With just a few ticks over eight weeks left in this busy 2015 year, we’re watching the seasons change via media outlets like Facebook and Instagram as we remain in our famously warm, sunny and green South Florida. During these weeks several noteworthy cultural arts events are taking place.
Every fall, the “J” plays host to many fantastic art exhibits and events that are easy on our pockets – most free of charge.
My last article here featured a comprehensive blurb [ala paradox] on the exquisite display of tapestries and sculptures titled Holocaust Heroes: Fierce Females by artist Linda Stein. This moving art exhibit is currently available to view now through November 29 in our art gallery.
The Impressions in Watercolor competition marks its 30th year at our Lisa Ann Watson Children’s Discovery Museum. On November 9, the exhibition begins and will run through December 10. A partnership between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Miami Watercolor Society, the competition is open to MDCPS students in grades K – 12 and promotes the unique character of watercolor as a medium among young artists. At the opening reception on Thursday, November 19, $3,000 in gift certificates and The Renay Rossi Awards of Excellence will be presented.
In December, photographer Stephen Mack gives the illusion of Florida’s hidden mountains in his Rockscapes of South Florida series. Sure, our state is mostly flat save for a few hills and landfills, but these photos taken at rock pits and development sites in Broward capture the illusion of majestic landscapes of the West in the Ansel Adams tradition. Running from December 6 through January 31 in the Futernick Art Gallery at the “J,” you’ll also have an opportunity to meet the artist Sunday, January 24 at 1 p.m. prior to the Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble at 2 p.m.
The following day, in honor of Tu B’Shevat the Jewish Genealogical Society of Greater Miami will be on site assisting guests with computers in researching their family tree. $5 per person includes a light brunch and activity. The Art Gallery is open Sundays from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and by appointment, free of charge during most events unless otherwise noted.
January 10 – April 10, 2016, a unique cultural learning experience about an important topic will take place back at our Lisa Ann Watson Children’s Discovery Museum. We are all immigrants. Our families have at some point made the decision to leave their home countries to embark on the exciting, frightening and ultimately hopefilled journey to America. We may be from different places but we all live here together and have more in common than we think.
The From Home to Home: Jewish Immigration to America children’s exhibit is a hands-on, multi-sensory children’s exhibit for all families of every ethnicity. It explores the shared emotional experience of moving to a new country and the hopes and dreams that bring people here. The exhibit is on loan from the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, and parents, children and their families will be inspired to find out more about their family origins through 29 colorful modules that explore every aspect of relocating, from weighing the pros and cons of moving to assimilating in a new country while retaining their own cultural identity. This awesome activity is free for JCC members and just $5 for the community.
In relation to the exhibit, there will also be an exclusive Progressive Dinner leading to the exhibit on January 23.
Some additional notable art events kicking off the New Year at the J include the illusionary art of Stanford Slutsky and a lovely display of watercolor art by accomplished watercolorist Dr. Marilyn Valiente. The Keshet Chaim Rainbow of Life American-Israeli Dance Ensemble, comedienne Rita Rudner and Josh and the Jamtones children’s concert are a few theater events to stay tuned to during the first quarter of 2016.
Call 305-271-9000, ext. 265 for more info or email sbreitner@alperjcc.org. Stay up to date on what’s happening at the J by joining our mailing list online www.alperjcc.org/ and following our social media accounts www.facebook.com/alperjcc and twitter.com/AlperJCC.
