As a local - Palm Beach

Ask A Local — The Palm Beaches

by Christopher McNamara

When it cools down, there’s just a different feel and it becomes so natural to be outside & enjoy everything that Florida has to offer.

The Palm Beaches

If you want to know what makes The Palm Beaches, Florida such a special place to visit, ask a local—and that’s just what we did. Join us as we explore this beautiful and exciting location with three unique individuals who live, work, play, and create here.

The Palm Beaches is filled with many wonderful things just waiting to be experienced and enjoyed. From unique local businesses to art galleries, museums, theatre, scenic tours, culinary delights, and spectacular seaside adventures, The Palm Beaches offers something for everyone.

ROLANDO CHANG BARRERO

Tell us about yourself and what you do for a living?

First and foremost, I love all things art and culture related as much as I love my hometown. I have been a visual artist all my life (activistartista.com). I’m a bit hyper indulgent of all things bright and beautiful. I have enjoyed having tandem careers in the world of fashion as a designer, in television as a talk show host, and even as a model when I was younger. Today I have had the privilege and honor to maintain a curatorial practice at The Box Gallery (TheBoxGallery.info) dedicated to providing culturally relevant information, access, and art works that reflect current movements and practices in the arts to visitors and collectors. Two of my most treasured compliments have been receiving a Muse Award for Cultural Leadership, and a recent Proclamation dedicating June 7th as Rolando Chang Barrero Day in Palm Beach County. Basically, like many of us in The Palm Beaches, what I really do for a living is to provide joy in the arts, embrace my role as cultural ambassador, and I provide a warm welcome to our guests, clients, and visitors to Palm Beach everyday. I love introducing people to paradise.

How long have you been living in The Palm Beaches, and what influenced your decision to move here?

I am a Florida native, although because of my career and studies I have had the pleasure to live and work throughout the country. After getting my degree from The School of the Art Institute in 1991 I couldn’t wait to return to paradise, so when I was offered a position as interim galleries director in the cultural affairs department at Miami Dade College (mdc.edu) I accepted it without hesitation. After all, it’s home. I get a kick knowing that I get to live and work where so many Americans, Europeans, and Latin Americans come to vacation. I’m never really surprised when any of our visitors decide stay.

What are your favorite places to go for cocktails and/or dinner?

We have hundreds of outstanding places to drink and dine, most of which I have visited and enjoyed. While I cook really well, I do love to go out a lot and I also spend a lot of time traveling. Being on the road I know that my first question is always, “Where is the best places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?” So, friends ask me what my favorite places are I’ll let them that I have to start my day at one of four places: San Ambroeus (santambroeus.com), Tulipan Cafe and Bakery (tulipanbakery.com), Dontee’s Diner (donteesdinerfl.com), and of course Green’s Luncheonette (greenspb.com/restaurant). For lunch on the run there’s nothing more convenient than The Restaurant at The Norton Museum (norton.org/TheRestaurant) or, Serenity Garden Teahouse (serenitygardentea.com) tucked away on 316 Vallette Way between The Box Gallery and The Norton Museum. As for dinner, I have too many favorites! I would have to know what your budget is because I have favorites all over the board from fine dinning restaurants like Café Boulud (cafeboulud.com/palmbeach) to Taqueria Guerrero for truly authentic Mexican food (lataqueriaguerrero.com) or, Cuban hotspot Don Ramon (donramonrestaurant.com).

Cultural Council (Photo By Discover The Palm Beaches)

What cultural attractions or events are a must see for visitors?

The Palm Beaches is a exceptional place to live or visit, with thousands of places to explore and hundreds of year-round events to enjoy! The Palm Beaches is home to some of the best public art programs and projects that are outstanding. From The City Of Boynton Beach’s Boynton Arts (boynton-beach.org/public-art) to West Palm’s ArtLife (wpb.org/our-city/artlife-wpb) I can spend an afternoon walking around surrounded by beautiful art. Aside from my passion for art I love science and nature, and here in the Palm Beaches we offers a lot of variety. The Cox Science Center and Aquarium (coxsciencecenter.org) is a must see, touch, and experience not to miss. With many interactive installations designed with the latest cutting edge animatronics, I have spent hours there. Another favorite pastime is kayaking, and I always go to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (macarthurbeach.org) to relax and just enjoy being on the water and watching the beautiful scenery as I paddle slowly along the trails. After spending the day outdoors, there’s nothing better that catching a show at one of our performing arts centers or theaters. The two places to find out more about them are: Discover The Palm Beaches website (thepalmbeaches.com/events) and The Cultural Council for Palm Beach (events.palmbeachculture.com).

