Pastilla Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer Has Been Appointed to the Art Division Board

Nominated by Ramone Muñoz, professor at ArtCenter and fellow Art Division Board Member, Manning was selected based on his strategic mindset, creative vision, and passion for the arts as a catalyst for community impact.

What is Art Division?

Founded in 2010, Art Division is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to training and supporting underserved youth in the Rampart District of Los Angeles. With an emphasis on fine and digital arts education, Art Division equips young people with the professional resources they need to thrive in higher education, or high-level careers in the arts or a related field.

From printmaking to studio painting, Art Division’s hands-on learning approach and affordability are designed to maximize the depth of its impact. In this way, they create a safe place for youth to engage as students, artists, and contributors to their community. Underscored by this commitment to community development, Art Division’s mission for student and community success also includes actively supporting local arts and artists in their community.

Bringing A New Energy.

“After reviewing his cv, website, and meeting him in person, Dan McCleary (the Executive Director at Art Division) and I immediately knew that Rudy would be a perfect fit at Art Division,” said Catherine Hess, Head of the Board of Directors at Art Division. “As the Founder of a Creative, Marketing & Digital Agency, Rudy brings professional experience coupled with an enormous energy and passion for the arts. His creative voice, intelligence, and insight will enhance our capacity to provide quality, community-centered, arts education in Los Angeles, adding tremendous value to our board and by extension to our student body,” she concluded.

In accepting the role, Manning is excited to help guide an organization whose mission is simultaneously impactful and intentional “Art Division isn’t just another big art school that reaches out to anyone in Los Angeles,” he stated, “they are intentional about serving a small community in an intimate environment and ensuring that professional arts resources are available in communities that are often overlooked.”

Not Just Another Art School. The Bigger Picture.

As a member of the board, Manning is inspired not only by the mission, vision, and values of Art Division, but also by its students and the importance of creating pathways for young designers of color. “Art Division is not just another top-tier art school or ‘pay-to-play’ model of education. These students are passionate about their education. They want to learn and take their skills to the next level,” he said.

“It’s incredibly important that places like this exist, specifically in low-income communities. Places that break down the traditional barriers to access and empower young people of color and underserved students to envision a career in the arts. As a graphic designer, I am excited to be on the board and help communicate to these students and this community that their stories matter and that a career in the arts is possible.”