Press Release

April 3, 2024

Unveiling the Oolite Arts Project Space Presented by Terranova

Terranova Corporation Partners with Oolite Arts to Introduce Monthly Rotating Gallery Exhibition and Project Space at 255 Alhambra; The first exhibition opening will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. April 17

CORAL GABLES, FL (April 3, 2024) – Terranova Corporation, a leading commercial real estate firm under the leadership of Chairman Stephen Bittel and President Mindy McIlroy, proudly announces its collaboration with Oolite Arts to launch the “Oolite Arts Project Space presented by Terranova” at 255 Alhambra, Coral Gables. Birthed from a shared vision to nurture and showcase local artists – Bittel’s wife, an esteemed artist is a former resident of Oolite Arts – The “Oolite Arts Project Space presented by Terranova” is set to transform 255 Alhambra into a living canvas, celebrating the diversity and talent of Miami’s artists.

With both the exterior and interior of the building serving as dynamic stages for art, the space will continually evolve with monthly exhibitions curated by Oolite Arts, Miami’s largest artist support organization. This initiative also offers 12 Miami-based artists much-needed studio space, encouraging their artistic journeys.

On April 17, the public can view the work of these artists in a special group exhibition curated by Dainy Tapia and titled “by and through the waters.” The selected artists were all applicants to Oolite Arts’ Studio Artist Residency program on Miami Beach and include: the artist collective WE ARE NICE AND EASY (Allison Matherly & Jeffrey Noble), Kelly Breez, Beatriz Chachamovits, Agua Dulce, Diego Gabaldon, Becca McCharen, Victoria Ravelo, Nicole Salcedo, Carrie Sieh and Fereshteh Toosi. Artist Elaine Defibaugh will serve as a resident advisor at the space.

At the “Oolite Arts Project Space Presented by Terranova,” artists will have 24/7 access to studios, facilitating uninterrupted exploration and creation. Starting in May, the project will dedicate a monthly spotlight on an artist utilizing the space. Each month, the chosen artist will have their work showcased in the lobby of 255 Alhambra, creating an immersive experience for tenants such as Colson Hicks and Coral Gables Trust as well as visitors alike. These exhibitions will not only celebrate local talent but also offer the opportunity for buyers to purchase the remarkable artwork directly from the creators.
By fostering both dialogue and collaboration, the “Oolite Arts Project Space presented by Terranova” strengthens the bonds within the community and encourages a deeper appreciation for the arts. By providing a dedicated platform for local artists, this project not only celebrates the rich amount of artistic talent within the community but also transforms 255 Alhambra into a vibrant cultural hub.

“Terranova Corporation is thrilled to partner with Oolite Arts to make the ‘Oolite Arts Project Space presented by Terranova’ a reality,” said Founder and Chairman Stephen Bittel. “This partnership truly reflects our commitment to going beyond traditional commercial real estate practices and investing in the cultural vibrancy of Coral Gables and South Florida as a whole,” Bittel added. “Our vision for 255 Alhambra is to transform it into a dynamic hub for artistic innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the Coral Gables community. By providing a platform for artistic expression, our goal is to infuse 255 Alhambra with life and creativity, drawing in a large audience and fostering a sense of community.”
“Terranova knows how important artists and art are to our cities and neighborhoods. We’re grateful for this partnership, and are looking forward to introducing this group of artists and their work to the Coral Gables community,” said Marie Elena Angulo, Board Chair, Oolite Arts.

For more information about the Oolite Arts Project Space at 255 Alhambra and upcoming exhibitions, visit https://oolitearts.org/project-space-terranova/.
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About Terranova Corporation
Terranova Corporation is a commercial real estate and opportunistic investment firm with a core focus onU.S. real estate, and is known for its unique approach and active, fluid market activity. Founded in 1980by Stephen Bittel, Terranova Corporation has advised clients and executed in the leasing and sales of a portfolio valued at $1 billion, with a long-standing commitment to building better communities. The firm has built a vast national platform and has remained dedicated to its South Florida roots as the largest property owner of Miami’s iconic high streets, Miracle Mile and Lincoln Road. Along the way, Terranovahas cultivated and maintained relationships with key institutional partners for more than $5 billion worth of commercial projects, representing or partnering with some of the world’s strongest companies,including: Morgan Stanley; BlackRock; Principal Financial Group; Prudential; AEW; Lincoln National Life;Bank of America; JPMorgan Chase; GE Capital; GE Investments; Bank of New York; JP Morgan Chase; GECapital; TA Realty; Chase Manhattan Bank; New York Life; and Travelers Insurance. For more information, please visit www.terranovacorp.com

About Oolite Arts
The mission of Oolite Arts is to support artists and advance the knowledge and practice of contemporary visual arts. Oolite Arts creates opportunities for experimentation and innovation, and encourages the exchange of ideas across diverse cultures through residencies, exhibitions, public programs, education and outreach. Nearly four decades ago, our founder, potter Ellie Schneiderman, sought affordable work spaces for our city’s visual artists. Today, Oolite Arts continues Schneiderman’s mission, to, as she said, “help artists help themselves.” We are both a community and a resource, providing artists with the resources they need to excel at all stages of their career – including free studio space, exhibition opportunities, direct financial support and connections to art leaders. We also offer programming to the Greater Miami community, to help them better understand, and create, contemporary art. At Oolite, we understand that the journey toward true diversity and inclusion is ongoing, requiring continuous self-reflection and action. We do not tolerate any form of hate, discrimination, or violence within our spaces and any social landscape whatsoever. We value and respect the differences that make each artist, employee, and audience unique, and we are committed to providing equitable opportunities for all to thrive. Together, we celebrate the mosaic of perspectives that make our artistic landscape vibrant, dynamic, and reflective of the rich tapestry of our city.

Contact

Rachel Pinzur