By Christopher Rodriguez
Contributing / Entertainment Director
This Wednesday, the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum is hosting the opening of the Aesthetics and Values Art Exhibition. The exhibit features showcased artwork by nine local Miami artists in an event organized by students of Professor John Bailey’s Aesthetics and Values class.
The opening event is free and open to the public and will feature music provided by D.J’s from WRGP, FIU’s student radio station and free food and drinks.
The exhibit will run until May 10.
Students in Professor Bailey’s class develop an understanding for the work ethic involved in organizing and curating art events. This is largely due to Bailey’s unorthodox hands-on approach which includes various off-campus trips to local museums such as the Perez Art Museum and Vizcaya.
“Our professor wanted a hands-on experience with art, not just sitting in a classroom,” said Kyle Hirshon, an electrical engineering major who registered for the course based on the recommendation of friends and found a newfound appreciation for the diverse local art scene.
As a part of the course, students are paired up with local artists in order to engage in a creative collaborative relationship which requires them to organize an exhibit for their artwork. The process includes choosing the specific pieces that are showcased.
“The biggest thing was learning how to take initiative and get something done,” said Hirshon as he reflected over this event, which has the entire semester to plan. “People have ideas and we have to implement those ideas. We have to take action.”