In efforts to nurture and give dedicated space to LGBTQ artists everywhere and furthering the bond and alliance between LGBT non-profits in South Florida, Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU) and the City of North Miami have created an exciting new opportunity for the community.
ARTLab@GALVIN CENTER, curated and managed by UC|CU, to highlight local, national and international artists of Trans experience by featuring their works year round, free and open to the public.
The nearly 600sq ft gallery space boasts double height ceilings, an open floorplan, and plenty of space to create, explore, consider and appreciate art.
The Scott Galvin Cewnter in North Miami is open to all Monday through Friday, 10am-5pm.
1600 NE 126 Street North Miami, FL 33181
“This is a wonderful opportunity and partnership, and Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida could not be happier to grow our ongoing commitment to the city of North Miamiof bringing ARTLab and world class works by LGBTQ artists from around the corner or across the globe, to the South Florida community.' said UC|CU director Herb Sosa
MARCO CARIDAD is a Venezuelan-American interdisciplinary artist based in
Miami. His diverse and experimental fusion of mediums challenges stereotypes.
He celebrates the complexity and diversity of human identities and feelings by
exploring the intricate nuances of his experiences as an immigrant, queer, and
a descendant of indigenous peoples. His artwork has shown his work in
prestigious institutions such as the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum, the Miami Historic
Post Office Museum, Centro de Bellas Artes de Maracaibo, DORCAM, the
Miramar Cultural Center, the Koubek Center, and Miami International Fine Arts,
among others. Caridad has authored three books: "San Stereotypes,"
"A Particularly Vicous Tongue," and co-wrote "Desarrolla Tu
Creatividad con Ejercicios Teatrales." He holds a Master's in Arts
from The Art Institutes, Miami International University of Art & Design,
and a Bachelor's in Graphic Design from the University of Zulia. He has shared
his expertise as an adjunct professor at the Istituto Marangoni and the
Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. Caridad participated in artistic residencies
at the ICA Art + Research Center, Loop Art Critique, and the Miami Paper &
Printing Museum. He actively contributes to the local community as a FAMA
(Fiber Artists Miami Association) board member while acting as the Artistic
Director at Miami International Fine Arts. Marco has also worked on creative
projects for notable entities, including Google, Hard Rock International, Lenny
Kravitz, and Delta Airlines.
ARTIST STATEMENT As an interdisciplinary
artist, I strive to push the boundaries and challenge traditional expectations
of art by engaging directly with various mediums, including printmaking,
painting, textile art, video performance, assemblage, installations, and murals.
The intensified movement of gestural lines and organic stains are the common
thread in my work, symbolizing passion, sensuality, and frustrations about
social injustice. I confront the dichotomy between digital and analog art,
juxtaposing them in both directions, all to forge new meanings and dismantle
stereotypes surrounding artistic expression.
Along my creative
journey, my multifaceted identity often challenges conventional social norms as
a metaphor for the complexity of human relationships and communications today.
The visual textures in my work challenge the notion of "perfection"
as I embrace my visceral instincts as an act of defiance against social
expectations. In my work, I often create series where I repeat the same motif,
subtly tweaking each time to reflect community. This approach symbolizes my
celebration of diversity, akin to facing fears by exploring varied perspectives
and experiences. I understand the importance of representation for minorities,
and my experience with art installations and murals reflects my commitment to
belonging and my desire for inclusivity.
ART LAB EVENTS
"My artwork explores childhood and intergenerational trauma and healing, including
disassociation from the body, mind, and emotions; issues related to gender, identity
and expression, childhood neglect and abuse; imagination and escapism; isolation
and the search for a sense of belonging in the world and with community; healing work;
and radical love and acceptance of the self and others. The artwork also incorporates
elements of the subconscious, dream interpretation, and magic realism."
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact
info@unitycoalition.org
Images from Freepik
'Im a fine artist painting the Egypsy Bible.
It's super interesting and involved. I mainly paint.
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase
a piece, please contact
info@unitycoalition.org
I have been painting since 2006, specializing in figurative, abstract and landscape
work. Much of my work is on found wood from construction waste. I have also
developed a niche type of work that I call “Paintcatchers”. These works develop through
my use of left over paint on my palette being applied to random boards. This process
on these types of paintings, sometimes evolves over years until a work is finished.
My work has been shown in numerous cities including, Santa Fe, Denver, Miami and
Los Angeles. I am currently represented by Esperanza Art, a gallery in Marfa, Texas.
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact
info@unitycoalition.org
They, them | (Shane) is an artist in multiple media, whose diverse body of
work explores fusion of oppositional polarities, transcendental themes, abstract
symbolism, and humankind's unique role within the natural world. A graduate
of Pratt Institute and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, Shane draws
from their bi-coastal life experience, informed by the rich tapestry of artistic, historic,
cultural, literary, musical and filmic trends of both Los Angeles and New York City.
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact
info@unitycoalition.org
She, her, hers | Baltimore, Maryland
I use narrative, historical art references, fantastical elements of costumes and
autobiography to depict taboo intimacies between women —acknowledging and
emphasizing the female gaze. My work consists of large paintings, photographs and
monotypes created over the past two years. I construct intimate moments in my
photographs and create narrative portraits of lesbian relationships.
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact
info@unitycoalition.org
www.shopjoancoxart.com/pride-art
The proud, reigning Miss Florida Roundup 2019. The Florida Roundup
is a conference for the LGBTQ community and their supporters, who
are members of a 12 Step recovery program.
Ms. Monroe has been performing since she was 17 years young. She
began her illustrious career as a performer in New York City in the 80’s
and 90’s, working at such iconic establishments as the Monster Bar,
Escuelita Night Club and many, many more.
Vanessa Monroe was part of a real Pose life in the80's, known in the
ball scene as Vanessa Xtravaganza-Continental. In the early 90's she
won many beauty peagents in NYC and In the mid 90’s she moved to
Miami. In 2013 she became a Trans activist and Trans artist in
photography.
In 2017 and 2018 she participated in TransArt . Since winning her
crown as Miss Florida Roundup 2019, Vanessa has participated in
fundraisers in order to give back to her community and also performed
in Miami Beach Pride as Queen Borinquen Clinic.
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact
info@unitycoalition.org
A Trans man born in Cuba in 1978. Raised in Miami and partially in Costa Rica, Yeniel is a self taught visual artist. Actively works as a tattooist, and enjoys creative projects on the side.
"Art is one of life's free gifts that has not only given me purpose and a voice but also it has saved my life"
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact info@unitycoalition.org
Visual Artist, Writer/Poet, Musician Composer
Montreal based interdisciplinary trans feminine artist combining performance, music, photography and spoken word with experimental film and video.
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact info@unitycoalition.org
Visual Artist, aspiring model
New Bedford, Massachusetts based trans man, visual artist and aspiring model.
Photography by ally Brittany Brackett.
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact
info@unitycoalition.org
Visual Artist, aspiring model
New Bedford, Massachusetts based trans man, visual artist and aspiring model.
Photography by ally Brittany Brackett.
FOR MORE INFO on the artist, or to purchase a piece, please contact
info@unitycoalition.org