September Exhibition at the ‘ACND Gallery of Art’ Demonstrates an Appreciation for Teaching Artists and Their Ability to Cultivate Creative Expression
Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m
ACND Gallery of Art at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame 6 to 12 Prep
4949 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami, FL, 33137.

The ACND Gallery of Art at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame 6 to 12 Prep will open its 2011/2012 season with a show of paintings and sketches by five teaching artists who work at Archdiocese of Miami elementary and middle schools. “Teaching Artists – A Catholic Tradition” will open with a reception and lecture by art critic and writer Anne Tschida (Knight Arts, Biscayne Times, and Miami Herald). This show, which is free and open to the public and media, will be exhibited through October 29, 2011.

The exhibit intends to demonstrate the talent of those who teach about art and the passion and dedication that they inspire. Its purpose is to showcase the importance of art within the Catholic school tradition and its power to be used as a teaching too.

The six artists whose work will be shown are: Kerry Ware, Vivian Macia, Wilma DeVoe, Catherine Wichmann, Don Clerveaux, and Yunier Cervino Oliver representing Broward and Miami-Dade Catholic Schools.

The exhibit is curated by Stefano Campanini, owner of Etra Fine Art and, fine art and wine boutique, Wine By The Bay. Campanini brings to this show not only gallery and international art fair experience, but also first-hand wisdom in advancing teaching and learning through the arts as board member for Arts For Learning (A4L.) His support and advocacy for the empowerment of children and families is further developed as founder of the non-profit organization “La Casa de la Mujer de las Americas” that creates community centers for families headed by women who are fleeing civil war or domestic violence in Colombia.

“We wanted to bring the teachers to the fore and give them the possibility to express themselves before a larger crowd than the one they have at school, they deserve it; we wanted to give them the opportunity to teach all of us their skills, their insights and show us their sensitivity. At the end they’ll get an A from all of us,” comments Campanini.

Daniela Blanco, a Florida International University art major and ACND Gallery of Art intern, is assistant curator.

Wilma DeVoe teaches at St. Agnes Catholic School in Key Biscayne. DeVoe has a B.A. in Art Education from St. Leo University and currently studies painting with artist Eva Raffe. She has taught art in public, private, and for the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Puerto Rico. DeVoe describes her style as “realistic, but with an open campus to explore.”

Kerry Ware teaches at St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Miami Beach. Ware will present a new series of 12” circular paintings for the first time at this exhibit. His work has been exhibited at the Center and Exit Galleries in California, the Dorsch and Aurora Galleries, and Bridge Red Studios in Miami. Ware holds a BFA from California State University and MFA from the University of Miami. In Ware’s artist statement he writes, “My influence and inspiration include the tradition of Modernism and an attempt to continue in this path of discovery through my own sensibility to the materials with which I am working.”

Vivian Macia teaches at St. Agnes Catholic School in Key Biscayne. With a classical approach, Macia has developed an impressionistic style in her artwork. Her painting commissions include Carnival Cruise Lines and private collectors in South Florida, Naples, and Virginia. Macia began painting under the guidance of nationally renowned artist and FIU Professor David Chang and she holds a degree in interior design from the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale and a B.S. Art Education from Florida International University.

Catherine Konstance Wichmann teaches at St. Anthony Catholic School in Fort Lauderdale. She holds a BFA from the Cooper Union School of Art in New York City and has taken advanced studies in art and art education at both Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University. Wichmann’s work embraces a variety of subjects with a focus on the human condition, people alone, and in relationship with family and friends. Her work has received awards from the Council for the Nassau County Museum of Art, National Art Education Association, and Human Image Exhibition.

Don Clerveaux is a physical education teacher at St. Mary’s Cathedral School and teaches sketching to a group of students. Although he is not a professional artist or formally trained, his sketches demonstrate an affinity towards artistic expression. Clerveaux states, “I was first taught art (and how to draw) by Irene Henshaw at St. Rose of Lima in Miami Shores. She showed me how to express myself through art, and how relaxing it was, and is (especially in the second grade, when my parents got divorced). I am considered a musical person. I see art as silent music. All of the lines, colors and shades make the picture tell a story with harmony.”

Yunier Cervino Oliver teaches at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame 6 to 12 Prep and its middle school, Br. Rice Honors Academy. He holds a BFA in Illustration from the Ringling College of Art in Sarasota, FL. His professional work ranges from comics, medical and architectural illustrations, graphic design, and paintings. Among his work exhibited will be a painting from a body of work titled “Netherlands’ Inspiration” and his most recent commissioned work by private collector, a 72”x48” oil painting that explores the relationships of the feminine, mysticism, and religion.

Upon review of Oliver’s painting, curator Stefano Campanini remarks, “The painting reveals a unique luminosity that makes it inspiring for the subject and the entire exhibition. Yunier is able to have his subject looking deeply absorbed at the luminous and empty mystery in her hands, symbolic of our most significant questions.”

The opening reception will commence at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2011 with an introduction to the contributing artists and lecture by art critic and writer Anne Tschida. Her articles are found in Miami’s top journals including Knight Arts, Biscayne Times, the Miami Herald, New Times, Miami Art Guide, and Artburst . Ms. Tschida will address the importance of art in our society and educational institutions plus help give insight on appreciating different art styles and genres.

“Teaching Artists – A Catholic Tradition”
An exhibit demonstrating an appreciation for teaching artists and their ability to cultivate creative expression
Artists: Kerry Ware, Vivian Macia, Catherine Wichmann, Don Clerveaux, and Yunier Cervino Oliver
Curated By: Stefano Campanini and Daniela Blanco