Celebration of Life & Art: A Tribute to Jim Hunter
June 11; 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
NWSA ArtSeen Gallery
2215 NW 2nd Avenue, Wynwood

Heartfelt Farewell To Jim Hunter
New World School of the Arts is in mourning after the loss of one of its founding visual arts teachers. Jim Hunter – loved by his students, respected by his peers, and recognized by the arts community for his commitment to arts education – passed away just a couple of weeks ago after a brief battle with lung cancer. Jim is survived by his wife, Lilia Garcia, also an artist, educator, arts advocate and former member of New World School of the Arts’ Executive Board.

“Working hand-in-hand with Jim Hunter for the past ten years and interacting with him, both as a colleague and as an artist, helped me to realize that he truly loved working with students” explained Maggy Cuesta, dean of visual arts at NWSA. “He would come to my office at the end of the day and we would talk, brainstorm, and plan ways to make the high school program even better. He often brought with him the list of all the awards and scholarships the students received…like a father with his child going off to college. Jim’s passion for the arts and commitment to his students made him an exceptional educator and unequaled mentor.”

Jeffrey Hodgson, Interim Provost at NWSA also comments “New World School of the Arts has built a legacy of excellence since its first classes started 25 years ago, and like so many other dedicated professionals, Jim Hunter was there, steering young talent towards greatness from the beginning. We are thankful that Jim’s legacy continues on in the school, in our alumni and students, but his presence will be deeply missed.”

A celebration of Jim’s life has been organized to bid one last farewell to this irreplaceable artist, friend, colleague, and mentor.