Museum Of Art And Design At Miami Dade College Opens New Education Lab
The Museum of Art and Design at Miami Dade College opened the Education Lab on Jan. 28 to host art-related programming.
Located on the third floor of the Freedom Tower, the area was previously utilized as office space. It will now be used by children, adults, and MDC and New World School of the Arts students.
“Our goal with the education lab is to inspire youth and adults through active learning that includes exploration, art-making, contemplative observation, critical thinking and dialogue,” said Paul Rodgers, the curator of public programs and education at MOAD.
The space was revamped using environmentally friendly materials, such as plywood, recycled medium-density fibreboard and non-toxic finishes. The floor was laminated with vinyl.
MOAD began planning the space’s new look in 2018 in collaboration with Laz Ojalde and Natalie Zlamalova of AMLgMATD, a Miami-based collaborative studio founded in 2014.
To provide flexibility, the custom-built monochrome wooden cabinetry and furniture can be assembled for multiple purposes. The furniture was fabricated by Cabinetmaker Rudi Repenning.
The makeover was inspired by Czech Cubism with Miami’s own Tropical Art Deco’s bright flamboyance.
“We felt that a redesign of this space could make it far more adaptable, attractive and dynamic, and give the children, students and adults taking part in programs a more enriching and satisfying experience,” said Rina Carvajal, MOAD’s executive director.
The list of free programs that will be offered for families and the general public hasn’t been decided yet.
Family-friendly programming will be held on the last Sunday of every month for children accompanied by an adult. They will feature hands-on art-making activities with a variety of artists.
“Museum education programs are an essential part of our mission,” Carvajal said. “They bring new knowledge, experiences and insights to their audiences, and allow them to take part in conversations about art and culture that occur here in Miami and beyond.”
Some events for MOAD and NWSA students will include workshops about interpreting art pieces, analysis of the genres of art writing and writing artist statements and exhibition press releases.
“The educational lab has already and will continue to benefit the MDC community by providing a non-traditional [and] beautiful environment to learn in,” said Jennifer Weinberg, the marketing and membership manager at MOAD. “The setup of the room, in addition to its programming, encourages collaboration and creativity inspiring to all.”
To register for the programs, go to MOAD’s website and select the event you’d like to attend under the programs and events tab. For more information, contact MOAD at (305) 237-7700.
