About Carla
Artist. Advocate. Visionary.
Carla Sramek embodies creativity with purpose, seamlessly integrating her artistic vision with a profound commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and faith. Based in Rossmoor, CA, Carla’s artistic journey began with a passion for drawing, painting, and ceramics—and evolved to embrace filmmaking, costume design, and visual storytelling rooted in social impact.
She studied at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she earned recognition through solo and group exhibitions. Her artwork has been featured at spaces like the Huntington Beach Art Center and diPiazza’s in Long Beach. But Carla’s work goes beyond canvas—it lives in classrooms, community events, and inclusive stages around the world.
Timeline
Creative with a Cause
Carla expresses her advocacy through paint, stage, and story. Whether she’s designing costumes for children’s theater, exhibiting bold visual work, or mentoring new creators, her goal remains the same: to uplift unheard voices and challenge what’s possible through art. Her creations are deeply rooted in personal experience, often reflecting the intersection of disability, inclusion, and resilience.
Grounded in Faith and Purpose
In 2011, Carla’s passion for creating inclusive spaces culminated in the founding of Carla’s Movie Restaurant (CMR)—a unique platform where emerging artists and filmmakers could intersect and share their stories with the community. Celebrated as the “Emerging Arts Organization” by the Arts Council for Long Beach in 2014, CMR evolved into a nonprofit in 2018, dedicated to nurturing creativity and accessibility for artists of all abilities.
Sharing the Vision
Carla’s published works, including Microenterprise Hits the Big Screen and The Cage of the Different People, share her vision for empowerment and inclusion. These books serve as resources and inspiration for individuals with disabilities and the educators, friends, and families who support them. Available on Amazon, they offer a lens into the heart of Carla’s work and her team’s lifelong mission.
The Why Behind It All
Carla’s story is proof of what’s possible when someone is surrounded by support—family, teachers, faith, and community. Her website isn’t just a portfolio. It’s a testimony. Through creativity, advocacy, and belief, she continues to show what can be achieved when barriers are removed and stories are given space to shine. Let her journey inspire yours.
