In 1986, I was an exhibiting artist who wanted to work in the print media.  On a morning local TV show they spoke about LA’s best kept secret – Chicano art produced at Self Help Graphics in East Los Angeles, a non profit art organization run by a Catholic nun.

I called Self Help Graphics and to my surprise the nun answered the phone.  Short, direct weary but not unfriendly she suggested that I schlep my portfolio down, never making any promises.

My vo...