Lake Worth Pier (Photo By Discover The Palm Beaches)

A friend is coming to The Palm Beaches for the first time. Please describe the perfect weekend.

I know it’s going to be a perfect weekend when the first thing my friend says, “I packed sunscreen, boat shoes, and flip-flops. I want to spend the next couple of days outdoors!” Clearly we are going to enjoy the warm water and the absolutely great weather that is unique to The Palm Beaches. On the agenda there will be swimming in Lake Worth Beach (thepalmbeaches.com/explore-cities/lake-worth-beach), canoeing at Riverbend Park (discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/Riverbend.aspx), parasailing on Singer Island (adventurews.com/activities/parasailing) .and before heading home, a sunset cruise is a must (getwetwatersports.com) .

What are the best places to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the area?

We are basically surrounded by water and wetlands providing us with so many enjoyable options from a stroll through the Wakodahatchee Wetlands (discover.pbcgov.org/waterutilities/Pages/Wetlands.aspx) to guided tours on kayaks at Grassy Waters Preserve (wpb.org/government/public-utilities/grassy-waters-preserve/plan-your-visit). Two of my favorites are John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (macarthurbeach.org) and Riverbend Park (discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Pages/Riverbend.aspx).

What is your favorite time of year in The Palm Beaches and why?

I really don’t have a favorite time. I enjoy living here all year long. 

What locally made product would you suggest visitors bring back for their friends or family?

Locally grown, Locally raised! Locally made! We have some of the best products and produce to bring home to family and friends. You can enjoy them at most of our restaurants. The best place to find out how to visit and pick up a few delicious local gifts is by contacting The Florida Sugar Cane League (floridasugarcaneleague.org). 

Please finish this sentence: Don’t leave The Palm Beaches without…

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Rolando Chang Barrero honored as Best Artist in Palm Beach 2022 for second time in SFGN.

Rolando Chang Barrero honored as Best Artist in Palm Beach 2022 for second time in SFGN. Rolando Chang Barrero www.ActivistArtistA.com

Best Artist 
2022
https://southfloridagaynews.com/Local/best-of-2022-palm-beach.html

Rolando Barrero is the owner of the Box Gallery in West Palm Beach. He and his Gallery have been recognized as the Best Artist and Best Gallery of 2022. This is Barrero’s second year being selected as Best Artist. Best Gallery won in a reader’s choice category.

Of his artistry, Barrero said, “I try to create culturally relevant and thought-provoking work without compromise.” His latest piece, “The Family,” was recently installed as a public art piece at the Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center in West Palm Beach.

“The Box Gallery will continue to maintain its reputation as a First Amendment space where all voices can be amplified through the arts,” Barrero said of his gallery. Barrero cultivates diverse styles of art and does not prioritize any one style over another.

“All art is welcome here,” he said.

2021
https://southfloridagaynews.com/Local/palm-beach-s-best-lgbt-activist-artist-is.html

Rolando Chang Barrero has done a lot for Palm Beach County, so perhaps that’s why readers voted him as the Best LGBT Activist, Best Artist, and his art gallery in West Palm Beach won for Best Art Gallery.

Executive Director of Compass, Julie Seaver won this category so many times we decided to rename it LGBT Activist (NOT Named Julie Seaver), with her blessing!

Chang Barrero created the Pajaro Pride Wall Project, an auction that has over 100 artists, friends, allies, and community leaders creating art to sell.

“ I’m very honored to be included on this list among so many friends and associates,” Chang Barrero said. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by our community and I am very grateful. I’m very happy to be able to continue to serve my community.”

He has been creating art for over 40 years, according to his bio. He is a multimedia artist with a portfolio including fashion design, film, painting, acting, and more. His activism and his art are often intertwined, which is why the exhibits that his art gallery hosts feature topics that range from human rights to personal identity. Barrero has built a gallery in which it's easy to get lost, yet somehow find a piece of yourself along the way. 

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Rolando Chang Barrero initiates first ARTÉ CUBA Exhibition in Palm Beach

Arté Cuba!

