Press Release

Media Contact:
Adriana Oliva
786.252.9920
[email protected]

For Immediate Release

Student exhibit celebrates 22 years of Arts for Learning in Miami-Dade

April 26, 2023 (Miami-Dade, FL) – Arts for Learning Miami (A4L), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing teaching and learning through the arts, is continuing their celebration of 22 years of providing arts education across Miami-Dade County with an installation of their exhibit, PLACE. On display at the Sandrell Rivers Theater, PLACE showcases original artwork and photos of students in action with each piece highlighting A4L students, programs, and the connection between arts and learning. 

The exhibit opened Saturday, April 22, with students, parents, board members, staff and local residents in attendance enjoying a mixed display of short animations designed by students in A4L’s All Kids Included and ArtWorks Internship programs, drawings and paintings by students in A4L’s Lewis Arts Studio program, and a beautiful display of arts education in action with students smiling, focused and determined. The program included a few words from Board President Mr. Brendan Glynn, and Communications Director Ms. Carolina Candelaria. 

“Through my last 10 years of working with A4L I’ve been lucky enough to see many of the kids in our programs making art in various forms, developing their self-esteem, confidence and different communication and coordinating tools, not only to advance academically but also in their social and emotional health.” Carolina Candelaria 

PLACE will be available for viewing to the community until June 30. Guests of the Sandrell Rivers Theater and Fantasy Theater Factory will also be able to enjoy the exhibit when attending events onsite. A4L is proud to partner with both these entities, helping advance arts in Miami-Dade, while providing youth with accessibility to art education. 

“I enjoy what they’re [A4L] doing, helping kids get started and more involved in the arts, and giving them an opportunity to do something on the weekends and after school.” Brendan Glynn 

Potential Story Angles: 

  • Arts for Learning providing 22 years of Arts Education in Miami-Dade to over 164,000 students
  • Arts Impact from Student & Parent Perspective 
  • From A4L Intern to Teaching Artist, Nickeisha Bailey
  • Connection Between Arts and Learning 

Available for interviews: 

  • Sheila Womble, Executive Director
  • Carolina Candelaria, Communications Director (bilingual)
  • Lewis Arts Studio Students, and/or Parents (bilingual)
  • Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary Students, and/or Parents (bilingual)
  • Teaching Artists (bilingual) 

About Arts for Learning Miami

Arts for Learning (A4L) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing teaching and learning through the arts. As a leading source of arts programs in Miami, A4L provides traditional and arts-integrated instruction, student studio programs, after-school and summer programs, high school internships, and teacher and artist professional development. A4L’s programs augment cognitive, social, and emotional development in children and youth. The programs also develop creativity, critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills, as well as promote positive peer relations and cultivate self-efficacy. A4L partners with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, and Young Audiences – A4L’s national affiliate. A4L also serves as the South Florida Wolf Trap, a regional program of Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning. Annually, A4L’s services are delivered to more than 5,000 children and youth in approximately 50 schools, preschools, after-school programs, and summer camps throughout Miami-Dade and Broward. www.a4lmiami.org 

About Fantasy Theatre Factory:

Fantasy Theatre Factory was created in 1978 and has been serving Florida since 1982. In addition to being the managing operator of the Sandrell Rivers Theater, FTF also performs in rural and inner-city schools, theatres, parks, hospitals, community centers and more across the entire state of Florida. Fantasy Theatre Factory presents more than 500 Florida programs reaching over 150,000 people each year. Fantasy Theatre Factory’s mission is to make more quality theatre programs available to more people of all cultures and backgrounds. FTF also provides skilled circus performers for all types of events as well as theatre workshops for young audiences, both typical and individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Fantasy Theatre Factory is headed by Executive Artistic Director, Larry Fields, who has served with the company since 2006. FTF was founded by Edward Allen and Mimi Schultz. Fantasy Theatre Factory programs are award-winning— FTF has won the Miami-Dade Arts Educator of the Year Award, the 2013 Excellence in Direct Service to Children Award from the Miami-Dade Children’s Trust, 2018 Remy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Children’s Theatre, 2019 Remy Pioneer Award, December 2019 Hero in the Arts- Key Biscayne Magazine, among many others.

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