ABOUT
Mission
The Grace Arts Center (GAC) mission is to network and connect three distinct areas of general programming resulting in more extensive cultural collaborations and revitalization of South Florida communities through the arts and humanities. General programming projects feature: exhibits, performances and urban design engagements from leading Innovators of multiple disciplines to entertain and inform the public.
The three (3) program area title projects are: A) Outsider Art Biannual Installations (cultural exhibits featuring Florida's extensive Folk, self-taught and vernacular art); B) Shakespeare's La Florida and Festival of Classics performance series (Shakespeare and other classical theater infused with Florida history) and C) COAT, Urban Shade and the Mobile Art Pavilion (urban and public art design competitions and workshops exploring innovations in public space activation, resiliency and conservation). Master Classes and teaching opportunities are planned each year by project participants.
History
The approval of 501.C3 public charity status in 2011 allowed Grace Arts Center (GAC) to formalize and expand programs '... taking art beyond gallery walls.' GAC has leveraged resources, grants and in-kind professional talent to produce and present programs that identify emerging artists, embrace tradition, maintain excellence and create opportunities for innovation in arts and related fields of sciences and humanities.
Programming evolved from years of arts and cultural community outreach of Grace Cafe and Galleries, a retail art gallery, studio, coffee bar & pop-up cafe owned by GAC's Founder and Creative Director. For over a decade the gallery sponsored outdoor festivals, after school arts programs, scholarships, downtown vibrancy initiatives to restore historical areas, international design competitions and public art projects. Tango, ballet, folk, hip hop dancers, filmmakers, musical bands, singer/songwriters, theater groups and visual artists created lasting collaborations and the foundation for successful non-profit projects.
Art Miami 2007 'Director's Choice Artist' exhibition for the late self-taught Painter, Purvis Young, was a pivotal moment for the Gallery and the beginning of relationships with other artists who joined Young in the studio and cafe creating a niche for Florida's distinctive 'Outsider' Art community (such as Florida's Highwaymen landscape painters) and partnerships with institutionally trained fine art professionals. The separate gallery business still engages artists providing opportunities to invest time, talent and resources in platforms that inspire excellence and innovation benefiting people living or visiting South Florida.
Ask about participating in programs and projects, suggest ideas or consider volunteering or donating to Grace Arts Center, a registered, licensed public 501 (c) 3 Florida charity.
Contact us if you are considering the arts as a means to raise funds for your organization.
Second Floor Gallery and Studio
the original cafe
Release party for local Hip hop/Indie fusion album 'The Dive' by '85' 2013
Big Band Jazz Nights at Grace Arts Center with 'Mike Norris Band' 2012
ArtMiami 2007 Director's Choice Main Exhibit Entryway