Marco to Miami unfolds as both an exhibition and a cultural statement—one that underscores the significance of interregional collaboration and the vitality of Florida’s artistic ecosystems. Through an expansive array of media and styles, the show captures the creative energy of Florida’s Gulf Coast while weaving it into Miami’s rich and ever-evolving cultural fabric. The participating artists offer a compelling portrait of Southwest Florida’s artistic diversity and depth. Their work invites new dialogues around regional identity, shared histories, and the broader landscape of contemporary expression.
'This collaboration is more than an exhibition; it’s a living dialogue,' says Hyla Crane, Executive Director of Marco Island Center for the Arts. “Through these exhibitions, we are weaving together narratives from across the Americas, offering our audiences new insights, shared histories, and a deeper understanding of the diverse communities that shape our cultural landscape.”
This curatorial project is deeply aligned with MoCAA’s core mission: to preserve and promote the contemporary art of Latin America and the Caribbean, while also fostering inclusive spaces for artistic exchange within our local context. Marco to Miami is a testament to the unifying power of art—its ability to transcend geography, to build bridges between communities, and to celebrate both difference and common ground.
Participating Artists
Showcasing the creations of 14 remarkable artists, listed in alphabetical order by last name:
Judith Carlin
Terry Carter
Gianpaolo Curreri
Randy Keenan
Myriam Kriel
Nan LaRosa
Lisett Llorens
Nancy Norman
Barbara Parisi
Joel Shapses
Bea Stinson
Karen Swanker
Ann Vreeland
Garry S. Wheeler
About Marco Island Center for the Arts
Founded in 1970 as the Art League of Marco Island, Marco Island Center for the Arts has grown from a grassroots gathering of local artists into a vibrant, multidisciplinary institution that plays a central role in the cultural life of Southwest Florida. Originally housed in a small building gifted by the Mackle brothers in 1980, the Art Center has since expanded into a 14,000-square-foot facility that includes professional galleries, dedicated classrooms, a ceramics studio, administrative offices, and—most recently—its own community theater.
The Center’s mission is to inspire artistic expression and promote education and appreciation of the arts. With programming that spans visual art exhibitions, theater productions, live music, artist talks, and intergenerational educational offerings, the Art Center is a catalyst for cultural enrichment and community connection. It celebrates Marco Island’s rich and diverse creative heritage while also contributing to the region’s economic vitality and social cohesion.
In alignment with its core values, the Art Center has been an integral part of ¡Arte Viva!, the Collier County-wide festival honoring Hispanic heritage and artistic excellence. Over the past two years, the Center has produced curated exhibitions and musical performances that highlight Hispanic artists, cultures, and traditions, making it a natural and meaningful partner for MoCAA in this cultural exchange.
In 2022, the Art Center expanded its mission by taking over the operations of the Arts Center Theatre (ACT), becoming a producing and presenting entity for live performances in the region. Today, Marco Island Center for the Arts and ACT continue to serve as vital platforms for visual and performing artists alike—fostering creativity, dialogue, and access to the arts throughout the community.
About Marco Island Center for the Arts
Founded in 1970 as the Art League of Marco Island, Marco Island Center for the Arts has grown from a grassroots gathering of local artists into a vibrant, multidisciplinary institution that plays a central role in the cultural life of Southwest Florida. Originally housed in a small building gifted by the Mackle brothers in 1980, the Art Center has since expanded into a 14,000-square-foot facility that includes professional galleries, dedicated classrooms, a ceramics studio, administrative offices, and—most recently—its own community theater.
The Center’s mission is to inspire artistic expression and promote education and appreciation of the arts. With programming that spans visual art exhibitions, theater productions, live music, artist talks, and intergenerational educational offerings, the Art Center is a catalyst for cultural enrichment and community connection. It celebrates Marco Island’s rich and diverse creative heritage while also contributing to the region’s economic vitality and social cohesion.
In alignment with its core values, the Art Center has been an integral part of ¡Arte Viva!, the Collier County-wide festival honoring Hispanic heritage and artistic excellence. Over the past two years, the Center has produced curated exhibitions and musical performances that highlight Hispanic artists, cultures, and traditions, making it a natural and meaningful partner for MoCAA in this cultural exchange.
In 2022, the Art Center expanded its mission by taking over the operations of the Arts Center Theatre (ACT), becoming a producing and presenting entity for live performances in the region. Today, Marco Island Center for the Arts and ACT continue to serve as vital platforms for visual and performing artists alike—fostering creativity, dialogue, and access to the arts throughout the community.
This exhibition is made possible thanks to the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor, and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.
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