Twelve BFA candidates from the college visual arts division at New World School of the Arts (NWSA) will be exhibiting their work at the Merrill Lynch arteaméricas. With works representative of 14 Latin American and Caribbean countries as well as the United States, this premier art fair will showcase the latest trends in paintings, sculpture and multimedia from contemporary artists as well as renowned masters. Among the arteamericas exhibiting students are: Samantha Kocking, a double major in painting, and graphic design; Veronica Sierra, majoring in painting; Lisette Gonzalez, painting; Nathalie Bernaudo, sculpture; Yasmine Tolentino, digital media; Patti Hernandez, with a double major in digital media and sculpture; Mauricio Gonzalez, painting and sculpture double major; Jose Perez-Figueredo, painting; Sofia Londono, sculpture; Felipe Lagos, painting; Lisa Torske, painting; and Cristina Lasaga, majoring in painting as well.

"These are very exciting times for South Florida, as we position ourselves as an arts Mecca. For our students it's an opportunity to showcase their work in a professional setting alongside renowned Latin American artists. Our students find inspiration in the works of these masters and their excitement is evident as they craft their artworks," stated Maggy Cuesta, Dean of Visual Arts at New World School of the Arts. "In addition to this exhilarating showcase opportunity, our twelve students will participate in a competition to be juried by the exhibiting gallerists of arteaméricas." The student winner will receive a complimentary trip to New York, courtesy of arteaméricas to explore the different artistic venues the city has to offer.

Joining the arteaméricas speaker series, dean Cuesta will lead the discussion DESIGN RESPONSIBLY, along with Rosario Martinez-Cañaz, graphic design instructor at NWSA. The topic highlights how graphic designers should "take responsibility for the projects they undertake and believe in their message in order to make an impact. Through their message, they can endorse and/or address issues that are important to not only our community but to all nations," concluded Cuesta. Samples of student campaigns and poster exhibition on social causes and environmental causes will support and complement the presentation. Discussion is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 5 PM - 6:15 PM.

A second discussion will be lead by NWSA painting and drawing faculty Aramis O'Reiley as he explores the effects of "beautifying" a city through art. Through ART ENHANCES THE QUALITY OF LIVING, O'Reiley initiates a discussion on how art is used to enhance a city aesthetically, stating "Art should not only be confined to galleries, museums and private collections, but should be available to everyone in one way or another. Exposure to art and its different mediums and disciplines ignites the imagination of the passer-by and creates awareness; which can translate into a higher level of culture for a community." Samples include community-involved projects such as the collaboration between NWSA and Miami-Dade Metro, Macy's window displays and the Thrones project. Discussion is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 5 PM - 6:15 PM.

Through its gifted, emerging artists and unique programs, New World School of the Arts has become an educational and creative beacon of the arts. Trained by nationally renowned practicing artists, students are encouraged to develop a personal, artistic and aesthetic vision while mastering their own technical skills in traditional and new media. Areas of concentration for students seeking a BFA degree include drawing, electronic media, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.

Friday, March 28 - Monday, March 31.

Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr. Miami Beach.

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New World School of the Arts was created by the Florida Legislature as a Center of Excellence in the visual and the performing arts. An educational partnership of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Dade College and the University of Florida.