Los Angeles designates Sister Corita Kent's former studio as Historic-Cultural Monument

The former Los Angeles studio of Sister Mary Corita, known as Corita Kent, has been preserved from demolition and designated a Historic-Cultural Monument. Located at 5518 Franklin Avenue, the building served as her primary workspace from 1960 to 1968, where she created numerous silkscreen works that incorporated advertising and packaging elements to express religious and social beliefs. The property was recently occupied by a dry cleaner whose owner planned to demolish it for an organic deli. Campaigners successfully argued for preservation, noting that only 3% of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments are associated with women's heritage. The Corita Art Center, which promotes Kent's legacy, stated that landmark status represents a critical step in addressing this disparity while emphasizing the ongoing work needed to uphold women artists' legacies. During her tenure, the studio attracted notable visitors including Saul Bass, John Cage, Charles and Ray Eames, Buckminster Fuller, and Alfred Hitchcock. Kent, a Catholic sister from a progressive teaching order, served as head of art at Immaculate Heart College and was an anti-war activist. Her iconic 'rules for artists' print, particularly rule seven stating 'The only rule is work,' has been widely reproduced in studios globally. The center's statement highlighted that hope requires hard work and daily commitment to others, suggesting spaces like 5518 Franklin will be especially valuable as society emerges from the pandemic.