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Miami Herald

ProjectArt builds community, empowers youth through exciting Miami exhibit

In a time when federal funding for the arts is facing cuts across the country, ProjectArt is hosting an important exhibit that is free and open to all. 'Told, Retold: The Pedagogy of Knowing and Becoming' showcases stunning pieces by five mentoring artists alongside works created by their students, ages 4-18. Many of the young artists are experiencing their first gallery moment. The exhibit is open until July 11 at Green Space Miami. 'A lot of these families have never stepped foot in a gallery, and now their children's artwork is adorning its walls,' said Adarsh Alphons, ProjectArt founder and executive director. 'They come dressed to the nines, and they point and talk to everyone. They show and tell their artwork to everyone who comes to the show, and it's just an easy way to build pride in children. ProjectArt's innovative model places teaching artists in public libraries and turns underutilized spaces into thriving community hubs. The five resident artists in the Miami exhibit are Jevon Brown, Agua Dulce, Ashley Castañeda, Isabella Garcia and Katherine (Neco) Kafruni. 'This is our first establishment of partnership, founded on a shared commitment to cultivating engagement and supporting Miami's local artists. Our collaboration with ProjectArt brings together artists, libraries, literary organizations and students of all ages,' said Kimberly Green, president of the Green Family Foundation. The award-winning nonprofit, started by Alphons in 2011, has empowered more than 13,000 youths and 350 artists nationwide through free arts education in public libraries. ProjectArt is one of many programs that received a letter of notice to withdraw funding, but the organization is committed to its mission of 'empowering youth, artists and communities through art.' Everyone is invited to the exhibit at 7200 Biscayne Blvd., noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday. More at and Cuban-American Luis Bergolla has welcomed travelers to Miami for more than 40 years. Sonesta Miami Airport HE'S GREETED TOURISTS FOR 40 YEARS When Luis Bergolla emigrated from Cuba in 1980, he never dreamed he'd find a job welcoming world travelers to his new home. Miami's working population is well known for its determination and sense of community, and Bergolla, now 64, is the embodiment of perseverance. He joined the staff at the property now named Sonesta Miami Airport as an airport shuttle driver. And what he originally thought would be a temporary decision evolved into more than four decades of serving the community. 'The constant influx of travelers from Miami International Airport and Port Miami would be stressful for any employee to manage on a day-to-day basis, but Luis considers this to be the best part of his day,' said Alex Alvarez, general manager at Sonesta Miami Airport. 'Throughout his tenure, he has both created long-lasting relationships with guests from all over the world and strengthened bonds with his coworkers, whom he considers family. Emigrating from what he knew as home with only a dream, he has not only contributed to Miami's rich sense of culture and community but encouraged travelers to do the same.' Bergolla has been there through all the property's identities, including a Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and now Sonesta. Through the changes he has been the one face to remain, warmly welcoming visitors after long days of travel. Bergolla is the longest tenured employee at the recently renovated hotel. 'In his 41 years on the property, he has amassed a wealth of industry knowledge, established connections with recurring guests and served as a friendly face for individuals traveling from Latin American countries with minimal English-speaking skills,' Alvarez said. More importantly, perhaps, is that in addition to creating his own American dream through hard work, he has inspired others to do the same in the constantly-evolving Miami. 'Sonesta Miami Airport feels like family,' Bergolla said. 'That's what makes coming to work so special.' CULINARY COURSE HELPS WOMEN ACHIEVE Congratulations to seven women who are celebrating completing their culinary skills training program, a collaboration between CareerSource South Florida and the Agape Network. The transformative course is designed to empower women facing challenges such as substance abuse or poverty through a holistic approach to help them 'rebuild their lives, develop new skills and enter the workforce with a fresh sense of purpose.' 'This program has been life-changing for these women,' said Rick Beasley, executive director of CareerSource South Florida. 'Many of these women are mothers, juggling the responsibilities of caregiving while working hard to improve their mental health. This key intervention has not only opened doors to new opportunities but has also brought about a dramatic shift in their lives for the better.' The graduation ceremony at Agape marked another successful completion of the regionally recognized eight-week culinary training course. Upon graduation, CareerSource South Florida stepped in to connect the women with local employers. Five of the graduates had secured employment offers even before receiving their diplomas, giving them the security of earning a degree and beginning a new job at the same time. 'I encourage other women struggling with substance abuse to reach out to Agape and explore their options,' said one program participant. 'For me, overcoming mental health challenges was the first step toward wanting to get an education. Both were about seeking help, advocating for yourself and being determined. Through this program, I've found a new career and a renewed sense of purpose.' 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