Michelle ‘Mr B Baby’ Ruby
Theme: Housing Crisis
Initially created as part of the Skirball Cultural Center’s production of Be the Change. This box was a partnership between the artist known as Mr B Baby and The Pico Union Project, No Place for Home addresses the pressing issue of the housing crisis, both locally and globally. The arist combines acrylic and spray paint to portray two houses, with people desperately trying to make it into one, symbolizing the scarcity of affordable housing and the universal search for a place to belong.
Michelle ‘Mr B Baby’ Ruby, uses elements of her community, as well as her Puerto Rican/Mexican upbringing to combine vibrant colors with traditional imagery. The artist's aim is to bring happiness and joy to her community, while also having stronger messages intertwined. The themes expressed in Mr. B Baby’s work highlight the important work of Pico Union Project as a vibrant cultural center. They are a unique Jewish non-profit who seeks to builds community health, resilience, and neighborhood revitalization in the Pico-Union area of Los Angeles.
For our Orange County version of Be the Change Mr. B Baby’s No Place for Home box will be paired with Alta Baja part of 4th Street Markets in Santa Ana as the hosting site.
Alta Baja Market is not just a specialty grocery store, cafe, or community space; it's a vibrant celebration of the foods and crafts hailing from California, Mexico, and the American Southwest. Seamlessly blending the dynamic energy of a specialty market with the warm ambiance of a neighborhood eatery, Alta Baja Market invites patrons to savor the diverse culinary and cultural offerings of the region.
Owner and founder Delilah Snell, a chef, author, and Master Food Preserver, goes beyond merely preserving ingredients in jars; she preserves community bonds and cultural heritage through her inclusive approach. Proudly representing her hometown as a Santanero, Delilah Snell shares the beauty and vibrancy of the city with others, a sentiment mirrored in the thematic alignment of her storefront with the seminal work of Mr. B Baby. Both entities uplift Mexican culture and advocate for equity and inclusion within their communities.
As the Orange County Jewish Community Scholar Program ("CSP") commemorates its 23rd year, it proudly serves as the regional ambassador for the Mr. B Baby box. CSP is a community-wide initiative dedicated to promoting learning through various programs and projects. Through an extensive adult education program and distinctive family events, CSP continues to nurture the joy of Judaism, strengthen community ties, and honor Jewish heritage.
CSP has a history of collaboration with Alta Baja Market and its founder, Delilah. The partnership between Mr. B Baby’s box, Alta Baja Market, and CSP draws upon the themes embedded in this powerful work of art, celebrating cultural diversity, community engagement, and the pursuit of knowledge.
