President Donald Trump has put forth his proposed budget, which calls for the elimination of funding for the National Endowment of the Arts and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Other cuts include the departments of Education and Agriculture andEnvironmental Protection Agencyprograms, among many others.
Artist Rolando Chang Barrero, who runs the ActivistArtistA Gallery in Boynton Beach and the Box Gallery in West Palm Beach, and his fellow artists are reacting to proposed budget cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts.
For his upcoming KeroWACKED Show at the Boynton Beach Arts District, Barrero said he is organizing "Sound Out Loud," a 10-hour open-mic event for people to express their First Amendment rights "as if they might not have this opportunity again."
Forty people will get their turn at the microphone for 15 minutes each from noon to 10 p.m. April 16 at ActivistArtistA, 422 W. Industrial Ave. Email BoyntonBeachArtDistrict@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
A companion exhibit, "Lest We Forget," remembers the Holocaust and the results of what happens when government separates people by religion and/or nationality, Barrero said.
"The ideas for these shows came about as a direct result of the current political climate and Trump's policies," he said. Continue to full story.
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 Ortizwas 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
Last week, Boynton Beach announced that it was putting the kibosh on the the Boynton Beach Art District (BBAD) monthly art walks.
The art walks had revitalized what was previously your run-of-the-mill warehouse district. What was once a wasteland of old hollow buildings buried in the shadows west of I-95 turned into a flourishing art scene.
"Boynton Beach finally did something before Miami and Delray Beach: It banned its own signature, award-winning art walk. Go figure that one out," artist and gallery owner Rolando Barrero told New Times' music blog last week.
A group of artists and spiritualists are meeting at sunset this evening to bring awareness in hopes of shifting the city's perspective on why shutting down the art walk is wrong for the community.
Well into the City of Boynton Beach's 34th Day with out a resoultion to the Ban on the Art District's Art Walk; letter's, comments, reviews and speculations are surfacing.
In print and online, the future of the highly regarded event that established the city as
haven for artists akin to the early days in New York City sits on a balance waiting for the August 1 talks between organizers and city officials.
by Boynton Beach resident Jes Robison says, "As a professional and a resident within this community, I am inspired by the efforts made by the Boynton Beach Arts District to engage the city of Boynton Beach's artistic populace. I believe they should be commended for their initiative and creativity, not to mention the dream they share with the many Boynton residents that believe our city can only benefit by actively promoting an atmosphere of culture and imagination."
"A key to BBAD's success has been its well-staged monthly art walks, which most recently received top honors as New Times' best art walk for Broward and Palm Beach counties.That's why we're scratching our heads at the news that the city decided to shut down this event."
The City is making up policies that are affecting actual working people's lives. BB Art District is a beacon of culture in a depressed area, and THE source of livelihood for dozens of artists and craftsmen who work and exhibit there. It is a homegrown, organic product of love and hard work, and an AMAZING SUCCESS. City of Boynton- try to resolve this please or something we all need will go away!
Is Boynton Beach suddenly unfriendly to artists? So much has been done to put this little seaside town on the map as super friendly to art, with a strong Art in Public Places effort, annual sculpture trail, EcoArt included in its Green Ordinance, a beautiful new EcoArt project (EcoWalk at Seabourn Cove) and a new Kinetic Art symposium and show once a year. Why would the city now shut down what has been called the Most Successful Art Walk in Palm Beach and Broward Counties?? Let's hope Boynton reconsiders shutting down Rolando Chang Barrero's fun monthly events that generate income for local artists! There should be no ban on art!
SunSentinel Updated Art District Ban Story Online!
But, will it appear in print?
The story which includes a quote by the City Of Boynton Beach to mislead the public
that the organizers did not have proper permits has been clarified.
As soon as the SunSentinel was made aware of the oversite to not include
"The Letter" calling for the BAN OF THE ART WALK, they immediatly
updated the story and included
a paragraph to help claify the misleading quote by the City of Boynton Beach.
"According to a letter sent to Rolando Chang Barrero, arts district director, by Tara Altman with the city's risk management department, "the city has never allowed monthly events as our special event process is only for events that are considered 'temporary.'"
Will it be corrected in print, we hope so. Yet the attempt to sway the public, and shift reponsibility by the city public relations was made. It was printed, and it has been read.
Proof that you can't hoodwink everyone is in this letter which was sent to the SunSentinel, I was copied, regarding the article:
"Unfortunately your article on the cancellation of the monthly Art Walks neglected to state that Boynton Beach City Government has no monthly permitting process. The organizers were never at fault by not applying for permits that never existed as this aeticle insinuated. What the Art Walk organizers did was a tremendous amount of work which celebrated artisans and drew people from all over the state and the world to Boynton Beach. What a shame that this is now seen as a crime by the Boynton Beach City Government which would rather shut down these Art Walks and their bebefits for the community rather than celebrate the continuation of the Art Walks until this City can get its paperwork in order."
The City of Boynton Beach took to liying to the press!! THIS IS AN OUTRIGHT LIE!!!! "Last month, the city said organizers did not have the proper permitting for reoccurring monthly events such as the art walk and called it to a halt."
The TRUTH is... THE CITY of Boynton Beach, Florida Does Not a "procees" for permitting!!!
I can't believe they would lie when i have the letter!! LIes Here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-beach-cancelled-arts-walk-20140718,0,3115209.story The truth here! This is the letter calling for a cancellation of all monthly events!! The Letter: "The City has never allowed monthly events as our Special Event Process is only for events that are considered “temporary”. The City is currently looking into possibly obtaining a process to accommodate monthly events, but at this time it is undetermined as to whether we will allow monthly events in the future or how long it will take to create such a process. If in the future we do allow for monthly events, I welcome you to apply for the permit, but until such time, all monthly events that are currently scheduled must be canceled. However, you are still welcome to apply for a Special Event Permit for your annual events as these are considered temporary events. I apologize for having to pass along this news to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me." -Tara J.Altman More related news: Art Walk Ordered by City to Stop! http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/boynton-beach/fl-boynton-beach-cancelled-arts-walk-20140718,0,3115209.story For more info contact: BoyntonBeachArtDistrict@Gmail.com
"The exhibition is designed elevate awareness, raise funds, and forge new relationships between the artists, community, and organizations working to save the environment."
Recipient of Congressional Letter of Commendation, 2014
Curator of Best Art Exhibition, 2014
Producer of Best Art Walk 2013
With over 30 years of experience in the arts...
Rolando Chang Barrero, began his career in his mid teens as a male model for Allied Department Stores (Macy’s , Burdines) and Associated Dry Goods (Jordan Marsh). By the time he was 18 he had transitioned into the fashion world as a stylist and ultimately a designer with his apparel designs on various covers of Details Magazine an Women’s Wear Daily. He has worked as a personal fashion stylist and merchandiser for individuals, as well as boutiques in Beverly Hills.
By the late 80’s having accumulated impeccable references, resulting from work with many notable artists and filmmakers, Rolando was accepted into the most prestigious art programs in the U.S.: Harvard (art history), Rhode Island School of design (graphic design), and The School of The Art Institute (studio art) where he was offered a full scholarship.
After graduating with honors and being awarded The Ryerson Travelling Fellowship in 1990 Rolando began a masters program in art therapy. He also began to travel Europe, Latin America, and Asia. His studies and travel were abruptly interrupted in 1993 when he was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Rolando retuned to the art scene 18 years later in 2011. Since his returned he has organized and developed the thriving Boynton Beach Art District, won many accolades for the press, been featured in many magazines, and successfully established himself as an exhibiting visual artists once again.
