2nd Annual Arts en Pointes Raises Funds For Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida

en PointesOld ballet shoes never die. They are vehement supporters of their art, and on February 22nd, they came back to life to raise funds for Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida.
On a Friday and Saturday, Caridi Gallery opened its doors to more than 30 visual artists, who in support of the ballet company Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, created unique pieces using old retired ballet shoes as the base inspirations of their works. After a preview party, and a night of food and entertainment, these pieces were auctioned as a fundraiser for the ballet company.
This was the second edition of Arts en Pointes, with an international and local artist community participating in the exhibit. Among them:  Mirna Salamanques, Aguasanta Erminy, Liliana Gerardi, Jorge Dager, Nestor Paz, Claire Prince, Alicia Erminy, Al Blanco, Clara Poupel, Jane Bazinet, Cesar Murillo, Eduardo Caridi, Ibrahiim Guerra, Kate McCavitt, Terry Ritter, Corine Wakeland, Gregg Rivero, Lauramar Yee, Beatriz Sanchez, Monica Mercedes, Wendy Starling, Daniel Mendez, Cynthia Hernandez, Orlando Urdaneta, Patricia Garcia, Ana Maria Leonardi, Carlos Tirado, Sonia Angel, Pilar Batlle, Luis Andarcia, Sandra del Valle, Ruben Laine and DeeDee Rosner.
The artists, knowing how difficult it is to promote and encourage artistic involvement in any community, in an era of economic strife, and a preoccupation with smart phones and reality television, were more than eager to be on their toes to create works in support of a fellow arts organization.
At the event, participating artist Cinthya Hernandez Escobar said “I think that making art, to be able to help others is a beautiful and gratifying way to help. Those who give always receive a reward in life, so it’s an opportunity to give some of our talent, to help others to give their talent – so welcome all those who want to help.”
Lauramar Yee, another of the gifted artists, said “I think it’s fundamental to human development that young people interact and participate in cultural movements and in the growth of art itself. And ballet as a living expression of art is one of the fundamental pillars of societal evolution.”
This idea was conceived by Marketing Director and supporter of the arts Mrs. Ruby Romero de Issaev, and had the support of distinguished curator Dr. Francine Birbragher-Rozencwaig, who was delighted to support this organization as it celebrates 15 years of presenting performances and educational programs to thousand of audiences in South Florida and Internationally. Very important guests attended the event among them North Miami Councilman Mr. Michael Blynn.
Not only did the audiences enjoy meeting the artists that created the pieces, but also they were able to interact with the ballet company members during the event. As a special surprise guest, Spanish singer Hoffman dropped in to show his support, and performed several songs for the attendees, adding his Latin flavor and some spectacular icing to an already perfect cake of an event.
The exhibit closed on Friday, February 23rd, when a group of the pieces were auctioned among the private collectors, who never let an opportunity like this go by. They know this is a way to obtain a unique piece of a famous artist at a reasonable price while they also collaborate with and support a nonprofit organization like Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida.
Artist Luis Alfredo Andarcia said “First of all, is love and collaboration to ballet, and then to Ruby’s gift to this city. We nurture this city with this collection of works of art so people can continue supporting all artistic disciplines.” His piece, entitled “Un paso adelante” brought $500.00 at auction and enables Arts Ballet to dance on with their programming.
The event also had the support of ArtNexus, Aisha Enterprises and the Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce.
Maestro Vladimir Issaev, Artistic Director of Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida, was very pleased with the event and now, with his 16 professional dancers, is basking in the sold out success the performances of Chipollino presented at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The company is now preparing to wear out another collection of shoes as they close the 15th season with the Spring Ballet Gala in May with the Ballet Le Corsaire. In June the company will be traveling to Peru for their international tour.
Arts collectors can still get in on the action, and support the cause by visiting the www.artsballettheatre.org site. Many fine pieces are still available, and ballet fans can support their art and adorn their homes and offices with a ‘pointe’.
For those interested in available art pieces or future performances, they can log on to the website www.artsballettheatre.org or call Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida at (305) 948 4777.
Photography by: Joey Gluska

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