Honors College’s 2010 Aesthetics & Values exhibit on view at the Frost

The exhibit examines the vital role visual art plays in the social and cultural dialogue surrounding controversial issues.

FIU Honors College students have partnered with The Frost Art Museum for the fifth annual Aesthetics and Values Fine Art exhibition (A&V). The exhibit features the works of Bhakti Baxter, Xavier Cortada, Guerra de la Paz, Richard Haden, Bert Rodriguez, Gerry Stecca, TM Sisters, Frances Trombly, Wendy Wischer, and Ricardo E. Zulueta. This year, several of the artists created works specifically for the exhibition.

“This is a wonderful collaboration between the Frost Art Museum and the Honors College students,” says Frost Director Carol Damian. “Students are able to curate a show and learn how to work within the confines of a true operational museum.”

Students not only curate the exhibit, they become immersed in the art community.

“We invited the students to visit our studio to view finished work and discuss their curatorial choices in order to get a feel for their expectations and also for them to have a better understanding of our creative process, decision-making and the range of subjects we address,” says artist Guerra de la Paz.

The A&V installation is the culmination of an Honors College seminar taught by artist and Honors College fellow John Bailly; the class examines the role visual art plays in the social and cultural dialogue of controversial issues. The annual exhibition provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their resourcefulness and creativity through the research, curation and organization of an on-campus exhibition of contemporary Miami artists.

“Being a part of the Aesthetics & Values class is an amazing opportunity. Being able to work with Miami-based artists and the Frost Art Museum curating such an exhibition while being a non-art major is something that very few people have the privilege of doing. I am extremely glad I can be one of them,” said Lien Hernandez.

“My participation in the Aesthetics and Values exhibition project has proven to be a wonderful experience in many ways,” says artist Wendy Wischer. “The energy and enthusiasm of the students is truly amazing. I always look forward to their unique insights into the artists, artwork and art community. This is a proven success story of providing an educational experience, integrating communities and initiating lasting connections.”

Students and artists documented the installation of the exhibit on their facebook page and put together a video of the journey.

The A&V exhibition has garnered national recognition. Since 2007, A&V students have presented the project at the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Conference. After learning of A&V at NCHC, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will be organizing their own Aesthetics and Values Exhibition in the Spring 2011.

The exhibit opened March 9 and runs through April 18. An opening reception, free and open to the public, will be held March 24 at 6 p.m. at The Frost.