Opening Reception RHYTHMS

 On the 1st Friday in October, the Highlands Museum of the Arts celebrated the opening of RHYTHMS – 26 Cuban Artists from the 60’s to the Present with a lively reception attended by more than 200.

Highlands MOTA
Opening Night for
RHYTHMS - 26 Cuban Artists
 From the 60’s to the Present 

The exhibition features Cuban artists that have immigrated to the United States over the last 50 years. It includes works from three private collections as well as work done specifically for this exhibit. Artists from this exhibition that were in attendance included Liliam Cuenca, Sergio Garcia, Yovani Bauta, Silvio Gayton, and Morio Naranjo.

Board Member Debbie Kendrick, who worked closely with Hector Nieblas in bringing this show and the renovation of the Museum to fruition commented "This is the past and present Boards, donors, sponsors, and volunteers dream come to life for Highlands County. Our deepest appreciation goes out to our Executive Director Alice Stroppel and all who made our growth over the years such a success.

"I hope the exhibition and others like it will help to establish a bridge for improved communication and understanding between the diverse cultures. Art doesn’t have cultural boundaries or barriers. Art has a language that everyone can understand. Art is universal. Art will tell who we are as a culture and as individuals. At the same time it will tell you who we are as a nation as we struggle to maintain our identity." Nieblas writes in the forward for the RHYTHMS catalog.

Elsa Kahn, the first 1st Vice-Chairman of Highlands Art League when it was formed in 1967, was enthusiastic about the changes at HAL. She had this to say, "Dreams really do come true as the events at the Museum and The Village tonight so beautifully demonstrated. The vision that started in 1967 with Aronnette Schneck our first Chairman of HAL, has been continued with our current Executive Director Alice Stroppel and her vision of the Artist’s Village. Congratulations are in order to all who were involved."

"An unbelievable transformation has occurred at the Museum. The Cuban exhibition is important to the history of Cuban Art and an exhibit that everyone should see. It can give people a better understanding of the Cuban artists and how they persevered despite the political environment of their home country. "said Alice Hansen, artist and long time member of HAL. She went on to encourage support for HAL. "The evening was very well attended, the Museum and The Village complex are something that the community needs to see and support because it is such positive addition to the cultural character of Highlands County."

The exhibition will run through November 28th, 2008. Museum Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am - 2:00pm or by appointment. Group visitors welcome.