Homestead City Councilman Stephen R. Shelley is looking for local artists to participate in his Artist in the Spotlight program. 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.
Participating artists are given the opportunity to display their artwork in both the Old Town Hall Museum and in ArtSouth’s gallery for a period of two (2) months in addition to being recognized and given the opportunity to promote their artwork at a Homestead City Council Meeting. The artist will be expected to participate in ArtSouth’s Second Saturday each month and will have the chance to interact and promote their work with all those in attendance. The Artist in the Spotlight program is open to all types of artistic media and formats.
Former participants of the program found the exposure to be invaluable. “I made several contacts and received lots of compliments and words of encouragement,” stated Caryl Alarcón. “Thank you to Councilman Shelley for making it all possible.” 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, and most recently Caryl Alarcón.
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) 224-4454 or hpalmateer@cityofhomestead.com. Artists who live within or near the City of Homestead will be given preference over those who live further away. The next participating artist will be Teresa Slomko who will exhibit her artwork from July through August.
