cuba. El arte es el camino!!

Supporting The Arts in Cuba with Artist Lazaro Medina Hernandez

By Waterfall Unity Alliance Inc

Supporting The Arts in Cuba with Artist Lazaro Medina Hernandez