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The Cortada Science Art Academy at Pinecrest Gardens is excited to launch the second edition of its fall after-school program. In the Academy, students will learn how to think critically and creatively to help conserve Florida’s ecosystems, defend global biodiversity, and advance the work of climate scientists at the Earth’s North and South poles.
The six-week program, open to students ages 9-12, runs from Sept. 7 to Oct. 13. Students will attend two 120-minute sessions each week at Pinecrest Gardens and dive deep into Cortada’s science art practice to discover how they can use the power of art to spur social and environmental action. Through engaged studio sessions and presentations at Pinecrest Gardens, students will gain a deeper understanding of our world, foster leadership abilities, and contribute to environmental conservation.
“I created this Science Art Academy because I believe in the power of young people to change the world,” said Cortada. “By growing leaders who value creativity, empathy, and science, I think we can create a ripple effect that positively impacts our planet for generations to come.”
Classes will be taught by Xavier Cortada Foundation Executive Director Adam Roberti. Roberti’s experience teaching and leading communities is extensive. He has worked with local schools, libraries, the Frost Science Museum, and Pinecrest Gardens to have thousands of residents plan for a future with sea level rise by planting mangrove propagules in their yards. He led Cortada’s team in raising awareness and inspiring action on climate change at every county library branch and weekly at the Pinecrest Gardens Farmers Market. He has trained art teachers at the 2019 MDCPS’ STEAM Professional Development Session and science teachers with UF’s Scientist in Every Florida School program. He has also shared his expertise through workshops for the National Wildlife Federation, the CLEO Institute, the Everglades Foundation, and as a guest lecturer at the University of Miami.
The Cortada Science Art Academy is presented by Pinecrest Gardens, as part of the Village of Pinecrest’s educational programming. Space is limited, parents are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible. To register for this one-of-a-kind nature-centric educational experience, visit https://bit.ly/CortadaAcademyRegister. The cost for the program is $375.
ABOUT XAVIER CORTADA FOUNDATION
The Xavier Cortada Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Miami, Florida. Since 1994, Cortada’s community-driven artwork has catalyzed over 25 acres of ecological restoration, generated participatory eco-art projects in every Miami-Dade County public school and library, and amplified marginalized voices across the world through collaborative message murals. The Cortada Foundation is currently focused on driving awareness and action around the climate crisis in South Florida by engaging residents in projects such as “The Underwater,” an interactive public art campaign that reveals the vulnerability of coastal cities to rising seas, and activities such as the Cortada Science Art Academy, an immersive after school program based at Pinecrest Gardens.
