Penumbras: A Narrative of ArtCenter/South Florida / Oolite Arts (1984–2012)

Penumbras: A Narrative of ArtCenter/South Florida / Oolite Arts (1984–2012)

“Space, like language, is socially constructed; and like the syntax of
language. the spatial arrangements of our buildings and communities
reflect and reinforce the nature of gender, race and class relations in
society. The uses of both language and space contribute to the power of some groups over others and the maintenance of human inequality”

-Leslie Kanes Weisman (Discrimination by Design)

Penumbras: A Narrative of ArtCenter/South Florida / Oolite Arts (1984–2012) is an exhibition co-curated by cultural practitioner and Oolite Alumni (1998-2000), william cordova and Marie Vickles, Education Director at Perez Art Museum and chief curator of Little Haiti Cultural Center. The focus of this exhibition is to illuminate the presence all Art Center South Florida/Oolite Arts alumni as well as highlight the early inclusion of African diaspora artists, Fenol Marcelin, Vickie Pierre, Michael Richards, Jodie Lynn-Kee Chow, Edourd Duval Carrier and Charo Oquet. The exhibit will also honor those alumni who have passed away during the last 40 years of Art Center South Florida/Oolite Arts.

The Penumbras exhibition will include a video documentary narrating
the early years of Art Center/Oolite Arts.

Cordova and Vickles set out to organize an exhibition visually
representing every single Art Center/Oolite Art alumni from 1985 to 2012 when Art Center sold its 800 building.

The goals of both, william cordova and Marie Vickles, are to acknowledge, celebrate the contributions and sacrifices made by the alumni community that kept Art Center South Florida/ Oolite Arts a viable and transcending space for so many years. These alumni are the custodians of a unique legacy that keeps informing, shaping and evolving South Florida’s creative landscape.

Opening Reception + Open Studios

Join us on for an Opening Reception + Open Studios on Aug 6—celebrating 40 years of Oolite Arts!

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Oolite Arts, 924 Lincoln Road
RSVP Here