City of Homestead Councilman Stephen R. Shelley is looking for local artists to participate in his Artist in the Spotlight program for 2016. The Artist in the Spotlight program (formerly known as “Art in the Chambers”) was created in 2010 by Councilman Shelley to highlight the talents of local artists and allow them to showcase their artwork to the local community.
The participating artists will be given the opportunity to display their artwork on the wall of the William F. Dickinson Community Center as well as the Old Town Hall Museum in Downtown Homestead for a period of two (2) months. Additionally, the artist will be recognized and given the opportunity to promote their artwork at a Homestead City Council Meeting as well as the ability to host an artist reception or workshop at the Homestead Community Center. The Artist in the Spotlight program is open to all types of artistic media and formats and to individuals, art clubs and schools.
Former participants of the program found the exposure to be invaluable. South Florida National Parks Camera Club, featured artists of July-August 2015, President Jason Eldridge says, “There are few venues available for clubs to show the work of members; we are grateful for this opportunity to allow our photographers to share their art with the community.” Past participants include: Robert L. Chaplin, Paul Marcellini, Luis Núñez, Brian Trainor, Jessica M. Ujaque, Angeline Marie Martinez, The Children’s Gallery and Arts Center, ArtSouth, Caryl Alarcón, Jesus Marquez, Teresa Slomko, Artist-in-Residence-in-Everglades (AIRIE), Suzanne Moe, Marcela Noriega, Marcia Maynard, Lillian Marlatt, Mimi Dickson, Mary Dee Burkhart, Ruth Campbell, Carol McGunagle, and South Florida National Parks Camera Club.
Councilman Shelley is an avid photographer himself and has a passion for the arts. “I know how hard it can be to promote and market your work as an artist, and I wanted to create a program that would help our local artist publicize their work and advance their careers. I also wanted to help promote art in general and art education within our Homestead community” said Councilman Shelley.
If you are interested in participating or know of a local artist in the area from Broward, Dade or Monroe Counties, please contact Councilman Shelley’s office at (305) 224-4447 or mwells@cityofhomestead.com. Artists who live within or near the City of Homestead will be given preference over those who live further away. We are currently in search of participating artists to exhibit their artwork from March through April.
