Arts for Learning (A4L) presented an exhibition of artwork by alumni of the Lewis Arts Studio (LAS) at ArtCenter/South Florida in January 2014. This inaugural LAS Alumni Exhibition featured works by seven 9th and 10th grade students currently enrolled at both magnet and non-magnet public high schools across Miami-Dade County.
The participating group of LAS alumni are currently attending Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH), the Performing and Visual Arts Center (PAVAC) at Miami Northwestern Senior High, MAST Academy, Miami Beach Senior High School (MBSH) and New World School of the Arts (NWSA). The first Lewis Arts Studio Alumni Exhibition included works by Sofia Castell (MAST Academy), Joseph Canizales (DASH), William Frazier (PAVAC), Jyasi Myrthil (DASH), Nicole Stallings (DASH), Gabriela Viscito (NWSA) and Maria Zalazar (MBSH).
“We are thrilled to provide this program for these avid, young artists. Not only is this an opportunity for them to publicly exhibit their work, but these students were involved in the design of the exhibition itself,” stated Janet Evans, A4L Program Director. “For most students, this was the first time they experienced the process of submitting work and being involved in the curatorial aspect of mounting an exhibition.”
The Lewis Arts Studio and its alumni program are made possible through the generous backing of the Jonathan D. Lewis Foundation. LAS provides intensive arts training to interested middle school students for a four-week summer program. Throughout the school year, participants meet on a monthly basis to further develop their artistic techniques. Students receive instruction from professional artists, and participate in cultural outings.
The Lewis Arts Studio Alumni Program is designed to provide continued camaraderie and peer support for students who participated in the studio program and have progressed to high school and beyond. The LAS alumni meet throughout the year to enhance their artistic growth, exhibit their work publicly, participate in artistic competitions and meet with professionals in the arts.
The programs provide full, multi-year, need-based scholarship awards to eligible students. For more information on LAS or to apply to the programs, kindly contact Janet Evans, Program Director, at [email protected], or 305.576.1212, ext. 30.