Art Services & Exhibitions Division
The Library System has a long history of cultural and educational exhibitions, and makes a special call to artists on a rolling basis for temporary exhibitions that correspond to selected annual themes and/or that highlight the library’s permanent art collection and services.
Additionally, the Vasari Project is an archive that documents the development of the visual arts in Miami‑Dade County since 1945.
For more information about the art collection, exhibition programs, call 305‑375‑5599 or e‑mail art@mdpls.org.
By Rosa Naday Garmendia
January 10 – April 3, 2025
Forbidden Pages…In Flight is an art and social engagement exhibition launched in early 2023 to support the freedom to read. It utilizes broadsides and letterpress printing to highlight over 2,500 banned or challenged books, featuring various art forms like prints, zines and installations. Notable works include pieces inspired by titles such as The Bluest Eye and Gender Queer: A Memoir. The exhibit encourages reflection on the power of these texts and serves as a platform for dialogue about free expression and education.
November 15, 2024 – January 31, 2025
Opening Reception
Thursday, December 5, 2024
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Marvel at the beauty within The Less Privileged Life: Paintings by Yves Estime. Born in Verrettes, Haiti, in 1968, Estime displayed artistic talent despite societal pressures to pursue traditional careers. After attending the Ecole Nationale des Arts in Port-au-Prince in 1999, he used his art to raise awareness about the struggles faced by the less privileged in Haiti. Influenced by notable Haitian and Senegalese artists, Estime moved to the United States in 2015 and continued to develop his work while employed at the University of Miami Hospital, where his art gained recognition and helped propel his career.
By The National Association of Women Artists
November 8 – December 19, 2024
Opening Reception
Friday, December 6, 2024
3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
The Florida chapter of the National Association of Women Artists proudly presents Brave, Bold, Boundless, an exhibition that amplifies the voices of women artists as they explore the theme of speaking their truth. This showcase highlights diverse perspectives and creativity, reflecting the strength and inspiration in their life stories. Curated by Janice Carragher Charles, the exhibit includes various artistic media and styles, emphasizing the Library's commitment to supporting women artists and fostering community connections through accessible art experiences.
October 11, 2024 – January 9, 2025
Opening Reception
Thursday, November 7, 2024
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
This exhibition showcases a diverse array of artworks by immigrant artists from the Americas, highlighting their journeys to the United States. These artists confront the dual challenges of seeking better opportunities while grappling with the complexities of displacement and identity. Their work reflects a longing for home alongside the difficulties of adapting to a new culture, often exploring themes of family separation and the struggle for cultural preservation. Through their art, they create a dialogue between their heritage and their experiences in America, challenging notions of nationality and belonging.
Check out a virtual sneak peek of the exhibit and exclusive works, available here.
October 1, 2024 – January 3, 2025
The Women Photographers International Archive (WOPHA), in collaboration with 10×10 Photobooks, presents What They Saw: Historical Photobooks by Women Reading Room, a touring exhibition that highlights significant but often overlooked photobooks created by women from 1843 to 1999.
The exhibit addresses underrepresentation in photobook history, particularly of non-Western women and women of color, and includes works from contemporary South Florida women photographers. Following successful displays in New York and Madrid, this exhibition is part of the 2024 WOPHA Congress in Miami and is organized by Amanda Bradley and Zonia Zena.
August 7, 2024 – January 24, 2025
Discover the mesmerizing art of Cuban American artist Alex Sánchez, now on display at the Hispanic Branch Library. Featuring 18 vibrant acrylic and collage pieces from the Library’s Permanent Art Collection, his work masterfully blends classic and contemporary styles, making it a must-see for art enthusiasts.
Can’t visit in person? Explore the Library’s entire collection of Sánchez’s works through our Virtual Exhibitions.