We are living in a time when fundraising for the arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and even smaller, local Arts organizations are being slashed. In this episode we are speaking with Cora Ramirez-Vasquez about her art and psychology practices, from empowering women to informing community. Our conversation today demonstrates how art has the power to serve and help people.
Cora is a psychotherapist and an artist.
She has been practicing art psychotherapy since graduating from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in 2005. She obtained her California Marriage and Family Therapist license and Art Therapy Registration in 2010. She opened her private practice in 2010, and received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D) in 2018.
In 2006, she and her husband Ray opened Gallery Azul in San Pedro, named after their child, Harmony AZUL Vasquez. They initially opened to showcase their artwork, but then began to invite other artists. Gallery Azul enjoys holding group art exhibitions that focus on informing and educating the community.
Cora was the first in her family — immediate and extended — to obtain a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree, and a Psy. D (Doctoral in Clinical Psychology).
"Art is an ever evolving and ongoing part of my life, it is my cathartic expression, and the place in which I sublimate any residual from my clients and the world." -- Cora Ramirez-Vasquez
Website: galleryazul.com and coraramirezvasquez.com