Seven teaching artists from Miami and Broward have been selected to exhibit their work at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep’s Second Annual Teaching Artist Exhibit titled, “Art Transforms Lives.” The exhibit opens on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at the ACND Gallery of Art at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep, 4949 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, 305.751.8367, www.acnd.net. The exhibit runs through October 1, 2013, is Free with RSVP to galleryofart@acnd.net.

Teaching artists must balance their time between the studio and classroom.  Driven by a desire to create, they possess the ability to transmit a global message through their art while keeping in mind its intrinsic value. This message must be communicated in ways easily understood by students to whom many will not pursue a profession in the arts.

“Art transforms our lives by helping us explore the many facets of our abilities, without a worry or fear of making mistakes, or doing something incorrectly,” comments participating artist, Lorie Setton.  “Art helps us realize that there are many avenues to achievement. There is no ‘wrong answer’ in the art world (or the classroom), but there is an infinite amount of possibilities as to what we can create.”

The teachers selected to participate this year are:

Alena Beasley holds a BFA in Visual Arts from The International Fine Arts College, in Miami, FL. Her professional work ranges from abstract to large floral paintings. She has exhibited locally in groups of exhibitions and is currently working on new entities of creative expressions. Ms. Beasley teaches PK4 through 8th grade at Our Lady of the Lakes in Miami Lakes.

Yunier Oliver Cervino 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. He has exhibited both locally and abroad and his work can be found primarily in private collections. Mr. Cervino teaches middle and high school students at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep, Miami.

Caryne Havican Mender originates from the Detroit Area holding a BFA from the College of Creative Studies, School of Art & Design, a MALS from the University of Detroit, a K-12 Art Education Certification from Aquinas College and most recently a MFA from the Miami International University School of Art & Design. Now living in Miami, she has participated in art shows in both Michigan and Miami. Ms. Mender teaches part-time at both the Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH) and ACND Prep, Miami. She is gallery manager and curator at the ACND Gallery.

Lorie Setton began her artist training at the Parsons New School University (New York), Florence University of the Arts (Italy), received a BFA from the University of Florida, and is currently pursuing a certificate in Special Education from the University of Central Florida.  She has exhibited her paintings in galleries in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and is a resident artist at Yo Space studios located in Little Haiti. Ms. Setton teaches at the David Posnak Hebrew Day School, Davie.

Silvana Soriano was born in Brazil, began her artist training at the School of Visual Arts (Brazil) and received a BA in Art Education from Bennett University in Rio de Janeiro. Specializing in printmaking, she has exhibited her work at many group and solo exhibitions in Brazil, Spain, France, Cuba, and the United States. Ms. Soriano currently works as a teaching artist for Arts for Learning (headquarted at the Lightbox at Goldman Warehouse in Wynwood) at various locations such as the Lewis Art Academy and this past summer at ACND Prep.

Catherine Wichmann holds a BFA from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City and is a MS candidate in Art Education and Public Administration from FIU and FAU.  She has exhibited her work at both solo and group exhibitions in both Florida and New York, her work is found publications, private collections, as well as, commissioned murals. Ms. Wichmann currently teaches at St. Anthony Catholic School, Fort Lauderdale.

Kerry N. Ware was born in Fullerton, California where he received a BFA in Sculpture from California State University. He hold as MFA in Painting from the University of Miami. He has exhibited his work at both solo and group exhibitions in Florida and California and has received many distinguished awards and reviews.  Mr. Ware teaches at both St. Patrick Catholic School, Miami Beach and as Professor of Painting, Design, and Art History at Ai Miami International University of Art and Design, Miami.

This exhibit is one of many events and programs offered by ACND Prep designed to “creatively connect” both students and others to the resources available in the art districts surrounding ACND Prep – in particular, the  Design District, Wynwood, and Downtown Miami. Each program and event is also designed to promote thought and discussion about the value of the arts in core education.

For more information about upcoming exhibits and fine arts programs, visit www.acnd.net.