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Exhibitions at the Library
Art Services & Exhibitions Division
About
The Library System has a long history of cultural and educational exhibitions, and makes a special call to artists on a rolling basis for temporary exhibitions that correspond to selected annual themes and/or that highlight the library’s permanent art collection and services.
Additionally, the Vasari Project is an archive that documents the development of the visual arts in Miami‑Dade County since 1945.
For more information about the art collection, exhibition programs, call 305‑375‑5599 or e‑mail art@mdpls.org.
Art at the Library
Permanent Art Collection
A collection of over 7,000 works with focus on African American, Latino, and Miami artists. The Vasari Project
Dedicated to documenting, collecting and preserving Miami‑Dade County's art history from 1945 to the present. Virtual Art Exhibitions
Virtual exhibitions highlighting works from the library's art collection. Each exhibit features high-resolution scans of the artwork and is searchable.
A collection of over 7,000 works with focus on African American, Latino, and Miami artists. The Vasari Project
Dedicated to documenting, collecting and preserving Miami‑Dade County's art history from 1945 to the present. Virtual Art Exhibitions
Virtual exhibitions highlighting works from the library's art collection. Each exhibit features high-resolution scans of the artwork and is searchable.
A Visual Narrative
Miami-Dade Public Library System's Permanent Art Collection and Exhibitions
A Closer Look at the Artwork of Emilio Sanchez
Library Artist-in-Residence Program
Interview with Jacob Brillhart, Rocco Ceo, Victor Deupi
Library Exhibitions
Pedestrian 1985 & 2015
Street Photography In Downtown with Liam Crotty and David Spitzer
Current Exhibitions & Programs
MDPLS Author Series
Lunchtime Poetry & Jazz @ the Library
First Thursday of Every Month,
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Join us for an interactive poetry and jazz program featuring local poets reading their works while accompanied by a live jazz band.
Hosted by Miami-Dade County Poetry Ambassador Nicole Tallman and Library Curator and Poet Oscar Fuentes.
All ages.
Become Ocean: Art from World Ocean Day Celebrations
Curated by Ombretta Agró Andruff, Founder and Executive Director at ARTSail
May 1 - August 31
In commemoration of international World Ocean Day on June 8, ARTSail in partnership with the Blue Scholars Initiative, gives rise to the power of visual arts as a creative champion of environmental stewardship with their annual World Ocean Weekend Celebration. Crafted with the aim of promoting ocean conservation awareness, ARTSail offers an array of free activities during the event, including art installations, recreation, impact, science, education, and entertainment.
With ARTSail’s rendition of World Ocean Weekend Celebration 2024, they commissioned former YoungArts Award winner Maria Useche to create Become Ocean — a series of six grand ocean flags that interpret ocean life through a kaleidoscope, helping viewers see their lives not just as individual beings but as testaments of beauty. The six-flag exhibit allows color and pattern to have a voice by juxtaposing animal forms with compositional abstraction, forming a tidal tapestry.
Cuba Before and After
By Yolanda “Yoly B” Blanco
April 5 – June 6
Cuba Before and After explores memory and homeland through a collection of oil canvas paintings that capture the landscape, people, and culture of Cuba throughout its many moments. From the Cuban War of Independence to the Revolution of 1959, Cuba’s history is one that is defined by turbulent change and the constant search for freedom. Blanco represents this in her work as she captures many moments from the past that are integral to understanding Cuba’s present. Among this are depictions of the rich culture that is ever evolving, with its rich folklore and music capturing the essence of what Cuba represents and how it continues to adapt. The colorful flora and fauna burst from the canvas in bright hues of paint, drawing viewers to engage with the beauty of this tropical Caribbean island.
Yūgen
By Daniel Medina
March 29 – June 13, 2024
Opening Reception and Artist Talk
Friday, May 3
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
In this unique blend of poetry and painting, artist Daniel Medina draws inspiration from a quote by songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen, that says “…cracks in things are how light breaks through them." In Yūgen, Medina enhances both mediums, facilitating dialogue through the cracks as he delves into nostalgia, memory, emotions, the human condition, and our connection with the world through awareness.
Yūgen, a Japanese word to denote the subjective awareness a human being can have of the world and the cosmos, but cannot effectively express, includes Medina’s choice poetry of American Pop Haiku, coined by fellow poet and novelist Jack Kerouac. Yūgen thoughtfully displays how Haiku promotes the expression of mind, emotion, and action, allowing viewers to explore beyond the “I” of the poet and reflect on their subjective truths. Along with Haiku, Medina includes quotes and excerpts from a variety of writers and sources to create a collage of words and meaning for the viewers to connect with.
When They Breathe: Long Tones in Conversation from Woodwind Specialists
A Recital and Talk with Maya Fisher
Saturday, April 20, 2024
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Join us for a musical exploration as we delve into the transformative power of Black cultural sounds through African woods, brass, and metals, featuring insights from musicians like Matana Roberts, Angel Bat Dawid, and others. All ages.
Forbidden Pages
By Rosa Naday Garmendia
February 23 – May 16
Meet the Artist
Thursday, April 25
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Join Rosa Naday Garmendia, artist of Forbidden Pages, along with community leaders Rosie Gordon-Wallace and Tom Virgin, in a discussion that connects the community with the artistic process, including a hands-on printmaking activity.
Letterpress prints form the foundation of Forbidden Pages, an art and social engagement exhibit utilizing diverse art forms such as letterpress, linoleum prints, zines, and a site-specific wallpaper mural installation. Drawing inspiration from a collection of more than 2,500 banned or challenged children’s books, including renowned titles like The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome, Festival of Colors by Kabir and Surishtha Sehgal, and Neither by Airlie Anderson, artist Rosa Naday Garmendia’s exhibit breathes fresh air into the silenced tales of these remarkable novels.
