Issues amplifed

Young artists expose local Miami issues through their performances at junior Jamar Howard’s art showcase

BY MANUEL ESPINOZA, CONTENT EDITOR

ACITY FAMED FOR ITS culture and art scene, Miami is arguably one of the most opportune places to cultivate a career in the arts. For young, activismdriven artists of all mediums, junior Jamar Howard has introduced the Miami Artist Movement, taking place on June 3 and giving the stage to these individuals to show why the arts are important and how they relate to today’s climate.

MAM’s overall mission is to spread awareness of the different social and economic issues in Miami through the display of works from young artists, exhibiting the expectation and reality of the city Cavaliers call home.

“I feel like we have this disconnect between what we say about Miami versus what we see in Miami,” Howard said.

Being involved at his school and community, the arts is familiar territory for the junior as he participates in Gables’ Troupe 0476, a drama group, and teaches dance during the summer at

Breakthrough Miami, an academic enrichment program for ffth to eighth grade students. Additionally, Howard was awarded “Most Talented” at this year’s Mr. Coral Gables pageant, an achievement he attributes to his dance performance skills.

The idea for the showcase started with a simple assignment from Howard’s AP English Literature class led by teacher Claudia Valencia, where students created advertisements promoting a made-up product or service that would help the community. Howard created MAM and noticed that this assignment could turn into something more and began building a team that was ready to bring his vision to life.

“Jamar is a really great student. He’s kind of interesting because he has this duality—when you see him on stage, he’s very talented and outgoing,” Valencia said.

Many issues signifcantly affect the Miami population. Notably, in areas like Coconut Grove, Little Haiti and Wynwood, gentrifcation has spread quickly year after year. According to the U.S. News & World Report, 70% of Gables students are economically disadvantaged, making such issues prevalent to the school and its population. Climate change, while felt on a global scale, severely impacts Miami, where the rising sea level cannot be ignored. MAM plans to address these conficts that Gables students go through each day.

“I believe art helps bring awareness to issues by making people face them headon,” Howard said.

In preparation for the upcoming performance, an audition process was held where artists displayed their perspectives on these issues with their art. Senior Amelie Chaskes works as the showcase acting director. With acting being her passion and career path, participation was a no-brainer.

“This is an awesome project and I am excited about having the opportunity to contribute to it,” Chaskes said.

MAM was frst announced through their Instagram, @miami.artist.movement, aiming to reach different kinds of artists for the showcase. These artists include musicians, dancers, photographers and more. Different audition requirements were in place for each category, such as vocalists, who sang 16 bars from two contrasting pieces, while actors recited two minutes of both comedic and dramatic monologues.

By speaking to art teachers about different artists they know, Howard has built connections with some more established professionals in Miami, who he hopes will help him establish his own platform. Through the showcase, these young artists have the ability to network.

Howard’s friends support his growth and are proud of him for following his vision to set up this showcase and are confdent that things will go well.

“It would be a great opportunity for him to exhibit the great talent he has along with the other artists participating,” junior Madison Mendoza said.

The event’s details and fnal location will be posted on MAM’s Instagram as logistics are fnalized. All audiences are invited to watch the showcase at no cost. Come June 3, Howard’s team is confdent they will open up the minds of others about Miami’s most prevalent matters.