New World School of the Arts returns to the historic Kampong Botanical Garden in Coconut Grove for the 2nd consecutive year of successful installation and performance-based artworks. Created by NWSA college BFA students, separately, or in collaboration with Don Lambert – visual arts faculty member, this year’s exhibition – The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be – examines our culture’s ideas about preservation and the simultaneous projections of the future invoked in our attempts to manage the ever-changing landscape of South Florida. Through the generosity of the Kampong National Tropical Garden, Lambert has again been given access to the historic Curator’s Cottage for use as a studio and teaching laboratory.

Pirate radio transmission, performances in the landscape, video installation, sculpture, drawing, and large site-specific works will activate the lush garden, and former home of Dr. David Fairchild, noted botanical explorer, with works ranging from the ephemeral to the concrete. The show will open with a VIP Brunch offering locally relevant light fare and signature cocktails created in response to the student artists’ investigation. Mark Dion’s permanent installation, David Fairchild’s Laboratory, remains on view at The Kampong.

Don Lambert, artist and NWSA sculpture faculty member, has developed a creative practice that includes object-making and social practice. He investigates migratory and fluid aspects of identity and labor is central to his work. Personal narrative and history are integral to his process. His training as a sculptor and experience organizing humanitarian work has created a diverse body of work, which in addition to his studio practice, includes on-going projects in the Caribbean and the Amazon basin.