SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - For Frida’s House Art Academy founders Juanita Maribel Márquez and Claudia de la Rosa, art is more than color on canvas; it’s a way to heal, connect and celebrate culture.

Through their work, the organization supports Sacramento-area students while also giving parents a space to relax and explore their creativity through art. Although it does not yet have a physical location, Márquez and De la Rosa host their own events and are often invited to participate in school and community gatherings.

Frida’s House recently sold out its Día de Muertos-themed “Painting & Cafecito” event Oct. 10 at Con Azúcar Café (630 K St.), where participants enjoyed an evening of painting, coffee and good company.

Founded just over a year ago, Frida’s House has grown through its community paint nights and art events. Márquez and de la Rosa lead classes and activities that foster creativity and inclusion, offering sessions tailored for both children and adults.

 

Pictured are Frida’s House Art Academy founders Claudia de la Rosa, left, and Juanita Maribel Márquez. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Beyond paint nights, the organization hosts exhibitions where students can showcase their artwork, helping them build confidence and a sense of belonging. Frida’s House has also been invited to offer classes at community events, including the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for Intercare Therapy in Elk Grove, which provides services for children with autism.

By day, Márquez works at two schools within the Sacramento City Unified School District, assisting students with autism, learning disabilities and behavioral challenges. She collaborates with psychologists, speech therapists and other specialists to help students improve communication and learning skills.

Originally from Mexico, Márquez studied art at Baja California University and moved to Sacramento nine years ago. Márquez said she never imagined how her passion for art would one day merge with her work helping others.

“I wanted to contribute to the local arts scene through my heritage and culture,” Márquez said. “Art gives people a healthy way to express themselves and build good habits that support mental health.”

 

Frida’s House Art Academy founder Claudia de la Rosa helped during the “Painting & Cafecito” event on Oct. 10. Photo by Idaly Valencia

That connection between art and culture was on full display during the Oct. 10 paint night, which celebrated the traditional Mexican Día de Muertos holiday. Día de Muertos, meaning the Day of the Dead, in the Mexican culture celebrates the tradition of honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed on.

“This holiday represents a small piece of all our traditions and what better way to celebrate than through art,” Márquez said. “It’s about unity and family, and many participants came with their children.”

With Márquez’s background in special education and de la Rosa’s experience as a kindergarten teacher, the two work to make every class inclusive, ensuring all children, regardless of ability, feel supported. Márquez said inclusivity is at the core of their organization and is deeply connected to the spirit of art.

For parents, the paint nights provide a chance to relax and reconnect with their own creativity. For mothers looking to paint and unwind, Márquez said, de la Rosa often helps watch their children so they can fully enjoy the experience.

“We’re dealing with parents who may be stressed,” Márquez said. “Life is difficult and we don’t always know what people go through. The least we can do is offer a smile and help them leave feeling relaxed and happy.”

Frida’s House hosts events throughout the area, including Elk Grove and Lodi, but recently partnered with Con Azúcar Café, where more art nights are planned.

 

Opened earlier this year, Con Azúcar Café (630 K St.) replaced the former Starbucks on the corner of K Street located right outside of the Golden 1 Center. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Opened earlier this year, Con Azúcar Café replaced the former Starbucks on the corner of K Street outside the Golden 1 Center. The café is owned by Sacramento State graduate Alan Jiminez, who said he hopes the business becomes a welcoming space for the community.

“I have a lot of love and ties to Sacramento, which is why I wanted to open something here and stay local,” Jiminez said. “Once we opened, my biggest goal was to put myself out there and share the space with the community.”

Jiminez said the café welcomes private events and community gatherings, noting that it has hosted Sacramento State student clubs, such as MEChA, and will soon serve as a venue for local chambers of commerce.

“We want to keep our doors open to everyone, not just Hispanics, but anyone willing to embrace us,” Jiminez said. “That’s my motivation: to build connections with people and let that drive our success.”

While opening the café came with challenges, Jiminez said, operations have stabilized, allowing him to focus more on community partnerships.

“We had lines out the door nonstop. Now we’ve leveled out to a manageable flow and we want to continue opening the space to people like Juanita Maribel to engage the community,” Jiminez said.

 

Frida’s House Art Academy sold out its Día de Muertos-themed “Painting & Cafecito” event Oct. 10 at Con Azúcar Café (630 K St.), offering participants an evening to unwind with art, coffee and good company. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Márquez said helping one another is a key value in Mexican culture and she plans to continue partnering with local businesses such as Con Azúcar Café and organizations to promote cultural representation and unity. She shared Jiminez’s view that these efforts are for everyone, fostering a sense of togetherness and highlighting the community in a positive way.

“For me, it’s important to share our Latino traditions and represent our community positively through avenues like art,” Márquez said. “Even in a small way, I can show that we’re here, we’re united and we achieve great things together.”

Frida’s House Art Academy will host another Día de Muertos-themed “Painting & Cafecito” event at Con Azúcar Café at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30. Tickets are $30 per person and can be reserved by calling 916-767-3854.

To learn more about Frida’s House Art Academy or to check out future events, visit fridasacademy.org.