Doral’s Ninth Annual Art Fest that transformed Carlos Albizu University into an art gallery from Oct. 19-21, produced by the Rotary Club of Doral and sponsored by the city, showcased more than 100 local and international artists displaying over 400 works of art.
A prestigious juried committee awarded top three entrants in each category. Winners included: Painting: First Place, Vladimir Manic; Second Place, Dragan Bartula; Third Place, Nestor Paz; Photography: First Place: Guillermo Caminos; Second Place: Veronica Grassi; Third Place: Angie Keller; Mixed Media: First Place, Miguel Angel Baez; Second Place, Rigo Leon; Third Place, Ingrid Poch;
Film: First Place, Heather Winters, for the documentary “Class Act;” Second Place, Ubaldo Medina, for the documentary “El Taller”; Sculpture: First Place, Michel Hernandez; Second Place, Mario Almaguer; Third Place, Gina Guzman. Special mention for drawing: Frank Izquierdo.
A delegation from Belgrade, Serbia, led by internationally-known artist Vladimir Manic exhibited more than 50 works of art by special invitation from Art Fest Co-Founder Noel Santiesteban.
Art Fest at Doral exhibited more than 20 artworks by artists with disabilities. These artworks are known as “Outsider Art” and came from the collection of Faye Clark’s New Horizons “In Integration” project.
The exhibition presented Heather Winters, who as co-executive produced the Academy Award-nominated documentary film, “Super Size Me” with a special tribute for her work educating the public about the school system and for her support of Outsider Artists. She is the sister of Outsider Artist Terese Winters, whose artwork was exhibited at the festival through the “In Integration” project and who was given a special recognition for sharing her artwork with the public.
Heather Winters’ documentary “Class Act,” first place in films, looks at the decline of arts education in America’s public schools. The documentary was filmed in Miami Beach, Florida and featured drama teacher Jay W. Jensen. Also honored was artist and Outsider Artist teacher Javier Echeverria for his work with children with autism and adults with disabilities.
A special tribute was paid to renowned artist Vicente Dopico Lerner, along with a special recognition to his brother Outsider Artist Antonio Dopico Lerner, who is also involved in the In Integration project.
Nina Torres, director and chief curator, Miami Arts and Entertainment District, showcased over 15 international artists’ work at the festival.
Live performances included Body Painting by Artist Erika Monroy; a fencing demonstration by Florespa Fencing Club; and a dance performance by the Doral Dance Center. Other free activities included art class taught teachers from the Artist Portfolio Workshop Museum.
Students from various local schools also participated in the festival. Participating schools included: Eugenia B Thomas K-8 Center, John I. Smith K-8 Center, Dr. Rolando Espinosa K-8 Center, Renaissance Charter School, Doral Academy Charter School, Ronald Reagan/Doral Senior High, Divine Savior Lutheran Academy, The Artist Portfolio Workshop Museum, Doral Middle School and St. Brendan High School.
The Art Fest @ Doral is spearheaded by Rotary Club Founder and Co-Founder of Art Fest @ Doral Felipe E. Madrigal and Co-Founder, Artist and Festival Master Curator Noel Santiesteban.
Proceeds from the annual event will help the Rotary Club of Doral fund yearround arts programs and benefit the PTA’s of the local public participating schools as well as other charitable causes related to the welfare of children in several orphanages in Central America. For information, visit www.Facebook.com/artfestatdoral; YouTube: http://bit.ly/Pv6LC5
