Edwive Seme/Staff Writer
Miami Beach is widely known for its vibrant and colorful art scene.
From jazz clubs, to exquisite restaurants, and diverse art galleries, Miami Beach has something to offer to all art-driven visitors. In the path of being involved in their community, the University’s College of Architecture + the Arts decided to join this artistic atmosphere by starting their own studio, Miami Beach Urban Studios, for students in Miami Beach.
The MBUS is a 16,400 square foot gallery, located in 420 Lincoln Road. It is two blocks away from New World Symphony and walking distance from The Wolfsonian Museum, the Bass Museum and more cultural and art venues, putting students at the center of Miami Beach’s vibrant art scene.
The new site is owned by Paul J. Cejas, former U.S. ambassador of Belgium and one of the University’s strongest long-time supporters, who has a building named after him at the Modesto Maidique Campus.
Brian Schriner, Dean of the College of Architecture + the Arts sees their 15 year lease agreement with 420 Lincoln Road as a commitment to expand the college’s collaboration with other cultural bodies and to get involved with South Beach’s growing art movement.
MBUS brings together all seven departments of the college through their design studio for architecture students. There is a gallery with exhibition and performance space for graduate visual arts students and music practice rooms and an ensemble room for music students.
The studio not only provides gallery and performing space, but also hosts lectures available to the whole community throughout the year and offers courses that will help students to take advantage of Miami Beach’s artistic, historical and cultural resources. Students are mentored and critiqued by professionals, artists and performers.
The studio is both beneficial to the College of Arts + Architecture and Miami Beach due to their nonstop exhibitions and events, such as the recent “Bus, Sweat, and Tears” exhibit curated by Alexandra Molina, which featured artworks from Cuban-American artists Alvaro Labanino, Jefreid Lotti, and Miguel A. Saludes and ran from July 20 to Aug. 17.
They have more events ready for this fall, like the musical event early next week, Sunday, Sept. 9 from 4-5:30 p.m., by the FIU Chamber Players. On Sept. 21, they will host the Master of Fine Arts student exhibition from 7-9:30 p.m. To end the month of September, they will have a reception at the launch of the fifth issue of the design magazine, eVolo, by Assistant Professor Eric Goldemberg on Sept. 28.
Their work doesn’t stop there; they will have plenty more events for the rest of the season. Those interested in learning more about their events can come by the Fall Arts Preview on Sept. 12 at the Frost Art Museum where MBUS will participate in previewing some of their upcoming events. Students can also visit www.livethearts.com for more information.
–edwive-seme@fiusm.com
About Post Author
