ProjectArt presents
Kaleidoscope: Refractions of Community and Care
A Group Exhibition
Swampspace
3940 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Opening Reception:
Friday, May 17th, 2024
7:00 pm - 10 pm
On view through May 31st
Featuring:
Alana Barrett Halley Bohm Nerea Arte Mansu Silvana Soriano Sophia Wong
Kaleidoscope: Refractions of Community and Care orbits Miami-Dade neighborhoods and the burgeoning young artists who live here, through the lenses of their teachers. ProjectArt residents weave threads of collaboration, time’s swift passing, the joy of youth, literature, and art’s transformative power through their work. Like a kaleidoscope, the collection emulates an ever-evolving and intricate display of color and shape.
As a timeless practice deeply embedded in human history, teaching has continuously served as the cornerstone of communal progress, nurturing minds, fostering growth, and passing on the collective wisdom of generations with care. As John Steinbeck said, “I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts, since the medium is the human mind and spirit.” The exhibiting resident artists utilize installation, collage, surrealism, and conceptual painting to transmute the impact of their teaching experiences in these new works of art.
Moreover, this body of work serves as a meditation on libraries and all that they offer to communities. Libraries stand as repositories of knowledge and, currently, an overlooked site of political struggle. They are one of the few remaining third space places where “anyone can be, without buying anything,” as noted by Emily Drabinski, President of the American Library Association. In light of recent pushes for book bans, this exhibition serves to celebrate libraries, not just as physical structures, but as vibrant hubs of community, connection and intellectual exploration. _____________________________________________________________________________________________
Kaleidoscope: Refractions of Community and Care will open May 17th, 2024 at 7:00 pm. ProjectArt Resident Artists Alana Barrett, Halley Bohm, Nerea Arte Mansu, Silvana Soriano, and Sophia Wong will be present to discuss the artwork created during their residency with attendees.
The event is free and open to the public. RSVP on Partiful here.
ProjectArt empowers youth, emerging artists, and communities through partnerships with public libraries in 6 cities from coast to coast. ProjectArt’s Resident Teaching Artists teach free, after-school art classes to children in under-served areas while developing new artwork informed by their experience working within the community and utilizing library resources. This exhibition serves as a testament to our commitment to bridging the opportunity gap in art education and promoting creativity and cultural understanding among the younger generation.
ProjectArt’s Miami program is offered in 5 libraries in Miami-Dade Public library System including North Central, Culmer/Overtown, Shenandoah, Kendall, Naranja Branches. Special thanks to our supporters, including The Miami Foundation, Batchelor Foundation, The Kirk Foundation, Cornelia T. Bailey and Youth Arts Miami, Miami-Dade County. A heartfelt thanks extended to our partners Miami Bridge Youth and Family Service, Overtown Optimist Club, and TouchingMiamiWithLove as well. ProjectArt expresses deep gratitude for Swampspace’s invaluable impact on our community and organization through providing local artists with space and support to present their work.
About Swampspace Gallery: Swampspace was founded in 2008 by Oliver Sanchez in the Miami Design District as an alternative art space presenting varied cultural events for the novice and seasoned art enthusiast.
For press only
About the Artists:
Alana Barrett Kendall Branch Resident Artist
Alana Barrett is a multidisciplinary artist and educator that works across a variety of two dimensional and three
dimensional mediums, including paint, woodworking, electronics and fabrics. Her work spans a variety of subject
matter from robotic sculptures to hard-edged abstract paintings. All of her work, however, is united by playful
spatial relationships, whimsical perspectives, and her curious nature and willingness to experiment.
Halley Bohm Shenandoah Branch Resident Artist
Halley Bohm is a multidisciplinary artist who creates interactive installations that engage the senses and explore
unexpected interactions that arise from community connection. They received their BFA in Digital Arts from Pratt
Institute in 2022, where they majored in Interactive Art. Bohm’s upbringing in Miami Beach along with the energy
and colors of the city's ocean continue to influence their work. From sculpture and ceramics to drawing, painting,
bookmaking, projection mapping, generative code, hardware, performance, movement, and most recently, mosaic
and stained glass, Bohm's work spans a range of mediums, often incorporating wearable elements or encouraging
touch.
Nerea Arte Mansu Naranja Branch Resident Artist
Nerea is a Latina visual artist and illustrator based in Miami, FL. Her body of work continuously explores different
emotions and ideas through the use of nontraditional materials like coffee, tea, fabric and leaves. It is in continuous
motion and often differs in styles. Her use of different styles and mediums are a conscious effort to represent her
constant growth and exploration. Her art, like herself, is ever evolving - both mess and a masterpiece.
Silvana Soriano North Central Branch Resident Artist
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Silvana Soriano is a visual artist, art teacher, and illustrator currently based
in Miami, Florida. Soriano has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Brazil, Spain, France, the USA,
and Cuba, including having her work featured at Pinta Miami Art Fair, Scope and Volta Art Fair New York. She is
represented by The CAMP gallery in Miami. She has also illustrated several books, spanning from children’s literature to poetry and publishing an art magazine online.
Sophia Wong Culmer/ Overtown Branch Resident Artist
The mixed media paintings by Sona (Sophia Wong) depict portraits and scenes influenced by her multicultural
upbringing in Miami, Florida, and her curiosity and exploration of indigenous cultures and practices.
Reflecting on the complexities of the human experience, both personal and collective, her work, which is characterized by a neutral color palette and gripping atmosphere, often addresses themes of grit, perseverance, and growing into one’s true self. Sona’s work has been exhibited throughout South Florida. She currently works out of her home studio and continues to exhibit locally, while offering private art lessons mentoring young, aspiring artists in her community.
Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @projectartusa
EXHIBITION CONTACT
ProjectArt
Danielle Steele
Miami Director and Nationwide Programs Director
daniellest@projectart.org
212.256.1947 (ext 702)
