LA ARTCORE was founded in 1979 by Lydia Takeshita, who was a Professor of Art at California State University, Los Angeles. Ms. Takeshita found that her graduate students wanted a continuing contact with art professionals, and a group of graduate students met informally at Brookside Park for critique of their works, and for discussions on relevant issues. After a couple of years of meeting outdoors, the group wanted an exhibition space in which to display their work. CSULA allow them to use their 501 ( c ) and a gallery was opened in old town Pasadena on Raymond Street. When the works began to sell, the accountants at CSULA advise the establishment of a separate, non-profit gallery.Since its inception, LA Artcore, its artists, and contributing members have worked to provide exhibition spaces and a continuing dialogue between artists of diverse cultural backgrounds, as well as with the art viewing public. At present, Artcore maintains two exhibition spaces, the Union Center for the Arts and the Brewery Annex, where new and original art works are displayed each month. Artcore also sponsors several exchange shows which bring artists from around the globe to Southern California, and provides local artists with opportunities to have their works seen abroad. LA ARTCORE is a non-profit organization that helps develop the careers of visual artists and brings innovative contemporary art to the public. Artcore opens two exhibition venues to artists of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds, and conducts educational service programs that enhance the interaction of artists and their surrounding constituencies.