What is Young Blood?
Founded by Michelle Gomez in 2008, “Young Blood” is a series of annual art exhibitions showcasing New World School of the Arts Alumni in Miami, FL. As a fundraising exhibition, 40% of each sale will go towards the NWSA Visual Arts Department. If you have any questions, e-mail us at youngbloodnwsa@gmail.com. If you are an NWSA Art alumni, please contact us!
Our Mission
New World School of the Arts (NWSA) is a high school and college program in Miami, Florida renowned for its reputation in the visual arts, music, dance and drama. Our mission is to raise awareness for the budget cuts NWSA is facing and to showcase recent works by visual arts alumni. This is how collaboration with one’s peers can pay back what NWSA has given students and all other graduates: a chance to pursue an excellent public education. NWSA has been a vital part of the growing Miami art community; spreading their energy, dedication and artistic vision not only in Miami but also into other cities, art schools, and galleries around the country.
The Team
Michelle Gomez Founding Director
Michelle Gomez was born and raised in sunny Miami, FL where she graduated from the prestigious high school; New World School of the Arts in 2008 (NWSA). In 2012, she received her BFA in General Fine Arts with a concentration in Curatorial Studies from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, MD. Gomez has produced many independent curatorial projects in Baltimore and Miami and enjoys making autobiographical artwork using a wide variety of mediums. Most recently, she has focused on digital photography. Her interests in psychology, gender roles and cultural identity are subjects of her artistic investigations and curatorial projects. Michelle will pursue her MFA in Curatorial Practice from MICA in 2014. To view her portfolio, visit www.michelleigomez.com.
John Witty Guest Curator 2012
John Witty graduated from New World School of the Arts in 2005. After living in Germany for a year as a Rotary exchange student, John began studying at Washington University in St. Louis, graduating in 2010 with majors in printmaking, art history, and German. John’s pursuit of a career in art history has included work opportunities in a number of interesting places, including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice; the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota; and the National Gallery of Art, Washington. He is currently studying for a master’s degree in art history at Williams College in western Massachusetts. John is very excited at this opportunity to work with his fellow alumni to explore the range of artistic production of New World graduates.
Danae Tarragona Guest Curator 2011
Danae received her BFA in Graphic Design and Photography from NWSA in 2008. She currently lives and works in Miami, FL where she has exhibited her photography extensively. As our team’s newest member, she will bring a new curatorial vision into this year’s Young Blood: So Fresh 2011, and help us expand our mission. To view her portfolio, visit www.coroflot.com/acidmoon
Patty Suau Co-Curator 2009-2010
Patty graduated from NWSA High School in 2003 and received her BFA from Florida International University in 2009. She currently lives and works in Miami, FL as an artist and independent curator. To view her artwork, visit www.psuau.com.
Roman Arevalo Assistant Curator 2009-2010
Roman graduated from NWSA High School in 2008. He is currently a senior at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD where he will be receiving his BFA in Painting. To view his artwork, visit www.romanarevalo.com.
About New World School of the Arts High School and College
New World School of the Arts is a center for excellence in the visual and performing arts. It provides a comprehensive educational program of artistic training, academic and creative development, and preparation for professional careers in the arts. New World School of the Arts is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance, Music, Theater and Art and Design.
About Flagler Arts Space Exhibition Space
Flagler Arts Space is a temporary studio and gallery space in the first floor of The Thomas Center on Flagler Street, across from the Miami Art Museum. Flagler Arts Space aims to build an inviting, interactive and collaborative environment for artists and visitors. The artist-run exhibition space is managed by NWSA alumni. For more information about them and their exhibitions, please visit: www.flaglerartsspace.com
About ArtSeen Gallery Exhibition Space
New World School of the Arts’ BFA studios and exhibition space in Miami’s Wynwood Art District, Artseen was founded in 2009 with generous support from the Knight Foundation. Artseen is located at 2215 NW 2nd Avenue ArtSeen Gallery Miami, FL 33127. The space is open to the public during exhibitions and events. For more information, please visit: www.artseenspace.wordpress.com
Maggy Cuesta Dean of the NWSA Visual Arts Department
Saybel Guzman Graphic Designer
Young Blood NWSA's Visual Arts Annual Alumni Exhibition Miami, FL 