COMMUNITY

WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY

In addition to my own artistic practice, I produce projects in the greater Miami art community including organizing, facilitating, promoting, and curating public events, performances, and exhibitions in Miami and abroad, under the project name of ArtFormz.  I have always been inspired by bringing creative people together. My first initiative was produced in 1978 and presented in the Museo de Arte Moderno in Santo Domingo. I developed a comprehensive exhibition presenting an overview of twenty-five women artists, from those of historic significance to those with emerging status, all of whom had dedicated studio practices in the Dominican Republic.

I am a strong supporter of collaborating with others, in and outside the studio. I have served as a mentor to young women from the local arts community through a mentorship program I designed for the national non-profit ArtTable, Inc.  I served 3 years as a volunteer member of the organization, on the National Board in New York, and as the Florida Chapter Chair and Programming Director. Today, the newest project outside of my studio practice is Art & Company Podcast, launched in April 2018. After taking an extended pause during Covid I look forward b to soon be producing and hosting the show again. Art & Company is a document to the people who drive and support the Miami Art Scene. 

Through Artformz, I am able to explored unusual strategies that bring artwork of exceptional quality closer to the public and to create a larger dialogue by connecting art and community in new ways. More than 150 highly distinguished local and international artists have collaborated with Artformz projects. I am honored  have been the recipient of several grants and to have received support from generous people, and local and international institutions, allowing Artformz projects to continue.

2004-2008 - Artformz in the Miami Design District. 40th Street Atlas Plaza

HISTORY

Artformz opened its first exhibition in 2004 in the Miami Design District.  As a new and alternative addition to the burgeoning area, the space quickly became a popular destination and often served as a creative gathering spot that encouraged intellectual dialogue and collaboration among artists. Artformz established itself as an alternative venue with the mission to encourage artists to exhibit, develop, and advance innovative art of diverse media and content without constraints of current market trends.

In the 4 years Artformz resided in the Design District, 500+ artist portfolios were reviewed and 90 artist's works were exhibited. In its 5th year, Artformz relocated to the Wynwood Arts District. Located in the heart of the District, the new space again became a community favorite renowned for its exhibition design and the consistent presentation of quality artists.

In 2008 Artformz was awarded several grants from the Miami-Dade Department of Cultural Affairs, and a prestigious Knight Arts Challenge Grant for the creation and development of the inaugural exhibit of "Giants In The City" at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. In 2009 Artformz partnered with Red Nomad in Valencia, Spain, to co-curate the Artist Invites Artist project. Through the fundraising efforts of Artformz, and with the support of the Cultural Affairs Ministry in Valencia, ten artists from Miami were able to travel to Spain and exhibit in 2010. In 2012 a reciprocal event was held and artists from Valencia exhibited in the Miami Design District with the support of the District Commissioner, the City Mayor, and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Collaborations with Red Nomad are ongoing today.

In early 2011, to balance time more efficiently between studio practice and project development, artist and director Alette Simmons-Jimenez closed the gallery space. Artformz transitioned based out of the artist's own studio, first just a few blocks away from the Wynwood space, then several blocks northward in the Little River Arts area, and today in the Little Haiti neighbor.

SELECTED PROJECTS & COLLABORATIONS

2008-2011 - Artformz in Wynwood, 171 NW 23rd Street

2015 - Art Talk: Claire Breukel, Mario Cader-Frech & Amanda Sanfilippo at Locust Projects