Established in 2019, BLK Box Gallery & Creative Center was founded by five creatives aiming to bring music, art, tech and community to San Ysidro. Currently directed by co-founders Ernesto Gonzalez and Elbert Gonzalez–two brothers from San Ysidro, CA with a clear passion for art and community.
![Meet the neighborhood alebrije dog Xuxo! Go to blkboxgallery.org/de-colores and bring him into your space, wherever you are.
Don’t forget to join us May 29 @ 7p for the Willow Rd. Pedestrian Bridge unveiling and kick-off to San Ysidro’s DE COLORES (Community Public Art Initiative].
#sanysidro](https://i0.wp.com/blkboxgallery.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?ssl=1)
MISSION
Our MISSION is to build a physical and digital creative space that reflects and engages South Bay communities through the development of neighborhood based content (i.e films, music, and art), app development, AI & AR tech, art exhibitions, murals, events, direct training, and advertising–to ensure our communities have impactful digital and artistic representation internally and externally.
VISION
Our VISION is empowered, well informed, far reaching and engaged neighborhoods that promote health, innovation, community and creativity.
LEADERSHIP STAFF
Ernesto Gonzalez | Executive Director (Volunteer)
Ernesto Gonzalez (he/him) is a transborder artist whose interdisciplinary practice spans film, projection art, installations, sculpture, and mixed media. He holds a B.A. in Ethnic Studies and a B.A. in Film & New Media from UC San Diego, as well as a M.A. in Film and Media from SDSU. His work is rooted in critical cultural analysis and visual storytelling that amplifies the lived experiences of urban communities. Emesto is committed to using art as a tool for transformation-pushing geographic. political, and artistic boundaries while remaining grounded in community. Ernesto’s connection to San Ysidro began as a young child, attending Smythe, Sunset and eventually Nestor elementary.
Most recently, Ernesto has participated in community-centered art and programs in San Ysidro around tech, metal/wood sculpture, film, app development, graphic design, public art and music recording through the various programs offered at BLK Box Gallery over the last 6 years. He also brings over 15 years of digital marketing experience having worked with nonprofits such as Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, Lux Art Institute (now ICAN) and more.
Elbert Gonzalez | Director of Operations (Volunteer)
Elbert Gonzalez is a co-founder and core operator behind the project, leading day-to-day execution while building strong relationships with local businesses, artists, and community partners throughout San Ysidro. Deeply rooted in the area, he attended Sunset and Nestor Elementary schools before graduating from Southwest High.
A musician since middle school, Elbert has been actively involved in music programs and creative spaces for years. He currently runs a recording studio and has released original work under the names Pacali and Pacali Roots, including his first album in 2019. Earlier in his career, he performed and recorded with his first band, Jimmy Sue, a 60s–70s inspired rock group formed by 90s-era musicians.
Blending creative experience with community-driven leadership, Elbert plays a key role in shaping programs, supporting artists, and bringing projects to life on the ground.
Frank Floyd | In-House Filmmaker/Marketing Professional (Volunteer)
Frank Floyd is a visual artist and filmmaker who supports BLK Box Gallery’s film and media efforts. Frank connected with co-founder Ernesto Gonzalez years before attending UC San Diego, where he earned a B.A. in Visual Arts with a focus on New Media and Film.
Frank brings a strong storytelling lens to the team, contributing to video production, documentation, and creative direction across projects. Outside of BLK Box, he works closely with youth through local sports programs, mentoring kids and teens while staying rooted in the community that shaped him.