Connecting Cuba Art Exhibit: A World Culture Series Initiative
On Friday, November 13 at 7pm, the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center presents the opening of the multi-disciplinary art exhibit Connecting Cuba. This program celebrates the normalization of relations with Cuba and our many connections despite years of restriction. The intention of this show is not so much to simply present Cuban artists, or art about Cuba, as it is to display in gallery style a story of how Cuba is connected to us as humans and neighbors on this planet. The exhibit features art, music, classic cars, baseball, dolphin research, and more.
Opening night begins with the Curator’s Walk and Talk at 7pm (doors open at 6pm for viewing of the art). Celebrate with the Cuban Dance Band, Proyecto Son beginning at 8pm until 11pm, Friday, November 13. The gallery exhibit is open for viewing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11am-2pm, and by appointment until December 20.
Tickets are $12 at the door or advance tickets available for $10 at www.fogartyville.org
This cultural experience is sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida, and Sarasota Arts and Culture Alliance.
Featured Artists:
Proyecto Son, featuring world class Cuban Tres Player Renesito Avich, Mauricio Rodriguez on Bass, David Atanacio on Percussion and Vocals, Tony Mattei on Trumpet, Max Kelly on percussion, and Frankie Pineiro on Conga Drums bring back the sounds of Arcenio Rodriguez, Ignacio Pineiro and Chapotin among other pioneer’s of traditional Son, the quintessential Afro-Cuban musical form referring both to a singing and dancing style. Re-popularized in the 1990s by the Buena Vista Social Club, this Cuban rhythm went on to sell a million albums. Son dancing is the precursor of what we know as SALSA today.
Kirk Ke Wang, Professor of Visual Arts of Eckerd College, is a painter, sculptor, photographer, mixed media artist, as well as an educational software developer. He was born in Shanghai, China. At age 16, he entered the Nanjing Normal University in China for his BFA and MFA studies. Wang started his teaching at the same university after graduation. In 1984, Wang won the bronze medal for the 6th National Exhibition of Fine Art one of the major national art competitions in China. As a result, he was granted the opportunity to study in the U.S. In 1986, Wang moved to Tampa, Florida as an exchange scholar at the University of South Florida. Later, he completed his second MFA from USF. After graduation, Wang was appointed as the art director of a design firm and designed many projects for Disney World, MGM Studio, Sea World, and Busch Gardens, etc. In early 1990s, Wang taught at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota. He joined Eckerd College in the fall of 1993. Wang maintains a studio in Tampa Florida, as well as in Shanghai and NYC.
Chip Cooper was the former Director of Photography for the University of Alabama for 33 years and is now artist in residence in the Honors College, as well as a faculty member in Arts & Sciences. He received his BA from the University in 1972, followed by post-graduate work in photography. He recently had a photography exhibition in Havana, Cuba, and one in Alabama with Cuban photographer Nestor Marti entitled “Side by Side.” They are finishing a book entitled Habana Veija, (Translation: Old Havana) to be published by Alabama Press in February 2012. Cooper won an award of excellence for his book, Silent in the Land, from Communication Arts Magazine, and is a past recipient of an Artist Fellowship from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. He has shown his work nationally and internationally, and his work is in many museums, and private and corporate collections.
Opening Reception: Friday, November 13, 7pm
Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center
525 Kumquat Court, West Entrance 34236
Contact: Curator, Pamela Callender 941 932 2993 pamelacallender@yahoo.com
Director, Arlene Sweeting 941 545 5635 agsweeting@yahoo.com