The work of Cuban artist Pedro C. Ortiz (1932-2001)

Reception: Friday, April 24, 2015 | 6-9 pm
RSVP 
This exhibition is free.
Exhibition dates: April 24-May 15, 2015

Rolando Chang Barrero Fine Art Gallery
711 Lucerne AvenueLake Worth, Florida 33460

Contact:
Rolando Chang Barrero
RCBfineart@gmail.com for more information

Exhibition is organized by curator, Rolando Chang Barrero and Tony Montiel.
Sponsored by Florida Arts Association®

LAKE WORTH-An exhibition of works by the late artist, Perdro Carlos Ortiz. 
Ortiz ws a master of many media, possessed an extraordinary sensitivity and simplicity. His works capture the great love he devoted to his beloved homeland, a place he never abandoned in his heart and mind.

The eclectic style of artist Pedro Carlos Ortiz transports the viewer on a journey from the working class neighborhoods of mid-twentieth century Cuba to the sun-splashed streets of Madrid. Using surreal oils and inks, he conjures the rituals and mysticism of healers and mediums who practiced a mix of indigenous African religions and Roman Catholicism, while conversely, he employs bright colors and bold strokes to evoke the purity and spirituality of the Madonna and San Rafael.

Highly collected, the paintings of Perdo C. Ortiz are found in prominent collections in the United States and abroad. 
Among the collectors of Ortiz' works are: 
The Cuban Museum, Miami FL
OAS (Organization of American States) Museum of Latin Art
Radio Marti, Private Collection of Jose Antonio Font.

History:
Pedro Carlos Ortiz was born in the province of Matanzas, Cuba, on October 20, 1932. He began his university studies in architecture at the University of Havana. In 1964, he left his homeland as a political exile and headed to Madrid, Spain, where he finished his studies and received a Doctorate in Architecture.

"What I paint are images and shadows that emerge from within me and that become realities."
-- P. C. Ortiz 

" I collected Pedro for over 10 years and have a collection of 15 painting
hanging in my home. I love the magic they add to my walls and my collection".
--Evy Baird Willis, Private Collector of Cuban Art and French Post Impressionist Art.

Excerpt from letter from the Estate of Pedro Carlos Ortiz to Rolando Chang Barrero.

" I am honored that Rolando Chang Barrero has chosen my Husband's work to
begin his series on Cuban Masters from the early Vanguard to the Present.
Although my husband was a successful architect, as well as, a fine artist here in the United States I can honestly say his art gave him his greatest satisfaction. Pedro Loved creating and
sharing his art with as many as possible. 

He was honored in his lifetime with several awards and Honors but there was not greater accomplishment to him than to place his paintings and acquire new Collectors.  I am certain that Pedro would be thrilled to introduce his work to a new audience in Palm Beach County. Again I thank Rolando for this great opportunity and Homage".--Irma Ortiz, wife of the late Perdro Carlos Ortiz 

For images contact: RCBFINEART@Gmail.com

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Rolando Chang Barrero's Debutante Paintings Now Available At C.Bell

Rolando Chang Barrero's Debutante Paintings 

Now available excusively at 

C.Bell

4906 South Dixie Highway

West Palm Beach, Florida 33405

website 

561-533-6505

email

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website

Art Hive Magazine Announces "Eye Candy" Wiinner!

Art Hive Magazine

The Arts and Entertainment Magazine of the Palm Beaches

"We want to congratulate Rolando Chang Barrero for being the WINNER of our "Art Hive Magazine - EYE CANDY - photo contest"! His supportive friends and family pushed him over the edge with a whopping 214 votes total! You'll be able to check out his work in the next issue of Art Hive! We will be announcing another contest soon enough. Thank you to all of our social media friends on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for your support!"

ART HIVE MAGAZINE

Facebook    Instagram   Website  Issuu

Rolando Chang Barrero 

Rolando Chang Barrero, BFA/MAAT, The School of the Art Institiute of Chicago. 

Rolando Chang Barrero resides in West Palm Beach, Florida

Maintains a working art studio in Boynton Beach, Florida.

He is currently working with children on "Windows to the Future" 

with the Historical Preservation Society of Delray Beach.

Rolando Chang Barrero is the recipient of a Congressional Letter of Commendation. 

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