U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces an Everglades Art Competition for the Haitian American Community
MIAMI – (BLACK PR WIRE) In an effort to reach out to and engage the Haitian community on the Everglades restoration initiatives, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announces the development of a creative arts exhibit and competition entitled Haitian Art Expressions 2006: “Visions of the Everglades through Haitian Eyes.”
The contest is open to south Florida Haitian artists and encourages the participants to capture the essence of the plants, animals and landscapes of the Everglades and transform them into visual art.
“We are delighted to work with the Haitian communities throughout south Florida to coordinate this project,” states Erica Robbins, outreach program specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District. “It was originally inspired by the beautiful artwork of Haitian Animalist painters, whose fanciful landscapes, plants and animals are lushly rendered in colorful detail and would be perfectly suited to represent the Everglades ecosystem. This exhibit will provide a fresh and new perspective in viewing the Everglades from the Haitian community’s point of view.”
Selected artists will see their work exhibited in a variety of formats throughout Florida and on the Internet in celebration of Haitian Awareness Month, recognized in May. Talented artists from 16 counties are expected to participate in this innovative competition.
The bright colors, unique connection to nature and highly recognizable styles of Haitian artists will capture the imagination and increase awareness about Everglades restoration in the south Florida community.
USACE HAITIAN ART EXPRESSIONS COMPETITION
Entry forms for the Haitian Art Expressions competition will be available at numerous locations throughout south Florida, including the Haitian Museum of Art and Culture, Haitian Art Factory, Diaspora Vibe Art Gallery, Galerie D’Art Nader, North Miami Public Library, Frost Art Museum, Osceola Art Gallery, Miami Art Museum, Damien Contemporary Art Center, Art800, African Heritage Cultural Center, Fine Caribbean Art and Presseller Gallery.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages all Haitian artists living in south Florida, including painters, illustrators and photographers, to submit their best Everglades-themed artwork for consideration. Deadline for the Haitian Art Expressions competition is Friday, April 7, 2006. Entries must be submitted to Sonshine Communications, 975 North Miami Beach Boulevard in North Miami Beach, Florida 33162.
Persons interested in participating in this exciting event may contact Bernadette Morris at (305) 948-8063 or visit www.evergladesplan.org to download an entry form. All entries become the property of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; however, work will be credited to the artist whenever possible.
