The USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) Community Impact Council invites you to a conversation about creating art in our current cultural climate.
 
Featuring two dynamic Cuban American creators, illustrator/author Edel Rodriguez and architect/artist Leo Marmol in conversation with cultural critic Carolina Miranda; followed by a Q&A. They will reflect on their families’ immigrant experiences, and how political histories have shaped their creative practices.
 
The event features a screening of the PBS American Masters short film Freedom Is a Verb, about Rodriguez’s career as a political illustrator, his work for The New Yorker, and the obstacles PBS faced in producing and releasing the documentary. Copies of Rodriguez’s graphic memoir Worm: A Cuban American Odyssey, will be available for sale; Rodriguez will sign purchased copies. 
 
On display is Recurrence, an exhibition of Marmol’s art that examines his relationship as a California native with the theme of repetition. Marmol examines the act of perpetual return using the California landscape as his inspiration.
 
Thursday, February 19, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
 
Charles Arnoldi Studio
721 Hampton Drive
Venice, CA 90291
 
Carpool and Rideshare recommended.
 
OPEN TO EVERYONE. RSVP HERE

Public parking in the neighborhood includes at the following addresses:
220 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA
346 3rd Ave, Venice, CA
301 S Main St, Venice, CA

Contact Information

Email: impact@cinema.usc.edu