Shelley A. Bruce Email and Phone Number

Shelley Bruce is a dynamic and multifaceted founder, artist, and community organizer native to Los Angeles, CA. With a distinguished career in project management, BIPOC cultural programming, and grassroots organizing, Shelley has made a significant impact in the fields of arts, wellness, and social justice. As the Founder and CEO of The Heart Dept, she has created a premier community center at the intersection of arts, wellness, and social justice, producing over 200 events and serving more than 20,000 individuals in its first year. Her leadership has facilitated collaborations with over 40 facilitators and 30 organizations, exemplifying her dedication to local community building and cultural enrichment.Shelley's educational journey is equally impressive. She holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Gender, Ethnic, and Multicultural Studies and Fine Art from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Her academic pursuits also include a significant period at Howard University and study abroad experiences in Ghana, where she focused on Black diasporic histories and the arts.Her professional experience is diverse and impactful. At the California African American Museum, Shelley served as a Gallery Guide, where she delivered inspiring tours and developed educational programming. As the Assistant Director at Scripps College Academy, she managed operations for a college preparatory nonprofit, serving first-generation women in LA. Her role as Founding Art Director for the Prison Education Project saw her designing and facilitating arts education for incarcerated individuals, demonstrating her commitment to using art as a tool for social change.In addition to her organizational roles, Shelley has been a professional visual and performing artist for 18 years, since 2006. Her artistic talents span various mediums, including graphic design, painting, murals, illustration, and ceramics. Notable projects include the "Lotus Rising" mural in Venice, CA and an artist’s feature on HBO’s Insecure. Shelley has also been a resident artist/coordinator for the Afro Haus Arts Collective and co-founded the CATAPULT music residency in Long Beach.Shelley's dedication to community, creativity, and social justice is evident in every facet of her work. Her numerous accolades, including the We Rise Grant Award and features in cultural exhibitions, underscore her influence and commitment to making a positive impact anywhere she is planted.