Timeless Female Artistry and Hope Series at Art Center

Marco Island Center for the Arts is showcasing two captivating exhibitions on October 7, 2024. In the Lauritzen and Rush Galleries, through November 25, 2024, the National Association of Women Artists-Florida Chapter (NAWA) will feature "Timeless," an exhibition that highlights the unique perspectives of women artists as they explore diverse themes and styles.

The "Timeless" exhibition will feature an impressive collection of 60 pieces created by NAWA member artists. The exhibits reflect their profound commentary on people, passions and inspirations through the lens of female artists.

At the La Petite Galerie, an Arte Viva celebration will feature MaiYap’s HOPE Series, which explores the intricate relationship between humanity and the environment. Her exhibit will remain in the La Petite Galerie through October 29, 2024. 

MaiYap is an award-winning Asian Latina multi-disciplinary artist and art instructor. For 14 years, she taught multiple art courses at Fairchild Tropical Gardens. During her tenure, she founded Palette Knife Artists of Miami, the only group of its kind in South Florida, whose mission has been to bring awareness to endangered and threatened species.

She is a master colorist with 25 years of experience, she paints in a variety of techniques, ranging from realistic brush-painted flowers to landscapes and abstracts done exclusively with palette knives. Her paintings bring attention to the state of our planet and serve as a call to action. Her latest conceptual projects explore her multicultural identity, emphasizing the power of family connections, discrimination towards Asian Americans, and reproductive justice.

MaiYap describes her work as "sculptures in oil," with textures that invite both admiration and contemplation. This collection of paintings depicts nature in motion through vibrant abstractions that challenge the viewer to reflect on humanity's impact on the environment. With meticulous strokes and layers of pure oils applied with palette knives, MaiYap captures the essence of the natural world - from the grace of a butterfly to the majesty of the moon. Each piece culminates in a dramatic "destruction," revealing deeper layers of paint to emphasize the urgent need for environmental awareness and action.

By utilizing common objects found in her childhood home, MaiYap has been delving into a more conceptual body of work. To better explore her identity and preserve her heritage and family connections, she creates installations using items such as Chinese spoons, rice cups, and ceremonial incense sticks.

MaiYap has shown in over 100 selected galleries, museums, and art fairs here and abroad. She has organized and curated many of these to help raise funds for institutions such as Sunshine Kids, Greater Miami Youth Symphony and South Florida Park Trust. Her expertise has helped expand art programs at Fairchild Gardens, Village of Palmetto Bay and the Consulate of Panamá in Miami. Her work is in the permanent collections at the Village of Palmetto Bay, Florida Int’l University, St. Thomas University, University of Miami, Museum of Contemporary Art of The Americas, Haegeumgang Museum in South Korea, Museo de Arte El Salvador, and Panama’s Ministry of Culture. She received her education from the University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in Advertising and Graphic Design. A native of Panamá, she works and resides with her family in Miami, Florida.