OK, I'm bragging...the Frost Art Museum

One of the proudest moments of my art career will take place on Wednesday, May 25 at the Frost Art Museum. As a recipient of the South Florida Cultural Consortium Fellowship, four of my concrete block paintings will be on display until August 25, 2011. This is an amazing venue, and I am totally excited.

The Patricia and Philip Frost Art Museum

The assistant curator, Klaudio Rodriquez, visited my studio last month to choose works for this show. I had never had a museum curator come to my work space, and this is one of the best perks of the fellowship. We started with a cup of coffee and a tour of my house, which I billed as one of my "art installations." Every room has some artistic element, and with his architectural background, Klaudio seemed to enjoy the tour. Several concrete block paintings are hung in my house, so it was a good segue to my studio, located in a historic apartment building across the street.

I had hung a dozen paintings in the open hallways, perfectly lit of course. As he walked slowly, pausing at each painting, he said things like, "So this is silk, too? I could swear it was cement." High praise, indeed. Klaudio was intrigued with the surfaces, but he did not want me to reveal my techniques. His only concern was the end result, not the process to get there. His favorite piece was "DNA" because of its minimal, tactile qualities. He said he could picture it hung in a high-end office, lobby, or home. His validation of my work was important, because sometimes I get insecure and think my aesthetic is too specific.

The Choice     acrylic on silk, mounted on hardboard   48 x 96 inches

One of the works selected was "The Choice," which is a good example of my fool-the-eye concreter block series. The painting is completely flat. It is mounted on a piece of hardboard that is cut to shape with a jig saw. The highlights and shadows contribute to the trompe l'oeil effect. Klaudio thought the message was relevant.

Klaudio gave me two hours of his time, which I treasure. To see my work hanging beside the other winners of this prestigious fellowship is an honor. The show will be fantastic, so I encourage all of you to come to the FREE reception on Wednesday, May 25, from 6 to 9 P.M. I have attached directions below.

As usual, I thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Please bookmark the page and send to all your friends. My website is AddictedToWalls.com. Please stop by. Until next week, I bid you adieu.

Driving Directions
From East (Miami Beach, Miami International Airport, Downtown Miami)
Take 836 WEST (Accessible from I-95). Exit on NW 107th Avenue SOUTH. Continue South on 107th, past SW 8th Street. Turn right onto FIU campus at SW 16th Street. Continue straight through circle and park in Blue Garage on left.
From North (Broward and North Dade)
Follow the Florida Turnpike to exit #25 (SW 8th Street EAST). Follow SW 8th Street East to SW 107th Avenue. Turn right on SW 107th Avenue. Turn right onto FIU campus at SW 16th Street. Continue straight through circle and park in Blue Garage on left.
From West and South (Homestead and South Dade)
Take 826 North and Exit on Coral Way. Proceed West (left) to SW 107th Avenue and turn right. Turn left at SW 16th Street onto FIU campus. Continue straight through circle and park in Blue Garage on left.
From Downtown Coral Gables
Take Coral Way West to SW 107th Avenue. Turn right onto SW 107th Avenue. Turn left onto FIU campus at SW 16th Street. Continue straight through circle and park in Blue Garage on left.